Defense

From Diablo Wiki

In Diablo II, your Defense Rating helps determine your chances of being hit by an attacking enemy. All types of Armor: Body Armor, Belts, Boots, Gloves, Helms, Shields, and Shrunken Heads contributes to your Defense rating. Defense drops to zero while running.

NOTE: Your Strength determines what types of armor you can equip.

Character Attributes
Diablo I	Diablo II	Diablo III
Strength — Damage • Health Regeneration Dexterity — Attack Rating • Defense • Block Vitality — Life Magic — Mana • Mana Regeneration Resistances	Strength — Damage • Health Regeneration Dexterity — Attack Rating • Defense • Block Vitality — Life • Stamina Energy — Mana • Mana Regeneration Resistances	Strength — Damage • Health Regeneration • Block Dexterity — Attack Rating Vitality — Life • Mana Regeneration Willpower — Mana • Fury Resistances