Exile

Exile is the ultimate defensive shield runeword in Diablo 2 Resurrected, exclusive to Paladin shields and best-in-slot for melee Paladins prioritizing survivability. Created with Vex + Ohm + Ist + Dol in 4-socket Paladin shields, Exile delivers unmatched physical defense through its Level 13-16 Defiance Aura while providing crucial sustain via 15% Chance to Cast Level 5 Life Tap on Striking.

The Defiance Aura Advantage

Exile's Defiance Aura provides massive percentage-based defense bonuses that stack multiplicatively with Holy Shield and the runeword's own +220-260% Enhanced Defense. In superior ethereal elite Paladin shields, this combination creates defense values exceeding 4,000+, making Paladins nearly untouchable against physical attacks. The ethereal recommendation works because Exile includes Repairs 1 Durability in 4 Seconds, ensuring the shield never breaks despite having no innate durability.

Life Tap Sustain

The 15% Chance to Cast Level 5 Life Tap proc provides an alternative to Dracul's Grasp gloves, freeing that slot for other options like Laying of Hands for damage or Trang-Oul's Claws for FCR on Hammerdins. Life Tap's massive life leech keeps Smiters alive during Uber Tristram where healing is critical. The proc rate is reliable enough in extended combat to maintain uptime.

Best-in-Slot Applications

Smiter Supremacy

Exile is best-in-slot for Uber Smiter Paladins, both in PvM and PvP. The defense makes Smiters tankier against Mephisto's and Diablo's physical attacks during Uber runs, while Life Tap sustain compensates for the 50% healing penalty on Ubers. Combined with Grief or similar weapons, Exile-wielding Smiters trivialize content other builds struggle with.

Zealot Consideration

Zealot Paladins benefit from Exile's defensive package, though competition exists from Phoenix for offensive builds prioritizing the Redemption aura and 350-400% Enhanced Damage. Exile suits hardcore Zealots or those prioritizing survivability over clear speed.

Optimal Shield Bases

Elite Ethereal Paladin Shields

• Sacred Targe - Lowest strength requirement (86) among elite shields, preferred for builds with minimal strength investment
• Sacred Rondache - Balanced defense and requirements, excellent all-around base
• Kurast Shield - Higher strength requirement (103) but superior base defense
• Zakarum Shield - Maximum base defense for ultimate physical damage reduction

Base Mods That Matter

Paladin shields spawn with inherent bonuses that carry over to runewords. Priority mods: +All Resistances (up to +45%), +Enhanced Damage (up to +65%), or +Attack Rating (up to +121). Exile lacks resistances, so all-res bases are highly valuable. The eth-bug in classic D2 made ethereal shields have 50% more defense, though this was fixed in D2R.

Supporting Stats

Beyond core defense, Exile provides +2 to Offensive Auras (Paladin only) boosting Fanaticism, Conviction, or Concentration, +30% Faster Block Rate helping reach max block, Freezes Target for crowd control, +5% Maximum Cold/Fire Resist increasing resist caps, Replenish Life +7, and 25% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items. The MF bonus is appreciated on hybrid farming builds.

Investment and Value

Exile requires significant rune investment: Vex + Ohm + Ist makes it expensive but achievable for dedicated Paladin players. The same Vex could create Heart of the Oak for casters, making Exile exclusively for melee Paladins. Finding the perfect ethereal Paladin shield base with good resists or ED can take considerable farming. Exile represents the pinnacle of defensive shield options—overkill for most content but essential for those tackling Ubers or seeking maximum survivability in hardcore.