This Runeword can only be created by players who are currently on a Ladder character during Ladder Season 3, or in Offline Single-Player mode. Completed Ladder Runeword items can be moved with the player to regular play at the conclusion of the Ladder, but new ones cannot be created in non-Ladder online games.

Quick Facts about Metamorphosis

Type: Helm

Armor Base Needed: Helm, Druid Pelt

Number of Sockets: 3

Required Runes: Io Cham Fal

Overview of the Metamorphosis Runeword

Metamorphosis is a Druid helm aimed at Shapeshifter druids. While Blizzard clearly wanted to encourage players to switch between the two main forms (Wolf and Bear), for all practical purposes, this Runeword supports fighting primarily as a Wolf and using the Bear form as a temporary buff.

By switching between Bear and Wolf within the allotted 180-second durations, Druids can have major buffs that improve both their survivability and DPS output through major bonuses to attack speed, attack rating, maximum life, and reduction in Physical damage. Outside of the buffs, it also offers Crushing Blow, as well as some not-terribly-impressive stat bonuses. Cannot Be Frozen is nice but there are usually more than enough ways to get this on other items.

Metamorphosis Strengths and Weaknesses

Strengths of the Metamorphosis Runeword:

Great AoE damage as a Werewolf with Werebear durability

High novelty factor

Great synergy with the Bone Break Sundered charm.

Flexible gear choices.

Can be built on a Druid Pelt base.

Weaknesses of the Metamorphosis Runeword:

Requires Bone Break or another solution such as Reaper's Toll to break Physical immunity.

Auras for the two Marks are not visually distinctive enough; can be easy to lose track when buffs wear off (particularly if you are using the recommended Heart of the Wolverine Spirit).

Shifts between Wolf and Bear forms are slow, since they have to go through the Human form between, which can leave a Druid vulnerable.

Hotkey set can get unwieldy and complex.