How do Ethereal items work in Diablo 2: Resurrected?

With Diablo 2 back in our game libraries, many of us suddenly remember the grind and effort it took to get the best gear and items. However, there was one specific type of item that most players struggled to take a side on:

Ethereal.

Basic Info

Much like the original version, Ethereal applies a few traits in Diablo 2: Resurrected. It gives a 50 percent bonus to attack/defense, reduces its durability by 50 percent, reduces the stat requirements by 10, and reduces in value by 75 percent or more. The most significant change is that it can no longer be repaired normally. When you use the item, it degrades. When the item is broken, that's it. It's done, and you'll never use it again.

Related: How many mercenaries can you have in Diablo 2: Resurrected?

Most people pass up Ethereal gear because they know it means it's not permanent. Inscribing this gear with a powerful rune word is a waste of time and resources to these players. However, there is one rune word that can make Ethereal equipment stronger than non-Ethereal equipment.

Zod Rune

This is the rarest rune in the game. When socketed into any equipment, it makes the equipment unbreakable. This negates the negative effect for Ethereal equipment that prevents you from repairing it. The rarity of this rune is partially the reason Ethereal equipment is ignored so often. The only real purpose in seeking it out is to beat the game and have a reason to search for overkill items to take on the toughest mobs.

That's everything there is to know about Ethereal gear in Diablo 2: Resurrected!

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