Destruction

Destruction is a visually spectacular but economically questionable runeword in Diablo 2 Resurrected. Created with Vex + Lo + Ber + Jah + Ko in polearms or swords, this five-socket behemoth unleashes a fireworks display of elemental procs but struggles to justify its astronomical rune cost.

The Spectacle vs. Reality Problem

Destruction offers an impressive array of proc-based elemental damage with 23% Chance to Cast Level 12 Volcano on Striking, 5% Chance to Cast Level 23 Molten Boulder on Striking, 15% Chance to Cast Level 22 Nova on Attack, and a dramatic 100% Chance to Cast Level 45 Meteor When You Die. The core weapon stats include +350% Enhanced Damage, Ignore Target's Defense, 100-180 Magic Damage, 20% Crushing Blow, and 20% Deadly Strike.

However, the damage output from these elemental procs is underwhelming for endgame content. The level 12 Volcano and level 23 Molten Boulder deal modest fire damage that won't impress in Hell difficulty, while the utility stats, though solid, pale in comparison to what runewords like Grief, Death, or Breath of the Dying offer for a fraction of the cost.

Niche Build Applications

Fire Claws Druid

Fire Claws Druids can benefit from the Molten Boulder procs due to synergy bonuses with their fire skills. The repeated strikes from shapeshifting attacks trigger these procs frequently, adding supplemental damage to their fire-focused build.

Blade Fury Assassin

Blade Fury Assassins appreciate Destruction's combination of Ignore Target's Defense, Crushing Blow, and Deadly Strike. Since Blade Fury benefits from weapon stats without requiring attack rating, this stat package works well for the build's mechanics.

Rune Cost Reality Check

The elephant in the room is the rune requirement. You need a Ber and Jah rune—two of the most valuable runes in the game. These same runes could instead create Enigma (arguably the single most powerful runeword) or Infinity. Even the lower runes like Vex and Lo are better invested in more efficient runewords.

For comparison, Grief provides superior melee damage with just Lo as the highest rune, while Obedience offers excellent damage and utility for mid-tier runes. The opportunity cost of making Destruction is simply too high for most players.

Best Bases

• Ethereal Thresher or Giant Thresher - If making this for a mercenary (though not recommended), ethereal elite polearms maximize damage
• Cryptic Sword - Lower strength requirements for weapon swap if needed
• Colossus Blade - High damage base for melee characters willing to meet the strength requirement

The Verdict

Destruction is a novelty runeword best appreciated for its visual flair rather than practical application. Originally a ladder-only runeword, it became available in non-ladder after Patch 2.4. While it creates impressive on-screen effects, the combination of high rune cost and mediocre endgame performance makes it a poor investment for most players. Consider this a trophy piece for wealthy players who already have their main builds fully geared, not a priority acquisition for progressing characters.