This guide explains the Double Herald setup in Path of Exile 2, combining Herald of Ice and Herald of Thunder for massive area-of-effect damage.
Quick Links
- How to Use Double Herald (Herald of Ice + Herald of Thunder) in PoE 2
- How Do Herald Of Ice And Thunder Work Together in PoE 2
The Double Herald strategy in Path of Exile 2 leverages the interaction between Herald of Ice and Herald of Thunder to create a chain reaction, clearing large groups of enemies with a single hit. While understanding the mechanics isn't strictly necessary, it helps with build optimization. Here's how to implement it and how it functions.
How to Use Double Herald (Herald of Ice + Herald of Thunder) in PoE 2
The Double Herald setup requires:
Herald of Ice Skill Gem linked with 
Lightning Infusion Support Gem.
Herald of Thunder Skill Gem linked with 
Cold Infusion Support Gem (and ideally 
Glaciation).- 60 Spirit.
- A method to inflict Cold damage.
Remember to activate both Heralds in your skill bar.
The Monk's Ice Strike is highly effective for initiating the chain reaction by freezing and shattering enemies, but other options exist:
- Passive skills boosting Freeze buildup.
- Gloves or weapons with flat cold damage.
Against the Darkness Time-Lost Diamond Jewel (+Cold damage%).
How Do Herald Of Ice And Thunder Work Together in PoE 2
Herald of Ice activates when an enemy is Shattered (from a frozen enemy being hit), causing an AoE cold damage explosion. Crucially, Herald of Ice's 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 inflict Shock independently.
The key is the Support Gems: Lightning Infusion on Herald of Ice converts some damage to Lightning (which can Shock), and Cold Infusion on Herald of Thunder converts some damage to Cold (which can Freeze).
Ideally, this creates a continuous chain reaction: Herald of Ice shocks, triggering Herald of Thunder, which freezes, triggering Herald of Ice, and so on. In practice, this often fizzles after one or two cycles due to the need for a consistent supply of enemies. Breaches are ideal due to their high enemy density.
To start the chain, freeze and shatter an enemy using Cold damage (like Ice Strike). This procs Herald of Ice, causing a cold explosion that shocks, triggering Herald of Thunder. Prioritizing Herald of Ice is recommended because Freeze is easier to inflict than Shock, and Herald of Thunder's lightning bolts have better range.
