Messerschmidt's Reaver

Messerschmidt's Reaver is an elite unique Champion Axe in Diablo 2 Resurrected known for its level-scaling damage and balanced stat bonuses. This level 70 two-handed axe has earned recognition as one of the better leveling weapons for melee characters.

Level-Scaling Power

The weapon features +2.5% Maximum Damage per Character Level, which adds approximately 2.375 damage per level to the base weapon. By level 99, this contributes an additional 235 maximum damage, pushing actual weapon damage to 180-451 through 520 depending on the enhanced damage roll. Combined with +200% Enhanced Damage, Adds 20-240 Fire Damage, and 100% Bonus To Attack Rating, Messerschmidt's Reaver delivers reliable damage that improves throughout progression.

Balanced Attribute Package

Beyond raw damage, the axe provides +15 To All Attributes, offering valuable boosts to strength, dexterity, vitality, and energy. This helps meet equipment requirements, increases survivability, and provides minor utility across all stats. The fire damage adds elemental diversity to physical attacks, making the weapon effective against physical immunes when paired with proper support skills.

Progression & Replacement

Messerschmidt's Reaver works excellently for Barbarians progressing through Nightmare and into early Hell difficulty. The Champion Axe base has respectable speed, and the scaling damage keeps it relevant into the 70s and 80s. However, elite runewords eventually outclass it—weapons like Obedience, Insight, or eventually Breath of the Dying offer superior combinations of damage, utility, and specialized bonuses. The Reaver serves its role well as a reliable mid-game weapon before transitioning to endgame gear.