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GamesGuidesDiablo 4How to get Runes in Diablo 4 - Best Runewords in D4

Complete Guide to the Best Rune Combinations and Runewords in Diablo 4

Welcome to Our Runes and Runewords Guide in Diablo 4!

By reading through this guide, you will learn everything about the new Runes and Runewords system in Diablo 4, introduced with the Vessel of Hatred expansion. This endgame system brings an additional layer of customization, significantly increasing your combat potential.

Introduction

First introduced in Diablo II, Runewords quickly became one of the most beloved features of the game. The Vessel of Hatred expansion in Diablo 4 reintroduces this system, replacing up to four traditional gems with runes for even greater versatility. This revamped system allows for deeper character customization by providing powerful buffs, debuffs, and even skills from other classes, elevating your character's power to unprecedented levels.

Table of Contents

Below is a breakdown of what this guide will cover in our Runes and Runewords Overview for Diablo IV:

  • General Overview
  • Rune Drop Location & Chances
  • Crafting Runes – Runecrafting
  • Rune Mechanics
  • Runes of Ritual List
  • Runes of Invocation List
  • Best Runeword Combinations

What are Runewords in Diablo 4?

In Diablo 4, a Runeword is formed by combining two types of runes: the Rune of Ritual and the Rune of Invocation. When these two different runes are combined, they generate a unique effect and provide either a passive or active spender skill, creating a powerful synergy between runes.

What is a Rune?

Runes are small, magical inscribed stones that drastically boost a player’s abilities when combined. Similar to gems, they can be inserted into gear, with the following restrictions:

  • The item must have two sockets.
  • Only two runes, one from each category (Runes of Ritual and Runes of Invocation), can be used.
  • Each unique rune can be used only once.

Runes of Ritual

Runes of Ritual are commonly referred to as generator runes. When the specific conditions of the Rune of Ritual are fulfilled, they generate a new resource called Offering. Once a certain amount of Offering has been accumulated, it will automatically trigger the associated Rune of Invocation, without any control over when it happens.

The harder or more complex the condition for the Rune of Ritual, the larger the Offering reward will be once that condition is satisfied.

Runes of Invocation

Runes of Invocation are often referred to as the spender part of the Runeword. Once the required amount of Offering has been accumulated, the effect of the Rune of Invocation will automatically activate.

The effects of Runes of Invocation are highly varied. They can increase skill ranks, restore life or resources, or even grant players access to skills from other classes. Some Runes of Invocation also feature Overflow effects, meaning that additional effects may trigger if more Offering is spent beyond the requirement.

How Do You Obtain Runes in Diablo 4?

To start obtaining runes, players must first complete a quest in the Vessel of Hatred expansion campaign. Once this quest is completed, runes can be found throughout the Sanctuary. Runes come in three rarities: Magic, Rare, and Legendary. As expected, the higher the rarity, the stronger the rune’s effect.

In addition to finding them in the world, runes can also be crafted, but we will explore that more later in the guide.

Rune Drop Location

While runes can drop almost anywhere in Diablo 4, there are certain locations where farming for runes, particularly Legendary Runes, is much more efficient. Here are the best places to farm for them:

  • Kurast Undercity: This zone has been touted by developers as one of the best locations to farm gear, and it’s also ideal for rune farming. There is speculation that the chance for rune drops is higher in this area.

  • Infernal Hordes: With the large amount of Burning Aether you can consistently farm (around 1000), opening numerous chests here offers a great chance of finding runes.

  • Dark Citadel: Being one of the top endgame activities, the Dark Citadel is another excellent spot to hunt for Legendary Runes.

  • The Pit: Known as the "stairway" through world tiers, The Pit is a great place to farm both gear and runes, making it ideal for progression.

  • Tormented Bosses: These bosses drop some of the rarest items in the game, including Mythic Uniques, and are also a prime source for farming Legendary Runes.

  • Seasonal Activities: Seasonal events are consistently one of the best ways to farm high-quality gear, making them excellent for acquiring runes as well.

Rune Drop Chance

The chances of obtaining Runes of various rarities will vary depending on the location, the number of enemies, and the difficulty of those enemies. To maximize your chances of getting Runes, it's best to focus on activities that involve fighting a large number of mobs in the highest world tier you can handle. Efficiently defeating enemies in such environments will significantly increase the likelihood of Rune drops, especially for rarer ones.

Crafting Runes (Runecrafting)

In addition to obtaining Runes as random drops, players also have the option of Runecrafting at the Jeweler. To craft a Rune, players can combine three runes of the same type and name to produce a random rune. If non-legendary runes are used in the process, there is a chance that the resulting rune will be of a higher rarity. The newly crafted rune is guaranteed to be different from the ones used in the crafting process, offering a valuable method of upgrading and diversifying your rune collection.

Mythic Unique Crafting with Runes

Runes can also be used to craft Mythic Unique items, one of the most powerful item types in Diablo 4. Crafting these Mythic Uniques requires a combination of 10 Legendary Runes, 10 Rare Runes, 10 Magic Runes (all of the same name), and one Resplendent Spark.

Below is a list of some of the Mythic Unique items and the materials required to craft them:

Mythic Unique Crafting Materials
Ring of Starless Skies 1 Resplendent Spark, Ohm x10, Tzic x10, Cem x10.
Heir of Perdition 1 Resplendent Spark, Jah x10, Que x10, Gar x10.
Harlequin Crest 1 Resplendent Spark, Eom x10, Lac x10, Ton x10.
Andariel’s Visage 1 Resplendent Spark, Tam x10, Qax x10, Zan x10.
Tyrael’s Might 1 Resplendent Spark, Lith x10, Feo x10, Met x10.
Shroud of False Death 1 Resplendent Spark, Bac x10, Kry x10, Ur x10.
Melted Heart of Selig 1 Resplendent Spark, Vex x10, Thul x10, Tun x10.
The Grandfather 1 Resplendent Spark, Xol x10, Kaa x10, Yax x10.
Ahavarion, Spear of Lycander 1 Resplendent Spark, Yom x10, Poc x10, Cir x10.
Shattered Vow 1 Resplendent Spark, Xan x10, Ner x10, Teb x10.
Doombringer 1 Resplendent Spark, Ahu x10, Neo x10, Lum x10.

Crafting Mythic Uniques is a significant investment of resources, but the rewards are unparalleled in terms of power and versatility.

Rune Rarities

Runes in Diablo 4 come in three classic rarities: Magic, Rare, and Legendary. However, don't be misled by the rarity labels; their rarity doesn't always correlate with their power. While some Legendary Runes may appear incredibly strong, certain Magic and Rare Runes can create powerful synergies that should not be overlooked.

How Do You Use Runes in Diablo 4?

Using Runes in Diablo 4 is simple and follows a method similar to socketing gems in items. Once you've selected two items with two available sockets each, simply drag the Runes from the Socketable tab in your inventory and place them into the gear.

When both a Rune of Ritual and a Rune of Invocation are inserted into the item, a Runeword is created.

Note: For example, by placing the Rune of Ritual - Tam and the Rune of Invocation - Wat, you create the TamWat Runeword. Now, after every four non-channeled core skills used, the necromancer’s Horrid Decrepify will automatically cast, slowing enemies, reducing their damage, and letting you execute them.