The deal with ethreal?

[Bitters]

Hello

I just started playing the game and am wondering what's the big deal with ethreal items?

As far as I know (which is limited :P), it cannot be repaired and will eventually break (unless you put a zod in it...), so even with better stats why do people want Ethreal things?

[Neksja]

because ethereal gives extra damage/defense compared to normal items and when those items are worn by Merc, it won't lose durability. Also, some Runewords have Indestructible or repair mod, which will keep your ethereal item wearable.

eth weapons (as oculus) won't break if you don't swing it, which is usually the trick for caster weapons. Armors are different, because you'll get hit and therefore there's a chance of losing durability.

[Bitters]

Thanks for the explanation (I didnt know mercs gear doesnt damage). So unless the item is for a merc, or is self repairing/indestructable, ethreal will eventually break? so things like eth occy's or eth vmagis arent as good (unless zod)?

[BlackWinterDay]

Thanks for the explanation (I didnt know mercs gear doesnt damage). So unless the item is for a merc, or is self repairing/indestructable, ethreal will eventually break? so things like eth occy's or eth vmagis arent as good (unless zod)?

I am fairly sure that weapons don't lose durability as long as you don't swing them. Thus, an ethereal Occy would be fine as long as you don't have "Attack" hot keyed and never run up to melee stuff :)

An ethereal Viper would lose durability over time and eventually break, because you're gonna take a few hits no matter how careful you are.