PoE2: Ice and Thunder Heralds Combo Guide

Mastering the Double Herald Strategy in Path of Exile 2

Path of Exile 2's Double Herald setup (Herald of Ice + Herald of Thunder) creates a powerful chain reaction, clearing screens with a single hit. While understanding the mechanics isn't mandatory, it enhances build optimization. This guide details implementation and functionality.

Implementing the Double Herald Setup

Four key components are required:

1. A Herald of Ice Skill Gem linked with the Lightning Infusion Support Gem.
2. A Herald of Thunder Skill Gem linked with the Cold Infusion Support Gem (Glaciation is highly recommended).
3. 60 Spirit.
4. A method for inflicting Cold damage.

Remember to activate both Heralds in your skill menu.

Effective Cold damage procs for initiating the Herald of Ice chain reaction include:

• Monk's Ice Strike.
• Passive skills boosting Freeze buildup.
• Weapons/gloves with flat cold damage.
• Against the Darkness Time-Lost Diamond Jewel (+Cold damage%).

Understanding the Synergy

Herald of Ice activates upon shattering a frozen enemy, causing an AoE cold damage explosion. Crucially, Herald of Ice's cold damage cannot freeze, preventing self-perpetuating chains.

Herald of Thunder activates upon killing a shocked enemy, unleashing damaging electricity. Similarly, it cannot inflict Shock independently.

The synergy lies in the conversion: Lightning Infusion converts a portion of Herald of Ice's damage to Lightning (which can Shock), while Cold Infusion converts a portion of Herald of Thunder's damage to Cold (which can Freeze).

Ideally, this creates an infinite chain reaction: Herald of Ice shocks, triggering Herald of Thunder, which freezes, triggering Herald of Ice again. Realistically, the chain usually ends after one or two cycles due to the need for a continuous enemy supply. Breaches are optimal due to their high enemy density.

Initiation requires a Freeze and shatter, typically using a cold skill like Monk's Ice Strike to proc Herald of Ice first. This is because Freeze is easier to inflict than Shock, and Herald of Thunder's lightning bolts have better range.