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InDiablo 4: Vessel of Hatred, Runewords are a new mechanic in D4 that reintroduces themost iconic system ofDiablo 2in a simplified way. Though Runewords and Runes work differently inDiablo 4than they did inDiablo 2, the concept is essentially the same.
Runes can be acquired from a variety of high-level content inDiablo 4, and each Rune has a particular name and effect or trigger condition. When combined in a certain order into sockets on gear, these Runes create what is called a Runeword, granting unique abilities dependent on which Runes were used.
This guide goes over how the new Runeword systemDiablo 4introduces works, and what Runeword requirements are necessary tocreate these highly customizableabilities.
Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred Runewords Overview
Customize Equipment With Unique Trigger & Effect Abilities
TheDiablo 4Runeword system essentially works on aTrigger and Effect mechanic– tied to Ritual and Invocation Runes, respectively. When you place a Ritual Rune on the top socket, and an Invocation Rune in the bottom socket, the Ability of the bottom Rune can be triggered by creating Offerings with the top Rune.
EachRitual Rune generates a certain amount of Offerings, and eacheffect granted by an Invocation Rune requires a certain amountto trigger.
For example, a Ritual Rune might give you 75 Offerings every time you Evade, and an Invocation Rune mightgrant you 1 Primary Resourceafter generating 5 Offerings.So, with this Runeword, every time you Dodge, you gain Resources. And if you generate more Offerings than are required, a special bonus will be granted – in this particular case, when you Dodge, you will gain amassiveamount of your main Resource.
You canonly have two Runewords activeat a time on two separate pieces of gear.
This system is incredibly customizable and even lets classes use abilities not normally available to them. A Spiritborn cantrigger a Barbarian’s War Cry, a Rogue can use a Necromancer’s Desecrated Ground, and a Sorcerer can use the Spiritborn’s Concussive Stomp – and all combinations of classes and abilities available via Runes in between.
How To Create Runewords in Diablo 4
Ritual and Invocation Runes: What’s The Difference?
There are two types of Runes inDiablo 4:RitualRunes andInvocationRunes. Both of theseDiablo 4Rune types are automatically categorized in theSocketable tab of your character inventoryupon being picked up.
Ritual Runes always generate a certain amount of Offerings. One might generate 50 Offerings when you cast the same ability three times in a row, while another generates 200 Offerings when you drink a Healing Potion. There are a lot of these types of Runes that generate Offerings from a wide variety of triggers, suited so thatpractically everyDiablo 4buildhas some choices it can reliably proc.
Invocation Runes require a certain amount of Offeringsto be generated by the Ritual Rune. For example, one reduces your Cooldowns when you reach 100 Offerings. Another grants the Earthen Bulwark ability (from the Druid class) when you reach 800 Offerings.
If yougenerate more Offeringsthan are required, it usuallyscales to an extended duration or boosted effect.
Runewords Require Two Open Sockets On Gear
Because Runewords are made up of two parts, andbecause they are Socketable items, youmust have a piece of Gear with two Sockets available to create a Runeword. This means that it’s only possible for gear of theHead, Chest, Legs, and Two-Handedtype can be imbued with a Runeword. All other item types can only have a maximum of one Socket.
Staffs and Bowscount as two-handed weapons, as well as all three of the Spiritborn’s available options.
You canincrease the number of sockets on your gear at the Jeweler. Visit the Jeweler in any major settlement and tab over to the Add Socket tab. It requires a hefty sum of Gold and some high-level materials, but it will help you meet the two-socket requirement forDiablo 4Runewords.
To Create Runewords, Place The Runes In Order
Once you have your desired Runes, and have gear with two Sockets to slot them in, tab to your Socketables inventory tab. Tocreate a Runeword,Diablo 4players must make sure to place the Ritual and Invocation Runes into the correct Socket.
If your Runes are placed the wrong way around they will not do anything. But If done correctly, you will see the combined Runeword made up of both Rune names on your gear when you hover over it (as well as the translated version, which amalgamates a title based on the two Runes' effects).
You will alsonotice a purple square on your Buff barnext to your Health. As yougenerate Offerings, thispurple box fills up. When youfill the box, the associated Runeword effect will trigger. If you havetwo Runewords equipped, you will gain two separate boxeson yourlist of current Buffs, whichtrack each Runeword offering buildup separately.
You canreplace Runes at will at no cost by simply dragging a new Ritual or Invocation rune to the appropriate slot. When youSalvagegear at the Blacksmith, all equipped Runes will bereturned to your Socketablesinventory tab, too.
