Runes and the runewords they generate when they are properly combined are a key component of Diablo 2: Resurrected. Here are the fundamentals.

In Diablo 2: The expansion Lord of Destruction, runewords and runes were introduced. The initial Diablo 2 game required you to make use of unique weapons and armor for making end-game equipment. However, the new system of ranked items gives an entirely new feel. You can now find runes everywhere you travel throughout the game. Runes can be traded or kept to create powerful runewords. Because Diablo 2: Resurrected folds in the base game as well as the expansion, runes will play a huge role in the world of online commerce and in the rank of your characters. Let's take a look at the way runes work and which runes give you which abilities. We'll also show you how to create runewords. This guide also includes an exhaustive list of all the runewords that are available in Diablo 2 Resurrected.

Diablo 2: Resurrected runes and new abilities

Single runes are available anywhere in Diablo 2 Resurrected, starting in Normal difficulty and moving up to Hell difficulty. You can use runes as gemstones that are socketable, similar to gems. But the real power of runes occurs when you combine them in a certain order inside the form of a specific item. Runewords are by far the most powerful item to be found in the game. They're in the same category as uniques and established items. A full list of runewords can be found in the following section.

Runes are also used in specific Horadric Cube recipes. You can, for instance, use runes with Ral rune with a damaged piece of equipment to fix it. This is an excellent option for those who are short of gold or can't afford to repair your equipment at the expense of a seller. You can also mix runes in the Horadric Cube. This is generally referred to as "cubing up" which is a great method to move up to the next stage of a rune without having to hunt for it on the internet. If you have three El runs and need an Eld, you can put them all in the Cube. After that, press the button to transmute. An Eld rune will appear. This upgrade recipe is included in the rune chart below.

The Hellforge quest in Act 4 is always a source of runes. It is sometimes used to purchase rushes during the scenes. Another great source of runes is the Countess who's located in the middle of the Forgotten Tower in Act 1.

Runes are often used to control the economy of Diablo 2. This is because they have a set rarity, moving from the most frequently (El) to the rarest(Zod). El through Lem are generally considered low runes, Pul through Gul are usually considered mid runes, and Vex through Zod are generally considered high runes. You should not abandon the mid or high runes you come across in your travels.

Diablo 2: Resurrected runewords explained

While they're effective, they are difficult to design. You first need to find the proper runes to make the runeword, then you must find the appropriate weapon or shield that will accept the runeword. The item should have the exact amount of sockets open for the runeword to function and the runes should be placed into the item that is socketed in the proper order. The item must also be plain (white) and magical (blue), rare (yellow), unique (gold) and set (green) items with the right amount of sockets won't work for runewords.

This is why you must take extreme care when creating a word for a rune. Double- and triple check the type of item that you are creating -- the Insight runeword, for instance is able to be created using polearms or staves, however, not spears. Make sure that the runes are laid out properly before inserting them into the object.

There are some nuances regarding different types of armor and weapon that you need to be aware of. The only thing that is classified as "body armor" are items that are placed on the torso. General "armor" includes shields, boots, gloves, helms, etc. Maces runewords will not permit hammers to operate alongside them. "Melee weapons" don't include the ranged weapons like bows and crossbows. Orbs aren't considered to be a melee weapons.

Variable stats are used to assess the quality of runeword rolls. A flawless runeword roll is always worth a lot more than a mediocre roll. It is also recommended to use the best possible base for your runeword (an object with sockets). For example, if you're creating a new runeword to use on a mercenary, you must choose an Ethereal base. Mercenary armor and weapons don't get less durable, which means you don't have to be concerned about them breaking. Every little boost to stats is a factor in Diablo 2: Resurrected.

Runewords can be used on any character. They'll be rewarded with the benefits of the runeword unless stated. This means that you could make use of a Beast runeword to equip a Sorceress with the ability to transform into a Werebear. This diversifies builds and gives players plenty of options in terms of enjoyable playing styles.

Now it is evident that all Diablo 2 Resurrected runewords are available for singleplayer, ladder and non-ladder characters. This is a great change. In the same way, Uber Diablo and the Pandemonium Event are now available to everyone. These are the runewords which were previously restricted to ladder play but can now be accessed by everyone.

This collection contains 15 tips and tricks that will aid you in your journey to Diablo 2: The Resurrected. And if you're worried you won't be able to play the game at its fullest potential, take a look at the top laptops for playing Diablo 2: Resurrected.