D2R: How to Get Better Base Items for Runeword (1)

Mar-13-2025

In Diablo 2: Resurrected, Runewords are like magic keys that unlock insane power for your character. Our earlier guides have introduced 2 best Runewords for starters and the idea of "Base Items". By embedding specific runes in sequence into a socketed base item, the item gain not only rune attributes but also bonus attributes. But picking the right base item is not just about making the Runeword activated —it decides how strong your Runewords gear becomes. For new players, learning the following 3 key rules —socket compatibility, attribute optimization, and gear uniqueness, will help you know better about the way to choose a good base item for Runewords. Today, we’ ll break down the first two rules to help you build better gear.

 

1. Socket Compatibility

Remember the Golden Rule: Your base must have the exact number of sockets required by the Runeword. No exceptions—too few or too many sockets, and the Runeword’ s bonuses won’ t activate.

You may ask: what’s between the number of sockets and the base items? That is: the Item Level (ilvl) of your base dictates its maximum sockets (the gear type also matters, but you can easily think it out), determined by its tier:

Tier 1 (ilvl 1-25): Max 3 sockets

Tier 2 (ilvl 26-40): Max 4 sockets

Tier 3 (ilvl 41-99): Max 6 sockets

For example: The Spirit Runeword requires 4 sockets. A Tier 2 Crystal Sword (ilvl 26-40) caps at 4 sockets, while Tier 3 versions (ilvl 41+) can roll up to 6. Both can be used as base items, but players perfer to farm Tier 2 Crystal Swords for Spirit.

 

Some items drop with fixed sockets (can’ t be changed), while others are not. For socketless items, you can use these methods to add sockets:

• Larzuk’s Quest (Act 5): Guarantees max sockets for an item. Use this sparingly on high-value gear.
• Horadric Cube Recipes: Random sockets within the item’ s tier limit. There is nothing you can do to predict or change the outcome of the random socket making of the Horadric Cube. All you can do is simply make sure that the type of base item you choose has a chance of getting the number of sockets you want at that item level. This is why players typically choose Crystal Swords below level 40 as their Spirit Sword base item rather than the level 40+ ones - the probability of hitting the target number of sockets in the random range of 1-4 sockets (25%) is significantly better than the hit rate in the range of 1-6 sockets (~16.7%).

 

Tips: Horadric Cube Recipes (Save These!):

Armor: Tal (#7) + Thul (#10) + Perfect Topaz + Normal Armor

Weapons: Ral (#8) + Amn (#11) + Perfect Amethyst + Normal Weapon

Helms: Ral (#8) + Thul (#10) + Perfect Sapphire + Normal Helm

Shields: Tal (#7) + Amn (#11) + Perfect Ruby + Normal Shield

 

 

2. Attribute Optimization

A. Attribute range of the base item

Once sockets check out, min-maxing stats becomes critical. Small differences in base attributes can escalate dramatically when amplified by Runeword modifiers.

Take the Short Sword as an example (damage range: 2-7).

Assuming that:

Short Sword A: 4-6 damage

Short Sword B: 5-7 damage

The 1-point average damage gap seems trivial initially. However, when socketed with the Steel Runeword (+20% Enhanced Damage), the gap widens to 4.8–7.2 vs. 6.0–8.4, and the Short Sword B's advantage will begin to multiply (without taking into account the Steel's other additional attributes). This effect intensifies with late-game Runewords like Breath of the Dying (350-400% Enhanced Damage), where every base damage point is magnified nearly fourfold.

When entering Hell difficulty, you’ll have the chance to farm Superior-prefix gears. This type of base items may carry valuable attributes (e.g., Superior Archon Plate with +15% base defense). Sounds awesome? Check repair costs first! The repair cost of Superior-prefix gears might cost 200k gold per repair—enough to bankrupt casual players!

 

B. Wearing requirements of the base item

Let’s take a look at the following pics. The two pieces of 3-hole armors:

Studded Leather: 27 Strength requirement

Scale Mail: 44 Strength requirement (+30% defense)

Although the latter one has 30% more defence, it requires an additional 17 points of strength - this sacrifices 34 Life (1 Strength = 2 Life) or 17 Mana. For Sorcs who rely on Energy Shield, this attribute swap could have a serious impact on survivability.

 

This article has systematically explained the core elements of socket compatibility and base item selection, but it is only the starting of the art of base item selection. In the next guide, we will deeply analyse the impact of equipment weight on actual combat, the mystery of attack speed thresholds, as well as the risk-benefit balance law of eth equipment. Stay tuned for our next guide! And feel free to share your thoughts and alternative farming spot recommendations for newcomers on reviews or with our 24/7 live chat customer service team! Your feedback will shape MMOSO' s future guides, and we may give out discounts for your advice!