Ruthless mode

Ruthless mode, also known as Hard Mode, is a character creation flag that significantly increases the difficulty and changes the playstyle of the game by opting-in to extreme item scarcity and various other changes.

Named after the historical Ruthless difficulty from Closed Beta, it employs item scarcity and shifts of relative item values to simulate the Path of Exile experience in the early days (without the desync). This mode is meant to be intentionally brutally difficult, where reaching higher acts is an achievement, and traditionally weak items are felt as valuable. For example, a player may have difficulty equipping a full set of items by Act 4. Most items found will be normal rarity, and crafting currency will be extremely rare.

This mode was designed as a pet project of Chris Wilson and other senior developers over 18 months. Features of Ruthless mode will have little to no impact on the core gameplay of the rest of the game. It is intended as a testing ground for radical changes and experiments (such as mid-league buff/nerfs). A change in Ruthless does not indicate that the change will also be made in the regular game.^[1]

Overview

Ruthless can be selected by ticking a checkbox in the character selection screen. This mode is available for selection at any time after creating an initial character on an account. A Ruthless character can only be created on initial character creation. Unlike SSF, Ruthless characters cannot be migrated into a non-Ruthless league.

Ruthless characters will play in a separate league with their own ladder. Together with the flag, this results in the following restrictions:^[2]

Item acquisition

All items and currency drop rates are significantly reduced.
The quantity of items dropped are significantly reduced globally.
Magic, Rare, and Unique items are significantly rarer globally.
Rings, Amulets and Belts are much rarer globally.
League reward systems (e.g. Extra Content) only drop items specific to that league, or core drops.
- e.g. Delirium is the only source of Cluster Jewels
Many deterministic sources of Unique items like Divination Cards or Oni-GoroshiOni-Goroshi
Charan's SwordOne Handed Sword
Physical Damage: 5-11
Critical Strike Chance: (8.50-9.50)%
Attacks per Second: 1.45
Weapon Range: 1.1 metres40% increased Global Accuracy RatingUses both hand slots
(70-90)% increased Critical Strike Chance
Adds 2 to 3 Physical Damage to Attacks per Level
Gain Her Embrace for 3 seconds when you Ignite an Enemy
While in Her Embrace, take 0.5% of your total Maximum Life and Energy Shield as Fire Damage per second per Level
Item has 6 Sockets and is fully linked (Hidden)
Uses goddess player audio (Hidden)"Your name is Demon Slayer? Really? Good name for rotgut, that."
She said: I prefer "The Goddess Of Swords". Much more dignified. And accurate.
"Demon Slayer The Cheap And Nasty it is then. Burns going down, burns coming up?"
She said: Every single time, Charan. And still...you'll bathe me, and you'll drink my love. Until you can't. are disabled.
- Some items only available via Divination Cards can be obtained as a core drop:
  - Maw of MischiefMaw of Mischief
    Bone HelmetArmour: (197-227)
    Energy Shield: (40-46)Requires Level 73, 76 Str, 76 IntMinions deal (15-20)% increased DamageGrants Level 20 Death Wish Skill
    +(45-65) to maximum Life
    (30-20)% reduced Mana Cost of Minion Skills
    Minions are AggressiveThe line that divides hope and fear,
    life and death, crowd and mob,
    is as thin as a whisper.
  - Coruscating ElixirCoruscating Elixir
    Ruby FlaskLasts 10.00 Seconds
    Consumes 20 of 50 Charges on use
    +40% to Fire Resistance
    +5% to Maximum Fire ResistanceRequires Level 18Chaos Damage taken does not bypass Energy Shield during effect
    Removes all but one Life on use
    Removed life is Regenerated as Energy Shield over 2 seconds
    25% increased DurationLet blood sear in your veins,
    Let the pain push outwards and turn away your enemy's blows.Right click to drink. Can only hold charges while in belt. Refills as you kill monsters.
- The Labyrinth Darkshrine modifier that causes Izaro will drop an additional Unique item on death is disabled.
Many bosses like Atziri that guarantee unique drops still do, but are often harder to access.
Various gems can only be obtained as random drops and cannot be obtained as quest rewards. A full list of quest rewards can be found here.
- SteelskinSteelskinSpell, Duration, Guard
  Level: (1-20)
  Cost: (4-16) Mana
  Cooldown Time: 3.00 sec
  Can Store 1 Use(s)
  Cast Time: InstantRequires Level 4Applies a buff which can take some of the damage from hits for you before being depleted. Shares a cooldown with other Guard skills.Base duration is 1.50 seconds
  This Skill's Cooldown does not recover during its effect
  Buff grants Immunity to Bleeding
  70% of Damage from Hits is taken from the Buff before Life or Energy Shield
  Buff can take (54-2209) Damage
  
  Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
  (0.5-10)% increased Cooldown Recovery RatePlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket. cannot be obtained as a Quest Reward from Breaking Some Eggs due to the reward interface being disabled for that part of the quest reward (as FrostblinkFrostblinkSpell, Movement, Duration, Cold, Travel, Blink, AoE
  Level: (1-20)
  Cost: (12-22) Mana
  Cooldown Time: (3.00 sec-2.60 sec)
  Can Store 1 Use(s)
  Cast Time: Instant
  Critical Strike Chance: 5.00%
  Effectiveness of Added Damage: 250%Requires Level 4Teleport to a location, damaging enemies and leaving Chilled ground in an area at both ends of the teleport. Shares a cooldown with other Blink skills.Deals (9-1144) to (14-1716) Cold Damage
  Base duration is 3.00 seconds
  +(0-0.3) metres to radius
  (15-19)% increased Cooldown Recovery Rate for each Normal or Magic Enemy in Area
  (80-99)% increased Cooldown Recovery Rate for each Rare or Unique Enemy in Area
  (0-38)% increased maximum travel distance
  
  Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
  (0.5-10)% increased maximum travel distancePlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket. and DashDashSpell, Movement, Travel, Blink
  Level: (1-20)
  Cost: (4-16) Mana
  Cooldown Time: 2.50 sec
  Can Store 1 Use(s)
  Cast Time: 0.15 secRequires Level 4Performs a series of quick teleports towards a targeted location. If using the "Attack in Place" option, the direction is reversed. Shares a cooldown with other Blink skills.(0-19)% increased Cooldown Recovery Rate
  (0-57)% increased travel distance
  This Spell's Cast Speed cannot be modified
  
  Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
  (0.5-10)% increased Cooldown Recovery RatePlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket., the other options, are disabled). It can still be obtained from Siosa.
- Some skills like SparkSparkSpell, Projectile, Duration, Lightning
  Level: (1-20)
  Cost: (5-21) Mana
  Cast Time: 0.65 sec
  Critical Strike Chance: 6.00%
  Effectiveness of Added Damage: 190%
  Projectile Speed: 420Launches unpredictable sparks that move randomly until they hit an enemy or expire.Deals (1-104) to (28-1983) Lightning Damage
  Base duration is 2.00 seconds
  Fires (4-8) Projectiles
  
  Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
  Fires +(0.1-2) ProjectilesPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket. are not naturally offered as a Quest Reward in the core game, therefore also not available from Quest Rewards in Ruthless; these skills are only available from Siosa or as random drops.
- PortalPortalSpell
  Level: 1
  Cast Time: 2.50 secRequires Level 10Creates a portal to the current area's town.
  Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
  (3-60)% increased Cast SpeedPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket. and Detonate MinesDetonate MinesMine, Spell
  Level: 1
  Cooldown Time: 0.20 sec
  Can Store 1 Use(s)
  Cast Time: InstantRequires Level 8Detonates a Mine, starting a Detonation Sequence which will detonate other Mines around it.First Mine Detonates Instantly
  Mines get 10% more Detonation Speed for each prior Mine in Detonation Sequence
  
  Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
  Mines have (1-20)% increased Detonation SpeedPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket. can only be found as random drops.
- Most Gems that have a % reservation can only be found as random drops.
  - This includes percent reservation Auras, Heralds, Banners, Arctic ArmourArctic ArmourSpell, Duration, Cold
    Level: (1-20)
    Reservation: 25% Mana
    Cooldown Time: 1.00 sec
    Can Store 1 Use(s)
    Cast Time: InstantRequires Level 16Conjures an icy barrier that chills enemies when they hit you. You drop chilled ground while moving, and take less Fire and Physical damage while stationary.Base duration is (2.50-4.40) seconds
    Buff grants (11-21)% less Physical Damage taken from Hits while stationary
    Buff grants (11-20)% less Fire Damage taken from Hits while stationary
    Chill Enemy for 0.5 seconds when Hit, reducing their Action Speed by 30%
    Buff grants Immunity to Freeze
    
    Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
    (1-20)% increased Skill Effect DurationPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket., Flesh and StoneFlesh and StoneSpell, Aura, AoE, Stance
    Level: (1-20)
    Reservation: 25% Mana
    Cooldown Time: 2.00 sec
    Can Store 1 Use(s)
    Cast Time: InstantRequires Level 16Casts an aura that affects you and nearby enemies differently depending on your stance. Using the skill again alternates between Blood Stance and Sand Stance.Nearby Enemies are Blinded while in Sand Stance
    You take (11-15)% less Damage from Attacks from Enemies that aren't nearby while in Sand Stance
    Nearby Enemies are Maimed while in Blood Stance
    (0-50)% increased Cooldown Recovery Rate
    Enemies Maimed by this Skill take (8-11)% increased Physical Damage
    
    Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
    (0.5-10)% increased Cooldown Recovery RatePlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket., Petrified BloodPetrified BloodSpell
    Level: (1-20)
    Reservation: 35% Mana
    Cooldown Time: 1.00 sec
    Can Store 1 Use(s)
    Cast Time: InstantRequires Level 24Applies a buff that protects the lower half of your life, preventing some of the immediate life loss when damaged by hits and applying the loss over time instead. Your life cannot be raised above low life other than by flasks, and while above low life, skills will cost life as well as mana.Life Recovery other than Flasks cannot Recover Life to above Low Life
    When taking Damage from Hits, 40% of Life loss below half Life is Prevented, then (100-81)% of Life loss prevented this way is lost over 4 seconds
    Skills gain a Base Life Cost equal to 40% of Base Mana Cost while not on Low Life
    
    Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
    -(0.25-5)% of Life loss prevented is lost over 4 secondsPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket., Summon SkitterbotsSummon SkitterbotsTrap, Mine, Spell, Minion, Cold, Lightning, AoE, Aura
    Level: (1-20)
    Reservation: 35% Mana
    Cooldown Time: 1.00 sec
    Can Store 1 Use(s)
    Cast Time: InstantRequires Level 16Summon a Chilling Skitterbot and a Shocking Skitterbot, which will trigger your traps and detonate your mines. Mines detonated by Skitterbots will re-arm and can then be detonated again. The Skitterbots grant you more trap and mine damage, and cannot be targeted or damaged.(0-76)% increased Minion Movement Speed
    Minions have (0-19)% increased Chill Effect
    Minions have (0-19)% increased Shock Effect
    Maximum 1 Summoned Skitterbot of each type
    Chilling Skitterbot's Aura Chills Enemies near it
    Shocking Skitterbot's Aura Shocks Enemies near it
    Skitterbots grant 10% more Trap and Mine Damage
    
    Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
    (2-40)% increased Minion Movement SpeedPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket., Tempest ShieldTempest ShieldSpell, Lightning, Chaining
    Level: (1-20)
    Reservation: 25% Mana
    Cooldown Time: 1.00 sec
    Can Store 1 Use(s)
    Cast Time: Instant
    Critical Strike Chance: 6.00%
    Effectiveness of Added Damage: 220%Requires Level 16Enchants your shield with the power of storms, which lashes out to deal arcing lightning damage to attackers when you block them.Deals (38-896) to (115-2688) Lightning Damage
    Chains +1 Times
    Buff grants +(18-25)% Chance to Block Spell Damage while holding a Shield
    Buff grants Immunity to Shock
    
    Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
    (2-40)% chance to Shock enemiesPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket., and Temporal RiftTemporal RiftSpell
    Level: (1-20)
    Reservation: 10% Mana
    Cooldown Time: 5.00 sec
    Can Store 1 Use(s)
    Cast Time: 0.25 secRequires Level 34Reserves mana to apply a buff and leave afterimages of your recent past. Cast the spell again to return to the oldest afterimage, teleporting to that location as well as resetting your Life, Mana and Energy Shield to the values they had then.(0-38)% increased Cooldown Recovery Rate
    Buff makes you Unaffected by Temporal Chains
    This Spell's Cast Speed cannot be modified
    
    Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
    Buff causes Debuffs on you to expire (1-20)% fasterPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket..
  - This excludes flat reservation Auras (ClarityClarityAura, Spell, AoE
    Level: (1-20)
    Reservation: (34-279) Mana
    Cooldown Time: 1.20 sec
    Can Store 1 Use(s)
    Cast Time: Instant
    AoE Radius: 36Requires Level 10Casts an aura that grants mana regeneration to you and your allies.+(0-1.9) metres to radius
    You and nearby Allies Regenerate (2.9-33) Mana per second
    
    Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
    (2-40)% increased Area of EffectPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket., PrecisionPrecisionAura, Critical, Spell, AoE
    Level: (1-20)
    Reservation: (22-186) Mana
    Cooldown Time: 1.20 sec
    Can Store 1 Use(s)
    Cast Time: InstantRequires Level 10Casts an aura that grants accuracy and critical strike chance to you and your allies.+(0-1.9) metres to radius
    You and nearby allies gain (20-58)% increased Critical Strike Chance
    You and nearby allies gain +(93-701) to Accuracy Rating
    
    Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
    (2-40)% increased Area of EffectPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket., and VitalityVitalityAura, Spell, AoE
    Level: (1-20)
    Reservation: (28-233) Mana
    Cooldown Time: 1.20 sec
    Can Store 1 Use(s)
    Cast Time: Instant
    AoE Radius: 36Requires Level 10Casts an aura that grants life regeneration to you and your allies.+(0-1.9) metres to radius
    You and nearby Allies Regenerate (10-193.2) Life per second
    
    Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
    (2-40)% increased Area of EffectPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.), Blood and SandBlood and SandSpell, Stance
    Level: (1-6)
    Reservation: 10% Mana
    Cooldown Time: 2.00 sec
    Can Store 1 Use(s)
    Cast Time: InstantRequires Level 4Casts a buff that grants different bonuses to melee skills depending on your stance. Using the skill again alternates between Blood Stance and Sand Stance.Melee Skills deal (10-15)% more Area Damage while in Blood Stance
    Melee Skills have 5% less Area of Effect while in Blood Stance
    Melee Skills have (10-15)% more Area of Effect while in Sand Stance
    Melee Skills deal 5% less Area Damage while in Sand Stance
    (0-50)% increased Cooldown Recovery Rate
    
    Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
    (0.5-10)% increased Cooldown Recovery RatePlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket., and mine skills.

Vendor changes

Rings, Amulets and Belts can rarely be purchased from Vendors.
Gems cannot be purchased from vendors.^[3]
- The quests A Fixture of Fate, Death to Purity and Death and Rebirth each award you an Uncarved GemstoneUncarved GemstoneTrade this in to Siosa inside the Library for a Skill Gem that can be traded to Siosa for any droppable Skill Gem of level 34 or lower (see above).
Items vendor for fewer currency shards. Generally speaking:
- Items and affixes that normally sell for Alteration ShardAlteration ShardStack Size: 20A stack of 20 shards becomes an Orb of Alteration.s now instead sell for Transmutation ShardTransmutation ShardStack Size: 20A stack of 20 shards becomes an Orb of Transmutation.s.
- Magic, rare, and unique item affixes vendor for 1/4 of their currency shard values, rounding up.
Orb of UnmakingOrb of UnmakingStack Size: 40Grants an atlas passive skill refund pointRight click on this item to use it. now cost 1 Orb of ChanceOrb of ChanceStack Size: 20Upgrades a normal item to a random rarityRight click this item then left click a normal item to apply it. from Kirac instead of 2 Orb of RegretOrb of RegretStack Size: 40Grants a passive skill refund pointRight click on this item to use it..
Many vendor recipes are disabled. A few vendor recipes unique to Ruthless mode are available.
- Support gems cannot be made 20% quality via the Gemcutter's PrismGemcutter's PrismStack Size: 20Improves the quality of a gemRight click this item then left click a gem to apply it. The maximum quality is 20%. reset recipe.

Drop-disabled items

The following items cannot be obtained in Ruthless mode:

All Divination cards
Oni-GoroshiOni-Goroshi
Charan's SwordOne Handed Sword
Physical Damage: 5-11
Critical Strike Chance: (8.50-9.50)%
Attacks per Second: 1.45
Weapon Range: 1.1 metres40% increased Global Accuracy RatingUses both hand slots
(70-90)% increased Critical Strike Chance
Adds 2 to 3 Physical Damage to Attacks per Level
Gain Her Embrace for 3 seconds when you Ignite an Enemy
While in Her Embrace, take 0.5% of your total Maximum Life and Energy Shield as Fire Damage per second per Level
Item has 6 Sockets and is fully linked (Hidden)
Uses goddess player audio (Hidden)"Your name is Demon Slayer? Really? Good name for rotgut, that."
She said: I prefer "The Goddess Of Swords". Much more dignified. And accurate.
"Demon Slayer The Cheap And Nasty it is then. Burns going down, burns coming up?"
She said: Every single time, Charan. And still...you'll bathe me, and you'll drink my love. Until you can't.
Divine VesselDivine VesselUnique Boss deals 10% increased Damage
Unique Boss has 10% increased Attack and Cast Speed
Unique Boss has 10% increased Life
Unique Boss has 20% increased Area of EffectPower is a curious thing.
It can be contained, hidden, locked away,
and yet it always breaks free.Can be used in a personal Map Device, allowing you to capture the Soul of the Map's Boss. The Vessel containing the captured Soul can be retrieved from the Map Device. You must be in the Map when the boss is defeated.
All incubators
All Delirium Orbs (replaced by Delirium OrbDelirium OrbStack Size: 10Modifies a Map item adding layers of Delirium with the Generic Item reward typeRight click this item then left click a Map item to apply it. Can apply up to 5 to a single Map item.
Shift click to unstack.)
Thief's TrinketThief's TrinketCorrupted
Oil ExtractorOil ExtractorStack Size: 10Destroys an Anointed Item to recover one of the Oils that was used to apply that AnointmentRight click this item then left click an Anointed item to destroy it.

Drop-disabled currency

Enkindling OrbEnkindling OrbStack Size: 20Adds an enchantment to a utility flask that will improve it
but prevent it from gaining charges during its effect
Replaces any existing enchantmentRight click this item then left click a flask to apply it.
Instilling OrbInstilling OrbStack Size: 20Adds an enchantment to a utility flask that will cause
it to be used when certain conditions are met
Replaces any existing enchantmentRight click this item then left click a flask to apply it. (note: these enchantments are available from Einhar's beastcrafting options instead)
Orb of BindingOrb of BindingStack Size: 20Upgrades a normal item to a rare item with up to four linked socketsRight click this item then left click a normal item to apply it.
- Binding ShardBinding ShardStack Size: 20A stack of 20 shards becomes an Orb of Binding.
Stacked DeckStacked DeckStack Size: 20A stack of unknown divination cardsRight click to take a divination card out of the deck.
Orb of DominanceOrb of DominanceStack Size: 10Removes one Influenced Modifier from an item with at least two Influenced
Modifiers and upgrades another Influenced Modifier
Upgrading a modifier of the highest tier transforms the
modifier into an Elevated Modifier
Attempting to upgrade an Elevated Modifier rerolls its values
Can be used on Body Armours, Boots, Gloves and HelmetsRight click this item then left click an item with at least two Influenced Modifiers to apply it.
Crusader's Exalted OrbCrusader's Exalted OrbStack Size: 20Adds Crusader influence and a new Crusader modifier to a rare itemRight click this item then left click a high-level rare item with no influence to apply it. Rare items can have up to six random modifiers.
Hunter's Exalted OrbHunter's Exalted OrbStack Size: 20Adds Hunter influence and a new Hunter modifier to a rare itemRight click this item then left click a high-level rare item with no influence to apply it. Rare items can have up to six random modifiers.
Redeemer's Exalted OrbRedeemer's Exalted OrbStack Size: 20Adds Redeemer influence and a new Redeemer modifier to a rare itemRight click this item then left click a high-level rare item with no influence to apply it. Rare items can have up to six random modifiers.
Warlord's Exalted OrbWarlord's Exalted OrbStack Size: 20Adds Warlord influence and a new Warlord modifier to a rare itemRight click this item then left click a high-level rare item with no influence to apply it. Rare items can have up to six random modifiers.
Awakener's OrbAwakener's OrbStack Size: 10Destroys an item, applying its influence to another of the same item class
The second item is reforged as a rare item with both influence types and new modifiersRight click this item, then left click the item you wish to take the influence from, then left click an item of the same item class you wish to apply it to.
Tailoring OrbTailoring OrbStack Size: 20Adds or replaces an enchantment on a body armour
This may reforge the body armour's socketsRight click this item then left click on the item you wish to modify.
Tempering OrbTempering OrbStack Size: 20Adds or replaces an enchantment on a weapon
This may reforge the weapon's socketsRight click this item then left click on the item you wish to modify.

Unknown availability

The following items have not been seen on Ruthless trade:

Veiled OrbVeiled OrbStack Size: 20Removes a random modifier and adds a random Veiled modifier to a rare itemRight click this item then left click a rare item to apply it. ^{[confirmation needed because of version 3.24 changes]}
Memory line items
Tainted OilTainted OilStack Size: 10
Oil Tier: 0Can be combined with other oils at Cassia to enchant corrupted rings, amulets or blighted maps., Reflective OilReflective OilStack Size: 10
Oil Tier: 0Can be combined with other oils at Cassia to enchant mirrored rings, amulets or blighted maps.

Drop-disabled gems

Most movement skill gems are not available in Ruthless mode.

Blink ArrowBlink ArrowAttack, Minion, Duration, Movement, Travel, Bow
Level: (1-20)
Cost: (14-20) Mana
Cooldown Time: 3.00 sec
Can Store 1 Use(s)Requires Level 10Fires an arrow at the target destination. When the arrow lands, you are teleported to it and a clone is summoned at your old location. The clone is a minion that uses your bow and quiver.Base duration is 3.00 seconds
(0-47)% increased Cooldown Recovery Rate
Minions deal (0-57)% more Damage

Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
(2-40)% increased Cooldown Recovery RatePlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.
BodyswapBodyswapMovement, Spell, AoE, Fire, Travel
Level: (1-20)
Cost: (8-23) Mana
Cast Time: 0.70 sec
Critical Strike Chance: 6.00%Requires Level 10Violently destroys your body and recreates it at the location of a targeted enemy or corpse, dealing spell damage in an area at both locations. If there is no specific target, it will prioritise corpses over enemies. If targeting a corpse, the corpse will also explode, dealing damage around it that is not affected by modifiers to spell damage, and cannot be reflected. This spell cannot be repeated.This Spell deals (3-210) to (5-315), plus 4% of your maximum Life, as base Fire Damage
Explosion deals base Fire Damage equal to (6-7.9)% of the corpse's Maximum Life
+(0-0.2) metres to radius
200% more Area of Effect if Consuming a corpse

Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
Deals +(0.2-4)% of your maximum Life, as base Fire DamagePlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.
Charged DashCharged DashMovement, AoE, Channelling, Attack, Lightning, Melee
Level: (1-20)
Cost: 4 Mana
Attack Speed: 160% of base
Attack Damage: (95-121)% of base
Effectiveness of Added Damage: (95-121)%Requires Level 28Channel to project an illusion which you steer. You gain stages while it moves, until it stops at a maximum total distance. Waves of area damage frequently pulse along its path, based on your attack speed. Stop channelling to teleport to the illusion, dealing a final wave of damage. Requires a Melee Weapon.50% of Physical Damage Converted to Lightning Damage
Deals 150% more Damage while Channelling if Illusion has finished moving
Hits from Final wave deal 75% of Damage per stage
Illusion moves at 130% of your Movement Speed

Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
Illusion moves at an additional +(1-20)% of your Movement SpeedPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.
DashDashSpell, Movement, Travel, Blink
Level: (1-20)
Cost: (4-16) Mana
Cooldown Time: 2.50 sec
Can Store 1 Use(s)
Cast Time: 0.15 secRequires Level 4Performs a series of quick teleports towards a targeted location. If using the "Attack in Place" option, the direction is reversed. Shares a cooldown with other Blink skills.(0-19)% increased Cooldown Recovery Rate
(0-57)% increased travel distance
This Spell's Cast Speed cannot be modified

Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
(0.5-10)% increased Cooldown Recovery RatePlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.
Flame DashFlame DashSpell, Movement, Duration, Fire, Travel, Blink
Level: (1-20)
Cost: (8-23) Mana
Cooldown Time: 3.50 sec
Can Store 3 Use(s)
Cast Time: 0.80 sec
Critical Strike Chance: 6.00%
Effectiveness of Added Damage: 140%Requires Level 10Teleport to a location, damaging enemies and leaving a trail of burning ground. Shares a cooldown with other Blink skills.Deals (19.7-1738.6) Base Fire Damage per second
Base duration is 4.00 seconds
Deals (7-659) to (11-988) Fire Damage
Modifiers to Spell Damage apply to this Skill's Damage Over Time effect
(0-19)% increased Cooldown Recovery Rate

Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
(0.5-10)% increased Cooldown Recovery RatePlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.
FrostblinkFrostblinkSpell, Movement, Duration, Cold, Travel, Blink, AoE
Level: (1-20)
Cost: (12-22) Mana
Cooldown Time: (3.00 sec-2.60 sec)
Can Store 1 Use(s)
Cast Time: Instant
Critical Strike Chance: 5.00%
Effectiveness of Added Damage: 250%Requires Level 4Teleport to a location, damaging enemies and leaving Chilled ground in an area at both ends of the teleport. Shares a cooldown with other Blink skills.Deals (9-1144) to (14-1716) Cold Damage
Base duration is 3.00 seconds
+(0-0.3) metres to radius
(15-19)% increased Cooldown Recovery Rate for each Normal or Magic Enemy in Area
(80-99)% increased Cooldown Recovery Rate for each Rare or Unique Enemy in Area
(0-38)% increased maximum travel distance

Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
(0.5-10)% increased maximum travel distancePlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.
Leap SlamLeap SlamAttack, AoE, Movement, Travel, Slam, Melee
Level: (1-20)
Cost: 10 Mana
Attack Damage: (100-150)% of base
Effectiveness of Added Damage: (100-150)%
AoE Radius: 15Requires Level 10Jump through the air, damaging and knocking back enemies with your weapon where you land. Enemies you would land on are pushed out of the way. Requires an Axe, Mace, Sceptre, Sword or Staff. Cannot be supported by Multistrike.(20-39)% increased Stun Duration against Enemies that are on Full Life
+0.55 seconds to Attack Time
Base radius is 1.5 metres
Damaging Hits always Stun Enemies that are on Full Life

Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
(2-40)% increased Stun Duration against Enemies that are on Full LifePlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.
Lightning WarpLightning WarpSpell, AoE, Duration, Movement, Lightning, Travel
Level: (1-20)
Cost: (9-26) Mana
Cast Time: 0.70 sec
Critical Strike Chance: 5.00%
Effectiveness of Added Damage: 90%
AoE Radius: 16Requires Level 10Waits for a duration before teleporting to a targeted destination, with the duration based on the distance and your movement speed. When the teleport occurs, lightning damage is dealt to the area around both where the player was and where they teleported to. Casting again will queue up multiple teleportations to occur in sequence.Deals (1-51) to (19-965) Lightning Damage
+(0-0.4) metres to radius
(30-49)% reduced Duration
Can queue up to 50 uses

Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
(1-20)% increased Cast SpeedPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.
Phase RunPhase RunSpell, Duration, Movement, Physical, Travel
Level: (1-20)
Cost: (8-13) Mana
Cooldown Time: 4.00 sec
Can Store 1 Use(s)
Cast Time: InstantRequires Level 34Gain a buff that makes you faster, harder to detect, and grants Phasing, letting you pass through enemies. Performing any skill replaces this buff with one that boosts melee physical damage of skills you use yourself (it will not apply to your melee skills used by totems). Consumes Frenzy Charges to increase duration.Base duration is 1.80 seconds
Base secondary duration is 0.20 seconds
(30-39)% increased Movement Speed
(20-30)% more Melee Physical Damage
100% increased Skill Duration per Frenzy Charge removed
Grants Phasing
100% increased Stealth

Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
(0.5-10)% increased Movement SpeedPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.
Shield ChargeShield ChargeAttack, AoE, Movement, Travel, Physical, Melee
Level: (1-20)
Cost: 10 Mana
Attack Time: 0.50 sec
Critical Strike Chance: 5.00%
AoE Radius: 8 / 16Requires Level 10Charges at a targeted location or enemy, pushing away enemies in your path and repeatedly dealing off-hand damage in a small area in front of you. You deal damage in a larger area when you reach the target. The further you travel, the more damage you deal, and the greater your chance of stunning enemies. Cannot be supported by Multistrike.(12-134) to (18-200) Base Off Hand Physical Damage
(3-5) to (4-7) Added Physical Damage per 15 Armour or Evasion Rating on Shield
75% increased Stun Threshold reduction on enemies at Maximum charge distance
100% more Damage with Hits at Maximum Charge Distance
(90-109)% increased Movement Speed

Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
(1-20)% increased Movement SpeedPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.
Smoke MineSmoke MineMine, Spell, AoE, Duration, Movement, Travel, Blink
Level: (1-20)
Cost: (6-13) Mana
Reservation: (6-13) Mana
Cooldown Time: 5.00 sec
Can Store 3 Use(s)
Cast Time: 0.50 secRequires Level 10Throws a mine that will teleport you to it when detonated. It covers both your escape and arrival with a cloud of smoke that blinds enemies, and gives you a temporary buff to movement speed. Shares a cooldown with other Blink skills.Mine lasts 8 seconds
Base duration is (4.00-5.00) seconds
Base secondary duration is 1.00 seconds
Increases and Reductions to Mine Duration also apply to this Skill's Buff Duration
Only one Mine of this type can Detonate in each Detonation Sequence
Buff grants (20-29)% increased Movement Speed
Mines cannot be Re-armed
Mine Detonation is Instant

Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
Buff grants (1-20)% increased Movement SpeedPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.
Whirling BladesWhirling BladesAttack, Movement, Travel, Melee
Level: (1-20)
Cost: 10 Mana
Attack Damage: (100-150)% of base
Effectiveness of Added Damage: (100-150)%Requires Level 10Dive through enemies, dealing weapon damage. If dual wielding attacks with both weapons, dealing the damage of both in one hit. Only works with Daggers, Claws, and One-Handed Swords. Cannot be supported by Multistrike.When Dual Wielding, Deals 75% Damage from each Weapon combined
+0.6 seconds to Attack Time

Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
(0.5-10)% increased Attack SpeedPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.
Withering StepWithering StepTravel, AoE, Chaos, Movement, Blink, Spell, Duration
Level: (1-20)
Cost: (8-23) Mana
Cooldown Time: 3.00 sec
Can Store 1 Use(s)
Cast Time: InstantRequires Level 10Grants Elusive and a buff that grants Phasing. While you have this buff, monsters that enter an area around you will be Withered. Using a skill or losing the Elusive buff ends this skill's effects. Shares a cooldown with other Blink skills. Cannot be used while already Elusive.Withered lasts 3 seconds
+(0-0.6) metres to radius
Cannot be Cast or Triggered while Elusive
Grants Elusive
This Skill's Cooldown does not recover during its effect
(0-38)% increased Effect of Elusive from this Skill
Buff grants Phasing
Inflicts (4-6) Withered Debuffs the first time each Enemy enters the Area

Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
Inflicts +(0.1-2) Withered Debuffs the first time each Enemy enters the AreaPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.

Additionally, StormbindStormbindSpell, AoE, Channelling, Lightning, Duration, Arcane
Level: (1-20)
Cost: (3-5) Mana
Cast Time: 0.12 sec
Critical Strike Chance: 6.00%
Effectiveness of Added Damage: 160%Requires Level 28Channel to spread runes on the ground in a growing pattern. The runes fade away after a duration, or will be immediately removed and deal damage in a circular area when detonated by Rune Blast. Enemies standing on the runes are Hindered, reducing their movement speed.Deals (36-444) to (107-1332) Lightning Damage
Base duration is 12.00 seconds
50% reduced Movement Speed
Runes have 30% more Area of Effect per Improvement
Runes deal 100% more Damage with Hits and Ailments per Improvement
A Rune is Improved for each (5-24) Mana Spent
Runes can be improved 3 times

Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
Runes have +(0.5-10)% more Area of Effect per Improvement
(0.5-10)% increased Cast SpeedPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.'s Rune Blast teleports you to the detonated Rune if you have not detonated Runes in the past # second Helmet Enchantments are disabled and cannot be obtained.

Other removed gems:

Item Rarity SupportItem Rarity SupportSupport
Icon: R
Level: (1-20)Requires Level 31Supports any skill that can kill enemies.(40-59)% increased Rarity of Items Dropped by Enemies Slain from Supported Skills

Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
(0.5-10)% increased Rarity of Items Dropped by Enemies Slain from Supported SkillsThis is a Support Gem. It does not grant a bonus to your character, but to skills in sockets connected to it. Place into an item socket connected to a socket containing the Skill Gem you wish to augment. Right click to remove from a socket.
Venom GyreVenom GyreAttack, Projectile, Chaos, Duration
Level: (1-20)
Cost: (5-7) Mana
Attack Speed: 120% of base
Attack Damage: (125-165)% of base
Effectiveness of Added Damage: (125-165)%Requires Level 12Fires a returning projectile that can be caught. Caught projectiles spiral outwards when you use Whirling Blades and do not return. Requires a Dagger or Claw.Base duration is 12.00 seconds
60% of Physical Damage Converted to Chaos Damage
Projectiles Return to you
40% chance to Poison on Hit
Returning Projectiles deal 75% less Damage with Hits and Ailments
Returning Projectiles Pierce all Targets
Maximum 30 caught Projectiles
40% chance to keep each caught Projectile fired with Whirling Blades

Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
Maximum +(0.5-10) caught ProjectilesPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket. and Vaal Venom GyreVaal Venom GyreAttack, Projectile, Chaos, Duration, Vaal
Level: (1-20)
Souls Per Use: 30
Can Store 1 Use(s)
Soul Gain Prevention: 8 sec
Attack Damage: (125-165)% of base
Effectiveness of Added Damage: (125-165)%Requires Level 12Creates already-caught projectiles without firing them first, both immediately and over a secondary duration. Caught projectiles spiral outwards when you use Whirling Blades and do not return. Requires a Dagger or Claw.Base duration is 12.00 seconds
Base secondary duration is 6.00 seconds
Modifiers to Skill Effect Duration also apply to this Skill's Soul Gain Prevention
60% of Physical Damage Converted to Chaos Damage
40% chance to Poison on Hit
Maximum 50 caught Projectiles
Creates up to 50 caught Projectiles immediately
Creates 15 caught Projectiles per second
40% chance to keep each caught Projectile fired with Whirling Blades

Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
(1-20)% increased Poison DurationCorruptedPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket. (disabled due to its reliance on Whirling Blades)

Ruthless-exclusive items

Eternal OrbEternal OrbStack Size: 10Creates an imprint of an item for later restoration
The imprint can't be applied to Fractured ItemsRight click this item then left click on an item to create an imprint. This imprint can later be used to restore this specific item to that imprinted state.
QuickstepQuickstepSpell, Movement, Travel, Blink
Level: 1
Cooldown Time: 10.00 sec
Can Store 1 Use(s)
Cast Time: 0.15 secPerforms a series of quick teleports towards a targeted location, stopping if you would overlap with monsters or terrain. If using the "Attack in Place" option, the direction is reversed. Shares a cooldown with other Blink skills. Cannot be supported.200% increased Cooldown Recovery Rate if used while a Unique Enemy is in your Presence
Quality has no effect
This Spell's Cast Speed cannot be modified

Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
Quality has no effectPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket. - guaranteed to drop from Hillock in The Twilight Strand
Uncarved GemstoneUncarved GemstoneTrade this in to Siosa inside the Library for a Skill Gem - replaces certain quest rewards; can be traded with Siosa for a skill gem
Alchemical Resonators - replaces Chaotic Resonators
Delirium OrbDelirium OrbStack Size: 10Modifies a Map item adding layers of Delirium with the Generic Item reward typeRight click this item then left click a Map item to apply it. Can apply up to 5 to a single Map item.
Shift click to unstack. - replaces all other Delirium Orbs

General game mechanics

A compounding experience penalty is applied to your character from level 68.
Gems gain less experience.
Certain gems have had their values lowered.
Many Ascendancy passives use different or weaker values from the base game. Some Ascendancy classes may have had their node pre-requisites and connections adjusted.
Pantheon powers are disabled.
Sources of item rarity are rarer. Gold RingGold RingRequires Level 20(6-15)% increased Rarity of Items found and Gold AmuletGold AmuletRequires Level 8(12-20)% increased Rarity of Items found are no longer offered as quest rewards. Item Rarity SupportItem Rarity SupportSupport
Icon: R
Level: (1-20)Requires Level 31Supports any skill that can kill enemies.(40-59)% increased Rarity of Items Dropped by Enemies Slain from Supported Skills

Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
(0.5-10)% increased Rarity of Items Dropped by Enemies Slain from Supported SkillsThis is a Support Gem. It does not grant a bonus to your character, but to skills in sockets connected to it. Place into an item socket connected to a socket containing the Skill Gem you wish to augment. Right click to remove from a socket. is drop-disabled.
The formula for player quantity has been changed such that it suffers from harsher diminishing returns. The result of this change is that IIQ on gear (MF uniques) is weaker.
Flask charges and Life/Mana are not refilled automatically when you enter a town, hideout, or the Azurite Mine Encampment. Vendor NPCs that sell flasks, Niko at the Azurite Mines, and all hideout NPCs refill your flasks upon interacting with them.
Utility Flasks cannot gain charges while active (unless you have Master Alchemist) and have lower duration than they normally do.
- Utility Flasks cannot be crafted with Enkindling OrbEnkindling OrbStack Size: 20Adds an enchantment to a utility flask that will improve it
  but prevent it from gaining charges during its effect
  Replaces any existing enchantmentRight click this item then left click a flask to apply it.s or Instilling OrbInstilling OrbStack Size: 20Adds an enchantment to a utility flask that will cause
  it to be used when certain conditions are met
  Replaces any existing enchantmentRight click this item then left click a flask to apply it.s
If you die near a quest boss in the campaign (approximately a distance of 120 units), it recovers a certain percentage of Life, approximately 40%.
- Includes: all Act bosses; Brutus; Weaver; Piety (Act 3); Voll; Kaom; Daresso; Avarius and Innocence; the Pantheon Gods; Shavronne (Act 6); Maligaro (Act 7); Doedre (Act 8); the Gorgon; General Adus; the Depraved Trinity; and Avarius, Reassembled
- Excludes: Fidelitas; Gravicius; Dominus' minibosses; Piety, the Abomination; the Unholy Trio in The Harvest (Act 4), Overseer Krow, Justicar Casticus; and the Unholy Trio in the Rotting Core (Act 9)
Hardcore Ruthless characters are not migrated to Standard Ruthless upon death and are instead moved to the Void League.
The minimum spawn levels of certain league mechanics have been adjusted. Content from past leagues is encountered less often than normal.
- Shrines first spawn in the middle of Act 1
- Tormented Spirits first spawn in Act 2
- Strongboxes first spawn in Act 3
- Rogue Exiles first spawn in Act 4

Masters and league content mechanics

Core league mechanics

Chance to spawn league mechanics: Unlike the core game, several types of Extra Content do not have a fixed base chance to spawn each mechanic. Instead, map areas have a fixed chance to spawn 1 or more league mechanics, with overall chance scaling with map tiers and a decreasing chance per # of additional league mechanics spawned^[4]; this chance scales with map tier. The chance for any individual mechanic to spawn is based on the relative weights of each mechanic, which is equal to each other at baseline. Sources of Your Maps have #% increased chance to contain <league mechanic> will modify the weighting of that mechanic but not affect the overall spawn chance for # of mechanics. This will cause the chosen mechanic to appear more frequently, but other mechanics will appear less frequently. Blocking notables have a significant effect on this weighting system, taking a chance to get a specific type of mechanic from 1/11 to as high as 1/2. It is likely that adding a master mission reduces the wild master weight to 0, which may guarantee a non-master mechanic to be selected.^[5]^[6]^{[confirmation needed]}

The following mechanics use this weighting system:

Abysses - Abyss Chests in the map do not always contain Abyss Jewels. Stygian Spires in Abyssal Depths have ~1/4 chance to drop a Stygian ViseStygian ViseHas 1 Abyssal Socket. Liches do not guarantee an Abyss unique or Stygian Vise when killed.
Blights - Blights only contain generic chests without icons, and can sometimes drop Oils and Blighted maps. Blighted maps do not drop oils. Blighted maps can still drop Blight-exclusive uniques.
Breaches -
Expedition Encounters - Many generic Expedition Remnant buff effects have been removed, leaving just 25% increased Pack size, 50% increased Quantity of Artifacts dropped by Monsters, and 60% increased Experience. Logbooks contain generic rewards. Expedition Vendors are significantly more expensive and offer fewer varieties and quantities of items.
Legion Encounters - No longer drops incubators. Domain of Timeless Conflict#Ruthless mode no longer has an item reward tracker and instead has a Timeless Jewel tracker.
Metamorph Encounters - Metamorphs in maps only have no reward, or a specific type of catalyst as a reward. Metamorph Organs list specific catalysts as a reward.
Mirrors of Delirium - All Delirium Orb variants have been replaced by a generic Delirium OrbDelirium OrbStack Size: 10Modifies a Map item adding layers of Delirium with the Generic Item reward typeRight click this item then left click a Map item to apply it. Can apply up to 5 to a single Map item.
Shift click to unstack.. Delirium rewards are exclusively cluster jewels or Simulacrum SplinterSimulacrum SplinterStack Size: 300Combine 300 Splinters to create a Simulacrum.s.
Ritual Altars - Overall reduced rewards and more expensive items; only the currency/unique variants exist for the Special Reward outcomes. Rewards primarily magic/rare items and Ritual SplinterRitual SplinterStack Size: 100Combine 100 Splinters to create a Ritual Vessel.s, with a few Unique items. Contains Ritual base types at higher rates.
The Sacred Grove (Harvest) - See: Harvest crafting (Ruthless) for a list of removed/available crafts.
Smuggler's Caches (Heist) - Heist reward chests only contain generic rewards (Weapon, Armour, Currency, Map). Blueprint Curio Displays contain at random 2 or 3 different rewards, and rarely a Curio Display Replacement Unique. Cannot obtain Rogue's equipment, Thief's TrinketThief's TrinketCorrupteds, or Tailoring OrbTailoring OrbStack Size: 20Adds or replaces an enchantment on a body armour
This may reforge the body armour's socketsRight click this item then left click on the item you wish to modify./Tempering OrbTempering OrbStack Size: 20Adds or replaces an enchantment on a weapon
This may reforge the weapon's socketsRight click this item then left click on the item you wish to modify..
Wild Master missions in maps Einhar, Alva, Jun and Niko missions are part of the pool of available outcomes for extra content individually.

Standalone league mechanics

The following mechanics are not included in the weighting system, and instead, have the typical Your Maps have +#% chance to contain <league mechanic> sources. These chances can be improved by via Atlas tree, Scarabs, or the Map Device.

Rogue exiles (Anarchy) - Exiles only drop jewellery, rather than a full item set.
Shrines (Domination) - Minimal changes.
Strongboxes (Ambush) - Minimal changes.
Tormented Spirits (Torment) - Minimal changes.

The following are also standalone league mechanics, but do not naturally occur and need to be enabled (e.g. via the Atlas Tree or modifiers) to encounter them.

Essence Monoliths - Essences do not spawn naturally and need to be enabled (e.g. via the Atlas Tree). Essence Monoliths are more likely to have a single Essence, and can as low as Whispering (T7) tier Essences.
Harbingers - Appear to drop exclusively Orb of HorizonsOrb of HorizonsStack Size: 20Reforges a map item as another of the same tierRight click this item then left click a map to apply it., Harbinger's OrbHarbinger's OrbStack Size: 20Reforges a map item as another of a higher tierRight click this item then left click a map to apply it., Ancient OrbAncient OrbStack Size: 20Reforges a unique equipment as another of the same item classRight click this item then left click a unique item to apply it., Orb of AnnulmentOrb of AnnulmentStack Size: 20Removes a random modifier from an itemRight click this item then left click on a magic or rare item to apply it., Fracturing OrbFracturing OrbStack Size: 20Fracture a random modifier on a rare item with at least 4 modifiers, locking it in placeRight click this item then left click a rare item to apply it. Cannot be used on Influenced, Synthesised or Fractured items., and their shards at area levels 68+. At lower area levels (e.g. Delve), they drop generic currency shards (e.g. Transmutation ShardTransmutation ShardStack Size: 20A stack of 20 shards becomes an Orb of Transmutation.).
Beyond - Minimal changes.

Other league mechanics

Vaal side areas do not spawn. Sacrifice Fragments and Vaal Gems must be obtained via other means, such as Vaults of AtziriVaults of Atziri
Vaal Pyramid MapMap Level: 71
Map Tier: 4
Guild Character: gChests have (2500-3500)% increased Item Rarity
Area contains no monsters
Chest drop scaling is disabled. (Hidden)
Found Items have (20-40)% chance to drop Corrupted in Area"Should I depart this mortal coil,
so shall all of my treasures."
- Atziri, Queen of the VaalTravel to this Map by using it in a personal Map Device. Maps can only be used once. or Tier 3 Room chests in the Temple of Atzoatl.
Sanctum's item reward rooms do not guarantee a reward; instead, it has a chance to offer one or more of the three reward types (now, at the end of the floor, or at the end of the Sanctum). Offers lower rarity and quantity of currency.

Masters

Masters have received several changes in their reward systems:

Masters are not guaranteed to show up in certain locations during the acts^[7] and have had their chance to appear reduced. They can appear from Act 2, Act 4, Act 7, and Act 9 respectively.

Einhar (Bestiary)

Beastcrafting rewards have been completely reworked; they provide crafts for Talismans, flask enchantments, etc.

Niko (Delve)

Fractured walls in the Azurite Mine are now more likely to contain deposits of Azurite and Resonators rather than reward chests. Nodes that contain <damage type> items provide fossils instead of rare items. Chaotic Resonators have been replaced by their equivalent Alchemical Resonators.

Alva (Incursion)

Incursion modifier items cannot be obtained. Tier 3 Room special chests (e.g. "Contains a Valuable item") can contain sacrifice fragments. The area level for the Temple of Atzoatl in Ruthless is the average level of all your Incursions.

Jun (Betrayal)

Members of the Immortal Syndicate no longer drop non-unique veiled items. The rewards for each member in safehouses have been reworked. The area level for Betrayal Safehouses is now the average level of areas Betrayal progress was made in. This does not apply to the Mastermind's Lair.

Kirac (Atlas)

Kirac Missions' highest map tiers are equal to or lower than the highest tier map you have completed, within the tier bracket (1-5, 6-10, 11-16). After a certain amount of progress into the Atlas, his map vendor options will generally only provide maps of lower tiers than the highest tier you have completed.

Maps and endgame mechanics

Kitava in Act 10 always drops a random T1 map on death.
Map modifiers and map quality now also increase the chance to drop Maps in a Map, in addition to the increased quantity bonus granted by map mods. These two modifiers are multiplicative with each other.
Bonus Objectives for Tier 11-15 Maps don't require the Map to be Corrupted.
Corrupted map bosses drop Vaal OrbVaal OrbStack Size: 20Corrupts an item, modifying it unpredictablyRight click this item then left click an item to corrupt it. Corrupted items cannot be modified again.s instead of Sacrifice fragments.
Map drops no longer have a 4x weighting for adjacent maps.
Scarabs only enable mechanics in a map.
The quest and tradeable versions of Maven's Invitation: The AtlasMaven's Invitation: The AtlasFor those who must not endure it,
there may be found a perverse joy
in watching the struggle for survival.Open portals to The Maven's Crucible by using this item in a personal Map Device. provide 5 Atlas respec points, for a total of 25. Other Maven's Invitations and the Eldritch Invitations no longer provide respec points.
The Searing Exarch's and Eater of Worlds's invitation cycles now require 50 maps instead of 28. The Black Star's and Infinite Hunger's invitations now drop at the 25th map instead of the 14th.
Voidstones now upgrade Maps in Ruthless, though the number of Tiers they upgrade Maps by is less than the base game.
Various adjustments to Unique Maps:
- Mao KunMao Kun
  Shore MapMap Level: 73
  Map Tier: 6
  Guild Character: À
  Item Quantity: +(100-120)%(60-100)% increased Experience gain
  Monsters deal (175-190)% extra Physical Damage as Lightning
  Monsters gain an Endurance Charge on Hit
  Monsters gain a Power Charge on HitThe Treasures of the Tides wait
  in agony at the End of the World.Travel to this Map by using it in a personal Map Device. Maps can only be used once.'s currency chests have slightly reduced drops.
- Pillars of ArunPillars of Arun
  Dunes MapMap Level: 69
  Map Tier: 2
  Guild Character: ›
  Item Quantity: +(100-150)%
  Item Rarity: +(200-300)%(60-100)% increased Experience gain
  Area contains unbridged gaps to cross
  Monsters have 50% chance to Avoid Ailments
  (20-25)% increased Monster Movement Speed
  (20-25)% increased Monster Attack Speed
  (20-25)% increased Monster Cast Speed
  Players have 200% increased Cooldown Recovery Rate for Movement SkillsMan creates where nature cannot.Travel to this Map by using it in a personal Map Device. Maps can only be used once. (and likely Replica Pillars of ArunReplica Pillars of Arun
  Dunes MapMap Level: 69
  Map Tier: 2
  Guild Character: ›
  Item Quantity: +(200-250)%
  Item Rarity: +(200-300)%
  Monster Pack Size: +30%(60-100)% increased Experience gain
  Area contains unbridged gaps to cross
  Monsters have 50% chance to Avoid Ailments
  30% increased Pack size
  100% increased Monster Damage
  (20-25)% increased Monster Movement Speed
  (20-25)% increased Monster Attack Speed
  (20-25)% increased Monster Cast Speed
  Players have 200% increased Cooldown Recovery Rate for Movement Skills"Whatever these maps are, it is clear they are dangerous. Send in only test subjects, no guards or researchers."
  - Administrator QotraTravel to this Map by using it in a personal Map Device. Maps can only be used once. by extension) has an additional modifier: Grants Level 20 Dash Skill. This modifier allows players to temporarily equip DashDashSpell, Movement, Travel, Blink
  Level: (1-20)
  Cost: (4-16) Mana
  Cooldown Time: 2.50 sec
  Can Store 1 Use(s)
  Cast Time: 0.15 secRequires Level 4Performs a series of quick teleports towards a targeted location. If using the "Attack in Place" option, the direction is reversed. Shares a cooldown with other Blink skills.(0-19)% increased Cooldown Recovery Rate
  (0-57)% increased travel distance
  This Spell's Cast Speed cannot be modified
  
  Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
  (0.5-10)% increased Cooldown Recovery RatePlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket. on their skill bar while inside the map.
- Oba's Cursed TroveOba's Cursed Trove
  Underground Sea MapMap Level: 77
  Map Tier: 10
  Item Quantity: +40%Area has patches of desecrated ground
  20 patches with Ground Effect per 100 tiles (Hidden)
  Ground Effect has a radius of 10 (Hidden)
  (40-50)% more Monster Life
  (30-40)% increased Monster Damage
  Area becomes fatal after some time"Here the soil is more deadly than any swing of the axe."
  - Oba of the Karui, Conqueror of Corruption.Travel to this Map by using it in a personal Map Device. Maps can only be used once. - final room contains the 5 strongboxes, including three specific Unique strongboxes.
- The Putrid CloisterThe Putrid Cloister
  Museum MapMap Level: 79
  Map Tier: 12
  Guild Character: Õ
  Item Quantity: +90%
  Item Rarity: +45%Players are Cursed with Vulnerability
  Players are Cursed with Conductivity
  Players are Cursed with Flammability
  Players are Cursed with Frostbite
  Players are Cursed with Despair
  Unique Boss drops divination cardsPlease take out your blades,
  your whips, and your spikes.
  Class is now in session.Travel to this Map by using it in a personal Map Device. Maps can only be used once. - Headmistress Braeta drops several skill gems and support gems instead of Divination Cards.
- The BeachheadThe Beachhead
  Harbinger MapMap Level: 82
  Map Tier: 15
  Item Quantity: +(40-60)%
  Item Rarity: +(40-60)%Area contains 6 additional HarbingersCorrupted
  Travel to this Map by using it in a personal Map Device. Maps can only be used once. - Harbingers only drop Horizon ShardHorizon ShardStack Size: 20A stack of 20 shards becomes an Orb of Horizons.s and Ancient ShardAncient ShardStack Size: 20A stack of 20 shards becomes an Ancient Orb.s.
Characters in Ruthless use a Ruthless-specific Atlas Passive Skill Tree with some nodes having different effects. You can preview the Atlas here - use the dropdown in the top-right to select Ruthless.
- The four "Shaping the X" notables no longer grant a chance to obtain special Map Device crafts, bonuses to Fortune Favours the Brave, or chance to drop maps with special implicit modifiers. Instead, they cause enemies to have increased Resistances, Physical Damage Reduction, deal #% extra Physical Damage as X, etc.

Ruthless-specific item changes

Items granting movement skills will have longer cooldowns:^[8]
- Moonbender's WingMoonbender's Wing
  TomahawkOne Handed Axe
  Physical Damage: (32.5-37.5) to (59.8-69)
  Critical Strike Chance: (6.50-7.50)%
  Attacks per Second: 1.50
  Weapon Range: 1.1 metresRequires Level 39, 81 Str, 56 DexTrigger Level 15 Lightning Warp on Hit with this Weapon
  (30-50)% increased Physical Damage
  (30-50)% increased Critical Strike Chance
  Hits with this Weapon gain (75-100)% of Physical Damage as Extra Cold or Lightning DamageBeneath the cold light of the moon,
  the wing moves faster than the eye.
- ArborixArborix
  Assassin BowBow
  Physical Damage: (123-143) to (330-355)
  Critical Strike Chance: 6.70%
  Attacks per Second: 1.25Requires Level 62, 212 Dex+(15-25)% to Global Critical Strike MultiplierGrants Level 30 Dash Skill
  Adds (80-100) to (200-225) Physical Damage
  Bow Attacks fire 2 additional Arrows if you haven't Cast Dash recently
  (20-30)% increased Attack Speed if you haven't Cast Dash recently
  (100-160)% increased Evasion Rating if you've Cast Dash recently
  (20-30)% increased Movement Speed if you've Cast Dash recently
  Travel Skills other than Dash are Disabled
  Iron ReflexesThrough droughts, fires, floods and frost,
  the ancient giants stand resolute,
  while deep in the rich, dark earth,
  their grasp stretches ever farther.
- Flickerflame BladeFlickerflame BladeRune Dagger
  Physical Damage: 12-47
  Critical Strike Chance: 6.30%
  Attacks per Second: 1.45
  Weapon Range: 1.0 metresRequires Level 30, 54 Dex, 54 IntTrigger Level 10 Flame Dash when you use a Socketed Skill, Flashfire BladeFlashfire BladeRune Dagger
  Physical Damage: 18-73
  Critical Strike Chance: 6.30%
  Attacks per Second: 1.45
  Weapon Range: 1.0 metresRequires Level 50, 86 Dex, 86 IntTrigger Level 20 Flame Dash when you use a Socketed Skill
  20% increased Cooldown Recovery Rate of Travel Skills, Infernal BladeInfernal BladeRune Dagger
  Physical Damage: 21-85
  Critical Strike Chance: 6.30%
  Attacks per Second: 1.45
  Weapon Range: 1.0 metresRequires Level 70, 121 Dex, 121 IntTrigger Level 30 Flame Dash when you use a Socketed Skill
  40% increased Cooldown Recovery Rate of Travel Skills

Crafting

The Crafting Bench is disabled.^[9]
Veiled items cannot be obtained.^[10]
- Veiled Unique items can still be unveiled via Jun.
Eternal OrbEternal OrbStack Size: 10Creates an imprint of an item for later restoration
The imprint can't be applied to Fractured ItemsRight click this item then left click on an item to create an imprint. This imprint can later be used to restore this specific item to that imprinted state. can be obtained in Ruthless mode, albeit extremely rarely.
Orb of BindingOrb of BindingStack Size: 20Upgrades a normal item to a rare item with up to four linked socketsRight click this item then left click a normal item to apply it., Orb of DominanceOrb of DominanceStack Size: 10Removes one Influenced Modifier from an item with at least two Influenced
Modifiers and upgrades another Influenced Modifier
Upgrading a modifier of the highest tier transforms the
modifier into an Elevated Modifier
Attempting to upgrade an Elevated Modifier rerolls its values
Can be used on Body Armours, Boots, Gloves and HelmetsRight click this item then left click an item with at least two Influenced Modifiers to apply it., Elderslayer's Exalted Orb and Awakener's OrbAwakener's OrbStack Size: 10Destroys an item, applying its influence to another of the same item class
The second item is reforged as a rare item with both influence types and new modifiersRight click this item, then left click the item you wish to take the influence from, then left click an item of the same item class you wish to apply it to. cannot be obtained.
When an influenced item is reforged (e.g via Chaos OrbChaos OrbStack Size: 20Reforges a rare item with new random modifiersRight click this item then left click a rare item to apply it.) and all of its influenced modifiers are removed, the influence is also removed.
Einhar's Beastcrafting options have been completely changed, now providing crafts for flask enchantments, Talismans, etc.
Chaotic Resonators have been replaced by Alchemical Resonators, meaning fossils can only be used on normal items and cannot reroll rare items.
Essences can only be used on normal items and cannot reroll rare items at all tiers.
The Divine Font options use lower values for rewards. Some crafting options are not available. The Divine Font can offer the option to exchange a skill or support gem for a random gem.

Miscellaneous

Onslaught does not grant increased movement speed.
Item allocation in parties is always marked Free-for-All.
Playing in a party does not increase item rarity, only item quantity.
Ruthless mode uses a different item filter file extension than the core game, requiring the ".ruthlessfilter" file extension.

Strategy

On your first character:

Choose a skill that scales with levels rather than weapons (e.g. Spells), as you may not be guaranteed to find or craft a usable weapon
- Avoid skills that require specific support gems to work. Area skills are generally better than projectiles or strike skills
- Opt for a generic build rather than focusing on a specific archetype due to limited Orb of RegretOrb of RegretStack Size: 40Grants a passive skill refund pointRight click on this item to use it.s
- Avoid building around specific unique items due to drop rate nerfs and lack of divination cards.
- BaneBaneChaos, Trigger, Spell, AoE, Duration, Hex
  Level: (1-20)
  Cost: (10-20) Mana
  Cast Time: 0.60 secRequires Level 24Applies a debuff to enemies in an area, which deals chaos damage over Time. Linked hex curses are also applied to those enemies. The debuff deals more damage and lasts longer for each hex applied this way. This skill cannot be used by Totems, Traps, or Mines.Only applies Hexes from Curse Skill Gems requiring Level (24-70) or lower
  Deals (45.6-895.6) Base Chaos Damage per second
  Base duration is 2.00 seconds
  Modifiers to Spell Damage apply to this Skill's Damage Over Time effect
  Base radius is (2.1-2.4) metres
  (28-42)% more Damage per Curse applied
  50% increased Debuff Duration per Curse applied
  Applied Curses have 25% less Effect
  This Gem can only Support Skill Gems requiring Level (24-70) or lower
  You cannot Cast Supported Curse Spells
  25% less Effect of Supported Curses
  
  Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
  Applied Curses have (1-20)% increased Effect
  (1-20)% increased Effect of Supported CursesPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket. can use hex skill gems as pseudo-support gems
- HexblastHexblastSpell, AoE, Chaos, Hex
  Level: (1-20)
  Cost: (16-30) Mana
  Cast Time: 1.00 sec
  Critical Strike Chance: 4.00%
  Effectiveness of Added Damage: 340%Requires Level 28Deals chaos damage to a single enemy, dealing more damage if they are Hexed, then removing the Hex. If the enemy was Hexed, also deals area damage to other enemies around the target, boosting damage and removing Hexes from those enemies in the same way.Deals (111-1514) to (166-2271) Chaos Damage
  This Spell's Cast Time is added to its Cooldown if Triggered
  Base radius is 2.8 metres
  All Damage can Ignite, Freeze, and Shock
  Chaos Damage with Hits is Resisted by lowest Resistance instead
  40% more Damage with Ailments if Enemy is Hexed
  100% more Damage with Hits if Enemy is Hexed
  100% chance to remove a Hex after Damaging
  
  Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
  -(0.5-10)% chance to remove a Hex after DamagingPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket. or Detonate DeadDetonate DeadSpell, AoE, Fire
  Level: (1-20)
  Cost: (5-20) Mana
  Cast Time: 0.60 sec
  Critical Strike Chance: 6.00%
  Effectiveness of Added Damage: 160%
  AoE Radius: 22Requires Level 4Targets a corpse, and deals spell damage to enemies around the corpse, as well as causing the corpse to explode, dealing fire damage. The explosion is not affected by modifiers to spell damage and cannot be reflected.Deals (15-798) to (22-1197) Fire Damage
  Explosion deals base Fire Damage equal to (6-7.9)% of the corpse's Maximum Life
  Base radius is (2.2-2.6) metres
  
  Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
  (0.75-15)% chance to detonate an additional corpsePlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket. ignite builds, or Lightning ConduitLightning ConduitSpell, AoE, Lightning
  Level: (1-20)
  Cost: (6-16) Mana
  Cast Time: 0.50 sec
  Critical Strike Chance: 6.00%
  Effectiveness of Added Damage: 140%Requires Level 28Lightning strikes all Shocked enemies around a targeted location, then removes Shock from those enemies. Shocks cannot expire on enemies in range while casting this spell. Cannot be supported by Spell Cascade or Unleash.Deals (33-387) to (98-1161) Lightning Damage
  Cannot inflict Shock
  This Spell's Cast Time is added to its Cooldown if Triggered
  Base radius is 6 metres
  (10-20)% more Damage with Hits per 5% Shock Effect on Enemy
  
  Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
  +(0.2-4)% more Damage with Hits per 5% Shock Effect on EnemyPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket. with Orb of StormsOrb of StormsLightning, Spell, AoE, Chaining, Orb
  Level: (1-20)
  Cost: (4-16) Mana
  Cooldown Time: 0.50 sec
  Can Store 1 Use(s)
  Cast Time: 0.50 sec
  Critical Strike Chance: 5.00%
  Effectiveness of Added Damage: 110%Requires Level 4Creates a stationary electrical orb that strikes enemies in its area of effect with beams of lightning that can then split to hit more enemies. Modifiers to cast speed will increase how frequently it does this. Casting this skill again will replace the previous orb.Deals (3-304) to (8-913) Lightning Damage
  Strikes every (3.50-2.55) seconds, and when you use a Lightning Skill near the Orb
  Strikes every 0.50 seconds while Channelling a Lightning Skill near the Orb
  Beam Splits towards 3 additional targets
  Orb disappears after (10-29) Strikes
  
  Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
  Beam Splits towards (0.1-2) additional targetsPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket. or Storm BrandStorm BrandLightning, Spell, AoE, Chaining, Duration, Brand
  Level: (1-20)
  Cost: (8-21) Mana
  Cast Time: 0.75 sec
  Critical Strike Chance: 6.00%
  Effectiveness of Added Damage: 30%Requires Level 12Creates a magical brand which can attach to a nearby enemy. It periodically activates while attached, firing beams which deal damage to nearby enemies and those around them. The brand will detach if the enemy dies.Deals (3-92) to (8-277) Lightning Damage
  Activates every 0.5 seconds while Attached
  Increases and Reductions to Cast Speed also apply to this Skill's Activation frequency
  Can be Detached for a total Duration of 6.00 seconds
  Can be Attached for a total Duration of 5.00 seconds
  Sends beams to 3 Enemies, including the Branded Enemy
  Deals (80-130)% more Damage with Hits against Branded Enemy
  
  Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
  Sends beams to +(0.05-1) EnemiesPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket. on an Elementalist can deal high damage early on without support gems
Taking resistance nodes on the tree can be helpful until better resistance can be acquired on gear.
Be especially cautious of Cold Damage as there are no early sources of Freeze removal or immunity. Pick up an Aquamarine FlaskAquamarine FlaskLasts 8.00 Seconds
Consumes 20 of 50 Charges on use
60% reduced Effect of Freeze on youRequires Level 27Creates Chilled Ground on UseRight click to drink. Can only hold charges while in belt. Refills as you kill monsters. from The Silver Locket quest in Act 7 if you are unable to roll a freeze removal flask.
Use a very lenient filter due to extreme item scarcity.
The only obtainable skills for functional movement are QuickstepQuickstepSpell, Movement, Travel, Blink
Level: 1
Cooldown Time: 10.00 sec
Can Store 1 Use(s)
Cast Time: 0.15 secPerforms a series of quick teleports towards a targeted location, stopping if you would overlap with monsters or terrain. If using the "Attack in Place" option, the direction is reversed. Shares a cooldown with other Blink skills. Cannot be supported.200% increased Cooldown Recovery Rate if used while a Unique Enemy is in your Presence
Quality has no effect
This Spell's Cast Speed cannot be modified

Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
Quality has no effectPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket., AmbushAmbushCritical, Spell, Movement, Duration, Travel
Level: (1-20)
Cost: (8-23) Mana
Cooldown Time: 5.00 sec
Can Store 1 Use(s)
Cast Time: 0.30 secRequires Level 34Teleports you to a nearby enemy, applying a buff to you for a short duration and blinding the enemy for a secondary duration. Performing a melee attack with a One-Handed Weapon removes the buff to exert that attack.Base duration is 1.50 seconds
Base secondary duration is 3.00 seconds
Buff is removed to Exert the next Melee Attack you perform
Attacks Exerted by this Skill cannot be Exerted by other Skills
Exerted Attacks have +25% to Critical Strike Chance
Exerted Attacks have +(100-138)% to Critical Strike Multiplier

Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
Exerted Attacks have +(0.5-10)% to Critical Strike ChancePlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket., Consecrated PathConsecrated PathFire, Attack, AoE, Movement, Duration, Slam, Melee
Level: (1-20)
Cost: 8 Mana
Attack Speed: 80% of base
Attack Damage: (150-230)% of base
Effectiveness of Added Damage: (150-230)%Requires Level 28Slams the ground at a targeted location. If an enemy is near where you target, you'll teleport to it from a short distance away, slam, and create an area of consecrated ground. Can't be supported by Multistrike, and requires a Sword, Axe, Mace, Sceptre, Staff or Unarmed.Base duration is 4.00 seconds
50% of Physical Damage Converted to Fire Damage
Deals up to 20% more Damage with Hits to closer targets

Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
Deals up to +(0.5-10)% more Damage with Hits to closer targetsPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket., Chain HookChain HookAttack, AoE, Movement, Melee
Level: (1-20)
Cost: 8 Mana
Attack Speed: 120% of base
Attack Damage: (115-169)% of base
Effectiveness of Added Damage: (115-169)%Requires Level 12When used at range, throws out a chain, pulling you to the enemy hit dealing damage in an area behind them. When close to the enemy, just causes the area damage directly. Requires a One Handed Mace, Sceptre, Sword or Axe.+0.1 metres to Radius per 5 Rage
Gain 1 Rage if this Skill Hits any Enemies

Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
Gain +(0.05-1) Rage if this Skill Hits any EnemiesPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket. (optionally with HydrosphereHydrosphereSpell, AoE, Duration, Cold, Orb, Lightning, Physical
Level: (1-20)
Cost: (12-20) Mana
Cast Time: 0.60 sec
Critical Strike Chance: 5.00%
Effectiveness of Added Damage: 110%Requires Level 34Create a sphere of water, or move an existing sphere and reset its duration. The sphere continually applies a drenched debuff with a short duration to enemies in its area or those it moves through. You can hit the sphere with other skills to inflict Cold and Lightning Ailments (other than Chill). The sphere pulses when created, at regular intervals while afflicted by an Ailment, and after moving, damaging all drenched enemies in a large area.Deals (37-510) to (56-765) Physical Damage
Base duration is 8.00 seconds
Base secondary duration is 4.00 seconds
Pulses every 0.4 seconds while Frozen, Shocked, Brittle or Sapped
Can only be Hit once every 1 second
Drenched Enemies have Cold and Lightning Exposure, applying -10% to Resistances
100% of Physical Damage Converted to Cold Damage while Sphere has no Ailments
100% of Physical Damage Converted to Lightning Damage while sphere is Shocked or Sapped
100% of Physical Damage Converted to Cold Damage while Sphere is Frozen or Brittle

Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
+(0.5-10)% increased Pulse FrequencyPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket., colloquially known as "hydrojerking" or "ballhooking"), or Flicker StrikeFlicker StrikeAttack, Melee, Strike, Movement, Duration
Level: (1-20)
Cost: 10 Mana
Cooldown Time: 2.00 sec
Can Store 1 Use(s)
Attack Speed: 120% of base
Attack Damage: (142-210)% of base
Effectiveness of Added Damage: (142-210)%Requires Level 10Teleports the character to a nearby monster and attacks with a melee weapon. If no specific monster is targeted, one is picked at random. Grants a buff that increases movement speed for a duration. The cooldown can be bypassed by expending a Frenzy Charge.Base duration is 3.00 seconds
10% increased Attack Speed per Frenzy Charge
15% chance to gain a Frenzy Charge on Hit
Buff grants 20% increased Movement Speed

Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
(0.5-10)% chance to gain a Frenzy Charge on HitPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket.. Temporal RiftTemporal RiftSpell
Level: (1-20)
Reservation: 10% Mana
Cooldown Time: 5.00 sec
Can Store 1 Use(s)
Cast Time: 0.25 secRequires Level 34Reserves mana to apply a buff and leave afterimages of your recent past. Cast the spell again to return to the oldest afterimage, teleporting to that location as well as resetting your Life, Mana and Energy Shield to the values they had then.(0-38)% increased Cooldown Recovery Rate
Buff makes you Unaffected by Temporal Chains
This Spell's Cast Speed cannot be modified

Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
Buff causes Debuffs on you to expire (1-20)% fasterPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket. technically counts, but isn't particularly controllable.
Pick up all magic and rare items to identify and vendor as your primary source of Transmutes and Alchs.
Picking up PuncturePunctureAttack, Projectile, Duration, Melee, Strike, Physical, Bow
Level: (1-20)
Cost: 6 Mana
Attack Speed: 70% of base
Attack Damage: (134-164)% of base
Effectiveness of Added Damage: (135-165)%Requires Level 4Punctures enemies, causing a bleeding debuff, which will be affected by modifiers to skill duration. Puncture works with bows, daggers, claws or swords.Base duration is 8.00 seconds
(3-75) to (4-113) Added Attack Physical Damage
(30-49)% more Damage with Bleeding
Causes Bleeding

Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
+(1-20)% more Damage with BleedingPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket. on a Duelist or Ranger can help with killing Brutus via bleeds.
CycloneCycloneAttack, AoE, Movement, Channelling, Physical, Melee
Level: (1-20)
Cost: 2 Mana
Attack Speed: 300% of base
Attack Damage: (44-59)% of base
Effectiveness of Added Damage: (44-59)%
AoE Radius: 1.6Requires Level 28Channel this skill to move towards a targeted location while spinning constantly attacking enemies in an area around you. While channelling this skill, you cannot be knocked back.(5-28) to (8-42) Added Attack Physical Damage
10% increased Area of Effect per 0.1 metre additional Melee Strike Range
30% less Movement Speed

Additional Effects From 1-20% Quality:
(0.5-10)% more Movement SpeedPlace into an item socket of the right colour to gain this skill. Right click to remove from a socket. can be used as pseudo-phasing to get out of tight packs of monsters in a pinch.

Mapping

In maps, prioritize Alva and Kirac Atlas Passives; these mechanics are the best for Atlas completion as well as a reliable source of map returns compared to other mechanics. Aim to get Map Room and Corrupting Tempest together.
Shallow Delving (Depth 10-30ish) and refreshing Niko's shop by completing a node is a great sustainable source of gems and Fossils. Fractured Fossils can be used to duplicate 6-links and Blueprints. ^[11] Sulphite Infusion can be taken to guarantee passive Sulphite even without missions.
Betrayal farming for Catarina is a good source of strong deterministic Unique items.

Version history

Version	Changes
3.24.0	[Ruthless-specific This patch note only applies to Ruthless mode and does not affect the main game mode.] Einhar, Alva, Jun and Niko missions are now part of the pool of available outcomes for extra content individually. [Ruthless-specific This patch note only applies to Ruthless mode and does not affect the main game mode.] Bonus Objectives for Tier 11-15 Maps no longer require the Map to be Corrupted. [Ruthless-specific This patch note only applies to Ruthless mode and does not affect the main game mode.] All Hideout NPCs are now able to refill your Flasks for you. [Ruthless-specific This patch note only applies to Ruthless mode and does not affect the main game mode.] The area level for Betrayal Safehouses is now the average level of areas Betrayal progress was made in. This does not apply to the Mastermind's Lair.
3.23.0	[Ruthless-specific This patch note only applies to Ruthless mode and does not affect the main game mode.] Slightly increased the drop rate of currency items. [Ruthless-specific This patch note only applies to Ruthless mode and does not affect the main game mode.] Ultimatum Scarabs only guarantee an Ultimatum encounter in an Area.
3.22.1	The Vaal OrbVaal OrbStack Size: 20Corrupts an item, modifying it unpredictablyRight click this item then left click an item to corrupt it. Corrupted items cannot be modified again. vendor recipe has been re-enabled in Ruthless.
3.22.0	The Forbidden Sanctum has also been adjusted for Ruthless. The Eternal Labyrinth now grants Ascendancy Passive Skill points in Ruthless. Existing Ruthless characters that completed the Eternal Labyrinth should automatically have these points available to allocate. For additional details about Ascendancy balance, read version 3.22.0 § Ascendancy Changes. The chance to encounter extra League content in Maps now scales with Map Tier in Ruthless. Flasks are no longer automatically refilled upon entering or leaving Delve in Ruthless. Niko is now able to refill your flasks for you.
Unknown	Vendors can now rarely sell rings, amulets, and belts. [Undocumented This change was not documented by any official sources. It was discovered through player testing or datamining.]
3.21.0	Voidstones now upgrade Maps in Ruthless, though the number of Tiers they upgrade Maps by is less than the base game. Eternal OrbEternal OrbStack Size: 10Creates an imprint of an item for later restoration The imprint can't be applied to Fractured ItemsRight click this item then left click on an item to create an imprint. This imprint can later be used to restore this specific item to that imprinted state.s have been added to the core drop pool in Ruthless. Ruthless no longer has alternative levels for when you start finding four, five, and six socket items. The Death and Rebirth quest in Ruthless no longer awards a Magic CrimsonCrimson JewelPlace into an allocated Jewel Socket on the Passive Skill Tree. Right click to remove from the Socket., ViridianViridian JewelPlace into an allocated Jewel Socket on the Passive Skill Tree. Right click to remove from the Socket. or Cobalt JewelCobalt JewelPlace into an allocated Jewel Socket on the Passive Skill Tree. Right click to remove from the Socket.. Instead, it now awards an Uncarved GemstoneUncarved GemstoneTrade this in to Siosa inside the Library for a Skill Gem. Reduced the chance for Normal items to drop from Part 2 of the Campaign, and reduced the chance for Normal and Magic items to drop in Map Areas. Reduced the chances for Kirac to offer Unique or Synthesised Maps as an available mission in Ruthless. Rogue Exiles in Ruthless only drop jewellery, instead of an item for each equippable slot. Chests in Heist Blueprints in Ruthless now have appropriate minimap icons. Non-Unique Monsters in Delve now drop 50% less items in Ruthless. Special Expedition Logbook Remnants in Ruthless can now have upsides. The area level for the Temple of Atzoatl in Ruthless is now the average level of all your Incursions. The number of chests in the Temple of Atzoatl in Ruthless has been very slightly reduced. It that Fled's Betrayal Research Safehouse reward in Ruthless is now a Jewel Crafting Spree. The price of some items offered by Tujen in Ruthless has been reduced. The drop chance for Primordial Jewels in Ruthless has been slightly increased. The drop chance for Vaal OrbVaal OrbStack Size: 20Corrupts an item, modifying it unpredictablyRight click this item then left click an item to corrupt it. Corrupted items cannot be modified again.s in Ruthless has been increased. Fixed an issue in Ruthless where Map chests in Logbook areas were only capable of dropping Tier 1 Maps. Fixed an issue where Hillock was providing an incorrect reward on Research duty in Ruthless.
3.20.2	Fixed a bug in Ruthless where Orbs of BindingOrb of BindingStack Size: 20Upgrades a normal item to a rare item with up to four linked socketsRight click this item then left click a normal item to apply it. could drop in LogbooksExpedition LogbookTake this item to Dannig in your Hideout to open portals to an expedition..
3.20.1b	Fixed a bug where Vaal Venom Gyre was able to be obtained in Ruthless.
3.20.1	The following Oils have been changed in Ruthless: Clear OilClear OilStack Size: 10 Oil Tier: 1Can be combined with other Oils at Cassia to Enchant Rings or Amulets, or to modify Blighted Maps.: 12% reduced Monster Movement Speed (previously 6%). Sepia OilSepia OilStack Size: 10 Oil Tier: 2Can be combined with other Oils at Cassia to Enchant Rings or Amulets, or to modify Blighted Maps.: Towers deal 25% more Damage (previously 20%). Amber OilAmber OilStack Size: 10 Oil Tier: 3Can be combined with other Oils at Cassia to Enchant Rings or Amulets, or to modify Blighted Maps.: 25% reduced Cost of Building and Upgrading Towers (previously 20%). Verdant OilVerdant OilStack Size: 10 Oil Tier: 4Can be combined with other Oils at Cassia to Enchant Rings or Amulets, or to modify Blighted Maps.: 15% increased Experience Gain (previously 10%). Teal OilTeal OilStack Size: 10 Oil Tier: 5Can be combined with other Oils at Cassia to Enchant Rings or Amulets, or to modify Blighted Maps.: Blight Monsters spawn 30% faster (previously 25%), Encounter duration is 50 seconds shorter (previously 40).
3.20.0b	Increased the chance for Sanctum rooms that may offer items on completion to offer items in Ruthless. Fixed a bug where Sanctum challenges were able to be completed in Ruthless Private Leagues.
3.20.0	Added to the game.