This guide explains the Double Herald setup (Herald of Ice + Herald of Thunder) in Path of Exile 2, a technique that creates a chain reaction clearing entire screens with a single hit. While understanding the interaction isn't strictly necessary, it's beneficial for build crafting.

How to Use Double Herald (Herald of Ice + Herald of Thunder) in PoE 2

The Double Herald setup requires:

1. Herald of Ice Skill Gem with Lightning Infusion Support Gem.
2. Herald of Thunder Skill Gem with Cold Infusion Support Gem (and Glaciation is recommended).
3. 60 Spirit.
4. A method to inflict Cold damage.

Remember to activate both Heralds in the skill menu. Monk's Ice Strike is highly effective for initial proccing, but other options include passive skills boosting Freeze, or a weapon/glove with flat cold damage, or the Against the Darkness Time-Lost Diamond Jewel.

How Herald of Ice and Thunder Interact in PoE 2

Herald of Ice triggers upon shattering a frozen enemy, creating an AoE cold damage explosion. Crucially, its cold damage cannot freeze, preventing self-perpetuation.

Herald of Thunder activates when 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. Practically, this often occurs once or twice before ending, requiring a constant stream of enemies. Breaches are ideal due to their high enemy density.

To initiate, Freeze and shatter an enemy using Cold damage (like Ice Strike). This procs Herald of Ice, which then shocks, starting the chain reaction. Prioritizing Herald of Ice is better because Freeze is easier to inflict than Shock, and Herald of Thunder's lightning range is superior.