Mechanics · Defense

Defense

In the game: +X DefenseDefSame against players

How it works

Defense lowers the chance that a monster's attack hits you. It is the other half of the Attack Rating roll: the attacker's Attack Rating is compared with your Defense and both levels, and the chance to hit is kept between 5% and 95%.

Your Defense is the total of your armor pieces and shield, plus one point for every 4 points of Dexterity, plus flat Defense and skill bonuses. Enhanced Defense on an item raises that item's own Defense. The per-level version gives a rate per character level, rounded down (itemstatcost.txt op 4, op param 3).

Defense only works against attacks that roll to hit. Most monster spells and elemental missiles always hit, whatever your Defense.

Where it comes from

213 sources · every item, runeword, rune and affix that gives it

SlotMy levelMy classAt least

213 sources

Source	Gives	Lvl
Weapon 18
StoneravenUnique · Matriarchal Spear	+400-600 DefenseAmazon only	64
Ondal's WisdomUnique · Elder Staff	+450-550 Defense	66
Demon MachineUnique · Chu-Ko-Nu	+321 Defense	49
Buriza-Do KyanonUnique · Ballista	+75-150 Defense	41
RibcrackerUnique · Quarterstaff	+100 Defense	31
Warlord's TrustUnique · Military Axe	+75 Defense	35
The AtlanteanUnique · Ancient Sword	+75 Defense	42
Blackbog's SharpUnique · Cinquedeas	+50 Defense	38
Hand of Blessed LightUnique · Divine Scepter	+50 Defense	42
SwordguardUnique · Executioner Sword	+5-495 Defense (5 per Character Level)	48
Hell Forge HammerUnique · Hell Forge Hammer	+35 Defense	0
The Iron Jang BongUnique · War Staff	+30 Defense	28
CloudcrackUnique · Gothic Sword	+30 Defense	45
Rixot's KeenUnique · Short Sword	+25 Defense	2
The General's Tan Do Li GaUnique · Flail	+25 Defense	21
GleamscytheUnique · Falchion	+20 Defense	13
BladeboneUnique · Double Axe	+20 Defense	15
Dimoak's HewUnique · Bardiche	-8 Defense	8
Helm 24
Giant SkullUnique · Bone Visage	+250-320 Defense	65
Griffon's EyeUnique · Diadem	+100-200 Defense	76
Natalya's TotemSet item · Grim Helm	+135-175 Defense	59
M'avina's True SightSet item · Diadem	+150 Defense	59
Crown of AgesUnique · Corona	+100-150 Defense	82
Veil of SteelUnique · Spired Helm	+140 Defense	73
Immortal King's WillSet item · Avenger Guard	+125 DefenseBarbarian only	47
Kira's GuardianUnique · Tiara	+50-120 Defense	77
Sazabi's Mental SheathSet item · Basinet	+100 Defense	43
Trang-Oul's GuiseSet item · Bone Visage	+80-100 Defense	65
Aldur's Stony GazeSet item · Hunter's Guise	+90 DefenseDruid only	36
Cow King's HornsSet item · War Hat	+75 Defense	25
Naj's CircletSet item · Circlet	+75 Defense	28
Ondal's AlmightySet item · Spired Helm	+50 Defense	69
Tal Rasha's Horadric CrestSet item · Death Mask	+45 Defense	66
Undead CrownUnique · Crown	+40 Defense	29
Sigon's VisorSet item · Great Helm	+25 Defense	6
The Face of HorrorUnique · Mask	+25 Defense	20
DuskdeepUnique · Full Helm	+10-20 Defense	17
Darksight HelmUnique · Basinet	+2-198 Defense (2 per Character Level)	38
Berserker's HeadgearSet item · Helm	+15 Defense	3
Biggin's BonnetUnique · Cap	+14 Defense	3
Coif of GloryUnique · Helm	+10 Defense	14
Sander's ParagonSet item · Cap	+1-99 Defense (1 per Character Level)	25
Body Armor 27
Haemosu's AdamantSet item · Cuirass	+500 Defense	44
Griswold's HeartSet item · Ornate Plate	+500 Defense	45
Dark AdherentSet item · Dusk Shroud	+305-415 Defense	43
Sazabi's Ghost LiberatorSet item · Balrog Skin	+400 Defense	67
Tal Rasha's GuardianshipSet item · Lacquered Plate	+400 Defense	71
Immortal King's Soul CageSet item · Sacred Armor	+400 DefenseD2R	76
M'avina's EmbraceSet item · Kraken Shell	+4-396 Defense (4 per Character Level) · +350 Defense	70
Naj's Light PlateSet item · Hellforge Plate	+300 Defense	71
Aldur's DeceptionSet item · Shadow Plate	+300 Defense	76
Natalya's ShadowSet item · Loricated Mail	+150-225 Defense	73
RattlecageUnique · Gothic Plate	+200 Defense	29
Hwanin's RefugeSet item · Tigulated Mail	+200 Defense	30
LeviathanUnique · Kraken Shell	+100-150 Defense	65
ToothrowUnique · Sharktooth Armor	+40-60 Defense	48
Bane's WraithskinSet item · Hard Leather Armor	+50 DefenseRotW	8
Vidala's AmbushSet item · Leather Armor	+50 Defense	14
The Gladiator's BaneUnique · Wire Fleece	+50 Defense	85
Isenhart's CaseSet item · Breast Plate	+40 Defense	8
The CenturionUnique · Hard Leather Armor	+30 Defense	14
Blinkbat's FormUnique · Leather Armor	+25 DefenseLadder S15	12
TwitchthroeUnique · Studded Leather	+25 Defense	16
Iron PeltUnique · Trellised Armor	+3-297 Defense (3 per Character Level)	33
GreyformUnique · Quilted Armor	+20 Defense	7
Ormus' RobesUnique · Dusk Shroud	+10-20 Defense	75
Atma's WailUnique · Embossed Plate	+2-198 Defense (2 per Character Level)	51
Cathan's MeshSet item · Chain Mail	+15 Defense	11
Duriel's ShellUnique · Cuirass	+1-123 Defense (1.25 per Character Level)	41
Shield 17
Head Hunter's GloryUnique · Troll Nest	+320-420 Defense	75
Trang-Oul's WingSet item · Cantor Trophy	+125 DefenseNecromancer only	54
Griswold's HonorSet item · Vortex Shield	+108 DefensePaladin only	68
Taebaek's GlorySet item · Ward	+50 Defense	81
Isenhart's ParrySet item · Gothic Shield	+40 Defense	8
The WardUnique · Gothic Shield	+40 DefenseLadder S15	26
Pelta LunataUnique · Buckler	+30 Defense	2
Umbral DiskUnique · Small Shield	+30 Defense	9
StormguildUnique · Large Shield	+30 Defense	13
Bverrit KeepUnique · Tower Shield	+30 Defense	19
StormshieldUnique · Monarch	+3-371 Defense (3.75 per Character Level)	73
Milabrega's OrbSet item · Kite Shield	+25 Defense	17
SteelclashUnique · Kite Shield	+20 Defense	17
Cleglaw's ClawSet item · Small Shield	+17 Defense	4
Civerb's WardSet item · Large Shield	+15 Defense	9
Swordback HoldUnique · Spiked Shield	+10 Defense	15
Wall of the EyelessUnique · Bone Shield	+10 Defense	20
Gloves 12
SteelrendUnique · Ogre Gauntlets	+170-210 Defense	70
Immortal King's ForgeSet item · War Gauntlets	+65 Defense	30
M'avina's Icy ClutchSet item · Battle Gauntlets	+45-50 Defense	32
FrostburnUnique · Gauntlets	+30 Defense	29
Trang-Oul's ClawsSet item · Heavy Bracers	+30 Defense	45
Sander's TabooSet item · Heavy Gloves	+20-25 Defense	28
Venom GripUnique · Demonhide Gloves	+15-25 Defense	29
Laying of HandsSet item · Bramble Mitts	+25 Defense	63
Chance GuardsUnique · Chain Gloves	+15 Defense	15
The Hand of BrocUnique · Leather Gloves	+10 Defense	5
BloodfistUnique · Heavy Gloves	+10 Defense	9
MagefistUnique · Light Gauntlets	+10 Defense	23
Boots 11
Natalya's SoulSet item · Mesh Boots	+75-125 Defense	25
Immortal King's PillarSet item · War Boots	+75 Defense	31
WraithstepUnique · Mirrored Boots	+40-60 DefenseRotW	67
Cow King's HoovesSet item · Heavy Boots	+25-35 Defense	13
TearhaunchUnique · Greaves	+35 Defense	29
Rite of PassageSet item · Demonhide Boots	+25 Defense	29
Goblin ToeUnique · Light Plated Boots	+15 Defense	22
InfernostrideUnique · Demonhide Boots	+15 Defense	29
GorefootUnique · Heavy Boots	+12 Defense	9
Treads of CthonUnique · Chain Boots	+12 Defense	15
HotspurUnique · Boots	+6 Defense	5
Belt 15
Trang-Oul's GirthSet item · Troll Belt	+75-100 Defense	47
M'avina's TenetSet item · Sharkskin Belt	+50 Defense	45
CredendumSet item · Mithril Coil	+50 Defense	65
Immortal King's DetailSet item · War Belt	+36 Defense	29
Arctic BindingSet item · Light Belt	+30 Defense	2
BladebuckleUnique · Plated Belt	+30 Defense	29
Infernal SignSet item · Heavy Belt	+25 Defense	5
Iratha's CordSet item · Heavy Belt	+25 Defense	15
GoldwrapUnique · Heavy Belt	+25 Defense	27
Death's GuardSet item · Sash	+20 Defense	6
NightsmokeUnique · Belt	+15 Defense	20
String of EarsUnique · Demonhide Sash	+15 Defense	29
RazortailUnique · Sharkskin Belt	+15 Defense	32
Hwanin's BlessingSet item · Belt	+1-148 Defense (1.5 per Character Level)	35
SnakecordUnique · Light Belt	+10 Defense	12
Amulet 3
MetalgridUnique · Amulet	+300-350 Defense	81
The Cat's EyeUnique · Amulet	+100 Defense	50
The Mahim-Oak CurioUnique · Amulet	+10 Defense	25
Set bonus 41
Horazon's SplendorSet bonus	+300 DefenseRotW4 pieces worn	67
Hwanin's MajestySet bonus	+200 Defense3 pieces worn	45
Bul-Kathos' ChildrenFull set	+200 DefenseFull set	61
Trang-Oul's AvatarFull set	+200 DefenseFull set	65
Natalya's OdiumSet bonus	+200 Defense3 pieces worn	79
Naj's Ancient VestigeSet bonus	+175 Defense2 pieces worn	78
Immortal King's PillarSet bonus · War Boots	+160 Defense4 pieces worn	31
Angelic MantleSet bonus · Ring Mail	+150 Defense2 pieces worn	12
The DiscipleSet bonus	+150 Defense2 pieces worn	65
Tal Rasha's WrappingsFull set	+150 DefenseFull set	71
Aldur's WatchtowerFull set	+150 DefenseFull set	76
Natalya's OdiumFull set	+150 DefenseFull set	79
Immortal King's ForgeSet bonus · War Gauntlets	+120 Defense3 pieces worn	30
Immortal King's DetailSet bonus · War Belt	+105 Defense2 pieces worn	29
Sigon's Complete SteelSet bonus	+100 Defense3 pieces worn	6
Arcanna's FleshSet bonus · Light Plate	+100 Defense2 pieces worn	15
Cow King's LeathersSet bonus	+100 Defense2 pieces worn	25
Orphan's CallSet bonus	+100 Defense4 pieces worn	42
Orphan's CallFull set	+100 DefenseFull set	42
Hwanin's MajestySet bonus	+100 Defense2 pieces worn	45
M'avina's Battle HymnFull set	+100 DefenseFull set	70
Berserker's ArsenalFull set	+75 DefenseFull set	3
Tal Rasha's Fine-Spun ClothSet bonus · Mesh Belt	+60 Defense2 pieces worn	53
Cleglaw's BraceSet bonus	+50 Defense2 pieces worn	4
Cleglaw's BraceFull set	+50 DefenseFull set	4
Civerb's VestmentsFull set	+50 DefenseFull set	9
Iratha's FinerySet bonus	+50 Defense2 pieces worn	15
Sander's FollySet bonus	+50 Defense2 pieces worn	28
Civerb's IconSet bonus · Amulet	+25 Defense3 pieces worn	9
Arctic FursSet bonus · Quilted Armor	+3-297 Defense (3 per Character Level)2 pieces worn	2
Berserker's HauberkSet bonus · Splint Mail	+3-297 Defense (3 per Character Level)2 pieces worn	3
Arcanna's HeadSet bonus · Skull Cap	+3-297 Defense (3 per Character Level)2 pieces worn	15
Hsarus' Iron FistSet bonus · Buckler	+2-247 Defense (2.5 per Character Level)2 pieces worn	3
Hsarus' Iron StaySet bonus · Belt	+2-247 Defense (2.5 per Character Level)2 pieces worn	3
Vidala's AmbushSet bonus · Leather Armor	+2-247 Defense (2.5 per Character Level)3 pieces worn	14
Infernal CraniumSet bonus · Cap	+2-198 Defense (2 per Character Level)2 pieces worn	5
Sigon's WrapSet bonus · Plated Belt	+2-198 Defense (2 per Character Level)2 pieces worn	6
Isenhart's CaseSet bonus · Breast Plate	+2-198 Defense (2 per Character Level)2 pieces worn	8
Cathan's VisageSet bonus · Mask	+2-198 Defense (2 per Character Level)2 pieces worn	11
Iratha's CoilSet bonus · Crown	+2-198 Defense (2 per Character Level)2 pieces worn	15
Tancred's SpineSet bonus · Full Plate Mail	+2-198 Defense (2 per Character Level)2 pieces worn	20
Runeword 12
NadirRuneword	+10 DefenseBody Armor	13
LeafRuneword	+2-198 Defense (2 per Character Level)Weapon	19
ZephyrRuneword	+25 DefenseWeapon	21
ObedienceRuneword	+200-300 DefenseWeapon	41
DeliriumRuneword	+261 DefenseBody Armor	51
FortitudeRuneword	+15 DefenseBody Armor	59
BrambleRuneword	+300 DefenseBody Armor	61
DragonRuneword	+360 DefenseBody Armor	61
DragonRuneword	+360 DefenseShield	61
DreamRuneword	+150-220 DefenseBody Armor	65
DreamRuneword	+150-220 DefenseShield	65
EnigmaRuneword	+750-775 DefenseBody Armor	65
Socketed 7
Perfect AmethystGem	+30 Defensein a shield	18
Flawless AmethystGem	+24 Defensein a shield	15
AmethystGem	+18 Defensein a shield	12
El RuneRune	+15 Defensein a helm or body armor	11
El RuneRune	+15 Defensein a shield	11
Flawed AmethystGem	+12 Defensein a shield	5
Chipped AmethystGem	+8 Defensein a shield	1
Affix 26
StalwartPrefix	+60-100 DefenseGrand Charm	42
IvoryPrefix	+41-64 DefenseJewel	64
StalwartPrefix	+45-60 DefenseLarge Charm	45
StalwartPrefix	+44-50 DefenseGrand Charm	37
BonePrefix	+21-40 Defenserare onlyJewel	32
StalwartPrefix	+33-40 DefenseGrand Charm	32
StalwartPrefix	+30-40 DefenseLarge Charm	38
BurlyPrefix	+23-30 Defenserare onlyGrand Charm	27
BurlyPrefix	+20-30 Defenserare onlyLarge Charm	32
StalwartPrefix	+20-30 DefenseSmall Charm	48
FaithfulPrefix	+3-297 Defense (3 per Character Level)rare onlyArmor	30
BurlyPrefix	+16-22 Defenserare onlyGrand Charm	22
EburinePrefix	+9-20 Defenserare onlyJewel	16
BurlyPrefix	+15-20 Defenserare onlySmall Charm	36
BurlyPrefix	+13-18 Defenserare onlyLarge Charm	26
BurlyPrefix	+13-15 Defenserare onlyGrand Charm	17
StoutPrefix	+10-12 Defenserare onlyGrand Charm	12
StoutPrefix	+8-12 Defenserare onlyLarge Charm	20
StoutPrefix	+6-9 Defenserare onlyGrand Charm	7
BlanchedPrefix	+5-8 Defenserare onlyJewel	1
StoutPrefix	+4-8 Defenserare onlySmall Charm	21
StoutPrefix	+4-6 Defenserare onlyLarge Charm	14
StoutPrefix	+3-5 Defenserare onlyGrand Charm	1
FaithfulPrefix	+0-49 Defense (0.5 per Character Level)rare onlyGloves, Boots, Belt, Any Shield	30
StoutPrefix	+2-3 Defenserare onlyLarge Charm	1
StoutPrefix	+1 Defenserare onlySmall Charm	1

Skills that use it

Auras and passives that set this stat

Source: itemstatcost.txt (armorclass, item_armor_perlevel) and properties.txt over the property codes of the game's item tables, the runeword lines and skills.txt (build 3.3.93847). Magic affixes are the ones that can spawn; a runeword's line includes what its runes add in that slot. “LoD 1.14d” is the value in classic Diablo II's last patch where it differs (uniques, set items, runewords' own bonuses, runes and gems; from blizzhackers/d2data); a D2R chip marks what 1.14d did not have. “Strongest” ranks items by the top of their roll range. · Report incorrect data

Unless stated otherwise, everything here is Diablo II: Resurrected build 3.3.93847, Reign of the Warlock.