**Introduction: The Lightning Question**
Hey, gamers! Have you ever been running around, throwing those super cool Herald of Lightning sparks, and suddenly wondered, “Can these little electric bolts crit?” It’s a question that’s sparked much debate in the Path of Exile (PoE) community, and today, we’re going to break it down together. If you’ve ever thought about this while zapping enemies, you’re not alone – let’s figure out the truth behind Herald of Lightning and critical hits!
**The Question: What is Herald of Lightning and Can It Crit?**
So, first things first: What exactly is Herald of Lightning? It’s an aura skill in PoE that sends out lightning damage every time you hit an enemy. It’s one of those skills that can really spice up your gameplay, giving you the satisfaction of zapping enemies in the blink of an eye. But here’s the catch: we all know that critical hits in PoE are a huge deal. They can make or break your DPS (damage per second), so naturally, the question arises: **Can Herald of Lightning crit?**
Well, to put it simply—no, Herald of Lightning itself can’t crit. But it’s not quite the dead-end answer some might think. Herald of Lightning works on a flat damage model, meaning it deals damage based on your character’s stats but doesn’t interact with critical strike chance in the usual way. However, don’t close the tab yet—we’re not finished!
**Why Does This Matter? The Gameplay Impact**
So why does this little detail even matter in the grand scheme of things? For many players, the thought of critical hits might be a huge part of their build. If you’re relying on crits to boost your damage output, not having crits from Herald of Lightning could be a dealbreaker or at least a bit disappointing. It also means that if you’re focusing on improving your critical chance, Herald of Lightning won’t be able to give you that sweet bonus damage boost like your other skills might.
**The Different Platforms and Scenarios**
Whether you’re playing on PC, console, or even the new mobile version (yes, it exists!), the rule remains the same. Herald of Lightning doesn’t crit. So, don’t waste your time trying to find that elusive crit modifier in your gear for this particular skill. That said, Herald of Lightning can still be an excellent tool for dealing consistent damage—it’s just not going to turn into a crit machine.
**Player Experiences: “I’ve Tried Everything!”**
Let’s be real: many players have gone through the frustration of trying to make Herald of Lightning crit. Some have stacked crit chance on their gear, hoping for that magical moment when lightning strikes twice. But alas, after hours of testing and theory crafting, the answer remains unchanged. The community has voiced their frustrations all over forums and social media. One player even said, “I spent so much time trying to get crits on Herald of Lightning, and all I got was a bunch of disappointed sparks!” Sound familiar?
But not all is lost! Even if Herald of Lightning can’t crit, there are still plenty of ways to make it powerful. Many players focus on improving their base damage and other skills that benefit from critical hits instead, while letting Herald of Lightning do its job with its steady and reliable damage output.
**The Solutions: How to Deal with It**
Okay, now that we know Herald of Lightning can’t crit, let’s talk about how you can adapt. While you can’t force crits from this skill, there are some workarounds to maximize your damage:
1. **Focus on Other Crit-Boosting Skills**: Since Herald of Lightning doesn’t crit, focus on other abilities that do. This allows you to boost your overall damage without relying on Herald of Lightning for crits.
2. **Invest in Flat Lightning Damage**: Improving your flat lightning damage can help Herald of Lightning do more damage, even without the crit factor. Gear that boosts lightning damage will still improve its effectiveness.
3. **Use Crit-Boosting Support Gems**: Consider using support gems like *Critical Strike Chance* or *Elemental Focus* on other skills. This way, you can ensure that your other abilities are critting, even though Herald of Lightning won’t.
4. **Try Dual-Element Builds**: If you’re really set on crits, try using Herald of Lightning in combination with other critical-hit-boosting abilities, like elemental spells or attacks. This can give you a nice balance between reliable zapping and big crit numbers elsewhere.
**What Does the Community Think?**
The PoE community has been pretty vocal on this topic. Many players are bummed out that Herald of Lightning can’t crit, but there’s a sense of acceptance as well. Some players, like one commenter on Reddit, wrote, “It’s not what I wanted, but I still love Herald of Lightning for what it does. Crits or not, it’s still amazing.” Others, however, have been vocal in their frustration. The consensus seems to be that while it’s a bummer, there are enough ways to deal with it and still build strong characters.
**Conclusion: Can Herald of Lightning Crit? The Final Verdict**
To wrap it up: no, Herald of Lightning can’t crit. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make it powerful! By focusing on the right stats, skills, and support gems, you can still make this aura skill a key part of your build. So, don’t let the lack of crits stop you from enjoying the chaos of lightning!
Now, we want to hear from you! Have you ever tried to make Herald of Lightning crit? What was your experience like? Let us know in the comments below! Happy zapping, fellow exiles!
**Summary**
While Herald of Lightning doesn’t crit, it still has plenty of value in your build. By focusing on improving your overall damage through other means, you can still enjoy the electric chaos it creates. So, go out there and keep zapping—just without the crits!
