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Path of Exile 2: Ice & Thunder Herald Synergy

Author : Mila Mar 12,2025

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In Path of Exile 2, the Double Herald setup—combining Herald of Ice and Herald of Thunder—creates a powerful chain reaction, clearing screens with devastating efficiency. While understanding the intricate interplay isn't strictly necessary, it enhances build optimization. This guide details implementation and explains the mechanics.

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

This potent setup requires four key elements:

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

Remember to activate both Herald of Ice and Thunder in your skill menu.

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 buildup.
  • 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 (after being frozen). Crucially, Herald of Ice's cold damage cannot Freeze, preventing self-sustaining chain reactions.

Herald of Thunder activates upon killing a Shocked enemy, unleashing damaging lightning bolts. Similarly, Herald of Thunder 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 perpetual chain reaction: Herald of Ice shocks, triggering Herald of Thunder, which then freezes, triggering Herald of Ice again. Realistically, the chain often breaks after one or two cycles due to the need for a continuous stream of enemies. Breaches are particularly advantageous due to their high enemy density.

Initiation requires proccing Herald of Ice first (via Freeze and Shatter, e.g., with Ice Strike). This icy explosion then shocks, starting the chain reaction. Prioritizing Herald of Ice is beneficial because Freeze is easier to inflict than Shock, and Herald of Thunder's lightning bolts have greater range.