This guide explains the Double Herald setup in Path of Exile 2, a technique combining Herald of Ice and Herald of Thunder for powerful area-of-effect damage.
Key Components of the Double Herald Setup:
The Double Herald strategy requires four key elements:
Herald of Ice Skill Gem with 
Lightning Infusion Support Gem.
Herald of Thunder Skill Gem with 
Cold Infusion Support Gem (and 
Glaciation is recommended).- 60 Spirit.
- A method to inflict Cold damage.
Remember to activate both Herald skills in your skill menu.
Effective Cold Damage Sources:
The Monk's Ice Strike is highly effective for initiating the chain reaction by freezing and shattering enemies. Other options include:
- Passive skills boosting Freeze buildup.
- Weapons or gloves with flat cold damage.
Against the Darkness Time-Lost Diamond Jewel (+Cold damage percentage).
How the Heralds Interact:
The synergy relies on the Heralds' limitations:
- Herald of Ice triggers on shattering frozen enemies (AoE cold damage), but its cold damage cannot freeze, preventing self-perpetuation.
- Herald of Thunder triggers on killing shocked enemies (lightning bolts), but it cannot shock.
The Infusion Support Gems are crucial: 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). This allows them to trigger each other in a chain reaction.
While theoretically infinite, the chain reaction practically lasts for one or two cycles due to the need for a continuous supply of enemies. Breaches are ideal due to their high enemy density.
Initiating the Chain Reaction:
First, use a cold damage skill (like Ice Strike) to Freeze and shatter an enemy, activating Herald of Ice. This will trigger Herald of Thunder, which in turn will proc Herald of Ice again, creating a cascading effect. Prioritizing Herald of Ice is recommended because Freeze is easier to inflict than Shock, and Herald of Thunder's lightning bolts have better range.
