Although magical abilities are added using the prefix and suffix modifiers from Diablo, the number of each and the types of weapons have increased greatly. In Diablo there were fixed unique items. In Diablo II, they have added set items which are unique items that belong to a matching set of four to six. Collect them all and you receive even greater bonuses. A second class of new items which are randomly generated unique items called rare items.
Socketable items are a third class.
Gems have magical properties and impart them to the socketable weapons, helms and shields they are placed in. Because the player chooses how items with up to three gem slots are filled, it allows them to build a custom weapon. Finally, thrown potions have been added that explode or release poison gas. To learn the basics about all these items, visit the following sections of the Guide. All the characters in Diablo II can use some sort of armor, and it comes in literally thousands of variations once you include the magical types.