D2R Runewords – Treachery

TL;DR

  • Treachery provides exceptional value with affordable Lem rune as highest cost
  • Fade offers 60% all resistances and 79% curse reduction for 4.8 minutes
  • 45% attack speed boost makes it ideal for melee builds and mercenaries
  • Can be crafted in any 3-socket white body armor regardless of defense rating
  • Strategic Fade triggering enables temporary armor swapping for maximum efficiency

The Treachery Runeword represents one of Diablo 2 Resurrected’s most cost-efficient power spikes for character progression. This comprehensive analysis reveals why experienced players consistently prioritize this runeword during their journey through Nightmare and Hell difficulties.

Two compelling factors establish Treachery as essential gear. First, its crafting cost remains remarkably accessible—the Lem rune serves as the most valuable component, making it achievable through routine farming in Act 1 Hell or Countess runs. Second, the statistical benefits provide transformative combat advantages that outperform many elite unique armors.

Treachery requires three specific runes inserted in exact sequence: Shael, Thul, and Lem. The mandatory order—Shael in first socket, Thul in second, Lem in third—cannot be altered without ruining the runeword creation process.

Treachery must be crafted exclusively in three-socket body armor—neither two nor four socket bases will activate the runeword properties. The armor cannot possess rare (yellow), unique (gold), or magic (blue) qualities, eliminating wasted effort hunting unsuitable bases.

White (normal) or ethereal armors with exactly three sockets qualify perfectly. Contrary to common misconceptions, exceptional defense values prove unnecessary—functional benefits derive entirely from runeword attributes rather than base armor statistics.

D2R Runewords – Treachery content

5% Chance To Cast Level 15 Fade When Struck

25% Chance To Cast level 15 Venom On Striking

+2 To Assassin Skills

+45% Increased Attack Speed

+20% Faster Hit Recovery

Cold Resist +30%

50% Extra Gold From Monsters

Fade operates through dimensional shifting mechanics, partially transferring the wearer’s physical presence into astral planes. This metaphysical displacement significantly reduces elemental damage impact and magical curse effectiveness. When activated, Fade grants comprehensive defensive bonuses: 79% reduced curse duration, 60% resistance to all elements, and 15% physical damage reduction throughout its 288-second duration (approximately 4.8 minutes).

Advanced players utilize Fade’s persistent buff mechanic strategically—once triggered, they can equip alternative armor for nearly five minutes before re-donning Treachery to refresh the effect. This cycling technique enables continuous benefit utilization. Mercenary companions fully benefit from all Treachery attributes, making it particularly valuable for Act 2 and Act 5 hirelings.

Venom delivers substantial poison damage augmentation, adding 305-325 poison damage to attacks. Combined with the massive 45% attack speed increase, these offensive capabilities dramatically enhance kill speed and combat efficiency.

Seasoned Diablo 2 players maximize Treachery through calculated Fade triggering. Deliberately taking minor damage from weak enemies activates the proc reliably, after which swapping to superior defensive armor creates nearly five minutes of enhanced protection. This approach proves particularly effective against curse-heavy areas like Chaos Sanctuary or act bosses.

Common crafting errors include using superior quality armor (wasted investment) or misunderstanding socket requirements. Always verify armor type and socket count before rune insertion—failed runewords cannot be recovered.

For players seeking complementary equipment, the Crescent Moon Runeword provides excellent elemental damage for weapon slots. Treachery synergizes exceptionally with builds focusing on attack speed and elemental damage amplification.

Mercenary optimization represents Treachery’s most powerful application. Act 2 mercenaries wielding Insight polearms become nearly indestructible with Fade active, enabling efficient farming in high-level areas.

Action Checklist

  • Farm Countess runs in Hell difficulty for Lem rune acquisition
  • Secure 3-socket white body armor (any defense rating acceptable)
  • Insert runes in exact order: Shael, Thul, Lem
  • Trigger Fade by taking minor damage from weak enemies
  • Swap to primary armor for 4.5 minutes of enhanced defenses
  • Re-equip Treachery to refresh Fade duration as needed

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