The Runeword Preparation Recipes tune equipment for receiving Runewords.

As mentioned elsewhere, it is possible to remove an item from a socket, but the item is destroyed in the process. For example, trying to place the third Rune of a Runeword into the third socket while sockets 1 and 2 are empty will result in the Rune filling socket 1, contrary to intentions.

The Runes fill the sockets in numerical order automatically, i.e.

You must socket the Runes in the correct order.

The item must have exactly the correct number of sockets - no more.

Low Quality, Superior, and Ethereal can be used, but you can not use magical, Rare, Set, Crafted, or Unique items, even if they have the correct number of sockets.

Items used for Runewords must be gray text items, normal, exceptional, or Elite.

If defense isn’t important, look for an item that looks good, has low requirements, and for armor and shields, is not going to slow your running speed. Same with Armor if you are after Defense and shields for blocking percentage. For weapons, you’ll want to find the best type of weapon possible since that’s what the bonus damage is based on. Look at the rune list for information on how to get the right runes.

Diablo 2 runewords calculator