Death Cleaver

Death Cleaver is an elite unique Berserker Axe in Diablo 2 Resurrected that emphasizes raw damage output through deadly strike mechanics. This level 70 one-handed axe delivers devastating hits with one of the highest deadly strike percentages in the game.

Deadly Strike Dominance

The weapon's defining characteristic is its 66% Deadly Strike, giving a two-thirds chance for double damage on every hit—among the highest in the game. Combined with +230-280% Enhanced Damage and +40% Increased Attack Speed, Death Cleaver creates a high-burst damage weapon ideal for characters who can stack additional deadly strike or critical strike from other sources. The -33% Target Defense ensures attacks land consistently, while +6-9 Life After Each Kill provides modest sustain.

Build Synergies

Death Cleaver works well for classes that benefit from burst damage: Zealots, Fury Druids, and Frenzy Barbarians can leverage the fast base speed [0] of the Berserker Axe to reach optimal breakpoints. The weapon shines brightest when paired with crushing blow from other gear pieces, as deadly strike doubles the entire damage calculation including CB. Ethereal versions with high enhanced damage rolls become exceptional when socketed with Zod rune for permanent indestructibility.

Competitive Landscape

Despite impressive stats, Death Cleaver struggles against runewords like Grief, Death, or Last Wish that offer superior overall packages. The one-handed format allows shield use or dual-wielding, but the weapon lacks additional utility modifiers beyond damage. It serves best as a stepping stone weapon for fresh ladder characters or a nostalgic alternative for players who appreciate its straightforward damage-focused design.