Fortitude

Fortitude is a versatile runeword in Diablo 2 Resurrected that can be created in both weapons and armor, though the armor version dominates usage. Created with El + Sol + Dol + Lo in 4-socket weapons or body armor, Fortitude is most famous for providing +300% Enhanced Damage in armor—an incredibly rare modifier that makes it the premier choice for physical damage builds and Act 2 mercenaries.

The Enhanced Damage Anomaly

Fortitude's game-changing stat is +300% Enhanced Damage on body armor. Normally, enhanced damage only appears on weapons, but Fortitude breaks this rule. This "off-weapon ED" applies multiplicatively after weapon damage calculations, creating massive DPS gains. If your weapon has 200% ED and Fortitude adds 300% ED, your damage multiplies by 12 total (3x weapon × 4x armor). This makes Fortitude irreplaceable for Bowazons, Frenzy Barbarians, Zealot Paladins, and especially Act 2 mercenaries wielding Infinity, Insight, or Pride.

Mercenary Meta Dominance

Fortitude's primary use is on Act 2 mercenaries where it transforms them into DPS powerhouses. In superior ethereal elite armors like Sacred Armor or Archon Plate, Fortitude's +200% Enhanced Defense creates 2,000+ defense values. The 20% Chance to Cast Level 15 Chilling Armor When Struck adds another 800+ defense while chilling attackers. Combined with high base weapon damage from polearms, mercenaries wearing Fortitude become nearly unkillable while dealing tremendous physical damage.

Defensive Package

Beyond damage, Fortitude provides exceptional survivability: All Resistances +25-30%, +5% Maximum Lightning Resist (crucial against Souls and Lightning Enchanted), Damage Reduced by 7, 12% Damage Taken Goes to Mana, and Replenish Life +7. The +X to Life (Based on Character Level) varies from 1.0 to 1.5 per level, granting 99-148 life at level 99. The max lightning resist bonus reduces lightning damage by 20% when going from 75% to 80% cap—invaluable against the game's most dangerous enemies.

Character Applications

Physical Damage Builds

• Bowazons - Best-in-slot armor, the enhanced damage massively outweighs Enigma's +2 skills for pure damage builds
• Frenzy Barbarians - Combines with dual Grief for maximum physical devastation
• Zealot/Smiter Paladins - Competitive with Enigma depending on whether teleport is needed
• Fury Druids - Excellent choice when prioritizing damage over utility

Optimal Armor Bases

For mercenaries, prioritize superior ethereal elite armors. Archon Plate (103 STR requirement) balances defense with manageable strength needs for lower-level mercenaries. Sacred Armor (232 STR) offers maximum defense but requires level 90+ mercenaries. Dusk Shroud and Wyrmhide work for budget options. For characters, non-ethereal Archon Plate remains ideal due to low strength requirements and solid defense.

Why Not Enigma or Chains of Honor?

Fortitude competes with Enigma and Chains of Honor in the armor slot. Enigma provides teleport and +2 All Skills—essential for casters but less valuable for physical attackers. Chains of Honor offers better resistances (+65 All Res) and 8% Damage Reduction but lacks the damage multiplier. For pure physical damage dealers who don't need teleport, Fortitude is unmatched. The +25% FCR helps hybrid builds reach casting breakpoints.

Cost and Value

The Lo rune makes Fortitude expensive but achievable—roughly one-quarter the cost of Enigma. For self-found players, a mercenary Fortitude represents the best use of a Lo rune, as the weapon version faces stiff competition from Grief and the rune cost doesn't justify mediocre weapon stats. In softcore, mercenary Fortitude is often the first major armor investment after Spirit shield, dramatically improving clear speed and survivability across Hell difficulty.