What is Plague Runeword in Diablo 2 Resurrected?

The Plague runeword is a weapon runeword that was introduced in Diablo II: Resurrected Patch 2.6 and Ladder Season 3. It was first introduced in Patch 2.4 Ladder Season 1. The Plague Runeword is just one of the many powerful runewords available in Diablo II: Resurrected, with nearly 100 different options to choose from. By combining Normal-quality socketed gear with runes, players can create an array of incredible Diablo 2 items suitable for leveling, farming, and end-game play.

• Type: Weapon

• Weapon Base Needed: Claws, Dagger, Sword

• Number of Sockets: 3

• Required Runes: Cham, Shael, Um

How To Make a Phoenix Runeword in D2R?

Plague can be created by socketing  Cham Rune + Shael Rune  + Um Rune in order on one of the 3 Socket Sword, Claws, Daggers

What is Plague Runeword Good For in D2R?

The Plague runeword is primarily intended for characters who rely on poison as their primary form of attack, whether as their main weapon or, more commonly, as a weapon for their Act V mercenary to assist with poison attacks.

Plague runeword provides better bandwidth for reducing resistances to four different attack types, making it especially beneficial for group play. It's the only runeword that has the ability to lower resistances, which is crucial for breaking poison immunity, the only curse capable of doing so.

Additionally, the cleansing aura provided by this runeword can prove to be immensely valuable in areas where poison and curses are constant threats. Plague also offers a range of other powerful melee bonuses, such as open wounds and deadly strike.

Although Cham is one of the highest-level runes required to make Plague, it is not in high demand compared to other runes.

D2R Plague Runeword Bases

To make Plague, you can use 3-socket Assassin Katars/Claws, Daggers, and Swords in gray color. However, since the Cham Rune required for making Plague has a high level requirement, it's recommended to use an elite weapon. The following elite weapons can be socketed with 3 sockets and used to make Plague:

• Elite Claws - Suwayyah, Wrist Sword, Feral Claws, Runic Talons, Scissors Suwayyah.

• Elite Daggers - Fanged Knife;

• Elite Swords - Phase Blade, Conquest Sword, Cryptic Sword, Mythical Sword, and all Two Handed Swords.

What Base (Weapon) is Best for Plague in D2R?

The ideal choice of base item for creating Plague will vary depending on the specific build you plan to use it with:

• Assassins: Runic Talons (Elite)

• Daggermancers: Cinquedas (Exceptional) or Fanged Knife (Elite)

• Mercenaries: Phase Blade, Conquest Sword, Mythical Sword (Elite)

Which Builds Use Phoenix Runeword in D2R?

Here are the best classes and builds for the Plague Runeword:

• Dagger-wielding Poison Necromancers will find Plague to be an excellent runeword, especially if it comes with +2 Skills and a high-quality Cleansing Aura. While the amount of reduced enemy poison resist is not as significant as it is on the Death's Web wand, the additional physical damage traits are highly desirable for a Daggermancer. Assassins who rely on Venom for adding poison attacks to their weapons will also find Plague to be an attractive option.

• Poison Javazons may also consider using Plague on their mercenaries, although not for their own weapon.

Moreover, Plague can serve as an excellent main hand weapon for an Act V Frenzy Barbarian with a dual-wield mercenary in Patch 2.4, since the reduction to enemy Poison Resistance doesn't work when the weapon is in the offhand.