diablo 2 best merc runewords

3 min read 15-12-2024

Diablo II: Resurrected's mercenaries are invaluable allies. The right runeword can transform them from helpful companions into unstoppable killing machines. This guide details the best runewords for each mercenary type, maximizing their effectiveness based on their strengths and weaknesses. Finding the perfect runeword significantly improves your overall gameplay experience.

Choosing the Right Merc and Runeword

Before diving into specific runewords, understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each mercenary type is crucial.

Act 1 Rogue (Bowazon): Excellent ranged damage, but fragile. Requires runewords that boost defense and survivability.
Act 2 Defensive Merc (Holy Freeze Aura): Exceptional tank, but lacks significant damage output. Needs runewords to increase damage and potentially survivability.
Act 2 Offensive Merc (Might Aura): High damage potential, but less defensive capabilities. Needs runewords to enhance both damage and survivability.
Act 3 Iron Golem: A summonable golem, it lacks the flexibility of a dedicated mercenary. Runewords can modify its stats, but are less impactful than those on mercenaries.
Act 5 Barbarian: High damage and tankiness, but slower attack speed. Runewords can boost attack speed and damage.

Best Runewords for Each Merc Type

Each mercenary benefits from specific runewords. Let's explore the top choices for each:

Act 1 Rogue (Bowazon)

The Act 1 Rogue needs runewords to boost her survivability alongside her damage output. Here are some excellent choices:

Fortitude: (Eth Thul Ort Amn Rune) – Provides exceptional defense and increased life, dramatically improving her survivability. This is almost always the top choice for Act 1 mercs.
Andariel's Visage: (3x Ist Rune) – Offers a high chance of blocking, crucial for increasing her survivability, paired with +2 to skills to improve her combat capabilities.

Act 2 Defensive Merc (Holy Freeze Aura)

The Act 2 Defensive Merc needs runewords to enhance damage while maintaining his tankiness. Here are some strong choices:

Fortitude: (Eth Thul Ort Amn Rune) – As with the Rogue, Fortitude offers incredible defensive improvements, making him a nearly invulnerable tank.
Pride: (Cham Sur Io Lo Rune) – While offering less defense than Fortitude, Pride significantly boosts the merc's damage output, making him much more effective, and even boosting your own damage indirectly through the might aura. This is great for players lacking access to high-end gear.

Act 2 Offensive Merc (Might Aura)

The Act 2 Offensive Merc needs runewords to enhance both his damage and his already somewhat fragile survivability. Here are top contenders:

Infinity: (Ber Mal Ber Ist Rune) – This incredibly powerful runeword provides a high level of conviction aura, crushing enemy resistances, and significantly amplifying the damage of your character and your mercenary. A high-end option requiring significant investment.
Pride: (Cham Sur Io Lo Rune) – Similar to the Defensive Merc, Pride enhances the Merc's attack power significantly. Its strong damage capabilities are usually the more appealing benefit here.

Act 5 Barbarian

The Act 5 Barbarian is a powerhouse, but his attack speed can be improved.

Fortitude: (Eth Thul Ort Amn Rune) – Once again, Fortitude provides unmatched survivability. The Barbarian's high damage potential makes survivability the top priority.
Last Wish: (Jah Mal Ber Ist Rune) – Though costly, Last Wish provides an immense boost to attack speed and damage, allowing him to act much more quickly.

Which Runeword is Right For You?

The "best" runeword depends heavily on your current gear, your playstyle, and your farming capabilities. Consider these factors:

Your Character's Build: If you're already dealing massive damage, focusing on a runeword that boosts your merc's survivability might be wiser. Conversely, if your damage is lacking, a damage-boosting runeword would be a better investment.
Your Farming Progress: High-rune runewords like Infinity and Last Wish require significant farming. Start with more accessible options like Fortitude and Pride before moving to these top-tier alternatives.
Your Playstyle: If you prefer a more aggressive playstyle, an offensive merc with Pride or Infinity is ideal. If you prefer a more defensive approach, a defensive merc with Fortitude is a better fit.

Using the right runeword for your mercenary can make a considerable difference. Experimentation will help you discover what works best for your own play style and difficulty level within Diablo 2: Resurrected. Happy hunting!