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Version History
-February 18th, 2005
Table of Contents added.
Section I and II added.
-February 20th, 2005
Section III added.
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Table of contents
Section I - Legal Information
Section II - The New Runewords
- Rune Information
Section III - Weapon Runewords
- Brand
- Death
- Destruction
- Edge
- Faith
- Fortitude
- Greif
- Harmony
- Ice
- Infinity
- Insight
- Last Wish
- Lawbringer
- Oath
- Obedience
- Pheonix
- Pride
- Rift
- Spirit
- Voice of Reason
- Wrath
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Section I - Legal Information
=====================================================================
The following FAQ is cannot be published, sold, or be plagurized by
any means. Vialoting these laws, will allow consequences to be made.
This FAQ may be posted on a site with a written agreement from the
author, Sean Crookston (Me). If you are caught without an agreement,
then you will face the conseqences of big payback.
Copyright Sean Crookston (DeckardCain) 2004 - All Rights Reserved
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Section II - The New Runewords
=====================================================================
As you all know, Blizzard has set out new runewords for players to
discover. They did not change the version of the game, but they did
allow more runewords to be made. All runewords have been made, and
many people like some of them for being useful, while others hate
certain new runewords for being totally pointless. Continue down to
find out about the runes and their effects.
-Runes Information-
While playing the game, whether it be questing, leveling, or finding
items, you'll eventually find runes. Runes are like gems, except that
they can do different modifications on different pieces of equipment
depending on the rune being used. The higher the rune, the higher the
rarity. Below is information on runes and their effects.
El Rune (11)
Weapons: +1 Light Radius, 50 to attack rating
Armor/Helm/Shield: +1 Light Radius, +15 Defense
Eld Rune (11)
Weapons: 50 attack rating to Undead, 75% damage to Undead
Armor/Helm: 15% slower stamina drain
Shield: 7% increased chance of blocking
Tir Rune (13)
Weapon/Armor/Helm/Shield: +2 to mana after each kill
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Section III - Weapon Runewords
=====================================================================
Before I start off listing the new runewords, there is some valuable
information you will need to know. First off, the new runewords are
for ladder ONLY (On Battle.net). If you try to make the runeword on
non-ladder, you'll just be wasting your runes. Also, please note
that you use the correct runes, in the correct equipment, with the
correct rune order with the correct amount of sockets.
Example: Greif runeword will require a 5os (open socket) sword or
axe, and the runes Eth + Tir + Lo + Mal + Ral socketed in the weapon
in that order.
Read carefully about what runes are needed, and the specific armor
or weapon needed for the runeword to be made in is correct. If some
information I provide is false, please tell me (Section VI) and I
will fix it. Also read the FAQ at the bottom before reporting errors
to be corrected. Now that I have explained this to you, let us
continue on to the runewords!
Modifications:
35% Chance to cast level 14 Amplify Damage when struck
100% Chance to cast level 18 Bone Spear on striking
Fires explosive arrows or bolts
+260-340% Enhanced damage
Ignore Target's Defense
20% Bonus to attack rating
+280-330% Damage to demons
20% Deadly strike
Prevent monster heal
Knockback
Description: Very nice weapon, but it is missing increased
attack speed, which is very important. Use this if you want to do
heavy damage. Best used for an Amazon.
=====================================================================
Runeword: Death
Weapon: 5os Sword/Axe
Rune Order: Hel + El + Vex + Ort + Gul
Modifications:
100% Chance to cast level 44 Chain Lightning when you die
25% Chance to cast level 18 Glacial Spike on attack
Indestructable
+300-385% Enhanced damage
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% Deadly strike (Per character level)
+1 To light radius
Level 22 Blood Golem (15 Charges)
Requirements -20%
Description: Seems like a superb weapon, but it also does not
include increased attack speed. Once again, great for heavy
damage, but not very fast. If you want to make this runeword,
it is highly recommended using an Ethereal weapon, because it
is indestructable, meaning it will never break. Best used for
Barbarians.
Modifications:
23% Chance to cast level 12 Volcano on striking
5% Chance to cast level 22 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
Description: Just like Death runeword, but with more of those chance
to cast attack stuff. Pretty much wasted runeword, as there is no
increased attack speed on it! Do not even make this runeword, or
even trade for it. It's only worth the Ko rune used in it, nothing
more.
Modifications:
Level 15 Thorns Aura When Equipped
+35% Increased Attack Speed
+320-380% Damage To Demons
+280% Damage To Undead
+75 Poison Damage Over 5 Seconds
7% Life Stolen Per Hit
Prevent Monster Heal
+5-10 To All Attributes
+2 To Mana After Each Kill
Reduces All Vendor Prices 15%
Description: This isn't bad for a low level Amazon, since it has good
increased attack speed, and a Thorns aura. What it lacks is Enhanced
damage (Except for demons and undead monsters). Other than that, it
is nice weapon for a Amazon with a bow.
Modifications:
Level 12-15 Fanaticism Aura When Equipped
+1-2 To All Skills
+330% Enhanced Damage
Ignore Target's Defense
300% Bonus To Attack Rating
+75% Damage To Undead
+50 To Attack Rating Against Undead
All Resistances +15
10% Reanimate As: Returned
75% Extra Gold From Monsters
Description: This bow is practically the best bow in the game. There
is nothing better than this bow. Even though there is no increased
attack speed on it, the Fanaticism Aura gives increased attack
speed to everyone close by, and even gives enhanced damage to near
allies. This bow is absolutely amazing!! This bow certainly is
bringing back the "Bowazons" in Diablo II.
Modifications:
20% Chance To Cast Level 15 Chilling Armor when Struck
+25% Faster Cast Rate
+300% Enhanced Damage
+200% Enhanced Defense
+50 To Attack Rating
+1-1.5 To Life (Per Character Level)
Hit Causes Monster To Flee 25%
+5% To Maximum Lightning Resist
All Resistances +25-30
+9 To Minimum Damage
12% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
+1 To Light Radius
Description: Fortitude is a decent weapon. I dueled a person with
this weapon, and he owned me. This runeword is pretty nice, and if
you have a Lo rune, you should find a 4os weapon and make this. But
then again, Greif is much better.
Modifications:
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% (Per Character Level) Damage To Demons
Adds 5-30 Fire Damage
-20-25% To Enemy Poison Resistance
20% Deadly Strike
Prevent Monster Heal
+2 To Mana After Each Kill
+11 Life After Each Kill
Description: This weapon here is comparable to BoTD (Breath of the
Dying). If you want a good dueling weapon or need a nice weapon for
monsters, this is just about the best choice. I've dueled many
paladins zealers, and they own all the time. It's almost impossible
to beat someone using this runeword. Best used for paladins or
Barbarians.
Modifications:
Level 10 Vigor Aura When Equipped
+200-275% Enhanced Damage
+9 To Minimum Damage
+9 To Maximum Damage
Adds 55-160 Lightning Damage
Adds 55-160 Fire Damage
Adds 55-160 Cold Damage
+2-6 To Valkyrie
+10 To Dexterity
Regenerate Mana 20%
+2 To Mana After Each Kill
+2 To Light Radius
Level 20 Revive (25 Charges)
Description: This runeword is not too bad, besides the fact that it
has no increased attack speed. Good damage for a low-mid level
bow Amazon. It also has Revive skills in it, meaning you can summon
a massive amount of monsters you have slained to use as tanks. Other
than that, it isn't too great.
Modifications:
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
Ignore Target's Defense
+25-30% To Cold Skill Damage
-20% To Enemy Cold Resistance
7% Life Stolen Per Hit
20% Deadly Strike
3.125 Extra Gold From Monsters (Per Character Level)
Description: This bow is pretty good for a Bow Amazon specializing in
ice skills, but the runes it uses are too expensive, making it not
worth making. However, it does have increased attack speed and also
deadly strike, so that makes up for the damage. It is very useful for
ice skilled Bowazons.
Modifications:
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
-(45-55)% To Enemy Lightning Resistance
40% Chance of Crushing Blow
Prevent Monster Heal
0.5 To Vitality (Per Character Level)
30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Level 21 Cyclone Armor (30 Charges)
Description: This weapon runeword is practically the best for an
Act two mercenary, especially if your character uses elements. It has
good enhanced damage, and a conviction aura, which lowers the enemy
resistances to elements. And if you use a lightning sorceress, then
that will prove even better use. If your rich, make one of these and
your merc will do heavy damage. The only thing lacking in this is
the increased attack speed. Overall, it is the best Act two mercenary
weapon you can make.
Modifications:
Level 12-17 Meditation Aura When Equipped
+35% Faster Cast Rate
+200-260% Enhanced Damage
+9 To Minimum Damage
180-250% Bonus to Attack Rating
Adds 5-30 Fire Damage
+75 Poison Damage Over 5 Seconds
+1-6 To Critical Strike
+5 To All Attributes
+2 To Mana After Each Kill
23% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Description: This runeword is not as great as Infinity, but it still
comes out to make a nice Mercanary weapon. If you have problems with
mana, this Meditation aura will recover mana extremely fast. If you
pretty new to the game, this is a cheap runeword that you can make
early in the game. Do not make it in staves, unless you have nothing
better than this.
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Runeword: Last Wish
Weapon: 6os Swords/Hammers/Axes
Rune Order: Jah + Mal + Jah + Sur + Jah + Ber
Modifications:
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
Ignore Target's Defense
60-70% Chance of Crushing Blow
Prevent Monster Heal
Hit Blinds Target
0.5% Chance of Getting Magic Items (Per Character Level)
Description: This is very expensive to make, and it definitely not
worth making or even trading for. No increased attack speed, but
still does several amounts of enhanced damage, combined with an
aura of Might. Massive damage, but not fast attack speed. Stick
with Breath of The Dying, since you gain both increased attack
speed, and more enhanced damage. If your Breath of the Dying is
ethereal, it will easily surpass the might aura.
Modifications:
20% Chance to Cast Level 15 Decrepify on Striking
Level 18 Sanctuary Aura When Equipped
-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 Defense Vs. Missile
+10 To Dexterity
75% Extra Gold From Monsters
Description: Mid runes are used in this weapon, so it isn't too bad,
besides the fact that it has no increased attack speed or even any
enhanced damage. Don't bother making this runeword, you'll just be
wasting a few runes.
Modifications:
30% Chance To Cast Level 20 Bone Spirit On Striking
Indestructible
+50% Increased Attack Speed
+210-340% Enhanced Damage
+75% Damage To Demons
+100 To Attack Rating Against Demons
Prevent Monster Heal
+10 To Energy
+10-15 Magic Absorb
Level 16 Heart Of Wolverine (20 Charges)
Level 17 Iron Golem (14 Charges)
Description: This weapon is very nice. It doesn't use any high runes
and it gets 50% increased attack speed, and 210-340% enhanced damage.
You should make this weapon if you happen to find a 4os ethereal
weapon. It has Iron Golem charges and Heart of Wolverine charges, so
you can do massive damage and have a tanker with you.
Modifications:
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
-25% To Enemy Fire Resistance
40% Chance of Crushing Blow
+200-300 Defense
+10 To Strength
+10 To Dexterity
All Resistances +20-30
Requirements -20%
Description: If you ever find a 5os Cryptic Axe, you definitely need
to make this runeword. 370% enhanced damage is just as great as
Breath of The Dying. I made this runeword, and the weapon itself does
over 1k of damage. It doesn't have increased attack speed, but it is
a great alternative to Breath of The Dying.
Modifications:
100% Chance To Cast level 40 Blaze When You Level-up
40% Chance To Cast Level 22 Firestorm On Striking
Level 13 Redemption Aura When Equipped
+350-400% Enhanced Damage
-28% To Enemy Fire Resistance
+350-400 Defense Vs. Missile
+50 To Life
+5% To Maximum Lightning Resist
+10% To Maximum Fire Resist
+15-21 Fire Absorb
Description: This weapon isn't bad, but uses way too many high runes.
It would be much better using Breath of The Dying or Greif. Even Oath
runeword could be better than this. This is much better made in a
shield. (See Section IV)
=====================================================================
Runeword: Pride
Weapon: 4os Polearm
Rune Order: Cham + Sur + Io + Lo
Modifications:
25% Chance To Cast Level 17 Fire Wall When Struck
Level 18 Concentration Aura When Equipped
260-300% Bonus To Attack Rating
+1% Damage To Demons (Per Character Level)
Adds 50-280 Lightning Damage
20% Deadly Strike
Hit Blinds Target
Freezes Target +3
+10 To Vitality
Replenish Life +8
+1.875% Extra Gold From Monsters (Per Character Level)
Description: This is almost a complete waste. Don't even bother to
try making this runeword. No increased attack speed, and only damage
is enhanced to demons. It requires three high runes, so basically
you're wasting a lot of wealth if you make this.
Modifications:
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
38% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
75% Extra Gold From Monsters
Level 15 Iron Maiden (40 Charges)
Requirements -20%
Description: Worthless, and doesn't help much. Again, no increased
attack speed, and no enhanced damage. Those two stats are important,
and if a weapon doesn't have any of them, it is useless. (Unless your
a caster).
Modifications:
+2 To All Skills
+25-35% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
Adds 1-50 Lightning Damage
Adds 3-14 Cold Damage
+75 Poison Damage Over 5 Seconds
7% Life Stolen Per Hit
+250 Defense Vs. Missile
+22 To Vitality
+89-112 To Mana
+3-8 Magic Absorb
Description: This is great for a low level, but when you get near the
50s and higher in levels, you can find better things. This is mostly
meant to be made for a caster, and not melee. This runeword is much
better in shields, though. (See Section IV)
=====================================================================
Runeword: Voice of Reason
Weapon: 4os Sword/Mace
Rune Order: Lem + Ko + El + Eld
Modifications:
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
+280-300% Damage To Undead
+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
Description: It could be useful for both Freezadins, and Sorceresses,
but there are much better weapons. Just dont make this unless you are
desperate.
Modifications:
30% Chance To Cast Level 1 Decrepify On Striking
5% Chance To Cast Level 10 life Tap On Striking
+375% Damage To Demons
+100 To Attack Rating Against Demons
+250-300% Damage To Undead
Adds 85-120 Magic Damage
Adds 41-240 Lightning Damage
20% Chance of Crushing Blow
Prevent Monster Heal
+10 To Energy
Cannot Be Frozen
Description: No increased attack speed, and only enhanced damage to
demons and undead. Sorry, but this is useless. Only modification that
is useful is Cannot be Frozen, but there are few other items that you
can use to get that modification.
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Section IV - Armor Runewords
=====================================================================
Some runewords may have been mentioned in the weapon section, but do
not believe that it is a mistake. Blizzard has made some runewords
able to be made in both weapons and armors. Some are better in the
weapon, and some are better in the armor.
Runeword: Dragon
Armor: 3os Body Armor/Shield
Rune Order: Sur + Lo + Sol
Modifications:
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 Defense Vs. Missile
+3-5 To All Attributes
+0.375 To Strength (Per Character Level)
Increase Maximum Mana 5%
+5% To Maximum Lightning Resist
Damage Reduced by 7
Description: This is only good for a vengeance Paladin, along with
dream runeword, and a Doom runeword. With those three runewords are
combined, they can allow you to have Holy freeze, Holy fire, and
holy thunder auras at the same time! If you equip a conviction aura
on your Paladin, you will do MASSIVE elemental damage.
Modifications:
10% Chance To Cast Level 15 Confuse When Struck
Level 15 Holy Shock Aura When Equipped
+20-30% Faster Hit Recovery
+30% Enhanced Defense
+150-220 Defense
+10 To Vitality
Increase Maximum Life 5%
+0.625 To Mana (Per Character Level)
All Resistances +5-20
15-25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items
Description: This runeword seems to be popular with helms. Again,
as I mentioned before with Dragon runeword, it is Godly for a
vengeance Paladin with conviction aura. You do massive damage
in elemental skills, so think about making this build. These
runewords are meant to bring back dead builds, and make them the
godly characters in the game.
Modifications:
20% Chance To Cast Level 15 Chilling Armor when Struck
+25% Faster Cast Rate
+300% Enhanced Damage
+200% Enhanced Defense
+15 Defense
+1-1.5 To Life (Per Character Level)
Replenish Life +7
+5% To Maximum Lightning Resist
All Resistances +25-30
Damage Reduced By 7
12% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
+1 To Light Radius
Description: Any characters that are pure Melee, will love this. The
armor adds 200% enhanced defense, and also 300% enhanced damage! My
mercenary was wearing this and he did 9k damage, and with a Paladin,
your mercenary can take off to 15k per hit. You also get some decent
resistance, so that helps too, and faster cast rate if you need to
use Battle orders, shout, Holy shield, those kind of skills, is
pretty nice too. Another godly modification is the 20% chance of
casting yourself a Chilling armor, which boosts your defense up
really high, which can surpass the defense Stone runeword gives.
VERY NICE CHOICE INDEED.
Modifications:
100% Chance To Cast level 40 Blaze When You Level-up
40% Chance To Cast Level 22 Firestorm On Striking
Level 13 Redemption Aura When Equipped
+350-400% Enhanced Damage
-28% To Enemy Fire Resistance
+350-400 Defense Vs. Missile
+50 To Life
+5% To Maximum Lightning Resist
+10% To Maximum Fire Resist
+15-21 Fire Absorb
Description: This is much better made in a shield than weapon, thats
for sure. 350-400% ENHANCED DAMAGE. If this is combined with Breath
of the Dying, and Fortitude, and a Dream helmet, you can do 15k of
damage, with EASE. This is an expensive shield to make, but it is
worth it. Try to get your hands on one of these, and you won't
regret it. ;)
Modifications:
+2 To All Skills
+25-35% Faster Cast Rate
+55% Faster Hit Recovery
+250 Defense Vs. Missile
+22 To Vitality
+89-112 To Mana
Cold Resist +35%
Lightning Resist +35%
Poison Resist +35%
+3-8 Magic Absorb
Attacker Takes Damage of 14
Description: This is pure godly for any caster. This easily beats
Lidless Wall in the modifications. +2 All Skills, 25-35% Faster
Cast Rate, and a load of mana, a load of vitality, and even resists!
You definetely need one of these, LOW RUNES used to make a godly
shield. Easy, right? No. You need a 4os shield, and a Monarch is
the lowest shield for strength requirements, that can have four
open sockets. You should sacrifice some of your stats to get 150
or so strength. Trust me, it is well worth spending 20-30 strength,
when you get +22 to vitality, and loads of mana. It's as if you
used them in those stats instead of strength.
=====================================================================
Section V - Frequently Asked Questions
=====================================================================
Q: Why can't I make these runewords on non-ladder?
A: Blizzard made these runewords for Ladder only.
Q: Is there a way to get these runewords on non-ladder?
A: Yes, when blizzard resets the ladder, all items, including the
ladder only runewords, will transfer over to non-ladder. (They
will be worth quite a bit in price)
Q: Which runeword is the best?
A: Depends on the character build you have. The best runewords for
Melee characters are Greif, Fortitude (Armor), Pheonix (Shield),
Dream (Helm). Spirit is the best caster shield in the game pretty
much.
Q: Which runewords are good for Mercenaries?
A: Obedience is a cheap runeword with loads of enhanced damage, but
not as great as Breath of the Dying. It is a cheap alternative to it.
Fortitude that is Ethereal is great for a mercenary, along with Dream
helmet. If your character is a caster, then your mercenary should use
Infinity, created inside an Ethereal Cryptic Axe.
Q: Some of these runewords use way too many high runes! How will I
ever get them?
A: Well, my friend, you got to keep playing and sooner or later, you
will find stuff that you can trade. You can always make the runewords
that use lower runes, and you'll still be able to fend off the beasts
in Hell difficulty.
Q: Will you make more FAQs for Diablo?
A: Probably not. I am not sure if I will write more FAQs period. I
will write around 10 reviews for games, and I might feel like making
another FAQ for GameFAQS.
Q: Will you give me free runewords?
A: NO. I don't sit here handing all my things. You got to find things
for youself, or else here is no point in playing the game. It's all
about finding stuff to become godly. If you can't do it, use ebay. :p
=====================================================================
Section VI - Credits / Ending
=====================================================================
- Thanks To -
Me - Obviously I wrote the FAQ, so I deserve credit. :p
Blizzard - For making a fun game, and adding ladder only runewords.
Battle.net - For a free online gaming place for me to play at.
B.Net Friends - Thanks to them for helping me out some.
GameFAQs - For accepting this FAQ.
DoA - Demons of Armaggedon!!! We own everyone!!! lol
- Contact Information -
Name: Sean (DeckardCain on GameFAQs)
E-Mail: DoA_Sean@yahoo.com
Site: www.d2doa.com (Iamstupid on the forums)
Xfire IM: doasean
