Mastering the Double Herald Technique in Path of Exile 2
Path of Exile 2's Double Herald setup harnesses the power of Herald of Ice and Herald of Thunder in a synergistic chain reaction, clearing screens with devastating efficiency. While not strictly necessary to understand the mechanics, knowing how these Heralds interact enhances build crafting. This guide details implementation and explains the underlying mechanics.
Implementing the Double Herald Setup
Four key elements are required:
- A Herald of Ice Skill Gem linked with a Lightning Infusion Support Gem.
- A Herald of Thunder Skill Gem linked with a Cold Infusion Support Gem (Glaciation is highly recommended).
- 60 Spirit.
- A method to inflict Cold damage.
Remember to activate both Heralds via right-clicking their icons in the skill menu.
Effective initial procs for Herald of Ice (to initiate the chain reaction) include:
- Monk's Ice Strike (highly effective).
- Passive skills boosting Freeze buildup.
- Weapons/gloves with flat cold damage.
- Against the Darkness Time-Lost Diamond Jewel (+Cold damage%).
How the Double Herald Synergy Works
Herald of Ice activates upon enemy shattering (freezing then attacking). Crucially, its cold damage cannot freeze, preventing self-sustaining chain reactions.
Herald of Thunder activates upon killing a shocked enemy, unleashing damaging lightning bolts. Similarly, it cannot independently inflict shock.
The key lies in their damage conversion: Lightning Infusion on Herald of Ice converts a portion of its damage to lightning (which can shock), while Cold Infusion on Herald of Thunder converts a portion to cold (which can freeze).
Ideally, this creates a perpetual loop: Herald of Ice shocks, triggering Herald of Thunder; Herald of Thunder freezes, triggering Herald of Ice, and so on. In practice, the chain usually ends after one or two cycles due to enemy density. Breaches, with their high enemy counts, are where this setup truly shines.
To start the chain, you initially proc Herald of Ice via freezing and shattering with a cold skill (like Ice Strike). This icy explosion also shocks, initiating the chain reaction. Prioritizing Herald of Ice is strategic because Freeze is easier to inflict than Shock, and Herald of Thunder's lightning bolts have superior range.
