Snakecord

Snakecord is an early-game unique belt in Diablo 2 Resurrected designed specifically to counter poison damage during Normal difficulty. With +25% poison resistance and 50% reduced poison duration, this light belt transforms dangerous poison encounters into manageable fights for characters struggling with Act 1's venomous enemies.

Best Uses & When to Equip

Snakecord excels in two specific scenarios during your level 12-25 progression. First, it trivializes the Andariel boss fight, whose devastating poison attacks become far less threatening with proper resistance. Second, it handles the poison-heavy zones of Act 2, where scarabs and serpents constantly inflict poison damage that can wear down unprepared characters.

The belt works for any class facing poison damage, though melee characters like Barbarians, Paladins, and Assassins benefit most since they're consistently exposed to close-range poison attacks. The +12 poison damage adds a minor offensive bonus, making it unique among low-level belts - in classic Diablo II, Snakecord was the only belt providing poison damage output.

Limitations & Replacements

Snakecord's primary weakness is its 8 potion slots, fewer than the 12 or 16 slots offered by heavier belt types. Combined with modest defense, this makes it a temporary solution rather than long-term gear. Once you reach Nightmare difficulty or find belts like Nightsmoke (all resistances), Goldwrap (magic find), or any rare belt with better stats, replace Snakecord immediately.

The belt has no meaningful trade value and drops commonly during normal progression. It's worth keeping in your stash for leveling alternate characters who need poison protection, but don't socket it or invest resources into what's meant as disposable early-game gear.