Finding and equipping gear is one of the most exciting draws from Diablo 2. Seeing a boss drop a handful of yellow, green, or gold items never gets old. The thrill of finding loot gets even higher as you start to recognize which pieces will enhance your build or will trade for good value.
The items on this list are the best armor pieces that can drop from monsters in the game. This excludes Runewords (see the article Best Runewords for those) and Shields, as they are included in the Best Weapons list. Regardless of what class you’re playing, if you see these pieces drop, don’t sell them to a vendor.
10 Chance Guards
As you journey through the lands of Diablo 2, you’ll want to get the best loot you can get your hands on. The best way to do this is to stack as much Magic Find as you can, getting a higher chance of getting magic items.
In the glove slot, the best hands you can wear are Chance Guards with a varying 25-40% Better Chance of Getting Magic Items. Outside of getting very lucky with Rare gloves, Chance Guards are the only option for Magic Find on gloves.
9 Laying Of Hands
Part of the Set ‘The Disciple,’ Laying of Hands is a great option for characters shooting or swinging weapons. The main stat in Laying of Hands is the +20% Increased Attack Speed, the inclusion of Fire Resist +50% doesn’t hurt either.
For Amazons, Barbarians, and some Paladins, Laying of Hands should be a solid choice, if not the best-in-slot. While you don’t want any of the other Set pieces from The Disciple, these Bramble Mitts are well worth wearing if you can benefit from the Increased Attack Speed.
8 Waterwalk
Waterwalk boots are a well-rounded item that can easily be better than anything else you can find. Unless you have one of the top-tier boots, the benefits of a Waterwalk can surely enhance your character.
The major strength of these boots is the 20% Faster Run/Walk, +40 Stamina, and up to +65 Life. The low character requirements also greatly benefit the piece; only needing Level 32 and 47 Strength is accessible for the items on this list. While it might not be your best-in-slot, it’s an amazing mid-game item.
7 Magefist
For any Fire build Sorceress or Fire Druid, Magefist is one of the best gloves you can wear. With +1 To Fire Skills, +20% Faster Cast Rate, and Regenerate Mana 25%, these are Fire caster’s dream stats.
Even casters that don’t deal in Fire damage can benefit from the stats on a Magefist. The Faster Cast Rate is enough to make these gloves a top-tier option. With the added benefit of only requiring Level 23 and 45 Strength, these gloves can be useful for many builds.
6 Gore Rider
For several classes, Gore Riders are the best boot option in the game. Highlighted by a 10% Chance Of Open Woulds, a 15% Chance Of a Crushing Blow, and a 15% Deadly Strike, Gore Riders have a lot of reasons why they are great.
While casters don’t benefit from any of these stats, characters who swing their weapons at the enemy love these perks. If you’re playing an Amazon or Barbarian, you should be looking for these boots. But if you’re on a Sorceress, just trade them for the next entry on this list.
5 War Traveler
The favorite of Sorceresses, Hammerdins, and anyone building for Magic Find, War Travelers have the highest Better Chance of Getting Magic Items on any boots. The biggest issue with the War Travelers is the varying percentage of Magic Find.
When identifying a Unique Battle boot, you have a chance to roll your War Travelers with 30-50% Magic Find. If they roll at 30%, they aren’t that great, but if you manage to get a 50% War Travelers, you have one of the most sought items in the game.
4 Verdungo’s Hearty Cord
For frontline characters, survivability is the primary name of the game. Whether you’re playing Hardcore or Standard, staying alive is paramount to your success. If you’re looking for extra beefiness out of your belt slot, Verdungo’s Hearty Cord is the best option.
The highlight of the belt is the Damage Reduction of 10-15% (which is determined when you identify the belt). Verdungo’s Hearty Cord also comes with 10% Faster Hit Recovery, Vitality, Replenish Life, Maximum Stamina, and a lot of Defense. Although there are no damage-increasing stats, its defensive capabilities make this belt top-tier.
3 Sandstorm Trek
Sandstorm Trek boots are a well-rounded item that can be good for every class build. With +20% Faster Hit Recovery, lots of Poison Resist, as well as additional Strength, Vitality, and Stamina, these boots can be worn by everyone.
While Sandstorm Treks can be better on front liners like Barbarians and Paladins, they are an amazing option for any class still looking for their perfect option. For some characters, these will be best-in-slot; for others, they are an incredibly strong option that provides benefits that last the entire game.
2 Arachnid Mesh
The best belt in the game is the Arachnid Mesh. The favorite of all variations of caster class because of its +20% Faster Cast Rate and Increase Maximum Mana by 5%. But the reason why everyone could benefit from wearing an Arachnid Mesh is the +1 To All Skills.
Many classes favor additional Skill Levels above any other stat. Having +1 To All Skills on a belt is unique to the Arachnid Mesh, so if you’re looking to boost your abilities, this is the only belt to do so.
1 Harlequin Crest (Shako)
The best Unique item in the game is hands down, the Shako. Technically named the Harlequin Crest, but commonly known as a Shako, this helm is near perfect for all classes. With +2 To All Skills, additional Life & Mana, Damage Reduced By 10%, and 50% Magic Find, this helm has it all.
Generally, casters want the Shako as it is often their best-in-slot helmet. However, every class can benefit from the stats that Shako provides. Even if you’re looking for a helm with Leech, Increased Attack Speed, or something else, this helm is still an amazing piece to wear in the meantime.
