Breath from the Dying may be the highest-level Runeword in the game and also the only one that can take the highest rune of all of them, the elusive Zod rune. It requires six sockets, which limits the weapon types you should use with it. There's even one class of weapons that are listed as permissible it can't make use of because there are not any six-socketed versions!
BOTD has the greatest Increased Attack Speed (IAS) associated with a Runeword weapon at 60% IAS, tying the Unique weapons Windhammer and Tomb Reaver. Only the unique missile weapon Buriza-Do Kyanon beats these at 80% IAS.
That said, there are lots of players who reason that Breath from the Dying isn't as strong as Grief for melee players and charges a lot more to create. Grief has one of the highest damage per second rates associated with a weapon in the game, something which might be tough to see in the trait package.
If you want to skip farming or leveling, you can take a quick look at our
cheap diablo 4 items and
diablo 2 resurrected ladder items for sale!
The major roadblock with this weapon would be that the Zod rune is ultra rare and therefore very expensive to trade for. Vex can also be in high demand for Runewords for example Heart from the Oak and, to some much lesser degree, Phoenix and Exile. Zod doesn't have direct competition among Runewords, but it's very popular both because of its extreme rarity and since it can turn Ethereal items Indestructible.
Breath from the Dying Recommendations
Runewords vary on the suitability for various classes and specs, in addition to the utility for that various Mercenaries. This next section will discuss what classes and specs could make the most out of Breath from the Dying, whether you should look at using Breath from the Dying together with your Mercenary follower, what base to consider, and where you can acquire Runes.
Best Classes and Specs for that Breath from the Dying Runeword
Breath from the Dying is ideal for Frenzy and Whirlwind Barbarians, in addition to Avenger and Zeal Paladins. Any class where high IAS and dual leech are highly valued will consider making a Breath from the Dying of the very own. Fury Werewolves and Maul Werebears may also be interested, but there might be better and cheaper selections for them.
Although it appears this would create a great Amazon weapon, most Amazons get access to more specialized bows with better traits for Amazons. Plus, many people consider it a total waste of a Zod to make use of this inside a bow, since bows can not be Ethereal and it is best undoubtedly to put this Runeword within an Ethereal weapon.
Breath from the Dying for Mercenaries
Mercenaries don't generally use Breath from the Dying, since many people prefer weapons with emanating Auras for Mercenaries.
Best Socketed Base Items for Breath from the Dying
The most significant thing to notice about Breath from the Dying is this fact is almost always inserted right into a Superior Ethereal socketed weapon. This is because Ethereal weapons have 50% higher base damage than their non-Ethereal counterparts, using the 350-400% enhanced damage in addition. Superior raises that base damage by another 5-15%, with +1 Max damage and +1-3 Attack Rating. You want to make sure the base weapon has the greatest damage feasible for BotD. Zod helps make the weapon Indestructible, so an Ethereal weapon makes total sense here. Don't get this until you have the most effective version of the possible: the greatest damage Ethereal weapon base item you will get. As noted before, for this reason, it's considered a waste to place them in Missile Weapons, since they can not be Ethereal.
In general, for one-handed weapons, Grief is a stronger option than Breath from the Dying, and BotD is preferable to Grief when utilized in two-handed weapons. Since Grief doesn't consider base damage with its damage calculations, the higher-damage two-hander is much better utilized in the BoTD, which raises damage with a percentage from the base damage.
Of course, only a Superior Elite weapon is going to do, and Ethereal at this.
