In the early game, both 4-socket 1-handed swords and 4-socket 2-handed shields are desirable due to the Spirit runeword, which has similar properties whether created in a sword or a shield: +2 to all skills, +25%-35% faster cast rate, +22 Vitality, and +89-112 Mana when created in either of the two weapons. However, this is unfortunately not the case. When playing on Normal difficulty, Act 2, you can purchase 3-socket weapons and shields, so it may be reasonable to anticipate that 4-socket weapons and shields will drop shortly after. Socketed equipment operates on a similar principle, but it is less obvious because the relationship between the number of sockets in D2R items and the rarity of the runes is not as clear as it is with other types of equipment. Rune drops have a higher ceiling when the difficulty is higher or the Act is later, according to a general rule of thumb. AugInstructions on how to locate four socket shields in Diablo 2: Resurrectedįinding runes is a straightforward process either the monster or container from which you obtain loot has a high enough Monster Level (mLv) or is located in an area with a high enough Area Level (aLv) to generate a rune, or it isn’t, depending on your circumstances.

Diablo 2 4 socket shield item level