Rune List: All 33 Runes, Effects, Levels and Cube Upgrades
Every rune from El to Zod: weapon, armor and shield effects, level requirements, Horadric Cube upgrade recipes and the best places to farm them.
Diablo 2 Resurrected has 33 runes, from the common El to the ultra-rare Zod. A rune socketed into an item gives that item its own bonus, and the right runes in the right order form a runeword. This guide covers what every rune does, its level requirement, how to upgrade it in the Horadric Cube and where to farm it.
The runewords themselves have their own guides: Body Armor, Weapon and Shield and Helm runewords.
1.How Runes Work
- Runes only go into socketed items. A single rune on its own already grants the bonus shown in the table below.
- The same rune gives a different bonus in a weapon, in body armor or a helm, and in a shield.
- For a runeword, the base item must be normal (white/grey) or Superior quality, its socket count must exactly match the number of runes, and the runes must go in in the correct order. Magic, rare, set and unique items cannot become runewords.
- An item's level requirement rises to that of the highest-level rune socketed into it.
- Mercenaries can wear runeword weapons and armor.
- Socketed runes cannot be taken out normally. The unsocket recipe removes everything but destroys what it removes — it only saves the item (see Other Cube Recipes).
2.Rune List and Effects
Runes are listed from most common to rarest. "Level" is the minimum character level the rune requires.
| Rune | Level | Weapon | Helm / Armor | Shield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 ElRuneRequired level: 11Weapon: +50 Attack Rating, +1 Light RadiusHelm and body armor: +15 Defense, +1 Light RadiusShield: +15 Defense, +1 Light Radius El | 11 | +50 Attack Rating, +1 Light Radius | +15 Defense, +1 Light Radius | +15 Defense, +1 Light Radius |
 EldRuneRequired level: 11Weapon: +75% Damage to Undead, +50 Attack Rating against UndeadHelm and body armor: 15% Slower Stamina DrainShield: +7% Increased Chance of Blocking Eld | 11 | +75% Damage to Undead, +50 Attack Rating against Undead | 15% Slower Stamina Drain | +7% Increased Chance of Blocking |
 TirRuneRequired level: 13Weapon: +2 to Mana after each KillHelm and body armor: +2 to Mana after each KillShield: +2 to Mana after each Kill Tir | 13 | +2 to Mana after each Kill | +2 to Mana after each Kill | +2 to Mana after each Kill |
 NefRuneRequired level: 13Weapon: KnockbackHelm and body armor: +30 Defense vs. MissileShield: +30 Defense vs. Missile Nef | 13 | Knockback | +30 Defense vs. Missile | +30 Defense vs. Missile |
 EthRuneRequired level: 15Weapon: −25% Target DefenseHelm and body armor: Regenerate Mana 15%Shield: Regenerate Mana 15% Eth | 15 | −25% Target Defense | Regenerate Mana 15% | Regenerate Mana 15% |
 IthRuneRequired level: 15Weapon: +9 to Maximum DamageHelm and body armor: 15% Damage Taken Goes to ManaShield: 15% Damage Taken Goes to Mana Ith | 15 | +9 to Maximum Damage | 15% Damage Taken Goes to Mana | 15% Damage Taken Goes to Mana |
 TalRuneRequired level: 17Weapon: +75 Poison Damage over 5 secondsHelm and body armor: Poison Resist +30%Shield: Poison Resist +35% Tal | 17 | +75 Poison Damage over 5 seconds | Poison Resist +30% | Poison Resist +35% |
 RalRuneRequired level: 19Weapon: Adds 5–30 Fire DamageHelm and body armor: Fire Resist +30%Shield: Fire Resist +35% Ral | 19 | Adds 5–30 Fire Damage | Fire Resist +30% | Fire Resist +35% |
 OrtRuneRequired level: 21Weapon: Adds 1–50 Lightning DamageHelm and body armor: Lightning Resist +30%Shield: Lightning Resist +35% Ort | 21 | Adds 1–50 Lightning Damage | Lightning Resist +30% | Lightning Resist +35% |
 ThulRuneRequired level: 23Weapon: Adds 3–14 Cold Damage (3 sec chill)Helm and body armor: Cold Resist +30%Shield: Cold Resist +35% Thul | 23 | Adds 3–14 Cold Damage (3 sec chill) | Cold Resist +30% | Cold Resist +35% |
 AmnRuneRequired level: 25Weapon: 7% Life Stolen per HitHelm and body armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14Shield: Attacker Takes Damage of 14 Amn | 25 | 7% Life Stolen per Hit | Attacker Takes Damage of 14 | Attacker Takes Damage of 14 |
 SolRuneRequired level: 27Weapon: +9 to Minimum DamageHelm and body armor: Damage Reduced by 7Shield: Damage Reduced by 7 Sol | 27 | +9 to Minimum Damage | Damage Reduced by 7 | Damage Reduced by 7 |
 ShaelRuneRequired level: 29Weapon: 20% Increased Attack Speed (IAS)Helm and body armor: 20% Faster Hit Recovery (FHR)Shield: 20% Faster Block Rate (FBR) Shael | 29 | 20% Increased Attack Speed (IAS) | 20% Faster Hit Recovery (FHR) | 20% Faster Block Rate (FBR) |
 DolRuneRequired level: 31Weapon: Hit Causes Monster to Flee 25%Helm and body armor: Replenish Life +7Shield: Replenish Life +7 Dol | 31 | Hit Causes Monster to Flee 25% | Replenish Life +7 | Replenish Life +7 |
 HelRuneRequired level: 1Weapon: Requirements −20%Helm and body armor: Requirements −15%Shield: Requirements −15% Hel | 1 | Requirements −20% | Requirements −15% | Requirements −15% |
 IoRuneRequired level: 35Weapon: +10 to VitalityHelm and body armor: +10 to VitalityShield: +10 to Vitality Io | 35 | +10 to Vitality | +10 to Vitality | +10 to Vitality |
 LumRuneRequired level: 37Weapon: +10 to EnergyHelm and body armor: +10 to EnergyShield: +10 to Energy Lum | 37 | +10 to Energy | +10 to Energy | +10 to Energy |
 KoRuneRequired level: 39Weapon: +10 to DexterityHelm and body armor: +10 to DexterityShield: +10 to Dexterity Ko | 39 | +10 to Dexterity | +10 to Dexterity | +10 to Dexterity |
 FalRuneRequired level: 41Weapon: +10 to StrengthHelm and body armor: +10 to StrengthShield: +10 to Strength Fal | 41 | +10 to Strength | +10 to Strength | +10 to Strength |
 LemRuneRequired level: 43Weapon: 75% Extra Gold from MonstersHelm and body armor: 50% Extra Gold from MonstersShield: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters Lem | 43 | 75% Extra Gold from Monsters | 50% Extra Gold from Monsters | 50% Extra Gold from Monsters |
 PulRuneRequired level: 45Weapon: +75% Damage to Demons, +100 Attack Rating against DemonsHelm and body armor: +30% Enhanced DefenseShield: +30% Enhanced Defense Pul | 45 | +75% Damage to Demons, +100 Attack Rating against Demons | +30% Enhanced Defense | +30% Enhanced Defense |
 UmRuneRequired level: 47Weapon: 25% Chance of Open WoundsHelm and body armor: All Resistances +15Shield: All Resistances +22 Um | 47 | 25% Chance of Open Wounds | All Resistances +15 | All Resistances +22 |
 MalRuneRequired level: 49Weapon: Prevent Monster HealHelm and body armor: Magic Damage Reduced by 7Shield: Magic Damage Reduced by 7 Mal | 49 | Prevent Monster Heal | Magic Damage Reduced by 7 | Magic Damage Reduced by 7 |
 IstRuneRequired level: 51Weapon: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic ItemsHelm and body armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic ItemsShield: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items Ist | 51 | 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items | 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items | 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items |
 GulRuneRequired level: 53Weapon: 20% Bonus to Attack RatingHelm and body armor: +5% to Maximum Poison ResistShield: +5% to Maximum Poison Resist Gul | 53 | 20% Bonus to Attack Rating | +5% to Maximum Poison Resist | +5% to Maximum Poison Resist |
 VexRuneRequired level: 55Weapon: 7% Mana Stolen per HitHelm and body armor: +5% to Maximum Fire ResistShield: +5% to Maximum Fire Resist Vex | 55 | 7% Mana Stolen per Hit | +5% to Maximum Fire Resist | +5% to Maximum Fire Resist |
 OhmRuneRequired level: 57Weapon: +50% Enhanced DamageHelm and body armor: +5% to Maximum Cold ResistShield: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist Ohm | 57 | +50% Enhanced Damage | +5% to Maximum Cold Resist | +5% to Maximum Cold Resist |
 LoRuneRequired level: 59Weapon: 20% Deadly StrikeHelm and body armor: +5% to Maximum Lightning ResistShield: +5% to Maximum Lightning Resist Lo | 59 | 20% Deadly Strike | +5% to Maximum Lightning Resist | +5% to Maximum Lightning Resist |
 SurRuneRequired level: 61Weapon: Hit Blinds TargetHelm and body armor: Maximum Mana +5%Shield: +50 to Mana Sur | 61 | Hit Blinds Target | Maximum Mana +5% | +50 to Mana |
 BerRuneRequired level: 63Weapon: 20% Chance of Crushing BlowHelm and body armor: Damage Reduced by 8%Shield: Damage Reduced by 8% Ber | 63 | 20% Chance of Crushing Blow | Damage Reduced by 8% | Damage Reduced by 8% |
 JahRuneRequired level: 65Weapon: Ignore Target's DefenseHelm and body armor: Maximum Life +5%Shield: +50 to Life Jah | 65 | Ignore Target's Defense | Maximum Life +5% | +50 to Life |
 ChamRuneRequired level: 67Weapon: Freezes Target +3Helm and body armor: Cannot Be FrozenShield: Cannot Be Frozen Cham | 67 | Freezes Target +3 | Cannot Be Frozen | Cannot Be Frozen |
 ZodRuneRequired level: 69Weapon: IndestructibleHelm and body armor: IndestructibleShield: Indestructible Zod | 69 | Indestructible | Indestructible | Indestructible |
Hel has effectively no level requirement (usable from level 1). That is why the other runes decide the level of a Hel runeword: Myth (Hel + Amn + Nef), for example, can be worn at level 25.
3.Upgrading Runes in the Horadric Cube
Transmute three identical runes (two from Pul upward), plus a gem where listed, to get the next rune. In Diablo 2 Resurrected every one of these recipes works in every game mode: single player, online, ladder and non-ladder.
Gem grades from lowest to highest: Chipped → Flawed → regular → Flawless → Perfect.
| Put in the Cube | Gem | Result |
|---|---|---|
| ElRuneRequired level: 11Weapon: +50 Attack Rating, +1 Light RadiusHelm and body armor: +15 Defense, +1 Light RadiusShield: +15 Defense, +1 Light Radius + ElRuneRequired level: 11Weapon: +50 Attack Rating, +1 Light RadiusHelm and body armor: +15 Defense, +1 Light RadiusShield: +15 Defense, +1 Light Radius + ElRuneRequired level: 11Weapon: +50 Attack Rating, +1 Light RadiusHelm and body armor: +15 Defense, +1 Light RadiusShield: +15 Defense, +1 Light Radius | EldRuneRequired level: 11Weapon: +75% Damage to Undead, +50 Attack Rating against UndeadHelm and body armor: 15% Slower Stamina DrainShield: +7% Increased Chance of Blocking Eld | |
| EldRuneRequired level: 11Weapon: +75% Damage to Undead, +50 Attack Rating against UndeadHelm and body armor: 15% Slower Stamina DrainShield: +7% Increased Chance of Blocking + EldRuneRequired level: 11Weapon: +75% Damage to Undead, +50 Attack Rating against UndeadHelm and body armor: 15% Slower Stamina DrainShield: +7% Increased Chance of Blocking + EldRuneRequired level: 11Weapon: +75% Damage to Undead, +50 Attack Rating against UndeadHelm and body armor: 15% Slower Stamina DrainShield: +7% Increased Chance of Blocking | TirRuneRequired level: 13Weapon: +2 to Mana after each KillHelm and body armor: +2 to Mana after each KillShield: +2 to Mana after each Kill Tir | |
| TirRuneRequired level: 13Weapon: +2 to Mana after each KillHelm and body armor: +2 to Mana after each KillShield: +2 to Mana after each Kill + TirRuneRequired level: 13Weapon: +2 to Mana after each KillHelm and body armor: +2 to Mana after each KillShield: +2 to Mana after each Kill + TirRuneRequired level: 13Weapon: +2 to Mana after each KillHelm and body armor: +2 to Mana after each KillShield: +2 to Mana after each Kill | NefRuneRequired level: 13Weapon: KnockbackHelm and body armor: +30 Defense vs. MissileShield: +30 Defense vs. Missile Nef | |
| NefRuneRequired level: 13Weapon: KnockbackHelm and body armor: +30 Defense vs. MissileShield: +30 Defense vs. Missile + NefRuneRequired level: 13Weapon: KnockbackHelm and body armor: +30 Defense vs. MissileShield: +30 Defense vs. Missile + NefRuneRequired level: 13Weapon: KnockbackHelm and body armor: +30 Defense vs. MissileShield: +30 Defense vs. Missile | EthRuneRequired level: 15Weapon: −25% Target DefenseHelm and body armor: Regenerate Mana 15%Shield: Regenerate Mana 15% Eth | |
| EthRuneRequired level: 15Weapon: −25% Target DefenseHelm and body armor: Regenerate Mana 15%Shield: Regenerate Mana 15% + EthRuneRequired level: 15Weapon: −25% Target DefenseHelm and body armor: Regenerate Mana 15%Shield: Regenerate Mana 15% + EthRuneRequired level: 15Weapon: −25% Target DefenseHelm and body armor: Regenerate Mana 15%Shield: Regenerate Mana 15% | IthRuneRequired level: 15Weapon: +9 to Maximum DamageHelm and body armor: 15% Damage Taken Goes to ManaShield: 15% Damage Taken Goes to Mana Ith | |
| IthRuneRequired level: 15Weapon: +9 to Maximum DamageHelm and body armor: 15% Damage Taken Goes to ManaShield: 15% Damage Taken Goes to Mana + IthRuneRequired level: 15Weapon: +9 to Maximum DamageHelm and body armor: 15% Damage Taken Goes to ManaShield: 15% Damage Taken Goes to Mana + IthRuneRequired level: 15Weapon: +9 to Maximum DamageHelm and body armor: 15% Damage Taken Goes to ManaShield: 15% Damage Taken Goes to Mana | TalRuneRequired level: 17Weapon: +75 Poison Damage over 5 secondsHelm and body armor: Poison Resist +30%Shield: Poison Resist +35% Tal | |
| TalRuneRequired level: 17Weapon: +75 Poison Damage over 5 secondsHelm and body armor: Poison Resist +30%Shield: Poison Resist +35% + TalRuneRequired level: 17Weapon: +75 Poison Damage over 5 secondsHelm and body armor: Poison Resist +30%Shield: Poison Resist +35% + TalRuneRequired level: 17Weapon: +75 Poison Damage over 5 secondsHelm and body armor: Poison Resist +30%Shield: Poison Resist +35% | RalRuneRequired level: 19Weapon: Adds 5–30 Fire DamageHelm and body armor: Fire Resist +30%Shield: Fire Resist +35% Ral | |
| RalRuneRequired level: 19Weapon: Adds 5–30 Fire DamageHelm and body armor: Fire Resist +30%Shield: Fire Resist +35% + RalRuneRequired level: 19Weapon: Adds 5–30 Fire DamageHelm and body armor: Fire Resist +30%Shield: Fire Resist +35% + RalRuneRequired level: 19Weapon: Adds 5–30 Fire DamageHelm and body armor: Fire Resist +30%Shield: Fire Resist +35% | OrtRuneRequired level: 21Weapon: Adds 1–50 Lightning DamageHelm and body armor: Lightning Resist +30%Shield: Lightning Resist +35% Ort | |
| OrtRuneRequired level: 21Weapon: Adds 1–50 Lightning DamageHelm and body armor: Lightning Resist +30%Shield: Lightning Resist +35% + OrtRuneRequired level: 21Weapon: Adds 1–50 Lightning DamageHelm and body armor: Lightning Resist +30%Shield: Lightning Resist +35% + OrtRuneRequired level: 21Weapon: Adds 1–50 Lightning DamageHelm and body armor: Lightning Resist +30%Shield: Lightning Resist +35% | ThulRuneRequired level: 23Weapon: Adds 3–14 Cold Damage (3 sec chill)Helm and body armor: Cold Resist +30%Shield: Cold Resist +35% Thul | |
| ThulRuneRequired level: 23Weapon: Adds 3–14 Cold Damage (3 sec chill)Helm and body armor: Cold Resist +30%Shield: Cold Resist +35% + ThulRuneRequired level: 23Weapon: Adds 3–14 Cold Damage (3 sec chill)Helm and body armor: Cold Resist +30%Shield: Cold Resist +35% + ThulRuneRequired level: 23Weapon: Adds 3–14 Cold Damage (3 sec chill)Helm and body armor: Cold Resist +30%Shield: Cold Resist +35% | +  Chipped TopazGemRequired level: 1Weapon: Adds 1–8 lightning damageHelm and body armor: 9% better chance of getting magic itemsShield: Lightning resist +12% Chipped Topaz | AmnRuneRequired level: 25Weapon: 7% Life Stolen per HitHelm and body armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14Shield: Attacker Takes Damage of 14 Amn |
| AmnRuneRequired level: 25Weapon: 7% Life Stolen per HitHelm and body armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14Shield: Attacker Takes Damage of 14 + AmnRuneRequired level: 25Weapon: 7% Life Stolen per HitHelm and body armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14Shield: Attacker Takes Damage of 14 + AmnRuneRequired level: 25Weapon: 7% Life Stolen per HitHelm and body armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14Shield: Attacker Takes Damage of 14 | +  Chipped AmethystGemRequired level: 1Weapon: +40 to Attack RatingHelm and body armor: +3 to StrengthShield: +8 Defense Chipped Amethyst | SolRuneRequired level: 27Weapon: +9 to Minimum DamageHelm and body armor: Damage Reduced by 7Shield: Damage Reduced by 7 Sol |
| SolRuneRequired level: 27Weapon: +9 to Minimum DamageHelm and body armor: Damage Reduced by 7Shield: Damage Reduced by 7 + SolRuneRequired level: 27Weapon: +9 to Minimum DamageHelm and body armor: Damage Reduced by 7Shield: Damage Reduced by 7 + SolRuneRequired level: 27Weapon: +9 to Minimum DamageHelm and body armor: Damage Reduced by 7Shield: Damage Reduced by 7 | +  Chipped SapphireGemRequired level: 1Weapon: Adds 1–3 cold damage (1 s chill)Helm and body armor: +10 to ManaShield: Cold resist +12% Chipped Sapphire | ShaelRuneRequired level: 29Weapon: 20% Increased Attack Speed (IAS)Helm and body armor: 20% Faster Hit Recovery (FHR)Shield: 20% Faster Block Rate (FBR) Shael |
| ShaelRuneRequired level: 29Weapon: 20% Increased Attack Speed (IAS)Helm and body armor: 20% Faster Hit Recovery (FHR)Shield: 20% Faster Block Rate (FBR) + ShaelRuneRequired level: 29Weapon: 20% Increased Attack Speed (IAS)Helm and body armor: 20% Faster Hit Recovery (FHR)Shield: 20% Faster Block Rate (FBR) + ShaelRuneRequired level: 29Weapon: 20% Increased Attack Speed (IAS)Helm and body armor: 20% Faster Hit Recovery (FHR)Shield: 20% Faster Block Rate (FBR) | +  Chipped RubyGemRequired level: 1Weapon: Adds 3–4 fire damageHelm and body armor: +10 to LifeShield: Fire resist +12% Chipped Ruby | DolRuneRequired level: 31Weapon: Hit Causes Monster to Flee 25%Helm and body armor: Replenish Life +7Shield: Replenish Life +7 Dol |
| DolRuneRequired level: 31Weapon: Hit Causes Monster to Flee 25%Helm and body armor: Replenish Life +7Shield: Replenish Life +7 + DolRuneRequired level: 31Weapon: Hit Causes Monster to Flee 25%Helm and body armor: Replenish Life +7Shield: Replenish Life +7 + DolRuneRequired level: 31Weapon: Hit Causes Monster to Flee 25%Helm and body armor: Replenish Life +7Shield: Replenish Life +7 | +  Chipped EmeraldGemRequired level: 1Weapon: +10 poison damage over 3 secondsHelm and body armor: +3 to DexterityShield: Poison resist +12% Chipped Emerald | HelRuneRequired level: 1Weapon: Requirements −20%Helm and body armor: Requirements −15%Shield: Requirements −15% Hel |
| HelRuneRequired level: 1Weapon: Requirements −20%Helm and body armor: Requirements −15%Shield: Requirements −15% + HelRuneRequired level: 1Weapon: Requirements −20%Helm and body armor: Requirements −15%Shield: Requirements −15% + HelRuneRequired level: 1Weapon: Requirements −20%Helm and body armor: Requirements −15%Shield: Requirements −15% | +  Chipped DiamondGemRequired level: 1Weapon: +28% damage to UndeadHelm and body armor: +20 to Attack RatingShield: All resistances +6 Chipped Diamond | IoRuneRequired level: 35Weapon: +10 to VitalityHelm and body armor: +10 to VitalityShield: +10 to Vitality Io |
| IoRuneRequired level: 35Weapon: +10 to VitalityHelm and body armor: +10 to VitalityShield: +10 to Vitality + IoRuneRequired level: 35Weapon: +10 to VitalityHelm and body armor: +10 to VitalityShield: +10 to Vitality + IoRuneRequired level: 35Weapon: +10 to VitalityHelm and body armor: +10 to VitalityShield: +10 to Vitality | +  Flawed TopazGemRequired level: 5Weapon: Adds 1–14 lightning damageHelm and body armor: 13% better chance of getting magic itemsShield: Lightning resist +16% Flawed Topaz | LumRuneRequired level: 37Weapon: +10 to EnergyHelm and body armor: +10 to EnergyShield: +10 to Energy Lum |
| LumRuneRequired level: 37Weapon: +10 to EnergyHelm and body armor: +10 to EnergyShield: +10 to Energy + LumRuneRequired level: 37Weapon: +10 to EnergyHelm and body armor: +10 to EnergyShield: +10 to Energy + LumRuneRequired level: 37Weapon: +10 to EnergyHelm and body armor: +10 to EnergyShield: +10 to Energy | +  Flawed AmethystGemRequired level: 5Weapon: +60 to Attack RatingHelm and body armor: +4 to StrengthShield: +12 Defense Flawed Amethyst | KoRuneRequired level: 39Weapon: +10 to DexterityHelm and body armor: +10 to DexterityShield: +10 to Dexterity Ko |
| KoRuneRequired level: 39Weapon: +10 to DexterityHelm and body armor: +10 to DexterityShield: +10 to Dexterity + KoRuneRequired level: 39Weapon: +10 to DexterityHelm and body armor: +10 to DexterityShield: +10 to Dexterity + KoRuneRequired level: 39Weapon: +10 to DexterityHelm and body armor: +10 to DexterityShield: +10 to Dexterity | +  Flawed SapphireGemRequired level: 5Weapon: Adds 3–5 cold damage (1.4 s chill)Helm and body armor: +17 to ManaShield: Cold resist +16% Flawed Sapphire | FalRuneRequired level: 41Weapon: +10 to StrengthHelm and body armor: +10 to StrengthShield: +10 to Strength Fal |
| FalRuneRequired level: 41Weapon: +10 to StrengthHelm and body armor: +10 to StrengthShield: +10 to Strength + FalRuneRequired level: 41Weapon: +10 to StrengthHelm and body armor: +10 to StrengthShield: +10 to Strength + FalRuneRequired level: 41Weapon: +10 to StrengthHelm and body armor: +10 to StrengthShield: +10 to Strength | +  Flawed RubyGemRequired level: 5Weapon: Adds 5–8 fire damageHelm and body armor: +17 to LifeShield: Fire resist +16% Flawed Ruby | LemRuneRequired level: 43Weapon: 75% Extra Gold from MonstersHelm and body armor: 50% Extra Gold from MonstersShield: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters Lem |
| LemRuneRequired level: 43Weapon: 75% Extra Gold from MonstersHelm and body armor: 50% Extra Gold from MonstersShield: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters + LemRuneRequired level: 43Weapon: 75% Extra Gold from MonstersHelm and body armor: 50% Extra Gold from MonstersShield: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters + LemRuneRequired level: 43Weapon: 75% Extra Gold from MonstersHelm and body armor: 50% Extra Gold from MonstersShield: 50% Extra Gold from Monsters | +  Flawed EmeraldGemRequired level: 5Weapon: +20 poison damage over 4 secondsHelm and body armor: +4 to DexterityShield: Poison resist +16% Flawed Emerald | PulRuneRequired level: 45Weapon: +75% Damage to Demons, +100 Attack Rating against DemonsHelm and body armor: +30% Enhanced DefenseShield: +30% Enhanced Defense Pul |
| PulRuneRequired level: 45Weapon: +75% Damage to Demons, +100 Attack Rating against DemonsHelm and body armor: +30% Enhanced DefenseShield: +30% Enhanced Defense + PulRuneRequired level: 45Weapon: +75% Damage to Demons, +100 Attack Rating against DemonsHelm and body armor: +30% Enhanced DefenseShield: +30% Enhanced Defense | +  Flawed DiamondGemRequired level: 5Weapon: +34% damage to UndeadHelm and body armor: +40 to Attack RatingShield: All resistances +8 Flawed Diamond | UmRuneRequired level: 47Weapon: 25% Chance of Open WoundsHelm and body armor: All Resistances +15Shield: All Resistances +22 Um |
| UmRuneRequired level: 47Weapon: 25% Chance of Open WoundsHelm and body armor: All Resistances +15Shield: All Resistances +22 + UmRuneRequired level: 47Weapon: 25% Chance of Open WoundsHelm and body armor: All Resistances +15Shield: All Resistances +22 | +  TopazGemRequired level: 12Weapon: Adds 1–22 lightning damageHelm and body armor: 16% better chance of getting magic itemsShield: Lightning resist +22% Topaz | MalRuneRequired level: 49Weapon: Prevent Monster HealHelm and body armor: Magic Damage Reduced by 7Shield: Magic Damage Reduced by 7 Mal |
| MalRuneRequired level: 49Weapon: Prevent Monster HealHelm and body armor: Magic Damage Reduced by 7Shield: Magic Damage Reduced by 7 + MalRuneRequired level: 49Weapon: Prevent Monster HealHelm and body armor: Magic Damage Reduced by 7Shield: Magic Damage Reduced by 7 | +  AmethystGemRequired level: 12Weapon: +80 to Attack RatingHelm and body armor: +6 to StrengthShield: +18 Defense Amethyst | IstRuneRequired level: 51Weapon: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic ItemsHelm and body armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic ItemsShield: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items Ist |
| IstRuneRequired level: 51Weapon: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic ItemsHelm and body armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic ItemsShield: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items + IstRuneRequired level: 51Weapon: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic ItemsHelm and body armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic ItemsShield: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items | +  SapphireGemRequired level: 12Weapon: Adds 4–7 cold damage (2 s chill)Helm and body armor: +24 to ManaShield: Cold resist +22% Sapphire | GulRuneRequired level: 53Weapon: 20% Bonus to Attack RatingHelm and body armor: +5% to Maximum Poison ResistShield: +5% to Maximum Poison Resist Gul |
| GulRuneRequired level: 53Weapon: 20% Bonus to Attack RatingHelm and body armor: +5% to Maximum Poison ResistShield: +5% to Maximum Poison Resist + GulRuneRequired level: 53Weapon: 20% Bonus to Attack RatingHelm and body armor: +5% to Maximum Poison ResistShield: +5% to Maximum Poison Resist | +  RubyGemRequired level: 12Weapon: Adds 8–12 fire damageHelm and body armor: +24 to LifeShield: Fire resist +22% Ruby | VexRuneRequired level: 55Weapon: 7% Mana Stolen per HitHelm and body armor: +5% to Maximum Fire ResistShield: +5% to Maximum Fire Resist Vex |
| VexRuneRequired level: 55Weapon: 7% Mana Stolen per HitHelm and body armor: +5% to Maximum Fire ResistShield: +5% to Maximum Fire Resist + VexRuneRequired level: 55Weapon: 7% Mana Stolen per HitHelm and body armor: +5% to Maximum Fire ResistShield: +5% to Maximum Fire Resist | +  EmeraldGemRequired level: 12Weapon: +40 poison damage over 5 secondsHelm and body armor: +6 to DexterityShield: Poison resist +22% Emerald | OhmRuneRequired level: 57Weapon: +50% Enhanced DamageHelm and body armor: +5% to Maximum Cold ResistShield: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist Ohm |
| OhmRuneRequired level: 57Weapon: +50% Enhanced DamageHelm and body armor: +5% to Maximum Cold ResistShield: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist + OhmRuneRequired level: 57Weapon: +50% Enhanced DamageHelm and body armor: +5% to Maximum Cold ResistShield: +5% to Maximum Cold Resist | +  DiamondGemRequired level: 12Weapon: +44% damage to UndeadHelm and body armor: +60 to Attack RatingShield: All resistances +11 Diamond | LoRuneRequired level: 59Weapon: 20% Deadly StrikeHelm and body armor: +5% to Maximum Lightning ResistShield: +5% to Maximum Lightning Resist Lo |
| LoRuneRequired level: 59Weapon: 20% Deadly StrikeHelm and body armor: +5% to Maximum Lightning ResistShield: +5% to Maximum Lightning Resist + LoRuneRequired level: 59Weapon: 20% Deadly StrikeHelm and body armor: +5% to Maximum Lightning ResistShield: +5% to Maximum Lightning Resist | +  Flawless TopazGemRequired level: 15Weapon: Adds 1–30 lightning damageHelm and body armor: 20% better chance of getting magic itemsShield: Lightning resist +28% Flawless Topaz | SurRuneRequired level: 61Weapon: Hit Blinds TargetHelm and body armor: Maximum Mana +5%Shield: +50 to Mana Sur |
| SurRuneRequired level: 61Weapon: Hit Blinds TargetHelm and body armor: Maximum Mana +5%Shield: +50 to Mana + SurRuneRequired level: 61Weapon: Hit Blinds TargetHelm and body armor: Maximum Mana +5%Shield: +50 to Mana | +  Flawless AmethystGemRequired level: 15Weapon: +100 to Attack RatingHelm and body armor: +8 to StrengthShield: +24 Defense Flawless Amethyst | BerRuneRequired level: 63Weapon: 20% Chance of Crushing BlowHelm and body armor: Damage Reduced by 8%Shield: Damage Reduced by 8% Ber |
| BerRuneRequired level: 63Weapon: 20% Chance of Crushing BlowHelm and body armor: Damage Reduced by 8%Shield: Damage Reduced by 8% + BerRuneRequired level: 63Weapon: 20% Chance of Crushing BlowHelm and body armor: Damage Reduced by 8%Shield: Damage Reduced by 8% | +  Flawless SapphireGemRequired level: 15Weapon: Adds 6–10 cold damage (2.4 s chill)Helm and body armor: +31 to ManaShield: Cold resist +28% Flawless Sapphire | JahRuneRequired level: 65Weapon: Ignore Target's DefenseHelm and body armor: Maximum Life +5%Shield: +50 to Life Jah |
| JahRuneRequired level: 65Weapon: Ignore Target's DefenseHelm and body armor: Maximum Life +5%Shield: +50 to Life + JahRuneRequired level: 65Weapon: Ignore Target's DefenseHelm and body armor: Maximum Life +5%Shield: +50 to Life | +  Flawless RubyGemRequired level: 15Weapon: Adds 10–16 fire damageHelm and body armor: +31 to LifeShield: Fire resist +28% Flawless Ruby | ChamRuneRequired level: 67Weapon: Freezes Target +3Helm and body armor: Cannot Be FrozenShield: Cannot Be Frozen Cham |
| ChamRuneRequired level: 67Weapon: Freezes Target +3Helm and body armor: Cannot Be FrozenShield: Cannot Be Frozen + ChamRuneRequired level: 67Weapon: Freezes Target +3Helm and body armor: Cannot Be FrozenShield: Cannot Be Frozen | +  Flawless EmeraldGemRequired level: 15Weapon: +60 poison damage over 6 secondsHelm and body armor: +8 to DexterityShield: Poison resist +28% Flawless Emerald | ZodRuneRequired level: 69Weapon: IndestructibleHelm and body armor: IndestructibleShield: Indestructible Zod |
4.Other Cube Recipes That Use Runes
| Rune | Extra ingredient | Item | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| HelRuneRequired level: 1Weapon: Requirements −20%Helm and body armor: Requirements −15%Shield: Requirements −15% Hel | +  Scroll of Town PortalScrollOpens a portal to town when readUsed with a Hel rune in the cube to empty sockets Scroll of Town Portal | +  Socketed itemAny socketed itemHel + Scroll of Town Portal: removes the runes, gems and jewels in the socketsThe removed pieces are destroyed; the item keeps its empty sockets Socketed item | Removes every rune, gem and jewel from the item; the removed pieces are destroyed and the item keeps its empty sockets |
| RalRuneRequired level: 19Weapon: Adds 5–30 Fire DamageHelm and body armor: Fire Resist +30%Shield: Fire Resist +35% Ral | +  ArmorAny armor (representative icon)Ral: fully repairs durabilityRal + any Flawed gem: repairs it and restores its chargesHelms, belts, boots, gloves and shields count as armor tooEthereal items cannot be repaired in the cube Any armor | Fully repairs the armor's durability | |
| RalRuneRequired level: 19Weapon: Adds 5–30 Fire DamageHelm and body armor: Fire Resist +30%Shield: Fire Resist +35% Ral | + Flawed gemGem (representative icon)Any Flawed gem; the type doesn't matterWith Ral and an armor: repairs it and restores its charges Any Flawed gem | + ArmorAny armor (representative icon)Ral: fully repairs durabilityRal + any Flawed gem: repairs it and restores its chargesHelms, belts, boots, gloves and shields count as armor tooEthereal items cannot be repaired in the cube Armor | Repairs the armor and restores its charges |
| OrtRuneRequired level: 21Weapon: Adds 1–50 Lightning DamageHelm and body armor: Lightning Resist +30%Shield: Lightning Resist +35% Ort | +  WeaponAny weapon (representative icon)Ort: fully repairs durabilityOrt + any Chipped gem: repairs it and restores its chargesEthereal items cannot be repaired in the cube Any weapon | Fully repairs the weapon's durability | |
| OrtRuneRequired level: 21Weapon: Adds 1–50 Lightning DamageHelm and body armor: Lightning Resist +30%Shield: Lightning Resist +35% Ort | + Chipped gemGem (representative icon)Any Chipped gem; the type doesn't matterWith Ort and a weapon: repairs it and restores its charges Any Chipped gem | + WeaponAny weapon (representative icon)Ort: fully repairs durabilityOrt + any Chipped gem: repairs it and restores its chargesEthereal items cannot be repaired in the cube Weapon | Repairs the weapon and restores its charges |
Ethereal items cannot be repaired in the Cube.
The unsocket recipe is mostly used to re-roll variable runewords such as Insight or Spirit on the same base item.
5.Where Runes Drop
Any monster or chest can drop runes, and the chance of high runes grows with difficulty and area level. On top of that there are two reliable sources:
| Source | Normal | Nightmare | Hell |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Countess — Act 1, Forgotten Tower level 5; drops an extra rune on every kill | ElRuneRequired level: 11Weapon: +50 Attack Rating, +1 Light RadiusHelm and body armor: +15 Defense, +1 Light RadiusShield: +15 Defense, +1 Light Radius El – RalRuneRequired level: 19Weapon: Adds 5–30 Fire DamageHelm and body armor: Fire Resist +30%Shield: Fire Resist +35% Ral | ElRuneRequired level: 11Weapon: +50 Attack Rating, +1 Light RadiusHelm and body armor: +15 Defense, +1 Light RadiusShield: +15 Defense, +1 Light Radius El – IoRuneRequired level: 35Weapon: +10 to VitalityHelm and body armor: +10 to VitalityShield: +10 to Vitality Io | ElRuneRequired level: 11Weapon: +50 Attack Rating, +1 Light RadiusHelm and body armor: +15 Defense, +1 Light RadiusShield: +15 Defense, +1 Light Radius El – IstRuneRequired level: 51Weapon: 30% Better Chance of Getting Magic ItemsHelm and body armor: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic ItemsShield: 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items Ist |
 Hellforge HammerQuest item (Act IV)Dropped by Hephasto the Armorer in the River of FlameUsed at the Hellforge to smash Mephisto's SoulstoneReward: a rune and gems (the rune range depends on difficulty) Hellforge quest — Act 4; gives one rune when completed | ElRuneRequired level: 11Weapon: +50 Attack Rating, +1 Light RadiusHelm and body armor: +15 Defense, +1 Light RadiusShield: +15 Defense, +1 Light Radius El – AmnRuneRequired level: 25Weapon: 7% Life Stolen per HitHelm and body armor: Attacker Takes Damage of 14Shield: Attacker Takes Damage of 14 Amn | SolRuneRequired level: 27Weapon: +9 to Minimum DamageHelm and body armor: Damage Reduced by 7Shield: Damage Reduced by 7 Sol – UmRuneRequired level: 47Weapon: 25% Chance of Open WoundsHelm and body armor: All Resistances +15Shield: All Resistances +22 Um | HelRuneRequired level: 1Weapon: Requirements −20%Helm and body armor: Requirements −15%Shield: Requirements −15% Hel – GulRuneRequired level: 53Weapon: 20% Bonus to Attack RatingHelm and body armor: +5% to Maximum Poison ResistShield: +5% to Maximum Poison Resist Gul |
- The Countess is the fastest source of low and mid runes, going as high as Ist on Hell. The runes for Insight (Ral Tir Tal Sol) and Spirit (Tal Thul Ort Amn) are easy to collect here.
- The Hellforge quest can be done once per difficulty; on Hell it guarantees a rune between Hel and Gul.
- Terror Zones scale the monsters of an area up to your level, which makes them the best farming spots for high runes.
- High runes (Vex and above) are very rare drops; before selling a Pul or better, consider the upgrade recipe.
6.How Many El Runes Make a Zod?
There are 20 upgrades from El to Pul and each one takes three runes: 3²⁰ = 3,486,784,401 El for a single Pul. From Pul to Zod there are 12 more upgrades and each takes two runes: 2¹² = 4,096.
Result: one Zod = 3,486,784,401 × 4,096 = 14,281,868,906,496 El (not counting the gems needed along the way). In practice you will never cube a Zod up from El; high runes come from drops or trading.
7.Quick Tips
- Check the socket count before building a runeword; too many or too few sockets and the runeword will not form.
- Insight in a polearm is one of the most valuable early runewords for your mercenary; farm its runes from the Countess.
- If repairs get expensive, the Ral and Ort recipes restore your armor or weapon for free.
- Don't sell Hel runes: they are useful both in low-level runewords and in the unsocket recipe.