Oath

Oath is a powerful weapon runeword in Diablo 2 Resurrected created with Shael + Pul + Mal + Lum in any 4-socket axe, mace, or sword. As an affordable alternative to top-tier weapons, it offers exceptional damage output, attack speed, and utility, making it a favorite for mid-budget melee builds.

Exceptional Damage Output

Oath delivers devastating damage through +210-340% enhanced damage, which rivals endgame weapons like Grief and Death when created in optimal bases. The +50% increased attack speed makes reaching key IAS breakpoints effortless on most builds. Against demons, Oath shines with +75% damage to demons and +100 to attack rating against demons, making it exceptional for Chaos Sanctuary and other demon-heavy areas.

Indestructible Advantage

The indestructible modifier is Oath's most valuable feature, allowing it to be created in ethereal bases for 50% higher damage without durability concerns. An ethereal Colossus Blade or Berserker Axe with Oath can reach damage values comparable to much more expensive runewords. This single modifier dramatically increases Oath's value proposition.

Utility & Charges

Beyond raw damage, Oath provides excellent utility: 30% chance to cast level 20 Bone Spirit on striking adds magic damage for dealing with physical immunes, prevent monster heal stops regeneration, and +10-15 magic absorb provides defensive value. The level 16 Heart of Wolverine (20 charges) grants approximately +125% enhanced damage and +130% attack rating when summoned, though charges cannot be repaired in ethereal bases. The level 17 Iron Golem (14 charges) is primarily useful for Necromancers.

Best Uses & Builds

Barbarians

Whirlwind and Frenzy Barbarians benefit enormously from Oath. The high damage, IAS, and indestructible modifier make ethereal Colossus Swords or Berserker Axes ideal for dual-wielding or two-handed builds.

Paladins

Zealots appreciate Oath's attack speed and demon damage for Hell difficulty progression, particularly in Chaos Sanctuary farming.

Druids

Shapeshifting Druids use Oath in fast base weapons like Ethereal Feral Axe to maximize attack speed while benefiting from the enormous damage boost.

Mercenaries

Act 5 mercenaries can use Oath effectively, especially in ethereal elite bases for maximum damage output.

Best Bases

For maximum damage, use ethereal elite bases: Ethereal Colossus Blade or Ethereal Colossus Sword for Barbarians, Ethereal Berserker Axe for balanced speed and damage, Ethereal Feral Axe for Druids prioritizing attack speed. Non-ethereal bases work but sacrifice significant damage potential.

Budget & Progression

Oath requires mid-tier runes (Mal being the highest) that are far more accessible than the Lo for Grief or Vex for Death. It serves as an exceptional weapon throughout Hell difficulty and remains viable for endgame content. Many players use Oath until they can afford true endgame weapons, and some builds continue using it indefinitely due to its excellent cost-to-performance ratio.