Obsession

Obsession is an endgame caster runeword in Diablo 2 Resurrected introduced in Patch 2.4. Requiring Zod + Ist + Lem + Lum + Io + Nef in a 6-socket staff, this two-handed weapon offers casters an alternative to the traditional Heart of the Oak and Spirit shield combination.

The +7 Skills Dream

The defining feature of Obsession is its potential to reach +7 to specific skills. With +4 to All Skills from the runeword itself, you can add up to +3 from staff inherent bonuses to individual Sorceress skills. Finding a staff with +3 to your main skill (like Blizzard, Chain Lightning, or Meteor) creates a weapon more powerful than any one-handed alternative for that specific ability.

Comprehensive Caster Stats

Beyond skills, Obsession delivers +65% Faster Cast Rate, +60% Faster Hit Recovery, and All Resistances +60-70. The Indestructible modifier from Zod ensures the staff never breaks, while +15-25% Maximum Life and 15-30% Mana Regeneration provide crucial survivability. The 75% Extra Gold and 30% Magic Find make it excellent for farming.

Best Uses & Builds

Sorceresses

The primary users of Obsession, Sorceresses benefit most because only staves can roll with +3 to individual Sorceress skills. Blizzard Sorceresses with +3 Blizzard staves reach devastating damage levels, while Lightning Sorceresses with +3 Chain Lightning or +3 Lightning gain similar power. The trade-off is losing the Spirit shield's additional FCR, resists, and FHR.

Hammerdins

Blessed Hammer Paladins can use Obsession as a two-handed alternative, though they can't benefit from staff skill bonuses. The high FCR helps reach breakpoints without relying on shields.

Elemental Druids

Fire and Wind Druids gain from the +4 skills and high FCR, though finding appropriate staffmods is harder since most 6-socket staves don't roll Druid skills naturally.

The Shield Debate

The fundamental question with Obsession is whether +7 to one skill outweighs losing a Spirit shield. Spirit provides +2 All Skills, +35% FCR, +55% FHR, and substantial mana. For builds that scale extremely well with one specific skill, Obsession wins. For builds needing balanced stats or multiple skills, Heart of the Oak with Spirit shield remains superior.

Rune Cost & Considerations

Zod is the rarest rune in the game, making Obsession extremely expensive. The Indestructible property doesn't benefit casters since casting doesn't reduce weapon durability, making the Zod somewhat wasted. Many players prefer saving Zod for making ethereal weapons indestructible on melee builds where it provides actual damage benefits.

Best Bases

• War Staff / Archon Staff - These are the only staffs that can naturally roll 6 sockets from Larzuk quest or cube recipe. Hunt for +3 to your primary skill before socketing. The ideal Obsession base has +3 to your main damage skill and ideally +3 to a synergy or mastery. These are exceptionally rare and valuable