Harnessing the Power of Double Herald in Path of Exile 2

The Double Herald strategy in Path of Exile 2 leverages Herald of Ice and Herald of Thunder to create a devastating chain reaction, clearing screens with a single hit. While understanding the intricate interaction isn't mandatory, it enhances build optimization. This guide details the setup and its mechanics.

Implementing the Double Herald Setup

The Double Herald setup requires four key elements:

1. Herald of Ice: Socketed with the Lightning Infusion Support Gem. This converts a portion of the cold damage to lightning, enabling shock.
2. Herald of Thunder: Socketed with the Cold Infusion Support Gem (Glaciation is highly recommended). This converts a portion of the lightning damage to cold, enabling freeze.
3. 60 Spirit: This is the minimum required attribute.
4. Cold Damage Infliction Method: A means to initially trigger Herald of Ice.

Remember to activate both Herald skills via right-clicking their icons in the skill menu.

Effective initial triggers for Herald of Ice 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 percentage).

(Image: Double Herald Setup Overview)

(Image: Herald of Ice) (Image: Lightning Infusion)

(Image: Herald of Thunder) (Image: Cold Infusion) (Image: Glaciation)

(Image: Against the Darkness Jewel)

Double Herald Mechanics

(Image: Herald Interaction Diagram)

Herald of Ice activates upon shattering a frozen enemy, creating a cold AoE explosion. Crucially, its cold damage cannot freeze, preventing self-perpetuation.

Herald of Thunder activates upon killing a shocked enemy, releasing damaging lightning bolts. Similarly, it cannot inflict shock independently.

The synergy arises from the damage conversion: Herald of Ice's lightning damage shocks, triggering Herald of Thunder; Herald of Thunder's cold damage freezes, triggering Herald of Ice. This creates a chain reaction.

While theoretically infinite, the practical effect often ends after one or two cycles due to enemy density. Breaches are ideal for maximizing this effect.

Initiating the chain reaction involves freezing and shattering an enemy using cold damage (e.g., Ice Strike). This triggers Herald of Ice, which then shocks, activating Herald of Thunder. Prioritizing Herald of Ice is beneficial because freezing is easier than shocking, and Herald of Thunder's range is superior.