The Diablo 2 Wiki
The Diablo 2 Wiki archive is available for anyone looking for information on Diablo 2. All information here is pre-D2R but contains a lot of useful information that is still relevant. Updated sections for new D2R features can be found on the PureDiablo Diablo 2 section

Runeword Armor

From Diablo 2 Wiki
Diablo II Items [e]
Weapons
AxesBowsCrossbowsDaggersJavelinsMacesPolearmsSceptersSpearsStavesSwordsThrowingWands
Armor
BeltsBody ArmorBootsCircletsGlovesHelmsShields
Class-specific
Assassin ItemsAmazon ItemsBarbarian ItemsDruid ItemsNecromancer ItemsPaladin ItemsSorceress Items
Other
CharmsClass ItemsCraftedHoradric CubeRunesSet ItemsUniquesJewelsSockets
Guides and Stats
CalculationsGamblingItem GenerationModifiersRunewordsQuest ItemsPotionsEtherealGemsBase Item LevelsMisc
Runes
RunewordsRune hunting
Rune listRune FAQ
Runewords Armor
Runewords Headgear
Runewords Shields
Runewords Weapons
Rune Group
Runewords Nav

Armor for runewords is usually selected based on the defense of the armor. Popular choices are Mage Plate and the lighter cloth and leather elite armors, since they have more defense than exceptional plate armor, can spawn with 3 or 4 sockets, don't slow running speed, and have lower strength requirements.

To Make a Runeword

  1. Items used for Runewords must be gray text items, normal, exceptional, or Elite. Low Quality, Superior, and Ethereal can be used, but you can not use magical, Rare, Set, Crafted, or Unique items, even if they have the correct number of sockets.
  2. The item must be of the correct type.
  3. The item must have exactly the correct number of sockets -- no more.
  4. You must socket the Runes in the correct order.

Notes:

  • The Runes fill the sockets in numerical order automatically, i.e. in the order 1, 2, 3, .... For example, trying to place the third Rune of a Runeword into the third socket while sockets 1 and 2 are empty will result in the Rune filling socket 1, contrary to intentions. As mentioned elsewhere, it is possible to remove an item from a socket, but the item is destroyed in the process.
  • The Runeword Preparation Recipes tune equipment for receiving Runewords.
  • Check the Rune FAQ for further help.


Alphabetical List of Armor Runewords

RunewordStatsCommentsActive In
v1.11+v1.10v1.09
Bone

SolUmUm
Sol (12) + Um (22) + Um (22)
Armor {3}
Clvl Required: 47

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 To Mana (varies)
All Resistances +30
Damage Reduced By 7

Useful Necromancer bonuses.YesNoNo
Bramble

RalOhmSurEth
Ral (8) + Ohm (27) + Sur (29) + Eth (5)
Armor {4}
Clvl Required: 61

Level 15-21 Thorns Aura When Equipped (varies)

+50% Faster Hit Recovery
+25-50% To Poison Skill Damage (varies)
+300 Defense
Increase Maximum Mana 5%
Regenerate Mana 15%
+5% To Maximum Cold Resist
Fire Resist +30%
Poison Resist +100%
+13 Life After Each Kill
Level 13 Spirit of Barbs (33 Charges)

See it here.YesYesNo
Chains of Honor

DolUmBerIst
Dol (14) + Um (22) + Ber (30) + Ist (24)
Armor {4}
Clvl Required: 63

+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

See it here.YesYesNo
Dragon

SurLoSol
Sur (29) + Lo (28) + Sol (12)
Armor, Shields {3}
Clvl Required: 61

Both

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 (varies)
+(0.375*Clvl) To Strength (Based on Character Level)
+5% To Maximum Lightning Resist
Damage Reduced by 7
Armor
Increase Maximum Mana 5%
Shields
+50 To Mana

Ladder OnlyYesYesNo
Duress

ShaelUmThul
Shael (13) + Um (22) + Thul (10)
Armor {3}
Clvl Required: 47

40% faster hit Recovery

+10-20% Enhanced Damage (varies)
Adds 37-133 Cold Damage
15% Crushing Blow
33% Open Wounds
+150-200% Enhanced Defense (varies)
-20% Slower Stamina Drain
Cold Resist +45%
Lightning Resist +15%
Fire Resist +15%
Poison Resist +15%

See it here.YesYesYes
Enigma


JahIthBer
Jah (31) + Ith (6) + Ber (30)
Armor {3}
Clvl Required: 65

+2 To All Skills

+45% Faster Run/Walk
+1 To Teleport
+750-775 Defense (Varies)
+(0.75*Clvl) To Strength (Based On Character Level)
Increase Maximum Life 5%
Damage Reduced By 8%
+14 Life After Each Kill
15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
(1*Clvl)% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (Based On Character Level)

See it here.YesYesNo
Enlightenment

PulRalSol
Pul (21) + Ral (8) + Sol (12)
Armor {3}
Clvl Required: 45

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

SorceressYesNoNo
Fortitude

ElSolDolLo
El (1) + Sol (12) + Dol (14) + Lo (28)
Weapons & Armor {4}
Clvl Required: 59

Both

20% Chance To Cast Level 15 Chilling Armor when Struck
+25% Faster Cast Rate
+300% Enhanced Damage
+200% Enhanced Defense
+((8-12)*0.125*Clvl) To Life (Based on Character Level) (varies)
All Resistances +25-30 (varies)
12% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
+1 To Light Radius
Weapons
+9 To Minimum Damage
+50 To Attack Rating
20% Deadly Strike
Hit Causes Monster To Flee 25%
Armor
+15 Defense
Replenish Life +7
+5% To Maximum Lightning Resist
Damage Reduced By 7

Ladder OnlyYesYesNo
Gloom

FalUmPul
Fal (19)+ Um (22) + Pul (21)
Armor {3}
Clvl Required: 47

15% Chance To Cast Level 3 Dim Vision When Struck

+10% Faster Hit Recovery
+200-260% Enhanced Defense (varies)
+10 To Strength
All Resistances +45
Half Freeze Duration
5% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
-3 To Light Radius

See it here.YesYesNo
Lionheart

HelLumFal
Hel (15) + Lum (17) + Fal (19)
Armor {3}
Clvl Required: 41

+20% Enhanced Damage

+25 To Strength
+15 To Dexterity
+20 To Vitality
+10 To Energy
+50 To Life
All Resistances +30
Requirements -15%

See it here.YesYesYes
Myth

HelAmnNef
Hel (15) + Amn (11) + Nef (4)
Armor {3}
Clvl Required: 25

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%

BarbarianYesNoNo
Peace

ShaelThulAmn
Shael (13) + Thul (10) + Amn (11)
Armor {3}
Clvl Required: 29

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

AmazonYesNoNo
Principle

RalGulEld
Ral (8) + Gul (25) + Eld (2)
Armor {3}
Clvl Required: 55

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% To Maximum Poison Resist
Fire Resist +30%

PaladinYesNoNo
Prudence

MalTir
Mal (23) + Tir (3)
Armor {2}
Clvl Required: 49

+25% Faster Hit Recovery

+140-170% Enhanced Defense (varies)
All Resistances +25-35 (varies)
Damage Reduced by 3
Magic Damage Reduced by 17
+2 To Mana After Each Kill
+1 To Light Radius
Repairs Durability 1 In 4 Seconds

-YesYesNo
Rain

OrtMalIth
Ort (9) + Mal (23) + Ith (6)
Armor {3}
Clvl Required: 49

5% Chance To Cast Level 15 Cyclone Armor When Struck

5% Chance To Cast Level 15 Twister On Striking
+2 To Druid Skills
+100-150 To Mana (varies)
Lightning Resist +30%
Magic Damage Reduced By 7
15% Damage Taken Goes to Mana

DruidYesNoNo
Smoke

NefLum
Nef (4) + Lum (17)
Armor {2}
Clvl Required: 37

+20% Faster Hit Recovery

+75% Enhanced Defense
+280 Defense vs. Missiles
+10 to Energy
All Resistances +50
-1 to Light Radius
Level 6 Weaken (18 charges)

See it here.YesYesYes
Stealth


TalEth
Tal (7) + Eth (5)
Armor {2}
Clvl Required: 17

+25% Faster Run/Walk

+25% Faster Casting Rate
+25% Faster Hit Recovery
+6 to Dexterity
Regenerate Mana 15%
+15 Maximum Stamina
Poison Resist +30%
Magic Damage Reduced by 3

See it here.YesYesYes
Stone

ShaelUmPulLum
Shael (13) + Um (22) + Pul (21) + Lum (17)
Armor {4}
Clvl Required: 47

+60% Faster Hit Recovery

+250-290% Enhanced Defense (varies)
+300 Defense Vs. Missile
+16 To Strength
+16 To Vitality
+10 To Energy
All Resistances +15
Level 16 Molten Boulder (80 Charges)
Level 16 Clay Golem (16 Charges)

See it here.YesYesNo
Treachery

ShaelThulLem
Shael (13) + Thul (10) + Lem (20)
Armor {3}
Clvl Required: 43

5% Chance To Cast Level 15 Fade When Struck

25% Chance To Cast level 15 Venom On Striking
+2 To Assassin Skills
+45% Increased Attack Speed
+20% Faster Hit Recovery
Cold Resist +30%
50% Extra Gold From Monsters

AssassinYesNoNo
Wealth

LemKoTir
Lem (20) + Ko (18) + Tir (3)
Armor {3}
Clvl Required: 43

+10 to Dexterity

+2 to Mana After Each Kill
300% Extra Gold From Monsters
100% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Not a lot of bonuses, but a very large one to magic find and gold. Get rich quick.

See it here.

YesYesYes


List of Armor Runewords by Rank

RunewordStatsCommentsActive In
v1.11+v1.10v1.09
Enigma


JahIthBer
Jah (31) + Ith (6) + Ber (30)
Armor {3}
Clvl Required: 65

+2 To All Skills

+45% Faster Run/Walk
+1 To Teleport
+750-775 Defense (Varies)
+(0.75*Clvl) To Strength (Based On Character Level)
Increase Maximum Life 5%
Damage Reduced By 8%
+14 Life After Each Kill
15% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
(1*Clvl)% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items (Based On Character Level)

See it here.YesYesNo
Chains of Honor

DolUmBerIst
Dol (14) + Um (22) + Ber (30) + Ist (24)
Armor {4}
Clvl Required: 63

+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

See it here.YesYesNo
Dragon

SurLoSol
Sur (29) + Lo (28) + Sol (12)
Armor, Shields {3}
Clvl Required: 61

Both

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 (varies)
+(0.375*Clvl) To Strength (Based on Character Level)
+5% To Maximum Lightning Resist
Damage Reduced by 7
Armor
Increase Maximum Mana 5%
Shields
+50 To Mana

Ladder OnlyYesYesNo
Bramble

RalOhmSurEth
Ral (8) + Ohm (27) + Sur (29) + Eth (5)
Armor {4}
Clvl Required: 61

Level 15-21 Thorns Aura When Equipped (varies)

+50% Faster Hit Recovery
+25-50% To Poison Skill Damage (varies)
+300 Defense
Increase Maximum Mana 5%
Regenerate Mana 15%
+5% To Maximum Cold Resist
Fire Resist +30%
Poison Resist +100%
+13 Life After Each Kill
Level 13 Spirit of Barbs (33 Charges)

See it here.YesYesNo
Fortitude

ElSolDolLo
El (1) + Sol (12) + Dol (14) + Lo (28)
Weapons & Armor {4}
Clvl Required: 59

Both

20% Chance To Cast Level 15 Chilling Armor when Struck
+25% Faster Cast Rate
+300% Enhanced Damage
+200% Enhanced Defense
+((8-12)*0.125*Clvl) To Life (Based on Character Level) (varies)
All Resistances +25-30 (varies)
12% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
+1 To Light Radius
Weapons
+9 To Minimum Damage
+50 To Attack Rating
20% Deadly Strike
Hit Causes Monster To Flee 25%
Armor
+15 Defense
Replenish Life +7
+5% To Maximum Lightning Resist
Damage Reduced By 7

Ladder OnlyYesYesNo
Principle

RalGulEld
Ral (8) + Gul (25) + Eld (2)
Armor {3}
Clvl Required: 55

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% To Maximum Poison Resist
Fire Resist +30%

PaladinYesNoNo
Rain

OrtMalIth
Ort (9) + Mal (23) + Ith (6)
Armor {3}
Clvl Required: 49

5% Chance To Cast Level 15 Cyclone Armor When Struck

5% Chance To Cast Level 15 Twister On Striking
+2 To Druid Skills
+100-150 To Mana (varies)
Lightning Resist +30%
Magic Damage Reduced By 7
15% Damage Taken Goes to Mana

DruidYesNoNo
Prudence

MalTir
Mal (23) + Tir (3)
Armor {2}
Clvl Required: 49

+25% Faster Hit Recovery

+140-170% Enhanced Defense (varies)
All Resistances +25-35 (varies)
Damage Reduced by 3
Magic Damage Reduced by 17
+2 To Mana After Each Kill
+1 To Light Radius
Repairs Durability 1 In 4 Seconds

-YesYesNo
Bone

SolUmUm
Sol (12) + Um (22) + Um (22)
Armor {3}
Clvl Required: 47

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 To Mana (varies)
All Resistances +30
Damage Reduced By 7

Useful Necromancer bonuses.YesNoNo
Gloom

FalUmPul
Fal (19)+ Um (22) + Pul (21)
Armor {3}
Clvl Required: 47

15% Chance To Cast Level 3 Dim Vision When Struck

+10% Faster Hit Recovery
+200-260% Enhanced Defense (varies)
+10 To Strength
All Resistances +45
Half Freeze Duration
5% Damage Taken Goes To Mana
-3 To Light Radius

See it here.YesYesNo
Stone

ShaelUmPulLum
Shael (13) + Um (22) + Pul (21) + Lum (17)
Armor {4}
Clvl Required: 47

+60% Faster Hit Recovery

+250-290% Enhanced Defense (varies)
+300 Defense Vs. Missile
+16 To Strength
+16 To Vitality
+10 To Energy
All Resistances +15
Level 16 Molten Boulder (80 Charges)
Level 16 Clay Golem (16 Charges)

See it here.YesYesNo
Duress

ShaelUmThul
Shael (13) + Um (22) + Thul (10)
Armor {3}
Clvl Required: 47

40% faster hit Recovery

+10-20% Enhanced Damage (varies)
Adds 37-133 Cold Damage
15% Crushing Blow
33% Open Wounds
+150-200% Enhanced Defense (varies)
-20% Slower Stamina Drain
Cold Resist +45%
Lightning Resist +15%
Fire Resist +15%
Poison Resist +15%

See it here.YesYesYes
Enlightenment

PulRalSol
Pul (21) + Ral (8) + Sol (12)
Armor {3}
Clvl Required: 45

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

SorceressYesNoNo
Wealth

LemKoTir
Lem (20) + Ko (18) + Tir (3)
Armor {3}
Clvl Required: 43

+10 to Dexterity

+2 to Mana After Each Kill
300% Extra Gold From Monsters
100% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items

Not a lot of bonuses, but a very large one to magic find and gold. Get rich quick.

See it here.

YesYesYes
Treachery

ShaelThulLem
Shael (13) + Thul (10) + Lem (20)
Armor {3}
Clvl Required: 43

5% Chance To Cast Level 15 Fade When Struck

25% Chance To Cast level 15 Venom On Striking
+2 To Assassin Skills
+45% Increased Attack Speed
+20% Faster Hit Recovery
Cold Resist +30%
50% Extra Gold From Monsters

AssassinYesNoNo
Lionheart

HelLumFal
Hel (15) + Lum (17) + Fal (19)
Armor {3}
Clvl Required: 41

+20% Enhanced Damage

+25 To Strength
+15 To Dexterity
+20 To Vitality
+10 To Energy
+50 To Life
All Resistances +30
Requirements -15%

See it here.YesYesYes
Smoke

NefLum
Nef (4) + Lum (17)
Armor {2}
Clvl Required: 37

+20% Faster Hit Recovery

+75% Enhanced Defense
+280 Defense vs. Missiles
+10 to Energy
All Resistances +50
-1 to Light Radius
Level 6 Weaken (18 charges)

See it here.YesYesYes
Myth

HelAmnNef
Hel (15) + Amn (11) + Nef (4)
Armor {3}
Clvl Required: 25

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%

BarbarianYesNoNo
Peace

ShaelThulAmn
Shael (13) + Thul (10) + Amn (11)
Armor {3}
Clvl Required: 29

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

AmazonYesNoNo
Stealth


TalEth
Tal (7) + Eth (5)
Armor {2}
Clvl Required: 17

+25% Faster Run/Walk

+25% Faster Casting Rate
+25% Faster Hit Recovery
+6 to Dexterity
Regenerate Mana 15%
+15 Maximum Stamina
Poison Resist +30%
Magic Damage Reduced by 3

See it here.YesYesYes


View all the Runewords, or see them sorted by item type.