Prudence

Prudence is a defensive runeword in Diablo 2 Resurrected created with Mal + Tir in any 2-socket body armor. Offering a strong balance of defense, resistances, and damage mitigation, it serves as a budget-friendly alternative to high-end armors, particularly when created in ethereal bases thanks to its self-repair modifier.

Defensive Powerhouse

Prudence excels at pure survivability with +140-170% enhanced defense, which can exceed even Fortitude when made in ethereal armor. The all resistances +25-35 helps reach Hell difficulty caps, while +25% faster hit recovery prevents stunlock—crucial for reaching FHR breakpoints. The magic damage reduced by 17 and damage reduced by 3 provide excellent mitigation against both magical and physical threats. Additional utility comes from +20 to dexterity for blocking and +2 to mana after each kill.

Ethereal Advantage

The repairs durability 1 in 4 seconds modifier allows Prudence to be created in ethereal armor, which provides 50% higher base defense. This makes ethereal elite armors like Sacred Armor or Archon Plate exceptional bases, potentially reaching defense values that rival or exceed Stone and compete with Fortitude.

Best Uses

Prudence works well for characters prioritizing survivability over offense, particularly Energy Shield Sorceresses who benefit from magic damage reduction, or melee characters in early Hell difficulty. The high FHR is valuable for Paladins, Barbarians, and other classes that need to hit specific breakpoints. For a Mal rune investment, it offers solid value.

Why It's Middle Tier

Prudence lacks offensive stats like faster cast rate or enhanced damage, making it purely defensive. Smoke offers +50% all resistances for far cheaper runes, while Treachery provides better utility with Fade proc and attack speed. Fortitude offers superior stats but costs significantly more. Prudence occupies an awkward middle ground—better than budget options but outclassed by endgame choices. It's best used as a transitional armor or for niche builds that need its specific combination of FHR and magic damage reduction.