With the arrival of the Vessel of Hatred DLC for Diablo 4, new Runewords have been introduced, putting a fresh spin on various gameplay mechanics. This DLC not only introduces an entirely new class but significantly alters gameplay strategies, requiring players to adapt their approaches. Runes serve as one of these exciting new features, and you’ll want to prioritize finding them, as they can greatly enhance your character’s power and equipment.
Like the newly included Spiritborn class, some of these Runes can provide considerable benefits. Runes are scattered throughout the game and players can fairly quickly acquire them based on their leveling pace. With a bit of luck, you can start discovering and crafting Runes just hours after leveling up your new character and tackling the Torment difficulties to secure the best loot.
What Are Runes In Diablo 4?
How They Work & What They’re Used For
The new DLC features a substantial selection of Runes—at least 45 new ones have been added. They fall into two categories: Runes of Invocation and Runes of Ritual. When combined, these Runes form Runewords that can be socketed into any weapon, item, or piece of gear that has two sockets.
Runes of Ritual produce a resource called Offering, which is necessary to activate the effects of Runes of Invocation. A sufficient amount of Offering is needed to trigger these effects, with more powerful Invocations requiring more Offering. Conversely, the harder the Rune of Ritual is to activate, the more Offering it generates and the stronger its effects become. These mechanics allow players to develop optimal builds for their characters in Diablo 4.
Important Notes:
Only players who purchase the Vessel of Hatred DLC will gain access to the new Rune system.
There is a mechanic called Overflow that lets Runes of Invocation take advantage of any excess Offering. This aspect encourages strategic consideration of how to utilize your Runes and how to effectively combine them into Runewords.
Keep in mind that regardless of the number of sockets available, you can have up to two Runewords equipped at any given time (a maximum of four Runes).
Rarity of Runes
There are three primary rarities of Runes, which boost the power and capabilities of Runes according to their rarity: Magic, Rare, and Legendary Runes, with Legendary providing the most potent effects when combined correctly.
How To Get More Runes In Diablo 4
Farming & Crafting Methods
There are numerous ways to acquire additional Runes in Diablo 4—some easier than others. Many methods involve randomness, but if you’re set on obtaining a specific Rune, trading with other players may be your best option.
World Drops
The simplest way to find Runes is through conventional looting methods. They often drop from enemies and chests, particularly in high-density enemy areas. You can farm locations like The Pit or Helltides, where greater enemy concentrations exist, providing a better chance to accumulate Runes quickly. Areas like Kurast Undercity are also ideal for encountering numerous enemies with decent loot.
Trading With Other Players
All Runes are tradeable, which allows you to obtain specific Runes through player interaction. However, be prepared to spend real money to get the Runes you want or to exchange for another valuable item. As with all trades, exercise caution when dealing with strangers.
Crafting Runes
Another method of obtaining Runes is through crafting. You can combine three Runes of the same rarity to create a new one, potentially of a higher rarity. This process can be done at the Jeweler whenever you have three Runes to meld.
Additionally, you can utilize crafting in a unique way to create a Mythic Unique with the proper ingredients:
| Items | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Magic Runes | 10 |
| Rare Runes | 10 |
| Legendary Runes | 10 |
| Resplendent Spark | 1 |
For most seasons, you can expect to secure three Resplendent Sparks: one from Lilith, one from a Tormented Boss, and one from reputation gains. This means you can potentially acquire three Mythic Uniques each season, gearing up your character comprehensively.
Regardless of how you choose to collect Runes, you can combine them to craft Runewords, greatly enhancing your character’s abilities. With a plethora of combinations between the two Rune types, feel free to experiment and find what suits your gameplay style. For excellent suggestions on the best Runewords in Diablo 4 this season, check out YouTuber Raxxanterax.