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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 in a chain reaction, clearing screens with devastating single hits. While understanding the intricate interaction isn't strictly necessary, it's beneficial, particularly for advanced build planning. This guide details the setup and its mechanics.
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 for inflicting Cold damage.
Remember to activate both Herald of Ice and Thunder in your skill menu by right-clicking their icons.
The Monk's Ice Strike is highly effective for initially triggering Herald of Ice, starting the chain reaction. However, other options exist:
- Passive skills boosting Freeze build-up.
- Weapons or gloves with flat cold damage.
Against the Darkness Time-Lost Diamond Jewel (+Cold damage percentage).
How Do Herald Of Ice And Thunder Work Together in PoE 2
Herald of Ice activates when an enemy is Shattered (freezing then attacking). Crucially, Herald of Ice's cold damage cannot Freeze, preventing self-perpetuating chains.
Herald of Thunder activates upon killing a Shocked enemy, unleashing damaging lightning bolts. Similarly, it cannot inflict Shock independently.
The synergy lies in their damage conversion: 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 again, and so on. In practice, this often happens once or twice before fading, requiring a consistent stream of enemies. Breaches are particularly advantageous due to their high enemy density.
Initiating the chain requires a Freeze, then Shatter, using a cold skill like the Monk's Ice Strike. This creates a cold explosion and shock, starting the reaction. Prioritizing Herald of Ice is recommended because Freeze is easier to inflict than Shock, and Herald of Thunder's lightning bolts have better range.
