Death Runeword - D2R 2.6

Death

 Hel + El + Vex + Ort + Gul

5 Socket Swords / Axes

Ladder Only Runeword

100% Chance To Cast Level 44 Chain Lightning When You Die

25% Chance To Cast Level 18 Glacial Spike On Attack

Indestructible

+300-385% Enhanced Damage (varies)

20% Bonus To Attack Rating

+50 To Attack Rating

Adds 1-50 Lightning Damage

7% Mana Stolen Per Hit

50% Chance of Crushing Blow

+(0.5 per Character Level) 0.5-49.5% Deadly Strike (Based on Character Level)

+1 To Light Radius

Level 22 Blood Golem (15 Charges)

Requirements -20%

Death is a very powerful endgame Runeword that competes with Grief in a few select builds. It provides a huge boost to both Crushing Blow and Deadly Strike which makes it a good option for Unique-Hunting, Act Bosses and Ubers. Unlike Grief, Death is dependent on enhanced damage so it must be made in a high-damage base. Superior Ethereal bases are ideal since Death comes with indestructibility. Death’s biggest weakness is a lack of Increased Attack Speed which makes it somewhat tricky to build around. It is most commonly used by Frenzy Barbarians. 

SUGGESTED SETUPS

Death Ettin Axe / Death Ettin Axe / Level 26+ Frenzy / Level 15 Fanaticism (Faith)

6 Frames = 6 IAS

5.5 Frames = 22 IAS 

5 Frames = 48 IAS < Optimal Performance

Death Colossus Sword / Grief Phase Blade / Level 26+ Frenzy

6.5 Frames = 8 IAS

6 Frames = 22 IAS 

5.5 Frames = 42 IAS < Optimal Performance

5 Frames = 78 IAS 

It is worth noting that although Grief deals more damage, Death provides a significant boost to survivability. Glacial Spikes can reliably freeze enemies and prevent them from surrounding you.

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