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. 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.
- Level 15 Thorns Aura When Equipped
- +35% Increased Attack Speed
- +320 to 380% Damage to Demons
- +280% Damage to Undead
- Adds 154 Poison Damage Over 5 Seconds
- 7% Life stolen per hit
- Prevent Monster Heal
- +5 to 10 to all Attributes
- +2 to Mana after each Kill
- Reduces all Vendor Prices 15%
- socketed (3)
2. 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.
- Level 12 to 17 Meditation Aura When Equipped
- +35% Faster Cast Rate
- +9 to Minimum Damage (All)
- 180 to 250% Bonus to Attack Rating
- Adds 5-30 Fire Damage
- Adds 154 Poison Damage Over 5 Seconds
- +1 to 6 to Critical Strike
- +5 to all Attributes
- +2 to Mana after each Kill
- 23% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
- +200 to 260% Enhanced Damage
- socketed (4)
3. 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.
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.
- +2 to All Skills
- +25 to 35% Faster Cast Rate
- +55% Faster Hit Recovery
- +250 Defense vs. Missile
- +22 to Vitality
- +89 to 112 to Mana
- Magic Absorb 3 to 8%
- weapons
- Adds 154 Poison Damage Over 5 Seconds
- Adds 3-14 Cold Damage
- Adds 1-50 Lightning Damage
- 7% Life stolen per hit
- shields
- Poison Resist +35%
- Cold Resist +35%
- Lightning Resist +35%
- Attacker Takes Damage of 14
- socketed (4)
5. 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.
Starting as a Sorceress
1. 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.
- Level 12 to 17 Meditation Aura When Equipped
- +35% Faster Cast Rate
- +9 to Minimum Damage (All)
- 180 to 250% Bonus to Attack Rating
- Adds 5-30 Fire Damage
- Adds 154 Poison Damage Over 5 Seconds
- +1 to 6 to Critical Strike
- +5 to all Attributes
- +2 to Mana after each Kill
- 23% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
- +200 to 260% Enhanced Damage
- socketed (4)
2. 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 benefit 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.
3. 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.
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.
- +2 to All Skills
- +25 to 35% Faster Cast Rate
- +55% Faster Hit Recovery
- +250 Defense vs. Missile
- +22 to Vitality
- +89 to 112 to Mana
- Magic Absorb 3 to 8%
- weapons
- Adds 154 Poison Damage Over 5 Seconds
- Adds 3-14 Cold Damage
- Adds 1-50 Lightning Damage
- 7% Life stolen per hit
- shields
- Poison Resist +35%
- Cold Resist +35%
- Lightning Resist +35%
- Attacker Takes Damage of 14
- socketed (4)
Starting as a Paladin
1. 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.2. Holy Thunder
- +10 to Maximum Damage (All)
- -25% Target Defense
- Adds 5-30 Fire Damage
- Adds 21-110 Lightning Damage
- Adds 154 Poison Damage Over 5 Seconds
- +3 to Holy Shock (Paladin only)
- +5% to Maximum Lightning Resist
- Lightning Resist +60%
- Level 7 Chain Lightning (60/60 Charges)
- +60% Enhanced Damage
- socketed (4)
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.
- +60% Faster Block Rate
- Regenerate Mana 15%
- All Resistances +25
- Cannot Be Frozen
- 50% Extra Gold from Monsters
- 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
- socketed (2)
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.
- +2 to All Skills
- +25 to 35% Faster Cast Rate
- +55% Faster Hit Recovery
- +250 Defense vs. Missile
- +22 to Vitality
- +89 to 112 to Mana
- Magic Absorb 3 to 8%
- weapons
- Adds 154 Poison Damage Over 5 Seconds
- Adds 3-14 Cold Damage
- Adds 1-50 Lightning Damage
- 7% Life stolen per hit
- shields
- Poison Resist +35%
- Cold Resist +35%
- Lightning Resist +35%
- Attacker Takes Damage of 14
- socketed (4)
5. 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.
Starting as a Necromancer
1. 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.
- Level 12 to 17 Meditation Aura When Equipped
- +35% Faster Cast Rate
- +9 to Minimum Damage (All)
- 180 to 250% Bonus to Attack Rating
- Adds 5-30 Fire Damage
- Adds 154 Poison Damage Over 5 Seconds
- +1 to 6 to Critical Strike
- +5 to all Attributes
- +2 to Mana after each Kill
- 23% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
- +200 to 260% Enhanced Damage
- socketed (4)
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.
- +60% Faster Block Rate
- Regenerate Mana 15%
- All Resistances +25
- Cannot Be Frozen
- 50% Extra Gold from Monsters
- 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
- socketed (2)
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.
- +2 to All Skills
- +25 to 35% Faster Cast Rate
- +55% Faster Hit Recovery
- +250 Defense vs. Missile
- +22 to Vitality
- +89 to 112 to Mana
- Magic Absorb 3 to 8%
- weapons
- Adds 154 Poison Damage Over 5 Seconds
- Adds 3-14 Cold Damage
- Adds 1-50 Lightning Damage
- 7% Life stolen per hit
- shields
- Poison Resist +35%
- Cold Resist +35%
- Lightning Resist +35%
- Attacker Takes Damage of 14
- socketed (4)
4. 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.
Starting as a Druid
1. 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.
- Level 12 to 17 Meditation Aura When Equipped
- +35% Faster Cast Rate
- +9 to Minimum Damage (All)
- 180 to 250% Bonus to Attack Rating
- Adds 5-30 Fire Damage
- Adds 154 Poison Damage Over 5 Seconds
- +1 to 6 to Critical Strike
- +5 to all Attributes
- +2 to Mana after each Kill
- 23% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
- +200 to 260% Enhanced Damage
- socketed (4)
2. 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 benefit 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.
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.
- +2 to All Skills
- +25 to 35% Faster Cast Rate
- +55% Faster Hit Recovery
- +250 Defense vs. Missile
- +22 to Vitality
- +89 to 112 to Mana
- Magic Absorb 3 to 8%
- weapons
- Adds 154 Poison Damage Over 5 Seconds
- Adds 3-14 Cold Damage
- Adds 1-50 Lightning Damage
- 7% Life stolen per hit
- shields
- Poison Resist +35%
- Cold Resist +35%
- Lightning Resist +35%
- Attacker Takes Damage of 14
- socketed (4)
Starting as an Assassin
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 character block frames 5 4 3 2 1 Assassin 0 13 32 86 600 - +30% Faster Block Rate
- 10% Bonus to Attack Rating
- Adds 12-32 Fire Damage
- Adds 1-50 Lightning Damage
- Adds 3-14 Cold Damage
- Adds 154 Poison Damage Over 5 Seconds
- +6 to Strength
- +6 to Dexterity
- All Resistances +15
- +40 to 80% Enhanced Damage
- socketed (3)
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.
- +60% Faster Block Rate
- Regenerate Mana 15%
- All Resistances +25
- Cannot Be Frozen
- 50% Extra Gold from Monsters
- 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
- socketed (2)
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.
- +2 to All Skills
- +25 to 35% Faster Cast Rate
- +55% Faster Hit Recovery
- +250 Defense vs. Missile
- +22 to Vitality
- +89 to 112 to Mana
- Magic Absorb 3 to 8%
- weapons
- Adds 154 Poison Damage Over 5 Seconds
- Adds 3-14 Cold Damage
- Adds 1-50 Lightning Damage
- 7% Life stolen per hit
- shields
- Poison Resist +35%
- Cold Resist +35%
- Lightning Resist +35%
- Attacker Takes Damage of 14
- socketed (4)
Starting as an Amazon
1. 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.
- Level 12 to 17 Meditation Aura When Equipped
- +35% Faster Cast Rate
- +9 to Minimum Damage (All)
- 180 to 250% Bonus to Attack Rating
- Adds 5-30 Fire Damage
- Adds 154 Poison Damage Over 5 Seconds
- +1 to 6 to Critical Strike
- +5 to all Attributes
- +2 to Mana after each Kill
- 23% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
- +200 to 260% Enhanced Damage
- socketed (4)
2. Peace
3. 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.
4. Zephyr
- 7% Chance to cast level 1 Twister when struck
- +25% Faster Run/Walk
- +25% Increased Attack Speed
- -25% Target Defense
- +66 to Attack Rating
- Adds 1-50 Lightning Damage
- +25 Defense
- +33% Enhanced Damage
- socketed (2)
Starting as a Barbarian
1. 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.2. Honor
- +1 to All Skills
- +9 to Minimum Damage (All)
- +9 to Maximum Damage (All)
- +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
- +160% Enhanced Damage
- socketed (5)
3. Myth
4. 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.
5. Strength
- 7% Life stolen per hit
- 25% Chance of Crushing Blow
- +20 to Strength
- +10 to Vitality
- +2 to Mana after each Kill
- +35% Enhanced Damage
- socketed (2)
