Despite the truth that the Spirit runeword includes a very low-level requirement (25), the only real class that may make Spirit shields before level 54 may be the Paladin. Paladin shields all possess a maximum of 4 sockets, however the soonest a 4-socketed Shield that opens up for everyone else may be the Monarch, the Elite version from the Kite shield having a level 54 minimum level. This will be discussed more in-depth in Base Items.

Spirit is very popular and considered Best in Slot (BiS) for a lot of casters' builds particularly for the +2 to skills, faster-cast rate, and resists. It's also nearly ubiquitous and included in a weapon swap using the Call to Arms weapon Runeword, a mixture that allows for casting amazing buffs for you personally and your party.

As Swap with Call to Arms

Spirit is often paired using the Call to Arms weapon Runeword for a simple reason: it's the only real shield in-game with +2 to any or all skills. There are only 3 other shields in-game that provide +1 to skills (not +2) - unique Lidless Eye, set item Sigon's Guard, and also the Runeword Splendor. The Sigon shield can also be Heavy, which makes it undesirable as a return shield. It also never looks like a random magical affix on Shields, there is no other method of getting +skills within this slot. The +2 Skills on Spirit pertains to the Battle Command, Battle Orders, and Battle Cry that you could cast using the Call to Arms, therefore it is a big improvement on the strength of you as well as your party.

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However, should you aren't of the class that

Spirit Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths of the Spirit Runeword:

Runes are cheap and common.

The combination of skills, FCR, and resists causes it to be good for casters particularly

Strong synergy with Call to Arms for party buffing

One of only 2 shields offering Skills and Faster Cast Rate, and it is properties are higher.

Weaknesses of the Spirit Runeword:

Base item shield choices are limited for non-Paladins, and unavailable before level 54.

The primary problem using the Spirit shield is obtaining good base items should you're not a Paladin. You can't even obtain a base regular Shield below level 54, and 4-socketed regular shields are rare. If you're a Paladin, you're spoiled for choices.

Spirit 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 Spirit, whether you should look at using Spirit together with your Mercenary follower, what base to consider, and where you can acquire Runes.

Best Classes and Specs for that Spirit Runeword

Most caster classes, Javazons, Paladins, and Assassins use Spirit as a main shield. It's far simpler to list the specs and classes where Spirit isn't a recommended (though certainly not BiS) primary shield, which is Bowazons, Barbarians, and shapeshifting Druids, mostly because the build avoids using Shields.

Spirit for Mercenaries

The Act 3 Iron Wolf casters may also benefit from the Spirit shield because the Faster Cast Rate and Faster Hit Recovery will also be very great for them. They are the only real Mercenaries that may equip Shields.