Here’s how to build a beefy and brutal Barbarian in Baldur’s Gate 3
Do you need a strong Baldur’s Gate 3 Barbarian build?If you’re aiming to build aBaldur’s Gate 3character ready to deal hardcore damage, the Barbarian is your best bet. These melee characters are so heavy hitting they don’t even need armour, making them ideal choices to run as tanks for your crew. They’re also a relatively straightforward choice that can benefit any group composition looking for a character specialising in combat and warfare, with a threatening aura sure to help you get anything you want from the locals.
If you’re looking for an all-out brawler who’s ready to take on anything Faerun throws at them, here’s everything you need to know about the Barbarian class inBaldur’s Gate 3. We’ll go over the benefits of running this class, your subclass options, and our choices for feats as you level up.
Note: Looking for lots more builds to choose from? Check out our dedicated list of thebest builds in Baldur’s Gate 3for each class!
Baldur’s Gate 3 best Barbarian build
Barbarians are beasts trapped in humanoid form with the ability toRageas a Bonus Action, which immediately makes you very powerful from the start of the game. Rage allows you to deal extra damage with melee and improvised weapons and when throwing objects. Rage also grants resistance to physical damage and advantage on strength checks and saving throws. You don’t even need to wear armour as a Barbarian, as one of the class features will add yourConstitutionmodifier to your armour class (though eventually, you may find it beneficial to switch to armour anyway, as some especially high-stat armour will allow you to respec your Constitution points if desired).
At Level 3, you’ll have the option to choose a subclass. You can choose from the following Barbarian subclasses:
In Baldur’s Gate 3, your race, background, and chosen skills can grant you additional actions and traits that help strengthen your character. Here are the best picks for your Barbarian build.
The best Barbarian Race is Half-Orc.
TheHalf-Orcrace has several special features that make it a powerful choice. Half-Orcs haveDarkvision, which allows them to see in dark areas. They also have theSavage Attackstrait, which means critical hits with melee weapon attacks triple damage dice rather than double them. Furthermore, withRelentless Endurance, Half-Orcs reduced to 0 HP will instead go to 1 HP, allowing them to potentially recover and heal by your next turn. The Half-Orc race also gains proficiency inIntimidation, which is always handy for social encounters where regular diplomacy just isn’t enough.
The best Barbarian background choice is Soldier.
Soldiergrants skills in Athletics and Intimidation.Athleticsimproves Shove, resistance to Shove, and Jumping, whileIntimidationaffects attempts to influence through threats and hostile actions.
The best Barbarian skill proficiencies are Survival and Animal Handling.
Survivalprovides benefits in following tracks, hunting wild game, terrain navigation, and avoiding other natural hazards, whileAnimal Handlingallows you to calm domesticated animals and intuit animal intentions.
Berserkeris the best Barbarian subclass. If you choose to run with this class, using a two-handed weapon is ideal because it can deal more damage than other weapons. Further, at Level 4, you can select the FeatGreat Weapon Masterfor added damage and a bonus action on kills or critical hits.
Though this subclass option removes the variety of choice you’d get with the Wild Magic and Wildheart subclasses, you’ll gain a few powerful abilities as you progress.Frenzied Strikelets you make an additional melee attack as a Bonus Action andIntimidating Presencelets you inflict the Fear effect on a target to make them run away.
Barbarians can choose feats at Levels 4, 8, and 12. The best Barbarian feats are:
WithGreat Weapon Master, you can make an extra melee attack after getting a critical hit or a kill and can also take a -5 penalty to attack rolls in exchange for 10 extra damage.Savage Attackerallows you to roll your damage dice twice and select the higher result.Durablerestores all HP with a Short Rest and raises your Constitution score by one.
If you’ve followed our suggestions, you’ll have a powerful Baldur’s Gate 3 Berserker Barbarian capable of leading your team into the most challenging boss battles. Your character will both be able to deal major damage and handle significant blowback. However, you’ll want to ensure your crew’s composition includes a strong healer and a character proficient in spellcasting to keep your Barbarian standing throughout long battles.
For the full rundown on how to spec other classes, see ourBaldur’s Gate 3 best builds guide. We also have guides if you require insight onmulticlassingor are interested inromancing a special somebodyas you journey through Faerun. And, if you don’t like the build we recommended, there’s always the option torespec in Baldur’s Gate 3, too.
Disclosure: Former RPS deputy editor Adam Smith (RPS in peace) now works at Larian and is the lead writer for Baldur’s Gate 3. Former contributor Emily Gera also works on it.
