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D2R Rune Tier List - Most Versatile Runes for Runewords & Recipes in Diablo 2 Resurrected
6/11/2025 11:43:28 AM
Understanding the versatility of runes in Diablo 2 Resurrected can help you maximize gameplay. So in today's guide, we rank all 33 runes based on how many useful Runewords, Horadric Cube recipes, and crafting recipes they participate in, and how often they’re used. This isn't just about rarity or value but about utility. Which runes are the true Swiss Army knives of Sanctuary? Follow us to check out! 
D2R Best Rune Tier List - Most Versatile Runes for Runewords & Recipes
Runes in Diablo 2 Resurrected are more than just crafting materials; they are integral to many of the game's mechanics, from powerful runewords to cube recipes and crafting. But not all runes are created equal. Some are used in a vast number of useful runewords, recipes, and upgrades, while others, despite their rarity, see very little practical use.
By analyzing how often a rune appears in valuable runewords or useful Horadric Cube recipes, and excluding underwhelming or niche usages, a clearer picture emerges of which runes are truly versatile.
This list ranks each rune from most to least versatile, based on the number of useful runewords and cube/crafting recipes they’re involved in.
#1 Ral Rune
Runewords: 11
Cube Recipes: 12
Total Uses: 23
The Ral rune takes the crown. Despite being common, it's involved in some of the best cube recipes, including the highly sought-after Caster Amulet recipe, and is part of many practical runewords. Its ubiquity and usefulness make it essential in boththe early and late game.
#2 Tal Rune
Runewords: 9
Cube Recipes: 11
Total Uses: 20
Tal comes in at a close second. It can be used to craft valuable items and has significant utility in cube recipes. Additionally, Tal runes can be up-transmuted into Ral runes, enhancing their value and flexibility.
#3 Amn Rune
Runewords: 13
Cube Recipes: 7
Total Uses: 20
Amn is a staple of early to mid-game runewords, including Spirit. Its presence in multiple crafting recipes also helps it secure a high spot.
#4 Ort & Shael Runes
Ort: 11 Runewords, 7 Cube Recipes
Shael: 15 Runewords, 2 Cube Recipes
Total Uses: 18 (Ort), 17 (Shael)
Shael and Ort are frequently used and incredibly versatile. Shael, in particular, is used in many runewords and socketing for increased attack speed or faster hit recovery.
#5 Io Rune
Runewords: 14
Cube Recipes: 0
Total Uses: 14
Io rune’s rise in usefulness is due to its inclusion in new runeword helmets like Bulwark and Cure. Though it lacks cube recipes, the number of solid runewords it appears in secures its spot.
#6 Thul, Eth, Tir, Ko, Mal Runes
Thul: 11 Runewords, 6 Cube Recipes
Eth: 12 Runewords, 6 Cube Recipes
Tir: 14 Runewords, 2 Cube Recipes
Ko: 11 Runewords, 3 Cube Recipes
Mal: 14 Runewords, 0 Cube Recipes
Total Uses: 17–14
These runes serve versatile roles across various runewords and recipes, especially Eth for its -25% enemy defense and Tir for early-game mana regeneration.
#7 Sol Rune
Runewords: 12
Cube Recipes: 5
Total Uses: 17
Sol is a cornerstone of Insight and other valuable runewords, and it's also used in essential crafting recipes, particularly blood and caster items.
#8 Lem Rune
Runewords: 9
Cube Recipes: 3
Total Uses: 12
Lem is often overlooked, but it has surprising utility. It's used in Treachery, a top-tier armor for mercenaries, and several cube recipes.
#9 El, Pul, Hel, Lo, Ith, Lum, Eld Runes
El: 9 Runewords, 1 Cube Recipes, Total 10
Pul: 9 Runewords, 3 Cube Recipes, Total 12
Hel: 9 Runewords, 2 Cube Recipes, Total 11
Lo: 10 Runewords, 0 Cube Recipes, Total 10
Ith: 9 Runewords, 4 Cube Recipes, Total 13
Lum: 9 Runewords, 2 Cube Recipes, Total 11
Eld: 9 Runewords, 1 Cube Recipes, Total 10
These runes are tied in mid-tier versatility. Pul and Hel stand out due to their cube utility, such as upgrading items or removing sockets. Lo is included in high-end runewords like Grief, but lacks cube functionality.
#10 Ber Rune
Runewords: 8
Cube Recipes: 0
Total Uses: 8
Ber is incredibly valuable, largely due to high-end runewords like Enigma. However, its actual versatility is limited with no cube recipes.
#11 Jah Rune
Runewords: 10
Cube Recipes: 0
Total Uses: 10
Jah is similar to Ber in value and usage. It’s primarily used in top-tier runewords and has limited solo utility.
#12 Zod Rune
Runewords: 2
Cube Recipes: 0
Total Uses: 2
Despite its status as the rarest rune, Zod is the least versatile. Used only in Breath of the Dying and Obsession, and for making ethereal items indestructible, it’s powerful but niche.
#13 Um Rune
Runewords: 11
Cube Recipes: 1
Total Uses: 12
Um is a fan favorite due to its resistances and use in crafting. However, it only participates in one cube recipe, limiting its overall versatility.
#14 Vex Rune
Runewords: 8
Cube Recipes: 0
Total Uses: 8
Vex is more known for its place in Heart of the Oak and other high-end runewords. Its lack of cube utility keeps it from ranking higher.
#15 Nef, Sur, Gul, Ist, Fal, Dol Runes
Nef: 8 Runewords, 4 Cube Recipes, Total 12
Sur: 7 Runewords, 0 Cube Recipes, Total 7
Gul: 8 Runewords, 0 Cube Recipes, Total 8
Ist: 8 Runewords, 0 Cube Recipes, Total 8
Fal: 8 Runewords, 1 Cube Recipes, Total 9
Dol: 7 Runewords, 0 Cube Recipes, Total 7
These runes serve very narrow purposes. While some, like Ist, are highly valuable for magic find, they aren’t used often in recipes or practical runewords.
#16 Cham Rune
Runewords: 6
Cube Recipes: 0
Total Uses: 6
Cham is rarely used. Its "Cannot Be Frozen" effect can be easily replaced by Raven Frost or Trang-Oul's Girth, making it a situational rune at best.
#17 Ohm Rune
Runewords: 7
Cube Recipes: 0
Total Uses: 7
Ohm provides 50% Enhanced Damage but is outclassed by alternatives in many builds. It appears in a few high-end runewords but lacks versatility.
That's all of our Diablo 2 Resurrected Rune Tier List, hope this ranking helps players, especially those in solo self-found or single-player modes, understand which runes to prioritize for crafting and progression. Having a stash full of Ral, Tal, Shael, and Ort runes will give more options than hoarding a single Ber or Zod rune. Versatility in Diablo 2 Resurrected isn’t just about power, it’s about how often a rune can be used. Ral rune truly earns its title as the most versatile rune in the game. While rarity dictates market value, functionality defines in-game utility. If you want to get the best D2R Runes fast, please check the best deal at MTMMO.COM!
