Wisdom

Wisdom is a versatile runeword in Diablo 2 Resurrected introduced in Patch 2.4, created with Pul + Ith + Eld in any 3-socket helm. Designed for ranged physical attackers, it provides the rare +33% piercing attack stat along with Cannot Be Frozen, making it a powerful mid-game option for Amazons, throwing Barbarians, and Act 1 mercenaries.

Piercing Attack Power

The standout feature is +33% piercing attack, one of only two runewords offering this crucial stat (the other being Pattern). Piercing allows projectiles to pass through targets and hit enemies behind them, dramatically increasing damage output in densely packed areas. When combined with area-of-effect skills like Exploding Arrow, Lightning Fury, or Freezing Arrow, piercing can result in massive damage multipliers as overlapping explosions hit the same monsters multiple times.

Combat Synergies

Wisdom offers excellent offensive support with +15-25% bonus to attack rating and 4-8% mana stolen per hit, helping sustain mana-hungry ranged builds. The Cannot Be Frozen modifier is particularly valuable, allowing players to skip Raven Frost and use other rings like Stone of Jordan. The +5 mana after each kill and 15% damage taken goes to mana further address mana sustainability issues common to Javazons and Bowazons.

Best Uses & Builds

Physical Ranged Attackers

• Javazons - Ideal for Lightning Fury builds that need piercing to maximize damage in cow runs and Travincal
• Bowazons - Excellent for Exploding Arrow or Freezing Arrow builds before acquiring end-game gear
• Throwing Barbarians - Perfect for Double Throw builds, especially when made in barbarian helms with +skills to Double Throw and Throwing Mastery
• Act 1 Mercenaries - Strong choice for rogues using bows, as piercing significantly boosts their damage output

Best Bases

For throwing Barbarians, use a Primal Helm or other barbarian-specific helm with +skills to Double Throw and Throwing Mastery. For Amazons, any 3-socket helm works. Generic helms suffice for Act 1 mercenaries.

Budget & Progression

All runes are obtainable relatively early—Ith and Eld drop from Normal Countess, while Pul becomes available in Hell. This makes Wisdom accessible by mid-game and an excellent bridge between budget and end-game gear. It serves well until you acquire top-tier uniques like Griffon's Eye for Javazons or Arreat's Face for Barbarians. When paired with Razortail belt, you can achieve near-100% pierce chance.