Grief's description might not make it seem to be one of the very highest-damage weapons Runewords in the game, however, it is a hidden powerhouse. Some players may discount it because of its glaring insufficient %damage bonuses, but that is the hidden great thing about Grief. All of its damage piles onto the weapon's damage -- the bottom damage from the weapon counts hardly any toward the general damage from the weapon.
However, since much of this damage is invisible within the character window, many players don't understand what a complete monster Grief is really until they struggle with it on their own. Don't take the insufficient damage turning up on the character screen as a sign that Grief doesn't "work". It's a flat damage gain, not really a percentage gain (observe that it says +340-400, not +340-400%). Combined with traits, for example, ignoring AND reducing target defense, added Poison damage through Venom (together with reducing enemy poison resistance), preventing monster heal, and a 20% possibility of Deadly Strike, Grief is an incredible damage dealer. Players can experience damage gains over 1,000% using Grief along with well-chosen auras and equipment, though these gains aren't easy to understand in number format.
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It's also the only real known weapon that contributes its damage towards the Paladin ability Smite, which makes it an absolute must-have for Smiter builds. However, it doesn't affect Kick damage for Assassins.
Grief can be quite strong when put into a one-handed weapon, in which the lower base damage won't matter much. In a much higher-damage 2-handed weapon, a percentage-based damage modifier product is more powerful, therefore we recommend using Grief only in one-handed weapons. Breath from the Dying is stronger in 2-handed weapon choices.
Grief Recommendations
Runewords vary on the suitability for various classes and specs, in addition to the utility for that various Mercenaries. This next section will discuss what classes and specs could make the most out of Grief, whether you should look at using Grief together with your Mercenary follower, what base to consider, and where you can acquire Runes.
Best Classes and Specs for that Grief Runeword
For a Smiter build, this weapon is an absolute BiS must-have. Unlike almost all other weapons, it directly affects Smite, ordinarily a Shield-based attack. Nearly every Barbarian and Paladin build is going to be interested in Grief, particularly for individuals who need a truly amazing one-handed weapon. The amount of damage this could do isn't to be underestimated.
Grief for Mercenaries
Grief isn't normally suitable for Mercenaries, because most players prefer Mercenary weapons that emanate helpful Auras. Only Act V Mercenaries can use these inside a 2-handed sword. You could equip an Act III Mercenary having a 1-handed sword, but Grief is not a suitable option for them since they're casters, not melee fighters.
