Runes and runewords were introduced in Diablo 2's expansion Lord of Destruction. The expansion added Act 5 and a complete shake-up of the game with the addition of runes. In the base Diablo 2, end-game builds revolved around certain unique weapons and armor. Runewords gave players something else to farm for, not only the runes themselves but the perfect pieces in which to fit them. The most coveted runes can also be used as currency in trading for the best items.
As Diablo 2: Resurrected combines both Diablo 2 and the Lord of Destruction expansion, runes are an essential part of the online economy and building the perfect character. In this article, we will explain how runes work, their abilities, and how to create runewords. This guide also includes a full list of the runewords available in Diablo 2: Resurrected, including the new runewords introduced with Patch 2.4 and Patch 2.5.
Diablo 2: Resurrected runes and abilities
Runes can drop anywhere in Diablo 2: Resurrected, whether you are playing on Normal, Nightmare or Hell difficulty. However, there are more efficient places to farm them which we will cover later on.
Like gems, runes can be socketed into gear to benefit from their effects. To unlock their real power though, you need to combine them to create a runeword. A full list of runewords can be found in the next section.
If you get your hands on the mid to high runes, handle them with care!
Runes can also be used in the Horadric Cube and combined with gear to repair it. If you're struggling for gold and cannot afford a vendor repair, this can be a great substitute. Combining a Ral rune with your damaged gear will repair it.
Runes, like gems, can also be combined in the Horadric Cube in groups of three to create the next level of rune if you don't have the patience to find one in the wild. This is casually called "cubing up". So for example, you can combine three El runes to create an Eld rune. This recipe and other combinations are included below.
Each rune has a rarity value from the most common (El) to the rarest (Zod) depending on how often they drop, and your likelihood of acquiring them naturally. Because of this, they are often used as currency when trading in Diablo 2. El through to Lem are considered low-value, common runes. Pul through to Gul are mid-value, and Vex through to Zod are considered the highest-value runes. If you get your hands on the mid to high runes, handle them with care!
Following is a chart with all of the Diablo 2: Resurrected runes, their effects and the level you need to be to use them.
Swipe to scroll horizontally
| Rune | Min. level | Weapon effect | Armor effect | Upgrade recipe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| El | 11 | +50 attack rating +1 light radius | +15 defense +1 light radius | — |
| Eld | 11 | +75% damage to undead +50 attack rating against undead | 15% slower stamina drain +7% chance to block (shield) | 3 El |
| Tir | 13 | +2 mana after each kill | +2 mana after each kill | 3 Eld |
| Nef | 13 | Knockback | +30 missile defense | 3 Tir |
| Eth | 15 | -25% target defense | +15% mana regeneration | 3 Nef |
| Ith | 15 | +9 maximum damage | 15% damage taken goes to mana | 3 Eth |
| Tal | 17 | +75 poison damage over 5 seconds | +30% poison resist +35% poison resist (shield) | 3 Ith |
| Ral | 19 | Add 5-30 fire damage | +30% fire resist +35% fire resist (shield) | 3 Tal |
| Ort | 21 | Add 1-50 lightning damage | +30% lightning resist +35% lightning resist (shield) | 3 Ral |
| Thul | 23 | Add 3-14 cold damage (3 seconds) | +30% cold resist +35% cold resist (shield) | 3 Ort |
| Amn | 25 | 7% life stolen per hit | Attacker takes damage of 14 | 3 Thul Chipped topaz |
| Sol | 27 | +9 minimum damage | Damage reduced by 7 | 3 Amn Chipped amethyst |
| Shael | 29 | 20% increased attack speed | 20% faster hit recovery 20% faster block rate (shield) | 3 Sol Chipped sapphire |
| Dol | 31 | Hit causes monster to flee (25%) | +7 replenish life | 3 Shael Chipped ruby |
| Hel | — | -20% requirements | -15% requirements | 3 Dol Chipped emerald |
| Io | 35 | +10 vitality | +10 vitality | 3 Hel Chipped diamond |
| Lum | 37 | +10 energy | +10 energy | 3 Io Flawed topaz |
| Ko | 39 | +10 dexterity | +10 dexterity | 3 Lum Flawed amethyst |
| Fal | 41 | +10 strength | +10 strength | 3 Ko Flawed sapphire |
| Lem | 43 | 75% extra gold from monsters | 50% extra gold from monsters | 3 Fal Flawed ruby |
| Pul | 45 | +75% damage to demons +100 attack rating against demons | +30% enhanced defense | 3 Lem Flawed emerald |
| Um | 47 | 25% chance of open wounds | +15 all resistances +22 all resistances (shield) | 2 Pul Flawed diamond |
| Mal | 49 | Prevent monster heal | Magic damage reduced by 7 | 2 Um Topaz |
| Ist | 51 | +30% better magic find | +25% better magic find | 2 Mal Amethyst |
| Gul | 53 | +20% bonus to attack rating | +5% to maximum poison resist | 2 Ist Sapphire |
| Vex | 55 | 7% mana stolen per hit | +5% to maximum fire resist | 2 Gul Ruby |
| Ohm | 57 | +50% enhanced damage | +5% to maximum cold resist | 2 Vex Emerald |
| Lo | 59 | +20% deadly strike | +5% to maximum lightning resist | 2 Ohm Diamond |
| Sur | 61 | Hit blinds target | +5% maximum mana +50 mana (shields) | 2 Lo Flawless topaz |
| Ber | 63 | +20% chance of crushing blow | Damage reduced by 8% | 2 Sur Flawless amethyst |
| Jah | 65 | Ignore target's defense | +5% maximum life +50 life (shield) | 2 Ber Flawless sapphire |
| Cham | 67 | Freeze target +3 | Cannot be frozen | 2 Jah Flawless ruby |
| Zod | 69 | Indestructible | Indestructible | 2 Cham Flawless emerald |
Diablo 2: Resurrected runewords explained
Crafting runewords is an essential part of the core Diablo 2: Resurrected gameplay if you want to reach the dizzying heights of Hell difficulty. They can be tough to understand for a beginner and it's easy to get the variables wrong and lose your hard-earned runes.
Not only do you need to find the right runes to create your chosen runeword, but you must also make sure you are equipping the runes to the correct item. Some runewords only work in specific weapons or armor. Those pieces must also have the correct amount of sockets. For example, to create Stealth which is Tal + Eth, you need an item with two sockets. No more, no less.
The item you are socketing the runeword into also needs to be of grey or white quality. By this, we mean no magical properties (blue items) and no yellow, gold, or green set items.
Finally, once you have your perfect piece to place your runeword, ensure you place them in the correct order. You only get one chance and if done incorrectly the runes are stuck as they are.
You must be sure you are using the appropriate item for which to place your runeword. Some runewords can be placed in item categories such as "Body armor" which specifically refers to items worn on your torso. A runeword meant for placing on a mace will not work on a hammer. "Melee weapons" means no bows or crossbows. Orbs are also not considered melee weapons. The "Insight" runeword will only work on polearm weapons.
Runewords when crafted roll variable stats that determine their quality, just like any other loot drop. The better a base you use, the higher your chance of the best roll possible.
An example of this would be equipping a runeword to a mercenaries equipment. For this, we would always recommend using an Ethereal base. Ethereal bases have boosted stats with the trade-off being that they cannot be repaired, however, Mercenary weapons and armor do not lose durability so you get the best of both worlds. Small hacks like this will increase your power.
Runewords can be equipped on any type of character. They will receive the runeword's bonuses unless otherwise stated. That means you can equip, say, a Beast runeword on a Sorceress and give her the ability to turn into a Werebear. This diversifies builds and gives players plenty of options when it comes to fun playstyles.
In Patch 2.4, Diablo 2: Resurrected received seven new runewords. We've listed these below.
Swipe to scroll horizontally
| Runeword | Item(s) | Runes | Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flickering Flame | Helm 3 sockets | Nef + Pul + Vex | Level 4-8 Resist Fire aura (varies) +3 to fire skills -10-15% to enemy fire resistance (varies) +30% enhanced defense +30 defense vs. missile +50-75 to mana (varies) Half freeze duration +5% to maximum fire resist Poison length reduced by 50% |
| Mist | Bow or crossbow 5 sockets | Cham + Shael + Gul + Thul + Ith | Level 8-12 Concentration aura (varies) +3 to all skills 20% increased attack speed 100% piercing attack +325-375% enhanced damage (varies) +9 to maximum damage 20% bonus to attack rating Adds 3-14 cold damage Freeze target +3 +24 vitality All resistances +40 |
| Obsession | Staff 6 sockets | Zod + Ist + Lem + Lum + Io + Nef | Indestructible 24% chance to cast level 10 Weaken when struck +4 to all skills 65% faster cast rate 60% faster hit recovery Knockback +10 to vitality +10 to energy Increase maximum life 15-20% (varies) Regenerate mana 15-30% (varies) All resistances +60-70 (varies) 75% extra gold from monsters 30% better chance of getting magic items |
| Pattern | Claw 3 sockets | Tal + Ort + Thul | 30% faster block rate 40-80% enhanced damage (varies) 10% bonus to attack rating Adds 17-62 fire damage Adds 1-50 lightning damage Adds 3-14 cold damage +75 poison damage over 5 seconds +6 to strength +6 to dexterity +15 all resistances |
| Plague | Sword 3 sockets | Cham + Shael + Um | 20% chance to cast level 12 Lower Resist when struck 25% chance to cast level 15 Poison Nova on striking Level 13-17 Cleansing aura (varies) +1-2 all skills (varies) 20% increased attack speed 220-320% enhanced damage (varies) -23% to enemy poison resist 0.3% Deadly Strike (based on character level) 25% chance of Open Wounds Freezes target +3 |
| Unbending Will | Sword 6 sockets | Fal + Io + Ith + Eld + El + Hel | 18% chance to cast level 18 Taunt on striking +3 to Combat Skills (Barbarian only) +20-30% increased attack speed (varies) +300-350% enhanced damage (varies) +9 to maximum damage +50 to attack rating +75% damage to undead +50 attack rating against undead 8-10% life stolen per hit (varies) Prevent monster heal +10 to strength +10 to vitality Damage reduced by 8 +1 light radius Requirements -20% |
| Wisdom | Helm 3 sockets | Pul + Ith + Eld | +33% piercing attack +15-25% bonus to attack rating (varies) 4-8% mana stolen per hit (varies) +30% enhanced defense +10 to energy 15% slower stamina drain Cannot be frozen +5 to mana after each kill 15% damage taken goes to mana |
With Patch 2.4, the Insight runeword can now be put on bows and crossbows in addition to the usual polearms and staves.
Following is a list of the original runewords that are available in Diablo 2: Resurrected, as well as which items work and which runes are required.
Swipe to scroll horizontally
| Runeword | Item(s) | Runes | Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ancient's Pledge | Shields 3 sockets | Ral + Ort + Tal | +50% enhanced defense Cold resist +43% Fire resist +48% Lightning resist +48% Poison resist +48% 10% damage taken goes to mana |
| Beast | Axes, scepters, hammers 5 sockets | Ber + Tir + Um + Mal + Lum | Level 9 Fanaticism aura when equipped +40% increased attack speed +240-270% enhanced damage (varies) 20% chance of crushing blow 25% chance of open wounds +3 to Werebear +3 to Lycanthropy Prevent monster heal +25-40 strength (varies) +10 to energy +2 to mana after each kill Level 13 Summon Grizzly (5 charges) |
| Black | Clubs, hammers, maces 3 sockets | Thul + Io + Nef | +120% enhanced damage 40% chance of crushing blow +200 attack rating Adds 3-14 cold damage (3 seconds) +10 to vitality 15% increased attack speed Knockback Magic damage reduced by 2 Level 4 Corpse Explosion (12 charges) |
| Bone | Body armor 3 sockets | Sol + Um + Um | 15% chance to cast level 10 Bone Armor when struck 15% chance to cast level 10 Bone Spear on striking +2 to Necromancer skill levels +100-150 mana (varies) All resistances +30 Damage reduced by 7 |
| Bramble | Body armor 4 sockets | Ral + Ohm + Sur + Eth | Level 15-21 Thorns aura when equipped (varies) +50% faster hit Recovery +25-50% to poison skill damage (varies) +300 defense Increase maximum mana 50% Regenerate mana 15% +5% maximum cold resist Fire resist +30% Poison resist +100% +13 life after each kill Level 13 Spirit of Barbs (33 charges) |
| Breath of the Dying | Weapons 6 sockets | Vex + Hel + El + Eld + Zod + Eth | 50% chance to cast level 20 Poison Nova when you kill an enemy Indestructible +60% increased attack speed +350-400% enhanced damage (varies) +200% damage to undead -25% target defense +50 to attack rating +50 to attack rating against undead 7% mana stolen per hit 12-15% life stolen per hit (varies) Prevent monster heal +30 to all attributes +1 to light radius Requirements -20% |
| Call to Arms | Weapons 5 sockets | Amn + Ral + Mal + Ist + Ohm | +1 to all skills +40% increased attack speed +250-290% enhanced damage (varies) Adds 5-30 fire damage 7% life stolen per hit +2-6 to Battle Command (varies) +1-6 to Battle Orders (varies) +1-4 to Battle Cry (varies) Prevent monster heal Replenish life +12 30% better chance of getting magic items |
| Chains of Honor | Body armor 4 sockets | Dol + Um + Ber + Ist | +2 to all skills +200% damage to demons +100% damage to undead 8% life stolen per hit +70% enhanced defense +20 to strength Replenish life +7 All resistances +65 Damage reduced by 8% 25% better chance of getting magic items |
| Chaos | Claws 3 sockets | Fal + Ohm + Um | 9% chance to cast level 11 Frozen Orb on striking 11% chance to cast level 9 Charged Bolt on striking +35% increased attack speed +290-340% enhanced damage (varies) Adds 216-471 magic damage 25% chance of open wounds +1 to Whirlwind +10 to strength +15 life after each demon kill |
| Crescent Moon | Axes, swords, polearms 3 sockets | Shael + Um + Tir | 10% chance to cast level 17 Chain Lightning on striking 7% chance to cast level 13 Static Field on striking +20% increased attack speed +180-220% enhanced damage (varies) Ignore target's defense -35% to enemy lightning resistance 25% chance of open wounds +9-11 magic absorb (varies) +2 to mana after each kill Level 18 Summon Spirit Wolf (30 charges) |
| Delirium | Helms 3 sockets | Lem + Ist + Io | 1% chance to cast level 50 Delirium when struck 6% chance to cast level 14 Mind Blast when struck 14% chance to cast level 13 Terror when struck 11% chance to cast level 18 Confuse on striking +2 to all skills +261 defense +10 to vitality 50% extra gold from monsters 25% better chance of getting magic items Level 17 Attract (60 charges) |
| Doom | Axes, polearms, hammers 5 sockets | Hel + Ohm + Um + Lo + Cham | 5% chance to cast level 18 Volcano on striking Level 12 Holy Freeze aura when equipped +2 to all skills +45% increased attack speed +330-370% enhanced damage (varies) -(40-60)% to enemy cold resistance (varies) 20% deadly strike 25% chance of open wounds Prevent monster heal Freezes target +3 Requirements -20% |
| Duress | Body armor 3 sockets | Shael + Um + Thul | 40% faster hit recover +10-20% enhanced damage (varies) Adds 37-133 cold damage (2 seconds) 15% chance of crushing blow 33% chance of open wounds +150-200% enhanced defense (varies) -20% slower stamina drain Cold resist +45% Lightning resist +15% Fire resist +15% Poison resist +15% |
| Enigma | Body armor 3 sockets | Jah + Ith + Ber | +2 to all skills +45% faster run/walk +1 to Teleport +750-775 defense (varies) +0-75 to Strength (based on character level) Increase maximum life by 5% Damage reduced by 8% +14 to life after each kill 15% damage taken goes to mana +1-99% better chance of getting magic items (based on character level) |
| Enlightenment | Body armor 3 sockets | Pul + Ral + Sol | 5% chance to cast level 15 Blaze when struck 5% chance to cast level 15 Fire Ball on striking +2 to Sorceress skill levels +1 to Warmth +30% enhanced defense Fire resist +30% Damage reduced by 7 |
| Eternity | Melee weapons 5 sockets | Amn + Ber + Ist + Sol + Sur | Indestructible +260-310% enhanced damage (varies) +9 to minimum damage 7% life stolen per hit 20% chance of crushing blow Hit blinds target Slow target by 33% Regenerate mana 16% Replenish life +16 Cannot be frozen 30% better chance of getting magic items Level 8 Revive (88 charges) |
| Exile | Paladin shields 4 sockets | Vex + Ohm + Ist + Dol | 15% chance to cast level 5 Life Tap on striking Level 13-16 Defiance aura when equipped (varies) +2 to Paladin Offensive auras +30% faster block rate Freezes target +220-260% enhanced defense (varies) Replenish life +7 +5% maximum cold resist +5% maximum fire resist 25% better chance of getting magic items Repairs 1 durability in 4 seconds |
| Famine | Axes, hammers 4 sockets | Fal + Ohm + Ort + Jah | +30% increased attack speed +320-370% enhanced damage (varies) Ignore target's defense Adds 180-200 magic damage Adds 50-200 fire damage Adds 51-250 lightning damage Adds 50-200 cold damage 12% life stolen per hit Prevent monster heal +10 to strength |
| Fury | Melee weapons 3 sockets | Jah + Gul + Eth | +209% enhanced damage 40% increased attack speed Prevent monster heal 66% chance of open wounds 33% deadly strike Ignore target's defense -25% target defense 20% bonus to attack rating 6% life stolen per hit +5 to Frenzy (Barbarian only) |
| Gloom | Body armor 3 sockets | Fal + Um + Pul | 15% chance to cast level 3 Dim Vision when struck +10% faster hit recovery +200-260% enhanced defense (varies) +10 to strength All resistance +45 Half freeze duration 5% damage taken goes to mana -3 to light radius |
| Hand of Justice | Weapons 4 sockets | Sur + Cham + Amn + Lo | 100% chance to cast level 36 Blaze when you level up 100% chance to cast level 48 Meteor when you die Level 16 Holy Fire aura when equipped +33% increased attack speed +280-330% enhanced damage (varies) Ignore target's defense 7% life stolen per hit -20% enemy fire resistance 20% deadly strike Hit blinds target Freezes target +3 |
| Heart of the Oak | Staves, maces | Ko + Vex + Pul + Thul | +3 to all skills +40% faster cast rate +75% damage to demons +100 to attack rating against demons Adds 3-14 cold damage (3 seconds) 7% mana stolen per hit +10 dexterity Replenish life +20 Increase maximum mana 15% All resistances +30-40 (varies) Level 4 Oak Sage (25 charges) Leven 14 Raven (60 charges) |
| Holy Thunder | Scepters 4 sockets | Eth + Ral + Ort + Tal | +60% enhanced damage -25% target defense Adds 5-30 fire damage Adds 21-110 lightning damage +75 poison damage over 5 seconds +10 to maximum damage Lighting resistance +60% +5 maximum lightning resistance +3 to Holy Shock (Paladin only) Level 7 Chain Lightning (60 charges) |
| Honor | Melee weapons 5 sockets | Amn + El + Ith + Tir + Sol | +160% enhanced damage +9 minimum damage +9 maximum damage 25% deadly strike +250 to attack rating +1 to all skills 7% life stolen per hit Replenish life +10 +10 strength +1 light radius +2 to mana after each kill |
| King's Grace | Swords, scepters 3 sockets | Amn + Ral + Thul | +100% enhanced damage +100% damage to demons +50% damage to undead Adds 5-30 fire damage Adds 3-14 cold damage (3 seconds) +150 to attack rating +100 to attack rating against demons +100 to attack rating against undead 7% life stolen per hit |
| Kingslayer | Swords, axes 4 sockets | Mal + Um + Gul + Fal | +30% increased attack speed +230-270% enhanced damage (varies) -25% target defense 20% bonus to attack rating 33% chance of crushing blow 50% chance of open wounds +1 to Vengeance Prevent monster heal +10 to strength 40% extra gold from monsters |
| Leaf | Staves 2 sockets | Tir + Ral | Adds 5-30 fire damage +3 to fire skills +3 to Fire Bolt (Sorceress only) +3 to Inferno (Sorceress only) +3 to Warmth (Sorceress only) +2 to mana after each kill +2-198 to defense (based on character level) Cold resist +33% |
| Lionheart | Body armor 3 sockets | Hel + Lum + Fal | +20% enhanced damage Requirements -15% +25 to strength +10 to energy +20 to vitality +15 to dexterity +50 to life All resistances +30 |
| Lore | Helms 2 sockets | Ort + Sol | +1 to all skills +10 to energy +2 to mana after each kill Lightning resist +30% Damage reduced by 7 +2 to light radius |
| Malice | Melee weapons 3 sockets | Ith + El + Eth | +33% enhanced damage +9 maximum damage 100% chance of open wounds -25% target defense -100 to monster defense per hit Prevent monster heal +50 to attack rating Drain life -5 |
| Melody | Missile weapons 3 sockets | Shael + Ko + Nef | +50% enhanced damage +300% damage to undead +3 to bow and crossbow skills (Amazon only) +3 to Critical Strike (Amazon only) +3 to Dodge (Amazon only) +3 to Slow Missiles (Amazon only) 20% increased attack speed +10 to dexterity Knockback |
| Memory | Staves 4 sockets | Lum + Io + Sol + Eth | +3 to Sorceress skill levels 33% faster cast rate Increase maximum mana 20% +3 to Energy Shield (Sorceress only) +2 to Static Field (Sorceress only) +10 to energy +10 to vitality +9 minimum damage -25% target defense Magic damage reduced by 7 +50% enhanced defense |
| Myth | Body armor 3 sockets | Hel + Amn + Nef | 3% chance to cast level 1 Howl when struck 10% chance to cast level 1 Taunt on striking +2 to Barbarian skill levels +30 missile defense Replenish life +10 Attacker takes damage of 14 Requirements -15% |
| Nadir | Helms 2 sockets | Nef + Tir | +50% enhanced defense +10 defense +30 missile defense Level 13 Cloak of Shadows (9 charges) +2 to mana after each kill +5 to strength -33% gold from monsters -3 to light radius |
| Passion | Weapons 4 sockets | Dol + Ort + Eld + Lem | +25% increased attack speed +160-210% enhanced damage (varies) 50-80% bonus to attack rating (varies) +75% damage to demons +50 attack rating against undead Adds 1-50 lightning damage +1 to Berserk +1 to Zeal Hit blinds target +10 Hit causes monster to flee 25% 75% extra gold from monsters Level 3 Heart of Wolverine (12 charges) |
| Peace | Body armor 3 sockets | Shael + Thul + Amn | 4% chance to cast level 5 Slow Missiles when struck 2% chance to cast level 15 Valkyrie on striking +2 to Amazon skill levels +20% faster hit recovery +2 to Critical Strike Cold resist +30% Attacker takes damage of 14 |
| Principle | Body armor 3 sockets | Ral + Gul + Eld | 100% chance to cast level 5 Holy Bolt on striking +2 to Paladin skill levels +50% damage to undead +100-150 to life (varies) 15% slower stamina drain +5% maximum poison resist Fire resist +30% |
| Prudence | Body armor 2 sockets | Mal + Tir | +25% faster hit recovery +140-170% enhanced defense (varies) All resistance +25-35 (varies) Damage reduced by 3 Magic damage reduced by 17 +2 to mana after each kill +1 to light radius Repairs 1 durability in 14 seconds |
| Radiance | Helms 3 sockets | Nef + Sol + Ith | +75% enhanced defense +30 defense vs. missile +10 to energy +10 to vitality 15% damage goes to mana Magic damage reduced by 3 +33 to mana Damage reduced by 7 +5 light radius |
| Rain | Body armor 3 sockets | Ort + Mal + Ith | 5% chance to cast level 15 Cyclone Armor when struck 5% chance to cast level 15 Twister on striking +2 to Druid skill levels +100-150 mana (varies) Lightning resist +30% Magic damage reduced by 7 15% damage taken goes to mana |
| Rhyme | Shields 2 sockets | Shael + Eth | 20% increased chance of blocking 40% faster block rate All resistances +25 Regenerate mana 15% Cannot be frozen 50% extra gold from monsters 25% better chance of getting magic items |
| Sanctuary | Shields 3 sockets | Ko + Ko + Mal | +20% faster hit recovery +20% faster block rate 20% increased chance of blocking +130-160% enhanced defense (varies) +250 defense vs. missile +20 to dexterity All resistance +50-70 (varies) Magic damage reduced by 7 Level 12 Slow Missiles (60 charges) |
| Silence | Weapons 6 sockets | Dol + Eld + Hel + Ist + Tir + Vex | 200% enhanced damage +75% damage to undead Requirements -20% 20% increased attack speed +50 to attack rating against undead +2 to all skills All resistances +75 20% faster hit recovery 11% mana stolen per hit Hit causes monsters to flee 25% Hit blinds target +33 +2 to mana after each kill 30% better chance of getting magic items |
| Smoke | Body armor 2 sockets | Nef + Lum | +75% enhanced defense +280 missile defense All resistances +50 20% faster hit recovery Level 6 Weaken (18 charges) +10 to energy -1 to light radius |
| Splendor | Shields 2 sockets | Eth + Lum | +1 to all skills +10% faster cast rate +20% faster block rate +60-100% enhanced defense (varies) +10 to energy Regenerate mana 15% 50% extra gold from monsters 20% better chance of getting magic items +3 to light radius |
| Stealth | Body armor 2 sockets | Tal + Eth | Magic damage reduced by 3 +6 to dexterity +15 to maximum stamina Poison resist +30% Regenerate mana 15% 25% faster run/walk 25% faster cast rate 25% faster hit recovery |
| Steel | Swords, axes, maces 2 sockets | Tir + El | 20% enhanced damage +3 minimum damage +3 maximum damage +50 to attack rating 50% chance of open wounds 25% increased attack speed +2 to mana after each kill +1 to light radius |
| Stone | Body armor 4 sockets | Shael + Um + Pul + Lum | +60% faster hit recovery +250-290% enhanced defense (varies) +300 missile defense +16 to strength +16 to vitality +10 to energy All resistances +15 Level 16 Molten Boulder (80 charges) Level 16 Clay Golem (16 charges) |
| Strength | Melee weapons 2 sockets | Amn + Tir | 35% enhanced damage 25% chance of crushing blow 7% life stolen per hit +2 to mana after each kill +20 to strength +10 to vitality |
| Treachery | Body armor 3 sockets | Shael + Thul + Lem | 5% chance to cast level 15 Fade when struck 25% chance to cast level 15 Venom on striking +2 to Assassin skill levels +45% increased attack speed +20% faster hit recovery Cold resist 30% 50% extra gold from monsters |
| Venom | Weapons 3 sockets | Tal + Dol + Mal | Hit causes monsters to flee 25% Prevent monster heal Ignore target's defense 7% mana stolen per hit Level 15 Poison Explosion (27 charges) Level 13 Poison Nova (11 charges) +273 poison damage over 6 seconds |
| Wealth | Body armor 3 sockets | Lem + Ko + Tir | 300% extra gold from monsters 100% better chance of getting magic items +2 to mana after each kill +10 to dexterity |
| White | Wand 2 sockets | Dol + Io | Hit causes monster to flee 25% +10 to vitality +3 to poison and bone skills (Necromancer only) +2 to Bone Spear (Necromancer only) +3 to Bone Armor (Necromancer only) +4 to Skeleton Master (Necromancer only) Magic damage reduced by 4 20% faster cast rate +13 to mana |
| Wind | Melee weapons 2 sockets | Sur + El | 10% chance to cast level 9 Tornado on striking +20% faster run/walk +40% increased attack speed +15% faster hit recovery +120-160% enhanced damage (varies) -50% target defense +50 to attack rating Hit blinds target +1 to light radius Level 13 Twister (127 charges) |
| Zephyr | Missile weapons 2 sockets | Ort + Eth | +33% enhanced damage +66 to attack rating Adds 1-50 lightning damage -25% target defense +25 defense 25% faster run/walk 25% increased attack speed 7% chance to cast level 1 Twister when struck |
It's now been stated that all Diablo 2: Resurrected runewords will be available to ladder, non-ladder, and singleplayer characters. This is a welcome change. Similarly, Uber Diablo and the Pandemonium Event are now available to all characters. Here are the runewords that were once limited to ladder play but can now be accessed by everyone.
Swipe to scroll horizontally
| Runeword | Item(s) | Runes | Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Missile weapons 4 sockets | Jah + Lo + Mal + Gul | 35% chance to cast level 14 Amplify Damage when struck 100% chance to cast level 18 Bone Spear on striking +260-340% enhanced damage (varies) Ignore target's defense 20% bonus to attack rating +280-330% damage to demons (varies) 20% deadly strike Prevent monster heal Knockback Fires explosive arrows or bolts |
| Death | Swords, axes 5 sockets | Hel + El + Vex + Ort + Gul | 100% chance to cast level 44 Chain Lightning when you die 25% chance to cast level 18 Glacial Spike on attack Indestructible +300-385% enhanced damage (varies) 20% bonus to attack rating +50 to attack rating Adds 1-50 lightning damage 7% mana stolen per hit 50% chance of crushing blow 0.5-49.5% deadly strike (based on character level) +1 to light radius Level 22 Blood Golem (15 charges) Requirements -20% |
| Destruction | Polearms, swords 5 sockets | Vex + Lo + Ber + Jah + Ko | 23% chance to cast level 12 Volcano on striking 5% chance to cast level 23 Molten Boulder on striking 100% chance to cast level 45 Meteor when you die 15% chance to cast level 22 Nova on attack +350% enhanced damage Ignore target's defense Adds 100-180 magic damage 7% mana stolen per hit 20% chance of crushing blow 20% deadly strike Prevent monster heal +10 to dexterity |
| Dragon | Body armor, shields 3 sockets | Sur + Lo + Sol | 20% chance to cast level 18 Venom when struck 12% chance to cast level 15 Hydra on striking Level 14 Holy Fire aura when equipped +360 defense +230 missile defense +3-5 to all attributes (varies) 0.375-37.125 to strength (based on character level) Increase maximum mana by 5% (body armor) +50 to mana (shields) +5% to maximum lightning resist Damage reduced by 7 |
| Dream | Helms, shields 3 sockets | Io + Jah + Pul | 10% chance to cast level 15 Confuse when struck Level 15 Holy Shock aura when equipped +20-30% faster hit recovery (varies) +30% enhanced defense +150-220 defense (varies) +10 to vitality Increase maximum life 5% (helms) +50 to life (shields) 0.625-61.875 to mana (based on character level) All resistance +5-20 (varies) 12-25% better chance of getting magic items (varies) |
| Edge | Missile weapons 3 sockets | Tir + Tal + Amn | Level 15 Thorns aura when equipped +35% increased attack speed +320-380% damage to demons (varies) +280% damage to undead +75 poison damage over 5 seconds 7% life stolen per hit Prevent monster heal +5-10 to all attributes (varies) +2 to mana after each kill Reduces all vendor prices by 15% |
| Faith | Missile weapons 4 sockets | Ohm + Jah + Lem + Eld | Level 12-15 Fanaticism aura when equipped (varies) +1-2 all skills (varies) +330% enhanced damage Ignore target's defense 300% bonus to attack rating +75% damage to undead +50 to attack rating against undead +120 fire damage All resistance +15 10% reanimate as Returned 75% extra gold from monsters |
| Fortitude | Weapons 4 sockets | El + Sol + Dol + Lo | 20% chance to cast level 15 Chilling Armor when struck +25% faster cast rate +300% enhanced damage +9 minimum damage +50 to attack rating 20% deadly strike Hit causes monster to flee 25% +200% enhanced defense +X to life (based on character level) All resistances +25-30 (varies) 12% damage taken goes to mana +1 to light radius |
| Fortitude | Body armor 4 sockets | El + Sol + Dol + Lo | 20% chance to cast level 15 Chilling Armor when struck +25% faster cast rate +300% enhanced damage +200% enhanced defense +15 defense +X to life (based on character level) Replenish life +7 +5% to maximum lightning resist All resistances +25-30 (varies) Damage reduced by 7 12% damage taken goes to mana +1 to light radius |
| Grief | Swords, axes 5 sockets | Eth + Tir + Lo + Mal + Ral | 35% chance to cast level 15 Venom on striking +30-40% increased attack speed Damage + 340-400 Ignore target's defense -25% target defense +1.875-185.625% damage to demons (based on character level) Adds 5-30 fire damage -20-25% to enemy poison resistance (varies) 20% deadly strike Prevent monster heal +2 to mana after each kill +10-15 life after each kill (varies) |
| Harmony | Missile weapons 4 sockets | Tir + Ith + Sol + Ko | Level 10 Vigor aura when equipped +200-275% enhanced damage (varies) +9 to minimum damage +9 to maximize damage Adds 55-160 lightning damage Adds 55-160 fire damage Adds 55-160 cold damage +2-6 to Valkyrie (varies) +10 to dexterity Regenerate mana 20% +2 to mana after each kill +2 to light radius Level 20 Revive (25 charges) |
| Ice | Missile weapons 4 sockets | Amn + Shael + Jah + Lo | 100% chance to cast level 40 Blizzard when you level up 25% chance to cast level 22 Frost Nova on striking Level 18 Holy Freeze aura when equipped +20% increased attack speed +140-210% enhanced damage (varies) Ignore target's defense +25-30% cold skill damage (varies) -20% to enemy cold skill resistance 7% life stolen per hit 20% deadly strike 3.125-309.375% extra gold from monsters (based on character level) |
| Infinity | Polearms, spears, Amazon spears 4 sockets | Ber + Mal + Ber + Ist | 50% chance to cast level 20 Chain Lightning when you kill an enemy Level 12 Conviction aura when equipped +35% faster run/walk +255-325% enhanced damage (varies) -45-55% to enemy lightning resistance (varies) 40% chance of crushing blow Prevent monster heal 0.5-49.5 to vitality (based on character level) 30% better chance of getting magic items Level 21 Cyclone Armor (30 charges) |
| Insight | Polearms, staves, bows, crossbows 4 sockets | Ral + Tir + Tal + Sol | Level 12-17 Meditation aura when equipped (varies) +35% faster cast rate +200-260% enhanced damage (varies) +9 to minimum damage 180-250% bonus to attack rating (varies) Adds 5-30 fire damage +75 poison damage over 5 seconds +1-6 to Critical Strike (varies) +5 to all attributes +2 to mana after each kill 23% better chance of getting magic items |
| Last Wish | Swords, hammers, axes 6 sockets | Jah + Mal + Jah + Sur + Jah + Ber | 6% chance to cast level 11 Fade when struck 10% chance to cast level 18 Life Tap on striking 20% chance to cast level 20 Charged Bolt on attack Level 17 Might aura when equipped +330-375% enhanced damage (varies) Ignore target's defense 60-70% chance of crushing blow (varies) Prevent monster heal Hit blinds target +0.5-49.5% chance of getting magic items (based on character level) |
| Lawbringer | Swords, hammers, scepter 3 sockets | Amn + Lem + Ko | 20% chance to cast level 15 Decrepify on striking Level 16-18 Sanctuary aura when equipped (varies) -50% target defense Adds 150-210 fire damage Adds 130-180 cold damage 7% life stolen per hit Slain monsters rest in peace +200-250 missile defense (varies) +10 to dexterity 75% extra gold from monsters |
| Oath | Swords, axes, maces 4 sockets | Shael + Pul + Mal + Lum | 30% chance to cast level 20 bone spirit on striking Indestructible +50% increased attack speed +210-340% enhanced damage (varies) +75% damage to demons +100 attack rating against demons Prevent monster heal +10 to energy +10-15 magic absorb (varies) Level 16 Heart of Wolverine (20 charges) Level 17 Iron Golem (14 charges) |
| Obedience | Polearms 5 sockets | Hel + Ko + Thul + Eth + Fal | 30% chance to cast level 21 Enchant when you kill an enemy 40% faster hit recovery +370% enhanced damage -25% target defense Adds 3-14 cold damage (3 seconds) -25% to enemy fire resistance 40% chance of crushing blow +200-300 defense (varies) +10 to strength +10 to dexterity All resistances +20-30 (varies) Requirements -20% |
| Phoenix | Weapons | Vex + Vex + Lo + Jah | 100% chance to cast level 40 Blaze when you level up 40% chance to cast level 22 Firestorm on striking Level 10-15 Redemption aura when equipped (varies) +350-400% enhanced damage (varies) Ignore target's defense 14% mana stolen per hit -28% to enemy fire resistance 20% deadly strike +350-400 missile defense (varies) +15-21 fire absorb (varies) |
| Phoenix | Shields | Vex + Vex + Lo + Jah | 100% chance to cast level 40 Blaze when you level up 40% chance to cast level 22 Firestorm on striking Level 10-15 Redemption aura when equipped (varies) +350-400 missile defense (varies) +350-400% enhanced damage (varies) -28% to enemy fire resistance +50 to life +5% maximum lightning resist +10% maximum fire resist +15-21 fire absorb (varies) |
| Pride | Polearms 4 sockets | Cham + Sur + Io + Lo | 25% chance to cast level 17 Fire Ball when struck Level 16-20 Concentrate aura when equipped (varies) 260-300% bonus to attack rating (varies) +1-99% damage to demons (based on character level) Adds 50-280 lightning damage 20% deadly strike Hit blinds target Freezes target +3 +10 to vitality Replenish life +8 1.875-185.625% extra gold from monsters (based on character level) |
| Rift | Polearms, scepters 4 sockets | Hel + Ko + Lem + Gul | 20% chance to cast Level 16 Tornado on striking 16% chance to cast level 21 Frozen Orb on attack 20% bonus to attack rating Adds 160-250 magic damage Adds 60-180 fire damage +5-10 to all stats (varies) +10 to dexterity 38% damage taken goes to mana 75% extra gold from monsters Level 15 Iron Maiden (40 charges) Requirements -20% |
| Spirit | Swords 4 sockets | Tal + Thul + Ort + Amn | +2 to all skills +25-35% faster cast rate +55% faster hit recovery Adds 1-50 lightning damage Adds 3-14 cold damage (3 seconds) +75 poison damage over 5 seconds 7% life stolen per hit +250 missile defense +22 to vitality 89-112 to mana (varies) +3-8 magic absorb (varies) |
| Spirit | Shields 4 sockets | Tal + Thul + Ort + Amn | +2 to all skills +25-35% faster cast rate +55% faster hit recovery +250 missile defense +22 to vitality +89-112 to mana (varies) Cold resist +35% Lightning resist +35% Poison resist +35% +3-8 magic absorb (varies) Attacker takes damage of 14 |
| Voice of Reason | Swords, maces 4 sockets | Lem + Ko + El + Eld | 15% chance to cast level 13 Frozen Orb on striking 18% chance to cast level 20 Ice Blast on striking +50 to attack rating +220-350% damage to demons +355-375% damage to undead (varies) +50 to attack rating against undead Adds 100-220 cold damage -24% to enemy cold resistance +10 to dexterity Cannot be frozen 75% extra gold from monsters +1 to light radius |
| Wrath | Missile weapons 4 sockets | Pul + Lum + Ber + Mal | 30% chance to cast level 1 Decrepify on striking 5% chance to cast level 10 Life Tap on striking +375% damage to demons +100 attack rating against demons +250-300% damage to undead (varies) Adds 85-120 magic damage Adds 41-240 lightning damage 20% chance of crushing blow Prevent monster heal +10 to energy Cannot be frozen |
Best farming areas for runes
Runes drop while fighting your way through Sanctuary, but some areas are more bountiful in drop rates than others. The most common area by far that players will farm runes is by fighting The Countess in Act 1, but we've included a list here of all the best places to farm runes, and which quests guarantee rune rewards.
- Act 1 - Black Marsh - Forgotten Tower - The Countess is located on level 5 and will drop between 1-3 runes upon defeat.
- Act 2 - Arcane Sanctuary - The ghosts here have a limited loot table, making them a prime target for rune farming, and there are numerous chests.
- Act 3 - Travincal - High spawn rate of unique enemies here, specifically the Council Members, make this a popular farming spot for high-value runes.
- Act 4 - Hellforge - Smashing Mephisto's Soulstone guarantees a rune.
- Act 4 - Chaos Sanctuary - This area is where you face off with Diablo and is a great loot-farming area for both runes and gear due to the high spawn rate of Elites.
- Act 5 - Mount Arreat - Complete the 'free 15 Barbarian Warriors' quest for a guaranteed 3 runes.
- Secret Cow Level - opened using a Horadric Cube recipe, has a high rune drop rate due to enemy spawn levels.
Whether you're completely new to the game or are coming back after an extended hiatus, We've also put together this collection of 15 beginner tips and tricks for Diablo 2: Resurrected. And if you're worried you won't be able to run the game to its full potential, have a look at the best pre-built PCs for playing Diablo 2: Resurrected.
Diablo 2: Resurrected
More than a fresh coat of paint
Diablo 2: Resurrected includes the original game and the Lord of Destruction expansion pack, with all-new improvements and better graphical quality. It's available now on all platforms.
