When it comes to jumping into the fray of combat in available to the Barbarian class. While Fighters and Rangers fight each other over martial prowess, and the Cleric prays to their god, the Barbarian unleashes pure rage and fury as they dominate the battlefield. Players looking to let loose and unleash a smackdown will find a comfortable home at the wheel of Dungeons and Dragon's iconic martial class.
As of the release of Patch 8 for Baldur's Gate 3, there are two subclasses available for players that wish to play the Barbarian. Upon reaching level 3, players can choose between the Berserker and the Wildheart. Players looking for raw damage output will want to follow the Berserker Path, gaining a bonus action attack during their rage. Players looking to spice up their gameplay can instead choose the Wildheart, the analogue to the Totem Barbarian from 5th Edition Dungeons & Dragons. This subclass allows players to choose a bestial heart which will give the player access to unique mechanics. Both Barbarian subclasses in Baldur's Gate 3 provide fun additions to its gameplay.
When it comes to equipment for the Barbarian, players will want to get their hands on a strong 2-handed weapon and medium armor. Players can access the Everburn Blade very early in their playthrough, which will be an incredible item for the Barbarian for most of the playable game. Players should also opt to use Medium armor as soon as possible. Unarmored defense struggles to keep up with the Armor Class provided by medium armor, making medium armor the optimal defensive choice for the entirety of Early Access. In addition, some magical armors can provide the player with strong and enjoyable abilities.
Choosing a Race for Barbarian in Baldur's Gate 3
When choosing a race in Baldur's Gate 3 for a Barbarian player character, players generally want to select a race that provides a bonus to strength due to both damage and accuracy in combat being linked to this stat. Especially since the feats that provide additional strength in Patch 8 are generally useless for Barbarians, there is little incentive to start with an odd-numbered Strength stat. Below is a list of all races that can provide a bonus to strength:
- Zariel Tiefling
- Human
- Githyanki
- Shield Dwarf
- Half-Elf
While these races will provide a direct combat advantage towards swinging an axe, players may opt for another race either due to mechanical advantages like the Halfling's Lucky or for Role-playing reasons. Especially since the Barbarian gains access to Reckless Attack at level 2, Barbarians are less affected by a 14/15-point start in their primary stat when compared to any other class in the game.
What Attributes to Increase for Barbarians
For Barbarians in Baldur's Gate 3, every single stat can be considered useful. This is especially true for players who wish to utilize their custom character outside combat. While Barbarians do not get a direct offensive benefit from mental stats, these stats can play an important part in the player's story. It is therefore recommended that Barbarian's choose a mental stat to have as a tertiary focus for their character.
- Strength - The Primary attribute for Barbarians. Out of all of their attributes, this provides the most offensive combat bonuses.
- Dexterity - Inferior to Strength due to Class Features. Players should avoid overinvesting in Dexterity.
- Constitution - Superior to Dexterity for survivability due to resistances gained from rage.
- Wisdom - Wisdom saves are important for resisting mind-altering effects.
- Charisma - Players looking to utilize the Barbarian during conversation will want to raise this stat to 14 points.
With a refined and diverse class build in Baldur's Gate 3, players can take on the game's many challenges head-on, the Barbarian way.
Baldur's Gate 3 is currently in development for PC and Google Stadia.
