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Path of Exile 2's Double Herald setup is a powerful technique that lets Herald of Thunder and Herald of Ice trigger each other, creating a chain reaction capable of clearing entire screens with a single hit. While understanding the intricate interaction isn't strictly necessary, it helps with build optimization. This guide explains how to implement and understand this powerful strategy.
How to Use Double Herald (Herald of Ice + Herald of Thunder) in PoE 2
The Double Herald setup requires four key elements:
Herald of Ice Skill Gem socketed with the 
Lightning Infusion Support Gem
Herald of Thunder Skill Gem socketed with the 
Cold Infusion Support Gem (
Glaciation is also recommended).- 60 Spirit
- A method of inflicting Cold damage.
Remember to activate both Herald of Ice and Thunder in your skill menu by right-clicking their respective icons.
The Monk's Ice Strike is highly effective for initiating the chain reaction by proccing Herald of Ice. However, other options exist:
- Passive skills boosting Freeze build-up.
- Weapons or gloves with flat cold damage.
Against the Darkness Time-Lost Diamond Jewel with increased Cold damage percentage.
How Do Herald Of Ice And Thunder Work Together in PoE 2
Herald of Ice activates when an enemy is Shattered (after being frozen and then hit). This creates an AoE cold damage explosion. Crucially, Herald of Ice's cold damage cannot Freeze, preventing self-perpetuating chains.
Herald of Thunder triggers upon killing a Shocked enemy, unleashing damaging lightning bolts. Similarly, Herald of Thunder cannot inflict Shock independently.
The synergy arises because Herald of Ice, with Lightning Infusion, can inflict Shock, while Herald of Thunder, with Cold Infusion, can inflict Freeze. This allows them to trigger each other.
Ideally, this creates an infinite chain reaction. In practice, the chain usually breaks after one or two cycles due to the need for a constant supply of monsters. Breaches are particularly advantageous due to their high enemy density.
To initiate the chain, Freeze and Shatter an enemy using a cold damage skill like Ice Strike. This procs Herald of Ice, which then inflicts Shock, triggering Herald of Thunder. We prioritize Herald of Ice because Freeze is easier to inflict than Shock, and Herald of Thunder's lightning bolts have greater range.
