A beloved mechanic from Diablo 2 makes a triumphant return in Diablo 4 with Runes. These powerful Diablo 4 items can be socketed into gear to create Runewords, which offer highly customizable enchantments. Each Runeword consists of two types of Runes:

Ritual Runes (Trigger): These activate under specific conditions.

Invocation Runes (Effect):These define the effect that triggers.

Once you complete the main campaign quest "Fundament of Faith" in the Vessel of Hatred expansion, the Rune system unlocks, giving you access to your first batch of Runes. From that point on, you'll need to explore various in-game activities to expand your Rune collection and craft powerful Runewords.

How to Get Runes in Diablo 4

Below are the best methods for farming Runes effectively in Season 6: Hatred Rising.

1. Defeat Major Campaign Bosses in Vessel of Hatred

After unlocking the Rune system, each campaign boss within the Vessel of Hatred expansion drops at least one guaranteed Rune upon defeat.

You can only complete the campaign once per character, so while it's a great Rune source initially, it cannot be farmed repeatedly.

However, Runes are tradeable between characters, so playing through the campaign with alts allows you to gather additional Runes.

2. Kurast Undercity Runs (With Tribute of Harmony)

The Kurast Undercity is a new repeatable endgame feature where you earn rewards for completing timed runs. Using Tributes lets you target specific rewards.

•  Tribute of Harmony: Guarantees Runes upon completion of a successful run.
  

  
  

Kurast Undercity runs are ideal for both Rune farming and character progression, with a high chance to earn high-tier Runes when using the right Tribute.

3. World Bosses and the Hatred Rising Event (Realm walkers)

World Bosses still spawn every week and drop valuable rewards, including Runes.

Realmwalkers, new bosses introduced in Season 6, can be farmed repeatedly.

Realmwalkers appear throughout Sanctuary, wandering through zones and summoning waves of enemies.

Defeating them or their minions in the Seething Realm offers frequent Rune drops, making them a key target for Rune farming.

4. Clear Strongholds for the First Time

Each Stronghold completed for the first time grants significant XP and Diablo 4 items, with a high chance of Rune rewards.

Strongholds reset for every season and character, meaning even if you've cleared them before, your Season 6 character can do so again for Runes.

5. Whisper Caches from the Tree of Whispers

After completing Whisper tasks, you can exchange 10 Grim Favors at the Tree of Whispers in Hawezar for a Reward Cache.

Although Whisper Caches have a random chance of containing Runes, they can still be a solid option.

Consider completing Whispers while farming Helltides or other World Events to maximize your rewards.

6. Kill Elites for a Chance at Rune Drops

After unlocking the Rune system, Elites throughout the game have a small chance to drop Runes.

While the drop rate is low, activities with a high number of Elites—such as Nightmare Dungeons, The Pit, or Helltides—increase your odds.

Tips for Rune Farming

Focus on High-Elite Density Areas: Farming dungeons and events with more Elites improves your Rune drop chances.

Run the Kurast Undercity Often: With the Tribute of Harmony, these runs offer guaranteed Rune rewards.

Participate in Realmwalker Events: These events are repeatable, making them excellent for both XP and Rune farming.

Managing Your Gold in Season 6

Gold plays an essential role in Diablo 4's Rune system, especially for socketing, re-socketing, and crafting Runewords. Here's how to stay prepared:

Sell Unused Items to keep a steady gold supply.

• Participate in Group Events: Group content helps clear challenges faster, yielding more loot and Diablo 4 gold.

• Use Gold Efficiently: Save gold for key expenses like Rune-related upgrades or bartering with merchants for essential gear.

Conclusion

With the Rune system and Runewords in Vessel of Hatred, Diablo 4 players gain access to a new layer of customization. Whether you're unlocking Runes by clearing campaign bosses, farming Realmwalkers, or running the Kurast Undercity with targeted Tributes, there are numerous ways to expand your Rune collection. By effectively managing your resources—both Runes and gold—you'll be well-prepared for the challenges of Season 6: Hatred Rising.

Enjoy crafting powerful Runewords and take your character to new heights in Sanctuary!