If the player puts certain combinations of Runes in the correct order into an item with exactly that number of sockets and of the correct item type, the item's name will change into a "unique" name, displayed in gold, and the item will acquire extra powers, depending on the "rune word" that was used. The benefits of using a Rune Word is that you can make the Rune Word magical bonuses apply to any type of item allowed with the proper number of sockets. You could, for example, use an Elite Socketed sword or an Exceptional Socketed sword, and you can also pick which type of sword is used. Uniques, in comparison, use the same item type such as short sword, and are always the same quality (Normal/Exceptional/Elite). You can continue to find better Socketed weapons or armor and, with the proper Runes, continue to have this Rune Word bonus applied to better and better Socketed items as you find them.

Rune Words are an advanced feature for experienced users. Anyone can create a Rune Word if they take the time to read/learn about them.

Rune Word Rules

• When you create a Rune Word you still receive all of the magical bonuses that were already on each Rune you Socketed.
• Socketed Items must have the exact number of sockets as the Rune Word formula requires. If the Rune Word is a 3 Rune formula then you must use an item with exactly 3 sockets. A 4 socket item will not work with a 3 socket formula.
• The Socketed Item type must be the correct item type for the formula. If the formula requires a sword, the formula will not work if you use an axe or spear.
• Rune Words will only work in Socketed non-magical items. This means that Set Items, Unique Items, or Magic Items with enough Sockets and the proper item type will not allow or convert to Rune Words. Again, they will not work on Magic, Set, Unique or Rare items. So if you have a Mechanic's (or Jewelers item) piece of armor with 2 slots, the Stealth will not work on it because it's magical.
• The correct Runes for a formula must be used. If one of the Runes is wrong you receive the bonuses of the Runes inserted but it does not become a Rune Word.
• The Rune IO looks a lot like LO. Make sure you use the correct one.
• Rune Words will not work in Wirt's Leg
• The Runes must be placed in the correct order. You can have the correct Socketed item, correct runes and still not activate the Rune Word if you do not socket the Runes in the correct order. This is because you're trying to spell the "Rune Word" correctly and you have spelled it incorrectly. Example: "RalOrtTal". You must first place Ral, then Ort, then finally Tal into the Socketed Item.
• You need the right patch for the following formulae to work. Make sure you have the latest patch.
• Required Item Types for Formulae
  Make sure you read this so you'll use the right items.

  Body Armor = Any armor that is worn on your chest and not any type of other armor such as boots, helms, gloves, etc.
  Helms = Any armor that is worn on the head, including helms, Barbarian Helms, Druid Pelts, and Circlets.
  Shield = Any armor that can be used to block, including shields, Necromancer Shrunken Heads, and Paladin Shields.
  Clubs = Club, Spiked Club, and Exceptional/Elite versions.
  Hammers = War Hammer, Maul, Great Maul, and Exceptional/Elite versions.
  Maces = Mace, Morning Star, Flail, and Exceptional/Elite versions. This does not include any other types of Maces.
  Melee Weapons = Any weapon that isn't ranged such as a Sword or Hammer. A Bow or Crossbow is a ranged weapon. Sorceress Orbs are not considered Melee Weapons.
  Missile Weapons = Bows and Crossbows
  Weapons = Melee Weapons, Missile Weapons, Orbs
  Scepters = Scepter, Grand Scepter, War Scepter, and Exceptional/Elite versions.
  

Keep in mind when experimenting with unknown Rune Words that you must be prepared to accept the loss of your Runes if the formula does not work. Rune Words must be inserted into the correct item for the formula in the correct order. Blizzard cannot restore lost items for any reason including due to your failure to properly create a Rune Word. Rune Word failures are caused by using the wrong items, Runes, or Rune order. A few times the formula has been listed wrong on this page, but most (99%) of reported errors are caused by failure to understand the formula. The following formulae on this page may contain errors, including listing the wrong formulas. Be sure you read all of this page including the bottom page notes for complete information.