The Patriarch

The Patriarch is a unique Great Sword in Diablo 2 Resurrected that combines high physical damage with gold find and blind mechanics. As the final normal-tier unique sword, this weapon represents the peak of normal unique sword damage while offering unusual utility features.

Offensive Power & Utility

The Patriarch boasts impressive damage for its tier with +100-120% enhanced damage, making it the highest enhanced damage among all normal unique swords. The Hit Blinds Target modifier functions like the Dim Vision curse, preventing ranged enemies from attacking until you're in melee range—particularly useful for disabling archers and casters. The weapon also provides +10 to strength, helping meet equipment requirements, and defensive bonuses of magic damage reduced by 3 and damage reduced by 3.

Gold Finding Alternative

The most unusual aspect of The Patriarch is its 100% extra gold from monsters. While most players focus on magic find for endgame farming, this weapon can be effective for characters specifically gambling or accumulating gold during late Normal and Nightmare difficulties. Combined with gold find gear like Goldskin, players can accumulate significant gold for gambling sessions.

When to Replace

Despite strong stats for level 29, The Patriarch's value diminishes quickly once you reach Nightmare and Hell difficulties. The high strength requirement of 100 and dexterity requirement of 60 are steep for its level, and exceptional unique swords like Bloodletter or quality runewords quickly outclass it. The blind mechanic is useful for Whirlwind Barbarians since it works with that skill, but most players move on to better weapons by level 35-40.