Path of Exile 2: Herald of Elements Guide

This guide explains the Double Herald setup in Path of Exile 2, a technique combining Herald of Ice and Herald of Thunder for massive area-of-effect damage.

Key Components of the Double Herald Setup:

1. Herald of Ice: Socketed with Lightning Infusion Support Gem.
2. Herald of Thunder: Socketed with Cold Infusion Support Gem (Glaciation is also recommended).
3. 60 Spirit: Required for the Heralds to function effectively.
4. A Cold Damage Source: To initially trigger Herald of Ice. Monk's Ice Strike is highly effective. Alternatives include passive skills boosting Freeze buildup or the Against the Darkness Time-Lost Diamond Jewel.

Remember to activate both Herald skills in your skill menu.

How the Double Herald Interaction Works:

Herald of Ice triggers upon shattering a frozen enemy, creating a cold AoE explosion. Crucially, Herald of Ice's cold damage cannot freeze, preventing self-sustaining chains. Herald of Thunder activates upon killing a shocked enemy, releasing damaging lightning bolts. Similarly, Herald of Thunder cannot inflict shock independently.

The synergy comes from 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). This allows them to trigger each other.

Ideally, this creates a continuous chain reaction. In practice, the chain usually breaks after one or two cycles due to the need for a constant supply of enemies. Breaches are particularly effective due to their high enemy density.

Initiating the Chain Reaction:

First, freeze and shatter an enemy using a cold skill (like Ice Strike). This procs Herald of Ice, which then shocks, triggering Herald of Thunder. Starting with Herald of Ice is preferred because Freeze is easier to inflict than Shock, and Herald of Thunder's lightning bolts have greater range.