DiabloXP

Runeword

Death

HelElVexOrtGul

Sockets
5
Required level
55
Item types
Swords, Axes
Ladder
All modes

Properties

  • 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
  • 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%

Who uses Death

Death is a runeword for swords and axes, requiring five sockets and level 55. It offers indestructibility, making it suitable for ethereal weapons. The high enhanced damage and attack rating bonuses support physical damage dealers. The on-death chain lightning and on-attack glacial spike provide occasional crowd control. It is not ladder-only, so it can be made in single player. Practical note: use an ethereal base to take advantage of the indestructibility without repair costs.

FAQ

What runes make Death?
Hel, El, Vex, Ort, Gul in that order, in a 5-socket item.
What items can Death be made in?
Swords, Axes.
Is Death ladder only?
No, it can be made in any game mode.

Introduced in patch 1.10 (ladder). Names and numbers compiled from the Diablo Wiki (CC BY-SA 3.0); sources: fandom-runewords. Last verified patch 3.3, 2026-09-12.