The number of sockets in an item must match the number of Runes in the Runeword - otherwise, the Runeword won't activate.The level requirement of a Runeword is the same as the level requirement of its highest level requirement Rune component.Order of inscribing runes matters! Always double check before putting runes into items to avoid mistakes (this might not cost you a lot early, but putting high-level runes in the wrong order hurts.Before we give you the list of the best Early Ladder Runewords, let us remind you of some of the basics:

This guide goes over most of the early-ladder-viable Runewords and Crafted Items that should allow you to start strong in every new Project Diablo 2 Season.Įarly in the Ladder, Runes are much easier to obtain than specific items, so Low to Mid-level Runewords will be your main source of power during the first few days of a season. Because of this, the only reasonable way of getting solid equipment on day one involves crafting (both Crafted Items and Runewords). What you can get quite reliably are Runes, Jewels, and Gems.

Good equipment is extremely scarce at the start of a Season and you will be lucky if you get a single Unique drop on day one (and even luckier if that drop will turn out to be useful to you).