Duress: Armor Rune Word - Diablo 2

Duress is a Rune Word that is decent for Melee classes and builds in Diablo 2 since the armor comes with + Crushing Blow and + Open Wounds. It is a commonly chosen Rune Word for Melee that are looking to save money on their gear but there are much better Rune Words out there for players like Fortitude or Chains of Honor.

If you don't already know, Crushing Blows deal a % of the current HP of a mob. This means that Crushing Blow is insanely good against bosses or any enemy you fight with a lot of HP since it's going to do a % of their total damage, this will usually far exceed any normal attacks you have.

Keep in mind that all Rune Words you create will retain any pre-existing bonuses found on the item. If you find a 'Superior' piece of armor with +Enhanced Defense, a Superior Weapon with +Enhanced Damage or a Helm/Weapon that has +Skill bonuses for a certain class, all of these will remain on the final Rune Word that is created. It's also possible to 'ebug' a piece of Ethereal Armor that you find which will increase the Defense bonuses by 50%, check out my Ebugging Guide for more information.

 

Farming High Runes: Out of all locations in the game one stands above the rest for farming specifically High Runes, the Countess during Act 1. The Countess has a guaranteed chance to always drop a High Rune and can even drop more than one. Check out my The Countess Farming Guide for more information.

 

Required Runes: Shael -- Um -- Thul
Level Req: 47
Other Req: N/A
Slots: Chest Armor

40% Faster Hit Recovery
+10-20% Enhanced Damage (varies)
Adds 37-133 Cold Damage
15% Crushing Blow
33% Open Wounds
+150-200% Enhanced Defense (varies)
-20% Slower Stamina Drain
Cold Resist +45%
Lightning Resist +15%
Fire Resist +15%
Poison Resist +15%

 

Duress Rune Word in Ebugged Great Hauberk.

 

Duress Rune Word in Ebugged Wire Fleece.