Quick List of Runewords for Beginners

Quick List of Runewords for Beginners

Starter Runewords Any Character Can Use

Starting a new character can always be challenging, especially when you are playing the game for the first time or when a new ladder season hits. The biggest problem when finding items you need is RNG, there is no guarantee that you will find a good unique or set item early on. That is why these starter runewords are so useful, because you can reliably get them in the beginning of the game. The runes needed for these runewords are ubiquitous, or you can farm them directly from the Countess.

Did I miss any of your go-to starter runewords? What's you favorite runeword to climb the ladder? Let me know in the comments!

Use the advanced search to find specific runewords based on its properties. Use the runeword calculator to find out which runewords you can make with the runes you own.

  1. 1. Stealth

    Given its many useful starter attributes and easy to find runes, Stealth is the best starter armor in the game. Stealth is so useful that often times it is used throughout nightmare and the beginning of hell difficulty.

    A studded leather socketed with tal and eth to create the Stealth runeword

    Stealth

    'TalEth'required level: 17item type: Armor
    • 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
    • socketed (2)
  2. 2. Edge

    While its Thorns aura can be useful and it has decent other bonuses, the main attraction is the extremely rare attribute Reduces All Vendor Prices 15%. The only other item that offers this bonus is Gheed's Fortune Grand Charm. It's a handy Runeword to keep whenever you need to buy or gamble items. Especially in the early game, where money can be scarce.

    Edge reduces vendor prices and grant a Thorns aura.

    Edge

    'TirTalAmn'required level: 25item type: Missile Weapon
    • 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 15%
    • socketed (3)
  3. 3. Spirit

    A Spirit sword is a massively overpowered Starter Runeword, given its low level requirement and cheap rune cost.A spirit shield on the other hand is an great end-game caster Runeword. The exceptional +2 to All Skills bonus, up to +35% Faster Cast Rate, and massive up to 112 Mana increase, makes it a dream for any starter character and endgame caster build.

    A Spirit shield is almost exclusively made in a Monarch, because it is the shield with the lowest strength requirement (still high for casters) that can still get 4 sockets. Because of the cheap runes, it can be recreated many times, to get the +35% Faster Cast Rate, which is required ror many builds to reach an FCR breakpoint.

    The Spirit shield is also a popular item to use on switch alongside Call to Arms, as it is the only shield to grant +2 to All Skills. This way CTA's Battle Orders are boosted by another two levels, increasing the life and mana boost it provides.

    The first non-Paladin shield that can roll 4 sockets is the elite Monarch shield. This shield can only drop in Hell difficulty. So even though the Spirit Runeword has a level requirement of 25, you'll only be able to wear a Spirit shield from level 54. Paladin shields on the other hand can always roll (drop depends on the monster level) 4 sockets. So a Paladin can benefit from a Spirit shield early on.

    A kite shield socketed with tal, thul, ort and amn to create the Spirit runeword

    Spirit

    'TalThulOrtAmn'required level: 25item type: Sword | Any Shield
    • +2 To All Skills
    • +25-35% Faster Cast Rate (varies)
    • +55% Faster Hit Recovery
    • +250 Defense Vs. Missile
    • +22 To Vitality
    • +89-112 To Mana (varies)
    • +3-8 Magic Absorb (varies)
    • Shields
    • Cold Resist +35%
    • Lightning Resist +35%
    • Poison Resist +35%
    • Attacker Takes Damage of 14
    • Swords
    • Adds 1-50 Lightning Damage
    • Adds 3-14 Cold Damage
    • +75 Poison Damage Over 5 Seconds
    • 7% Life Stolen Per Hit
    • socketed (4)
  4. 4. Insight

    Insight is mainly used for its Meditation Aura, providing nearly unlimited mana for casters. This Aura Runeword is almost exclusively used as Act 2 Mercenary Runeword, but can also be consumed by Necromancer's Iron Golem, both will activate the Meditation Aura for the team.

    The most common mistake people make when making Insight, is using a spear instead of a polearm, causing the Runeword to not work. It is easy to mistake some spears for polearms, but only the bases listed below, qualify for the Insight Runeword.

    Patch 2.4: Insight can now be made in Bows and Crossbows.

    A Diablo 2 mercenary using the Insight Runeword to provide a meditation aura.

    Insight

    'RalTirTalSol'required level: 27item type: Polearm | Staff | Missile Weapon
    • 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
    • socketed (4)
  5. 5. Lore

    Lore is a great early game option, considering the cheap rune cost. It is one of the easiest and most reliable ways to get +1 to All Skills in the helm slot. Besides that, its +2 to Mana After Each Kill can be very handy for early game builds that struggle with Mana regeneration.

    A bone helm socketed with ort and sol to create the Lore runeword

    Lore

    'OrtSol'required level: 27item type: Helm
    • +1 to All Skills
    • +10 to Energy
    • Lightning Resist +30%
    • Damage Reduced by 7
    • +2 to Mana after each Kill
    • +2 to Light Radius
    • socketed (2)

Starting as a Sorceress

  1. 1. Leaf

    Leaf is particularly good for Fire Sorceresses for its +3 to Fire Skills. However, the Fire Skill bonus is not limited to Sorceresses, so this is also a great early-game option for Fire Druids. When used on a Sorceress, the Runeword can be augmented when created in a base that already has a bonus to skills.

    Potentially giving +9 to Warmth, which is very useful for a starting Sorceress, struggling with Mana regeneration. The bonus to Warmth will only beneft Sorceresses, as it is a class-specific skill bonus. Keep in mind that synergies only work for hard skill points, so the +3 to Fire Bolt will not benefit you when you transition to Fire Ball.

    Staves can have up to 3 auto mods specific to Sorceress spells ranging between +1 and +3 to skill level. Therefore, you should look for a 2 socket staff with at least some +skills that your build uses. An easy way to quickly find good staves is to shop with Drognan in act 2. You can reset his shop by exiting and re-entering town.

    A battle staff socketed with tir and ral to create the Leaf runeword

    Leaf

    'TirRal'required level: 19item type: Staff
    • +3 to Fire Skills
    • Adds 5-30 Fire Damage
    • +3 to Inferno (Sorceress Only)
    • +3 to Warmth (Sorceress Only)
    • +3 to Fire Bolt (Sorceress Only)
    • +(2*Clvl) Defense (Based on Character Level)
    • Cold Resist +33%
    • +2 to Mana after each Kill
    • socketed (2)
  2. 2. Spirit

    A Spirit sword is a massively overpowered Starter Runeword, given its low level requirement and cheap rune cost.A spirit shield on the other hand is an great end-game caster Runeword. The exceptional +2 to All Skills bonus, up to +35% Faster Cast Rate, and massive up to 112 Mana increase, makes it a dream for any starter character and endgame caster build.

    A Spirit shield is almost exclusively made in a Monarch, because it is the shield with the lowest strength requirement (still high for casters) that can still get 4 sockets. Because of the cheap runes, it can be recreated many times, to get the +35% Faster Cast Rate, which is required ror many builds to reach an FCR breakpoint.

    The Spirit shield is also a popular item to use on switch alongside Call to Arms, as it is the only shield to grant +2 to All Skills. This way CTA's Battle Orders are boosted by another two levels, increasing the life and mana boost it provides.

    The first non-Paladin shield that can roll 4 sockets is the elite Monarch shield. This shield can only drop in Hell difficulty. So even though the Spirit Runeword has a level requirement of 25, you'll only be able to wear a Spirit shield from level 54. Paladin shields on the other hand can always roll (drop depends on the monster level) 4 sockets. So a Paladin can benefit from a Spirit shield early on.

    A kite shield socketed with tal, thul, ort and amn to create the Spirit runeword

    Spirit

    'TalThulOrtAmn'required level: 25item type: Sword | Any Shield
    • +2 To All Skills
    • +25-35% Faster Cast Rate (varies)
    • +55% Faster Hit Recovery
    • +250 Defense Vs. Missile
    • +22 To Vitality
    • +89-112 To Mana (varies)
    • +3-8 Magic Absorb (varies)
    • Shields
    • Cold Resist +35%
    • Lightning Resist +35%
    • Poison Resist +35%
    • Attacker Takes Damage of 14
    • Swords
    • Adds 1-50 Lightning Damage
    • Adds 3-14 Cold Damage
    • +75 Poison Damage Over 5 Seconds
    • 7% Life Stolen Per Hit
    • socketed (4)
  3. 3. Insight

    Insight is mainly used for its Meditation Aura, providing nearly unlimited mana for casters. This Aura Runeword is almost exclusively used as Act 2 Mercenary Runeword, but can also be consumed by Necromancer's Iron Golem, both will activate the Meditation Aura for the team.

    The most common mistake people make when making Insight, is using a spear instead of a polearm, causing the Runeword to not work. It is easy to mistake some spears for polearms, but only the bases listed below, qualify for the Insight Runeword.

    Patch 2.4: Insight can now be made in Bows and Crossbows.

    A Diablo 2 mercenary using the Insight Runeword to provide a meditation aura.

    Insight

    'RalTirTalSol'required level: 27item type: Polearm | Staff | Missile Weapon
    • 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
    • socketed (4)
  4. 4. Radiance

    While being a better defensive option, Lore is generally a better option due to the skills bonus. If you are struggling with survivability or Mana, Radiance could be the better option.

    A mask socketed with nef, sol and ith to create the Radiance runeword

    Radiance

    'NefSolIth'required level: 27item type: Helm
    • +75% Enhanced Defense
    • +30 Defense vs. Missile
    • +10 to Vitality
    • +10 to Energy
    • +33 to Mana
    • Damage Reduced by 7
    • Magic Damage Reduced by 3
    • 15% Damage Taken Goes to Mana
    • +5 to Light Radius
    • socketed (3)

Starting as a Paladin

  1. 1. Steel

    Steel is a very low level melee Runeword. It only requires a two socket sword, mace, or axe and easy to find runes, so it is very easy to make early on. Its high chance of Open Wounds can be particularly handy for boss fights.

    It is best to create this Runeword in a Sabre or Flail. When using a Flail, you also benefit from +50% damage to Undead.

    A saber socketed with tir and el to create the Steel runeword

    Steel

    'TirEl'required level: 13item type: Sword | Axe | Mace
    • +25% Increased Attack Speed
    • +20% Enhanced Damage
    • +3 to Minimum Damage
    • +3 to Maximum Damage
    • +50 to Attack Rating
    • 50% Chance of Open Wounds
    • +2 to Mana after each Kill
    • +1 to Light Radius
    • socketed (2)
  2. 2. Ancients' Pledge

    All runes for Ancient's Pledge can be obtained from the act 5 quest, Rescue on Mount Arreat.

    It's a very popular shield to make at the end on Normal difficulty, because of its high resistances bonus. It's often used throughout Nightmare and Hell difficulty, until better options become available.

    Qual-kehk rewards the player with a Ral, Ort and Tal rune for the Rescue on Mount Arreat.

    Ancients' Pledge

    'RalOrtTal'required level: 21item type: Any Shield
    • +50% Enhanced Defense
    • Cold Resist +43%
    • Lightning Resist +48%
    • Fire Resist +48%
    • Poison Resist +48%
    • 10% Damage Taken Goes to Mana
    • socketed (3)
  3. 3. Holy Thunder

    A war scepter socketed with eth, ral, ort and tal to create the Holy Thunder runeword

    Holy Thunder

    'EthRalOrtTal'required level: 21item type: Scepter
    • +60% Enhanced Damage
    • +10 to Maximum Damage
    • -25% Target Defense
    • Adds 5-30 Fire Damage
    • Adds 21-110 Lightning Damage
    • +75 Poison Damage over 5 seconds
    • +3 to Holy Shock (Paladin Only)
    • +5% to Maximum Lightning Resist
    • Lightning Resist +60%
    • Level 7 Chain Lightning (60 charges)
    • socketed (4)
  4. 4. Spirit

    A Spirit sword is a massively overpowered Starter Runeword, given its low level requirement and cheap rune cost.A spirit shield on the other hand is an great end-game caster Runeword. The exceptional +2 to All Skills bonus, up to +35% Faster Cast Rate, and massive up to 112 Mana increase, makes it a dream for any starter character and endgame caster build.

    A Spirit shield is almost exclusively made in a Monarch, because it is the shield with the lowest strength requirement (still high for casters) that can still get 4 sockets. Because of the cheap runes, it can be recreated many times, to get the +35% Faster Cast Rate, which is required ror many builds to reach an FCR breakpoint.

    The Spirit shield is also a popular item to use on switch alongside Call to Arms, as it is the only shield to grant +2 to All Skills. This way CTA's Battle Orders are boosted by another two levels, increasing the life and mana boost it provides.

    The first non-Paladin shield that can roll 4 sockets is the elite Monarch shield. This shield can only drop in Hell difficulty. So even though the Spirit Runeword has a level requirement of 25, you'll only be able to wear a Spirit shield from level 54. Paladin shields on the other hand can always roll (drop depends on the monster level) 4 sockets. So a Paladin can benefit from a Spirit shield early on.

    A kite shield socketed with tal, thul, ort and amn to create the Spirit runeword

    Spirit

    'TalThulOrtAmn'required level: 25item type: Sword | Any Shield
    • +2 To All Skills
    • +25-35% Faster Cast Rate (varies)
    • +55% Faster Hit Recovery
    • +250 Defense Vs. Missile
    • +22 To Vitality
    • +89-112 To Mana (varies)
    • +3-8 Magic Absorb (varies)
    • Shields
    • Cold Resist +35%
    • Lightning Resist +35%
    • Poison Resist +35%
    • Attacker Takes Damage of 14
    • Swords
    • Adds 1-50 Lightning Damage
    • Adds 3-14 Cold Damage
    • +75 Poison Damage Over 5 Seconds
    • 7% Life Stolen Per Hit
    • socketed (4)
  5. 5. Rhyme

    Rhyme is a popular shield Runeword due to its Cannot be Frozen mod. It is one of the only budget ways to this bonus reliably, as other uniques rely heavily on luck to obtain. Cannot be Frozen is almost a necessity for most melee characters, so this Runeword is an easy choice for low level players.

    A bone shield socketed with shael and eth to create the Rhyme runeword

    Rhyme

    'ShaelEth'required level: 29item type: Any Shield
    • +40% Faster Block Rate
    • 20% Increased Chance of Blocking
    • Regenerate Mana 15%
    • All Resistances +25
    • Cannot be Frozen
    • 50% Extra Gold from Monsters
    • 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
    • socketed (2)
  6. 6. Black

    The high amount of Crushing Blow, Enhanced Damage, and Increased Attack Speed, makes this weapon a viable choice for melee characters. The Runewords also has the Knockback mod, which can be annoying as a melee user.

    A morning star socketed with thul, io and nef to create the Black runeword

    Black

    'ThulIoNef'required level: 35item type: Club | Hammer | Mace
    • +15% Increased Attack Speed
    • +120% Enhanced Damage
    • +200 to Attack Rating
    • Adds 3-14 Cold Damage
    • 40% Chance of Crushing Blow
    • Knockback
    • +10 to Vitality
    • Magic Damage Reduced By 2
    • Level 4 Corpse Explosion (12 Charges)
    • socketed (3)

Starting as a Necromancer

  1. 1. White

    Wands can have up to 3 auto mods specific to Necromancers spells ranging between +1 and +3 to skill level. Therefore, you should look for a 2 socket wand with at least some +skills that your build uses. An easy way to quickly find a good wands is to shop with Drognan in act 2. You can reset his shop by exiting and re-entering town.

    A grim wand socketed with dol and io to create the White runeword

    White

    'DolIo'required level: 35item type: Wand
    • +3 to Poison and Bone Skills (Necromancer Only)
    • +20% Faster Cast Rate
    • +2 to Bone Spear (Necromancer Only)
    • +4 to Skeleton Mastery (Necromancer Only)
    • +3 to Bone Armor (Necromancer Only)
    • Hit causes monster to flee 25%
    • +10 to vitality
    • +13 to mana
    • Magic Damage Reduced by 4
    • socketed (2)
  2. 2. Rhyme

    Rhyme is a popular shield Runeword due to its Cannot be Frozen mod. It is one of the only budget ways to this bonus reliably, as other uniques rely heavily on luck to obtain. Cannot be Frozen is almost a necessity for most melee characters, so this Runeword is an easy choice for low level players.

    A bone shield socketed with shael and eth to create the Rhyme runeword

    Rhyme

    'ShaelEth'required level: 29item type: Any Shield
    • +40% Faster Block Rate
    • 20% Increased Chance of Blocking
    • Regenerate Mana 15%
    • All Resistances +25
    • Cannot be Frozen
    • 50% Extra Gold from Monsters
    • 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
    • socketed (2)
  3. 3. Spirit

    A Spirit sword is a massively overpowered Starter Runeword, given its low level requirement and cheap rune cost.A spirit shield on the other hand is an great end-game caster Runeword. The exceptional +2 to All Skills bonus, up to +35% Faster Cast Rate, and massive up to 112 Mana increase, makes it a dream for any starter character and endgame caster build.

    A Spirit shield is almost exclusively made in a Monarch, because it is the shield with the lowest strength requirement (still high for casters) that can still get 4 sockets. Because of the cheap runes, it can be recreated many times, to get the +35% Faster Cast Rate, which is required ror many builds to reach an FCR breakpoint.

    The Spirit shield is also a popular item to use on switch alongside Call to Arms, as it is the only shield to grant +2 to All Skills. This way CTA's Battle Orders are boosted by another two levels, increasing the life and mana boost it provides.

    The first non-Paladin shield that can roll 4 sockets is the elite Monarch shield. This shield can only drop in Hell difficulty. So even though the Spirit Runeword has a level requirement of 25, you'll only be able to wear a Spirit shield from level 54. Paladin shields on the other hand can always roll (drop depends on the monster level) 4 sockets. So a Paladin can benefit from a Spirit shield early on.

    A kite shield socketed with tal, thul, ort and amn to create the Spirit runeword

    Spirit

    'TalThulOrtAmn'required level: 25item type: Sword | Any Shield
    • +2 To All Skills
    • +25-35% Faster Cast Rate (varies)
    • +55% Faster Hit Recovery
    • +250 Defense Vs. Missile
    • +22 To Vitality
    • +89-112 To Mana (varies)
    • +3-8 Magic Absorb (varies)
    • Shields
    • Cold Resist +35%
    • Lightning Resist +35%
    • Poison Resist +35%
    • Attacker Takes Damage of 14
    • Swords
    • Adds 1-50 Lightning Damage
    • Adds 3-14 Cold Damage
    • +75 Poison Damage Over 5 Seconds
    • 7% Life Stolen Per Hit
    • socketed (4)
  4. 4. Insight

    Insight is mainly used for its Meditation Aura, providing nearly unlimited mana for casters. This Aura Runeword is almost exclusively used as Act 2 Mercenary Runeword, but can also be consumed by Necromancer's Iron Golem, both will activate the Meditation Aura for the team.

    The most common mistake people make when making Insight, is using a spear instead of a polearm, causing the Runeword to not work. It is easy to mistake some spears for polearms, but only the bases listed below, qualify for the Insight Runeword.

    Patch 2.4: Insight can now be made in Bows and Crossbows.

    A Diablo 2 mercenary using the Insight Runeword to provide a meditation aura.

    Insight

    'RalTirTalSol'required level: 27item type: Polearm | Staff | Missile Weapon
    • 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
    • socketed (4)

Starting as a Druid

  1. 1. Leaf

    Leaf is particularly good for Fire Sorceresses for its +3 to Fire Skills. However, the Fire Skill bonus is not limited to Sorceresses, so this is also a great early-game option for Fire Druids. When used on a Sorceress, the Runeword can be augmented when created in a base that already has a bonus to skills.

    Potentially giving +9 to Warmth, which is very useful for a starting Sorceress, struggling with Mana regeneration. The bonus to Warmth will only beneft Sorceresses, as it is a class-specific skill bonus. Keep in mind that synergies only work for hard skill points, so the +3 to Fire Bolt will not benefit you when you transition to Fire Ball.

    Staves can have up to 3 auto mods specific to Sorceress spells ranging between +1 and +3 to skill level. Therefore, you should look for a 2 socket staff with at least some +skills that your build uses. An easy way to quickly find good staves is to shop with Drognan in act 2. You can reset his shop by exiting and re-entering town.

    A battle staff socketed with tir and ral to create the Leaf runeword

    Leaf

    'TirRal'required level: 19item type: Staff
    • +3 to Fire Skills
    • Adds 5-30 Fire Damage
    • +3 to Inferno (Sorceress Only)
    • +3 to Warmth (Sorceress Only)
    • +3 to Fire Bolt (Sorceress Only)
    • +(2*Clvl) Defense (Based on Character Level)
    • Cold Resist +33%
    • +2 to Mana after each Kill
    • socketed (2)
  2. 2. Spirit

    A Spirit sword is a massively overpowered Starter Runeword, given its low level requirement and cheap rune cost.A spirit shield on the other hand is an great end-game caster Runeword. The exceptional +2 to All Skills bonus, up to +35% Faster Cast Rate, and massive up to 112 Mana increase, makes it a dream for any starter character and endgame caster build.

    A Spirit shield is almost exclusively made in a Monarch, because it is the shield with the lowest strength requirement (still high for casters) that can still get 4 sockets. Because of the cheap runes, it can be recreated many times, to get the +35% Faster Cast Rate, which is required ror many builds to reach an FCR breakpoint.

    The Spirit shield is also a popular item to use on switch alongside Call to Arms, as it is the only shield to grant +2 to All Skills. This way CTA's Battle Orders are boosted by another two levels, increasing the life and mana boost it provides.

    The first non-Paladin shield that can roll 4 sockets is the elite Monarch shield. This shield can only drop in Hell difficulty. So even though the Spirit Runeword has a level requirement of 25, you'll only be able to wear a Spirit shield from level 54. Paladin shields on the other hand can always roll (drop depends on the monster level) 4 sockets. So a Paladin can benefit from a Spirit shield early on.

    A kite shield socketed with tal, thul, ort and amn to create the Spirit runeword

    Spirit

    'TalThulOrtAmn'required level: 25item type: Sword | Any Shield
    • +2 To All Skills
    • +25-35% Faster Cast Rate (varies)
    • +55% Faster Hit Recovery
    • +250 Defense Vs. Missile
    • +22 To Vitality
    • +89-112 To Mana (varies)
    • +3-8 Magic Absorb (varies)
    • Shields
    • Cold Resist +35%
    • Lightning Resist +35%
    • Poison Resist +35%
    • Attacker Takes Damage of 14
    • Swords
    • Adds 1-50 Lightning Damage
    • Adds 3-14 Cold Damage
    • +75 Poison Damage Over 5 Seconds
    • 7% Life Stolen Per Hit
    • socketed (4)
  3. 3. Insight

    Insight is mainly used for its Meditation Aura, providing nearly unlimited mana for casters. This Aura Runeword is almost exclusively used as Act 2 Mercenary Runeword, but can also be consumed by Necromancer's Iron Golem, both will activate the Meditation Aura for the team.

    The most common mistake people make when making Insight, is using a spear instead of a polearm, causing the Runeword to not work. It is easy to mistake some spears for polearms, but only the bases listed below, qualify for the Insight Runeword.

    Patch 2.4: Insight can now be made in Bows and Crossbows.

    A Diablo 2 mercenary using the Insight Runeword to provide a meditation aura.

    Insight

    'RalTirTalSol'required level: 27item type: Polearm | Staff | Missile Weapon
    • 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
    • socketed (4)

Starting as an Assassin

  1. 1. Pattern

    The Pattern Runeword is a low level claws Runeword released in patch 2.4. It is one of the Runewords that were in the original game files, but were disabled. Blizzard had announced 10 new Runewords for patch 1.11, but only 7 made it in the final release (excluding Pattern).

    The updated stats for the Pattern Runeword were revealed, and show that Pattern will be a good low-to-mid tier claw for Assassins transitioning from Normal to Nightmare. While it technically only requires level 23 to equip due to the runes, a Claw with 3 sockets can only roll on claws with iLevel 26 or higher. So the earliest you can find this is in Act 4 Normal.

    The Faster Block Rate reduces the amount of frames of the blocking animation. By itself, this Runeword lacks only 2 points to reach 3 frames (out of 5 frames default).

    Faster Block Rate breakpoints for the Assassin
    characterblock frames
    54321
    Assassin0133286600
    A natalyas mark socketed with tal, ort and thul to create the Pattern runeword

    Pattern

    'TalOrtThul'required level: 23item type: Hand to Hand
    • +30% Faster Bock 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
    • All Resistances +15
    • socketed (3)
  2. 2. Spirit

    A Spirit sword is a massively overpowered Starter Runeword, given its low level requirement and cheap rune cost.A spirit shield on the other hand is an great end-game caster Runeword. The exceptional +2 to All Skills bonus, up to +35% Faster Cast Rate, and massive up to 112 Mana increase, makes it a dream for any starter character and endgame caster build.

    A Spirit shield is almost exclusively made in a Monarch, because it is the shield with the lowest strength requirement (still high for casters) that can still get 4 sockets. Because of the cheap runes, it can be recreated many times, to get the +35% Faster Cast Rate, which is required ror many builds to reach an FCR breakpoint.

    The Spirit shield is also a popular item to use on switch alongside Call to Arms, as it is the only shield to grant +2 to All Skills. This way CTA's Battle Orders are boosted by another two levels, increasing the life and mana boost it provides.

    The first non-Paladin shield that can roll 4 sockets is the elite Monarch shield. This shield can only drop in Hell difficulty. So even though the Spirit Runeword has a level requirement of 25, you'll only be able to wear a Spirit shield from level 54. Paladin shields on the other hand can always roll (drop depends on the monster level) 4 sockets. So a Paladin can benefit from a Spirit shield early on.

    A kite shield socketed with tal, thul, ort and amn to create the Spirit runeword

    Spirit

    'TalThulOrtAmn'required level: 25item type: Sword | Any Shield
    • +2 To All Skills
    • +25-35% Faster Cast Rate (varies)
    • +55% Faster Hit Recovery
    • +250 Defense Vs. Missile
    • +22 To Vitality
    • +89-112 To Mana (varies)
    • +3-8 Magic Absorb (varies)
    • Shields
    • Cold Resist +35%
    • Lightning Resist +35%
    • Poison Resist +35%
    • Attacker Takes Damage of 14
    • Swords
    • Adds 1-50 Lightning Damage
    • Adds 3-14 Cold Damage
    • +75 Poison Damage Over 5 Seconds
    • 7% Life Stolen Per Hit
    • socketed (4)
  3. 3. Rhyme

    Rhyme is a popular shield Runeword due to its Cannot be Frozen mod. It is one of the only budget ways to this bonus reliably, as other uniques rely heavily on luck to obtain. Cannot be Frozen is almost a necessity for most melee characters, so this Runeword is an easy choice for low level players.

    A bone shield socketed with shael and eth to create the Rhyme runeword

    Rhyme

    'ShaelEth'required level: 29item type: Any Shield
    • +40% Faster Block Rate
    • 20% Increased Chance of Blocking
    • Regenerate Mana 15%
    • All Resistances +25
    • Cannot be Frozen
    • 50% Extra Gold from Monsters
    • 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
    • socketed (2)

Starting as an Amazon

  1. 1. Zephyr

    A composite bow socketed with ort and eth to create the Zephyr runeword

    Zephyr

    'OrtEth'required level: 21item type: Missile Weapon
    • 7% Chance to Cast Level 1 Twister When Struck
    • +25% Faster Run/Walk
    • +25% Increased Attack Speed
    • +33% Enhanced Damage
    • -25% Target Defense
    • +66 to Attack Rating
    • Adds 1-50 lightning damage
    • +25 Defense
    • socketed (2)
  2. 2. Peace

    A light plate socketed with shael, thul and amn to create the Peace runeword

    Peace

    'ShaelThulAmn'required level: 29item type: Armor
    • 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
    • socketed (3)
  3. 3. Insight

    Insight is mainly used for its Meditation Aura, providing nearly unlimited mana for casters. This Aura Runeword is almost exclusively used as Act 2 Mercenary Runeword, but can also be consumed by Necromancer's Iron Golem, both will activate the Meditation Aura for the team.

    The most common mistake people make when making Insight, is using a spear instead of a polearm, causing the Runeword to not work. It is easy to mistake some spears for polearms, but only the bases listed below, qualify for the Insight Runeword.

    Patch 2.4: Insight can now be made in Bows and Crossbows.

    A Diablo 2 mercenary using the Insight Runeword to provide a meditation aura.

    Insight

    'RalTirTalSol'required level: 27item type: Polearm | Staff | Missile Weapon
    • 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
    • socketed (4)
  4. 4. Radiance

    While being a better defensive option, Lore is generally a better option due to the skills bonus. If you are struggling with survivability or Mana, Radiance could be the better option.

    A mask socketed with nef, sol and ith to create the Radiance runeword

    Radiance

    'NefSolIth'required level: 27item type: Helm
    • +75% Enhanced Defense
    • +30 Defense vs. Missile
    • +10 to Vitality
    • +10 to Energy
    • +33 to Mana
    • Damage Reduced by 7
    • Magic Damage Reduced by 3
    • 15% Damage Taken Goes to Mana
    • +5 to Light Radius
    • socketed (3)

Starting as a Barbarian

  1. 1. Steel

    Steel is a very low level melee Runeword. It only requires a two socket sword, mace, or axe and easy to find runes, so it is very easy to make early on. Its high chance of Open Wounds can be particularly handy for boss fights.

    It is best to create this Runeword in a Sabre or Flail. When using a Flail, you also benefit from +50% damage to Undead.

    A saber socketed with tir and el to create the Steel runeword

    Steel

    'TirEl'required level: 13item type: Sword | Axe | Mace
    • +25% Increased Attack Speed
    • +20% Enhanced Damage
    • +3 to Minimum Damage
    • +3 to Maximum Damage
    • +50 to Attack Rating
    • 50% Chance of Open Wounds
    • +2 to Mana after each Kill
    • +1 to Light Radius
    • socketed (2)
  2. 2. Strength

    A morning star socketed with amn and tir to create the Strength runeword

    Strength

    'AmnTir'required level: 25item type: Melee Weapon
    • +35% Enhanced Damage
    • 7% Life stolen per hit
    • 25% Chance of Crushing Blow
    • +20 to Strength
    • +10 to Vitality
    • +2 to Mana after each Kill
    • socketed (2)
  3. 3. Honor

    A flamberge socketed with amn, el, ith, tir and sol to create the Honor runeword

    Honor

    'AmnElIthTirSol'required level: 27item type: Melee Weapon
    • +1 to all skills
    • +160% Enhanced Damage
    • +9 to Minimum Damage
    • +9 to Maximum Damage
    • +250 to Attack Rating
    • 7% Life Stolen per Hit
    • 25% Deadly Strike
    • +10 to Strength
    • Replenish life +10
    • +2 to Mana after each Kill
    • +1 to Light Radius
    • socketed (5)
  4. 4. Myth

    A ancient armor socketed with hel, amn and nef to create the Myth runeword

    Myth

    'HelAmnNef'required level: 33item type: Armor
    • 3% Chance To Cast Level 1 Howl When Struck
    • 10% Chance To Cast Level 1 Taunt On Striking
    • +2 To Barbarian Skill Levels
    • +30 Defense Vs. Missile
    • Replenish Life +10
    • Attacker Takes Damage of 14
    • Requirements -15%
    • socketed (3)
  5. 5. Black

    The high amount of Crushing Blow, Enhanced Damage, and Increased Attack Speed, makes this weapon a viable choice for melee characters. The Runewords also has the Knockback mod, which can be annoying as a melee user.

    A morning star socketed with thul, io and nef to create the Black runeword

    Black

    'ThulIoNef'required level: 35item type: Club | Hammer | Mace
    • +15% Increased Attack Speed
    • +120% Enhanced Damage
    • +200 to Attack Rating
    • Adds 3-14 Cold Damage
    • 40% Chance of Crushing Blow
    • Knockback
    • +10 to Vitality
    • Magic Damage Reduced By 2
    • Level 4 Corpse Explosion (12 Charges)
    • socketed (3)

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