If the player puts certain combinations of Runes in the correct order into an item with exactly that number of sockets and of the correct item type, the item's name will change into a "unique" name, displayed in gold, and the item will acquire extra powers, depending on the "rune word" that was used. The benefits of using a Rune Word is that you can make the Rune Word magical bonuses apply to any type of item allowed with the proper number of sockets. You could, for example, use an Elite Socketed sword or an Exceptional Socketed sword, and you can also pick which type of sword is used. Uniques, in comparison, use the same item type such as short sword, and are always the same quality (Normal/Exceptional/Elite). You can continue to find better Socketed weapons or armor and, with the proper Runes, continue to have this Rune Word bonus applied to better and better Socketed items as you find them.

Rune Word Rules

When you create a Rune Word you still receive all of the magical bonuses that were already on each Rune you Socketed.

Socketed Items must have the exact number of sockets as the Rune Word formula requires. If the Rune Word is a 3 Rune formula then you must use an item with exactly 3 sockets.

The Socketed Item type must be the correct item type for the formula. If the formula requires a sword, the formula will not work if you use an axe or spear.

Rune Words will only work in Socketed non-magical items. This means that Set Items, Unique Items, or Magic Items with enough Sockets and the proper item type will not allow or convert to Rune Words.

The correct Runes for a formula must be used. If one of the Runes is wrong you receive the bonuses of the Runes inserted but it does not become a Rune Word.

The Runes must be placed in the correct order. You can have the correct Socketed item, correct runes and still not activate the Rune Word if you do not socket the Runes in the correct order. This is because you're trying to spell the "Rune Word" correctly and you have spelled it incorrectly. Example: "RalOrtTal". You must first place Ral, then Ort, then finally Tal into the Socketed Item.

Rune Word Formulae
New Formulae will be revealed as they are discovered. Check back later for more formulae and watch the news for updates to this page. If you have discovered new Rune Words send them in and we'll add them once they're confirmed.

It is possible to create some future Rune Words that are not ready yet. These items can be identified by their Rune Word Name not being on the below list, Poison Resist +25%, and no additional abilities beyond what the abilities that were already on the Runes inserted. If these Rune Words are completed and added into the game, chances are that existing Rune Word items will not convert or be updated to the new Rune Words stats. So there is no reason to create these Rune Words yet before they are ready. It's also possible that the formula will change for these items. So once they are added, the old formula might not work.

Keep in mind when experimenting with unknown Rune Words that you must be prepared to accept the loss of your Runes if the formula does not work. Rune Words must be inserted in the correct item, and in the correct order to work.

The following Rune Word Formulae require Diablo II: LOD v1.09: