Runewords have taken over as the most powerful items in Diablo 2 Resurrected, leaving once-godly uniques like Bck Cutthroat and Homunculus in the dust. Even the legendary Grandfather sword, once sought after by all, has been surpassed by newer runewords. Only a few uniques, like Storm Shield and Lidless Wall, still hold their own among the powerful runewords.
Diablo 2 Resurrected has become a game that revolves around runewords, making them the most powerful items in the game. However, this wasn't always the case. In this article, we will take a look at the unique items that were considered to be god-tier back in the day, but are now overshadowed by modern-day runewords.
Bck Cutthroat 🗡️
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Bck Cutthroat used to be the go-to for most assassins back in the early 2000s. However, now it's almost never used unless you're trying to make a meme dual claw setup. It has been beaten out by Rune words that aren't even intended for Assassins. Heart of the Oak, for example, is a much better option, giving you three skills, 40 all resistance, and faster cast rate.
Homunculus 🐲
Homunculus is still considered a great item for Necromancers, but it's not as popular as it used to be. Runewords like Spirit Shield have pushed it aside due to the tuta skills and a bunch of cast rate you get on the shield. While Homunculus provides almost all of that stuff, it doesn't compare to what you get on the Spirit Shield.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great for Necromancers | Runewords have pushed it aside |
| Provides a lot of useful stats | Not as powerful as Spirit Shield |
| Still a good option |
Heralds of Zakarum 🛡️
Heralds of Zakarum used to be the go-to for every single Paladin, but now there are a couple of different runewords that have taken its place. However, it's still used quite a bit and is a great option for a Paladin. Putting it in a Spirit Shield gives you 45 all resistance on the base, crazy amounts of hit recovery, and faster cast for your hammers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great for Paladins | Runewords have taken its place |
| Provides useful stats | Not as powerful as some runewords |
Lacerator 🪓
Lacerator is an item that is still used a lot today, especially for a Fist of the Heavens Paladin. However, it's not the absolute king it used to be. There are a couple of Rune words that have pushed it out, like Grief and Breath of the Dying.
Oculus 🎭
Oculus used to be a great option for casters, but it's not used as much as it used to be. Heart of the Oak is now the go-to, providing three all skills, cast rate, and all resistances.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Still a good option | Not as powerful as Heart of the Oak |
| Provides useful stats |
Slayer 🔪
Slayer used to be a great option back in the day, but now it would literally never be touched. Breath of the Dying and Grief have taken its place.
Skin of the Vipermagi 🐍
Skin of the Vipermagi used to be a great option for a lot of characters, but it's now completely pushed out by modern-day runewords.
Shaftstop 🛡️
Shaftstop used to be a great option for physical damage reduction, but it's now overshadowed by runewords.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Great for physical damage reduction | Overshadowed by runewords |
| Has some resistances |
Eaglehorn 🦅
Eaglehorn used to be a great option for enhanced damage and ignore defense. However, it's now
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