Dragon

Dragon is a versatile runeword in Diablo 2 Resurrected that can be created in both body armor and shields using Sur + Lo + Sol in 3-socket bases. This unique flexibility allows players to stack its Level 14 Holy Fire Aura When Equipped to devastating effect when wearing both versions simultaneously.

Holy Fire Aura Stacking

The defining characteristic of Dragon is its aura-stacking potential. When wearing Dragon armor and Dragon shield together, the Holy Fire auras combine for a total of Level 28 Holy Fire. This synergy can be pushed even further—combining dual Dragon with Hand of Justice weapon (which grants Level 16 Holy Fire) achieves Level 44 Holy Fire, creating one of the most powerful passive damage auras in the game.

The stacked aura deals significant fire damage per pulse to all nearby enemies, with radius and damage scaling dramatically with aura level. At level 44, the aura provides massive fire damage to attacks and pulses substantial ambient damage every two seconds within a 32+ yard radius.

Auradin & Dream Builds

Dragon is essential for Holy Fire Auradin builds, also called "Dragondins." These Paladins maximize Holy Fire damage by investing skill points into synergies like Salvation and Resist Fire while using Conviction aura to reduce enemy fire resistance. The result is a build that melts enemies through passive aura damage, requiring minimal active combat.

Sorceresses can also utilize Dragon for Enchantress builds, boosting the Holy Fire aura with Fire Mastery. While less common, this creates a unique hybrid caster with powerful passive fire damage.

Stats Beyond the Aura

Beyond Holy Fire, Dragon provides excellent defensive stats. The +360 Defense and +230 Defense vs. Missile create a tanky armor piece, while +3-5 to All Attributes and character-level-scaled strength (+0.375-37.125 to Strength) help meet gear requirements. The armor version grants Increase Maximum Mana 5%, while the shield version provides +50 to Mana.

The 20% Chance to Cast Level 18 Venom When Struck and 12% Chance to Cast Level 15 Hydra on Striking add defensive and offensive procs, though these are secondary benefits compared to the Holy Fire aura.

Rune Cost & Ladder Availability

Originally a Ladder-only runeword, Dragon became available in non-Ladder after Patch 2.4 in D2R. The Sur and Lo requirements make this an expensive investment—creating both armor and shield versions requires two Sur runes and two Lo runes, a substantial commitment that only makes sense for dedicated Holy Fire builds.

Best Bases

For armor, Archon Plate is optimal, balancing high defense with manageable strength requirements (103). Lighter bases like Dusk Shroud work for lower strength builds.

For shields, Paladins should use Paladin-specific shields like Vortex Shield or Sacred Targe for all resistances and enhanced block chance. Non-Paladins benefit from Monarch (156 strength) or Troll Nest for lower requirements without movement speed penalty.