Axes

Surprisingly underpowered, axes are not the best choice for big damage. One-handed Axes have decent damage and attack rate, but can't match the top swords (for Barbarians) or hammers. Two-handed axes have decent damage, but less than spears or polearms, and have less range, a big consideration for Barbs using Whirlwind.

HK's edit: for classic:

nagas (1 handed axe) and ancient axes (AA) (2 handed axe) have no dex req. also, the naga has a range 3 (range 3 is much nicer than the BH's range 1) (i think no 1 hand weapons get more than range 3), and AA has a range of 4 (only one less range than max range of 5 like some spears and pole arms) so they do NOT "have much less range".

mace type weapons DO "have much less range". battle hammer (BH) (1 handed mace type) has only range 1 and martel de fer (mart) (2 handed mace type) has only a range of 3. mace type items have least range of all item types. axe type has 2nd greatest range of all item types. some spears and pole arms have the greatest range of 5.

• For throwing axes, see Throwing Weapons.

One-Handed Axes

Less damaging than the larger, two-handed axes, these small weapons have a faster swing speed and lower strength requirements. Also the character has an option of using a shield with them, though this is less of a benefit in the Expansion, due to the nerfing of blocking percentage.

Axes are generally pretty poor weapons in Diablo II, with slower swing speed, less range, and often less damage than swords or blunt weapons.

Two-Handed Axes

Large axes were the most damaging and mighty weapons in Diablo, and they are still quite massive in Diablo II, though polearms and spears both do more damage at the higher levels. They have more range also, a major consideration for Barbarians who are going to be using Whirlwind for their main attack.

Axes are very heavy items requiring high strength to wield them effectively, and they are slow to attack with, though a bit faster than the longer Polearms. They do not have very much reach in Diablo II. Their greatest advantage over Polearms is their much higher minimum damage. So you don't get the huge one-swing kills with axes, but you are sure to get at least pretty good damage with every successful hit.

Notes

• Axes can be either one-handed or two-handed.
• Item Level: Monsters must be of this level to drop a particular item. Ilvl is used in gambling, sales and other calculations as well.
• Clvl Req: A character or mercenary must be this level to equip the item.

• Range: Goes from 1 (least) to 5 (most), and is identical for all melee weapon types. I.E. a 3 sword = a 3 spear = a 3 hammer.
• Dmg Bonus: This determines how you multiply the item damage by your stats to reach the actual damage. Each point in this statistic multiplies your damage by bonus/100 %. For example a damage bonus of 70 is 70/100 or and additional .7% weapon damage per point. Most weapons have 100 str, which gives 100/100 or an additional 1% weapon damage per point in str.
• Weapon Speed (WSM): A relative comparison to other weapons of the same type. 0 is the base -10, -20, etc is faster, 10, 20, etc is slower.
• Swing Speed: The speed shown in-game for each character using this melee weapon. This speed is mostly meaningless and is included for completeness only. Characters are abbreviated to their first letters, with Amazon = Am and Assassin = As.

Normal

Normal axes can be found anywhere in the game.

One-handed Axes

Image	Name	Properties	Misc Stats	Attack Rate
	Hand Axe	3-6 Damage 28 Durability Str Req: None Dex Req: None Item Level: 3 Clvl Req: None	D2 Sockets: 2 D2X Sockets: 1-2 Range: 1 Dmg Bonus: 100 Str Inv Size: 2x3	Weapon Speed: 0 Swing Speed: Fast: Am/As/B/D/N/P Normal: S
	Axe	4-11 Damage 24 Durability Str Req: 32 Dex Req: None Item Level: 7 Clvl Req: None	D2 Sockets: 3 D2X Sockets: 1-4 Range: 2 Dmg Bonus: 100 Str Inv Size: 2x3	Weapon Speed: 10 Swing Speed: Fast: As/P Normal: Am/B/D/N/S
	Double Axe	5-13 Damage 24 Durability Str Req: 43 Dex Req: None Item Level: 13 Clvl Req: None	D2 Sockets: 3 D2X Sockets: 1-5 Range: 2 Dmg Bonus: 100 Str Inv Size: 2x3	Weapon Speed: 10 Swing Speed: Fast: As/P Normal: Am/B/D/N/S
	Military Pick	7-11 Damage 26 Durability Str Req: 49 Dex Req: 33 Item Level: 19 Clvl Req: None	D2 Sockets: 3 D2X Sockets: 1-6 Range: 2 Dmg Bonus: 100 Str Inv Size: 2x3	Weapon Speed: -10 Swing Speed: Very Fast: As/P Fast: Am/B/D/N/S
	War Axe	10-18 Damage 26 Durability Str Req: 67 Dex Req: None Item Level: 25 Clvl Req: None	D2 Sockets: 3 D2X Sockets: 1-6 Range: 3 Dmg Bonus: 100 Str Inv Size: 2x3	Weapon Speed: 0 Swing Speed: Fast: Am/As/B/D/N/P Normal: S

Two-Handed Axes

Image	Name	Properties	Misc Stats	Attack Rate
	Large Axe	6-13 Damage 30 Durability Str Req: 35 Dex Req: None Item Level: 6 Clvl Req: None	D2 Sockets: 3 D2X Sockets: 1-4 Range: 2 Dmg Bonus: 100 Str Inv Size: 2x3	Weapon Speed: -10 Swing Speed: Very Fast: D Fast: N/P/S Normal: Am/As/B
	Broad Axe	10-18 Damage 35 Durability Str Req: 48 Dex Req: None Item Level: 12 Clvl Req: None	D2 Sockets: 3 D2X Sockets: 1-5 Range: 2 Dmg Bonus: 100 Str Inv Size: 2x3	Weapon Speed: 0 Swing Speed: Fast: D/P/S Normal: Am/As/B/N
	Battle Axe	12-32 Damage 40 Durability Str Req: 54 Dex Req: None Item Level: 17 Clvl Req: None	D2 Sockets: 3 D2X Sockets: 1-5 Range: 2 Dmg Bonus: 100 Str Inv Size: 2x3	Weapon Speed: 10 Swing Speed: Fast: D Normal: N/S Slow: Am/As/B/P
	Great Axe	9-30 Damage 50 Durability Str Req: 63 Dex Req: 39 Item Level: 23 Clvl Req: None	D2 Sockets: 3 D2X Sockets: 1-6 Range: 3 Dmg Bonus: 100 Str Inv Size: 2x4	Weapon Speed: -10 Swing Speed: Very Fast: D Fast: N/P/S Normal: Am/As/B
	Giant Axe	22-45 Damage 50 Durability Str Req: 70 Dex Req: None Item Level: 27 Clvl Req: None	D2 Sockets: 3 D2X Sockets: 1-6 Range: 4 Dmg Bonus: 100 Str Inv Size: 2x3	Weapon Speed: 10 Swing Speed: Fast: D Normal: N/S Slow: Am/As/B/P

Exceptional

Exceptional axes can be found in Nightmare and Hell only in Diablo II. In the Expansion they can be found in Acts 4-5 Normal, and then all through Nightmare and Hell.

One-Handed Axes

Image	Name	Properties	Misc Stats	Attack Rate
	Hatchet	10-21 Damage 28 Durability Str Req: 25 Dex Req: 25 Item Level: 31 Clvl Req: 19*	D2 Sockets: 2 D2X Sockets: 1-2 Range: 1 Dmg Bonus: 100 Str Inv Size: 2x3	Weapon Speed: 0 Swing Speed: Fast: Am/As/B/D/N/P Normal: S
	Cleaver	10-33 Damage 24 Durability Str Req: 68 Dex Req: None Item Level: 34 Clvl Req: 22*	D2 Sockets: 3 D2X Sockets: 1-4 Range: 2 Dmg Bonus: 100 Str Inv Size: 2x3	Weapon Speed: 10 Swing Speed: Fast: As/P Normal: Am/B/D/N/S
	Twin Axe	13-38 Damage 24 Durability Str Req: 85 Dex Req: None Item Level: 39 Clvl Req: 25	D2 Sockets: 3 D2X Sockets: 1-5 Range: 2 Dmg Bonus: 100 Str Inv Size: 2x3	Weapon Speed: 10 Swing Speed: Fast: As/P Normal: Am/B/D/N/S
	Crowbill	14-34 Damage 26 Durability Str Req: 94 Dex Req: 70 Item Level: 43 Clvl Req: 25	D2 Sockets: 3 D2X Sockets: 1-6 Range: 2 Dmg Bonus: 100 Str Inv Size: 2x3	Weapon Speed: -10 Swing Speed: Very Fast: As/P Fast: Am/B/D/N/S
	Naga	16-45 Damage 26 Durability Str Req: 121 Dex Req: None Item Level: 48 Clvl Req: 25	D2 Sockets: 3 D2X Sockets: 1-6 Range: 3 Dmg Bonus: 100 Str Inv Size: 2x3	Weapon Speed: 0 Swing Speed: Fast: Am/As/B/D/N/P Normal: S

* All Exceptional items are Clvl 25 in Diablo II. Some lower-quality ones are slightly lower in D2X.

Two-handed Axes

Image	Name	Properties	Misc Stats	Attack Rate
	Military Axe	14-34 Damage 30 Durability Str Req: 73 Dex Req: None Item Level: 34 Clvl Req: 22*	D2 Sockets: 3 D2X Sockets: 1-4 Range: 2 Dmg Bonus: 100 Str Inv Size: 2x3	Weapon Speed: -10 Swing Speed: Very Fast: D Fast: N/P/S Normal: Am/As/B
	Bearded Axe	21-42 Damage 35 Durability Str Req: 92 Dex Req: None Item Level: 38 Clvl Req: 25	D2 Sockets: 3 D2X Sockets: 1-5 Range: 2 Dmg Bonus: 100 Str Inv Size: 2x3	Weapon Speed: 0 Swing Speed: Fast: D/P/S Normal: Am/As/B/N
	Tabar	24-58 Damage 40 Durability Str Req: 101 Dex Req: None Item Level: 42 Clvl Req: 25	D2 Sockets: 3 D2X Sockets: 1-5 Range: 2 Dmg Bonus: 100 Str Inv Size: 2x3	Weapon Speed: 10 Swing Speed: Fast: D Normal: N/S Slow: Am/As/B/P
	Gothic Axe	18-54 Damage 50 Durability Str Req: 115 Dex Req: 79 Item Level: 46 Clvl Req: 25	D2 Sockets: 3 D2X Sockets: 1-6 Range: 3 Dmg Bonus: 100 Str Inv Size: 2x4	Weapon Speed: -10 Swing Speed: Very Fast: D Fast: N/P/S Normal: Am/As/B
	Ancient Axe	46-74 Damage 50 Durability Str Req: 125 Dex Req: None Item Level: 51 Clvl Req: 25	D2 Sockets: 3 D2X Sockets: 1-6 Range: 4 Dmg Bonus: 100 Str Inv Size: 2x3	Weapon Speed: 10 Swing Speed: Fast: D Normal: N/S Slow: Am/As/B/P

* All Exceptional items are Clvl 25 in Diablo II. Some lower-quality ones are slightly lower in D2X.

Elite

Elite items are only in the Expansion. You can find Elite Axes in Acts 4-5 Nightmare, and then all through Hell difficulty.

One-Handed Axes

Image	Name	Properties	Misc Stats	Attack Rate
	Tomahawk	33-58 Dmg 28 Durability Str Req: 125 Dex Req: 67 Item Level: 58 Clvl Req: 50	D2 Sockets: 2 D2X Sockets: 1-2 Range: 1 Dmg Bonus: 100 Str Inv Size: 2x3	Weapon Speed: 0 Swing Speed: Fast: Am/As/B/D/N/P Normal: S
	Small Crescent	38-60 Dmg 24 Durability Str Req: 115 Dex Req: 83 Item Level: 61 Clvl Req: 45	D2 Sockets: 3 D2X Sockets: 1-4 Range: 2 Dmg Bonus: 100 Str Inv Size: 2x3	Weapon Speed: 10 Swing Speed: Fast: As/P Normal: Am/B/D/N/S
	Ettin Axe	33-66 Dmg 24 Durability Str Req: 145 Dex Req: 45 Item Level: 64 Clvl Req: 52	D2 Sockets: 3 D2X Sockets: 1-5 Range: 2 Dmg Bonus: 100 Str Inv Size: 2x3	Weapon Speed: 10 Swing Speed: Fast: As/P Normal: Am/B/D/N/S
	War Spike	30-48 Dmg 26 Durability Str Req: 133 Dex Req: 54 Item Level: 67 Clvl Req: 59	D2 Sockets: 3 D2X Sockets: 1-6 Range: 2 Dmg Bonus: 100 Str Inv Size: 2x3	Weapon Speed: -10 Swing Speed: Very Fast: As/P Fast: Am/B/D/N/S
	Berserker Axe	24-71 Dmg 26 Durability Str Req: 138 Dex Req: 59 Item Level: 71 Clvl Req: 63	D2 Sockets: 3 D2X Sockets: 1-6 Range: 3 Dmg Bonus: 100 Str Inv Size: 2x3	Weapon Speed: 0 Swing Speed: Fast: Am/As/B/D/N/P Normal: S

Two-handed Axes

Image	Name	Properties	Misc Stats	Attack Rate
	Feral Axe	25-123 Dmg 30 Durability Str Req: 196 Dex Req: None Item Level: 61 Clvl Req: 42	D2 Sockets: 3 D2X Sockets: 1-4 Range: 3 Dmg Bonus: 100 Str Inv Size: 2x3	Weapon Speed: -15 Swing Speed: Very Fast: D Fast: N/P/S Normal: Am/As/B
	Silver-edged Axe	62-110 Dmg 35 Durability Str Req: 166 Dex Req: 65 Item Level: 64 Clvl Req: 48	D2 Sockets: 3 D2X Sockets: 1-5 Range: 3 Dmg Bonus: 100 Str Inv Size: 2x3	Weapon Speed: 0 Swing Speed: Fast: D/P/S Normal: Am/As/B/N
	Decapitator	49-137 Dmg 40 Durability Str Req: 189 Dex Req: 33 Item Level: 67 Clvl Req: 59	D2 Sockets: 3 D2X Sockets: 1-5 Range: 3 Dmg Bonus: 100 Str Inv Size: 2x3	Weapon Speed: 10 Swing Speed: Fast: D Normal: N/S Slow: Am/As/B/P
	Champion Axe	59-94 Dmg 50 Durability Str Req: 167 Dex Req: 59 Item Level: 70 Clvl Req: 62	D2 Sockets: 3 D2X Sockets: 1-6 Range: 3 Dmg Bonus: 100 Str Inv Size: 2x4	Weapon Speed: -10 Swing Speed: Very Fast: D Fast: N/P/S Normal: Am/As/B
	Glorious Axe	60-124 Dmg 50 Durability Str Req: 164 Dex Req: 55 Item Level: 73 Clvl Req: 65	D2 Sockets: 3 D2X Sockets: 1-6 Range: 3 Dmg Bonus: 100 Str Inv Size: 2x3	Weapon Speed: 10 Swing Speed: Fast: D Normal: N/S Slow: Am/As/B/P