Need some help understanding itemization

[patgas]

Need some help understanding itemization

I'm new to D2, and I was reading over the 1-pt smiter guide to Uber Tristram (http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=425449). I know that I'll probably never see a lot of the gear that the guide lists, but I'm curious as to how you set it all up.

For example, the guide says the best weapon would be a Grief phase blade. Would I just have to be on the look out for a phase blade with 5 sockets, or should I find a superior phase blade and use the socket quest reward on it? I think a phase blade can have up to 6 sockets, but can you game the item level so the quest gives you a superior phase blade with 5 sockets? What would be the best possible phase blade to put Grief into, and how much does it matter? And after all of that, you have to hope you get good rolls on the Grief stats, right?

Similarly, how does it work for the Sanctuary shield and Fortitude armor? Try to find the best possible Chromatic Sacred Targe and hope for the best Sanctuary roll? Is Archon Plate the best thing to put Fortitude into since it's light armor?

I guess all of these questions basically boil down into: How do you know the right item to put a runeword into?

Thanks for any guidance.

 

[ThomasJohnsen]

Re: Need some help understanding itemization

I'm new to D2, and I was reading over the 1-pt smiter guide to Uber Tristram (http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=425449). I know that I'll probably never see a lot of the gear that the guide lists, but I'm curious as to how you set it all up.

For example, the guide says the best weapon would be a Grief phase blade. Would I just have to be on the look out for a phase blade with 5 sockets, or should I find a superior phase blade and use the socket quest reward on it? I think a phase blade can have up to 6 sockets, but can you game the item level so the quest gives you a superior phase blade with 5 sockets? What would be the best possible phase blade to put Grief into, and how much does it matter? And after all of that, you have to hope you get good rolls on the Grief stats, right?

Similarly, how does it work for the Sanctuary shield and Fortitude armor? Try to find the best possible Chromatic Sacred Targe and hope for the best Sanctuary roll? Is Archon Plate the best thing to put Fortitude into since it's light armor?

I guess all of these questions basically boil down into: How do you know the right item to put a runeword into?

Thanks for any guidance.

When creating runewords, one usually looks for the best suited choice of base-item to make them in, depending on the use:

• Item used for prebuffing: Use non-superior item with as low requirements as possible.
• Item with ed (enhanced damage/defense): Use superior (15ed is best) items, unless the extra repair cost is an issue and the ed isn't important.

Grief falls outside either category, as you might have noticed. A smiter (using shield) will benefit nothing from making a Grief in a Superior PB, whereas a zealot will benefit some.
If it is for self-use, I doubt you'll notice any difference between a Grief in a 15ed PB or a normal PB.

Btw - a PB 5os has to be found or cubed (remember only non-superior ones can be cube-socketed). Larzuk will allways give it 6 sockets. Therefore a 15ed 5os PB will be quite expensive, since it is quite rare.

A good idea when making runewords, is to use a common base-item (ie. the same that everyone else uses). This will ensure a better resale value.

 

[Crowd Control]

Re: Need some help understanding itemization

Though TJ is largely right, he doesn't cover all your questions.

First off, asking the question whether 15 ED is better regarding a Smiter is just about the only build where it doesn't matter since the build is based around the added damage not the enhanced damage. TJ is right in that you probably wouldn't find a big difference with Smite damage, so don't blow wealth on a superior PB.

However, just about every other build does improve with enhanced damage. Therefore, any ED 5os Phase Blade is a good item, thus a better base weapon and with better resale value.

Regarding Sanctuary: yes. Unless you try something new and want a Paladin shield with AR and ED you aim for a light weight, high defense, high res Pala shield. As you said a ST is the best choice and has best resale value, just hope for the best when rolling a Sanctuary. It seems 40+ is about the limit where they become valuable.

And to answer in general: there is no right or best with any item. And especially not with the amount of variables in Runewords and base items. Yes Archon Plate is a fine light armor with high defense, but it might be too high requirement for your taste. Some aim for a Dusk Shroud for low requirements. Others go for a 15 ED Sacred Armor to aim for the highest possible defense. I, for one, make some in xx ED Wire Fleece because it's looks schmexy!!

It depends on wealth, estaethics, time, aim.

 

[patgas]

Re: Need some help understanding itemization

It's interesting to me, since I'm used to other RPGs or MMOs where you can usually figure out the "best in slot" items pretty easily. All of the randomness in D2 makes it more difficult/interesting to think about... I guess that's why people are still playing it 10 years after its release.

So would it be a better for this build to add Larzuk's sockets to Guillame's Face, Gore Rider, and Dracul's Grasp? What would you socket them with?

Also, I've read a few different forum posts (circa 2006) debating the Fortitude shield vs. Exile vs. Herald of Zakarum, I think. The guide says Fortitude, but I was wondering if opinions have changed since then.

 

[Mursilis]

Just like to point out that you can't add sockets to gloves/boots so Gore Rider and Dracul's Grasp are out.

 

[DoomBoy]

Re: Need some help understanding itemization

So would it be a better for this build to add Larzuk's sockets to Guillame's Face, Gore Rider, and Dracul's Grasp? What would you socket them with?

I would shael it to get to the next fhr (fast hit recovery) breakpoint, if I needed the extra boost. You should aim for whatever would suit your toon more, be it resists, AR, or defense.

Also, I've read a few different forum posts (circa 2006) debating the Fortitude shield vs. Exile vs. Herald of Zakarum, I think. The guide says Fortitude, but I was wondering if opinions have changed since then.

I really like using the Herald. The smite damage on it is pretty good if you decide to upgrade it with the formula Ko + Lem + perfect diamond. Again, it's personal preference.

 

[SnickerSnack]

Re: Need some help understanding itemization

Most the gear listed in the guide isn't required, it just makes it very easy. Look for the Poor Man's Guide to Uber Trist (probably linked somewhere in the 1-point smiter thread); it should help a lot more if you don't already have a lot of in-game wealth.