Best Builds for Barbarian in Baldur’s Gate 3

You need two things for the best BG3 Barbarian build. Strength ensures devastating attacks, while Constitution enhances your durability. 

In Baldur’s Gate 3, where fights are hard and there are a lot of enemies, the Barbarian class stands out as the symbol of raw power and unbending strength. If you want to make a character who can beat up enemies and handle any task you throw at them, the Barbarian is your best bet. In this guide, we’ll go into detail about how to make the best BG3 Barbarian build. We’ll talk about the benefits of the class, the best races, the most important ability scores, proficiencies, and the best subclasses. By following this guide, you’ll equip yourself with the knowledge needed to dominate the world of Baldur’s Gate 3.

Benefits of Playing a Barbarian

The Barbarian class is made for players who crave adrenaline-pumping combat and the thrill of facing danger head-on. Barbarians excel in melee combat, wielding massive weapons with unparalleled strength, and acting as a strong bulwark for their party members. Here’s why choosing a Barbarian could be your ticket to triumph in Baldur’s Gate 3:

• Unmatched Damage Output: Barbarians are renowned for their ability to deal devastating blows to enemies, making them a force to be reckoned with on the battlefield.
• Tankiness Sans Armor: Unlike other classes that rely on heavy armor, Barbarians have a natural toughness that allows them to shrug off blows without the need for bulky protection.
• Straightforward Gameplay: The Barbarian class is easy to grasp, making it an excellent choice for both newcomers and experienced players.
• Intimidating Presence: Barbarians exude a threatening aura that can aid in social interactions, ensuring that you get what you want from the locals.

Best BG3 Barbarian Build: Race

The Half-Orc Advantage

For aspiring Barbarians, the Half-Orc race is a prime choice. It offers a slew of racial abilities that synergize perfectly with the Barbarian class. Notable advantages include:

• Relentless Endurance: This ability allows you to stay at one hit point when you would otherwise be knocked down to zero, rejuvenating once per long rest.
• Savage Attacks: Critical strikes with melee weapons deal additional damage, giving you the potential to devastate enemies in a single blow.
• Intimidation Proficiency: While not essential, it can come in handy during social encounters, enhancing your overall versatility.

Should the Half-Orc not suit your preferences, the Shield Dwarf presents a compelling alternative. Their innate bonuses to Strength and Constitution make them an ideal choice for Barbarians. Additional hit points gained upon leveling up and resistance to poison damage further bolster their tankiness.

Best BG3 Barbarian Build: Ability Scores

When creating your Barbarian character, it’s imperative to prioritize Strength and Constitution above all else. These two attributes are the lifeblood of a Barbarian’s success in combat. Our recommended initial stats are as follows:

• Strength: 17
• Dexterity: 13
• Constitution: 15
• Intelligence: 8
• Wisdom: 12
• Charisma: 10

As you level up, invest your points into Strength until it reaches a strong 20, and then channel the remainder into Constitution. This ensures you remain a powerful force throughout your adventures in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Mastering Proficiencies and Background

For Barbarians, the Soldier background reigns supreme. This choice grants proficiency bonuses in Athletics and Intimidation, precisely the skills needed for a robust Barbarian tank in Baldur’s Gate 3. While not the most glamorous background, it optimizes your character’s capabilities in combat and social interactions.

Best BG3 Barbarian Build: Subclass

For our recommended Barbarian build, the Berserker subclass is the way to go. This aggressive specialization amplifies your damage output, thanks to its unique abilities:

• Frenzy: Unleash a flurry of bonus attacks as a bonus action each turn.
• Frenzied Strike: Gain access to a bonus attack with your equipped weapon.
• Enraged Throw: Hurl objects or creatures at enemies to deal damage and knock them prone.

Unlike its Dungeons and Dragons counterpart, the Berserker in Baldur’s Gate 3 does not impose exhaustion debuffs after combat, making it exceptionally potent.

For a more versatile yet specialized approach, consider the Wildheart subclass. Aligning with Wildheart allows you to choose from five animal archetypes, each offering unique powers. One standout option is Elk Heart, which boosts your movement speed and grants the ability to charge towards enemies, knocking them prone and setting them up for your allies’ follow-up attacks.

Equipping Your Barbarian

Barbarians possess Unarmored Defense, rendering traditional armor unnecessary. Instead, rely on your Constitution modifier to boost your armor class, thanks to your earlier investments during character creation. For weapons, opt for two-handed simple or martial weapons, such as greatclubs, greataxes, or greatswords, as you possess proficiency in them. These weapons, combined with your bonus attacks from frenzy, ensure maximum damage output. Seek additional gear that enhances your Constitution and Strength or provides increased tankiness. Necklaces that grant mobility-enhancing spells can also be invaluable for closing the gap with enemies during combat.

Best BG3 Barbarian Build: Skills

Rage, and later Frenzy if you’ve chosen the Berserker subclass, is your bread and butter. Utilize it in every combat encounter to boost your damage output and unlock additional skills.

Embrace Improvised Throw, provided you have suitable objects to toss. Stock up on items like books and other throwable objects or keep an eye out for environmental elements like chairs and barrels to knock enemies prone. Weapon skills should be regularly employed, varying depending on your weapon of choice. Skills like Cleave and Prepare can be game-changers and should not be underestimated.

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