Best Barbarian Build in Baldur’s Gate 3 – Race, Weapons, Sub Class and Mechanics

Are you looking for the best Barbarian build in Baldur’s Gate 3? Here is our opinion on what that would entail. Barbarians stand as primal forces on the battlefield, masters of melee combat who wield rage as their weapon. Renowned for their resilience and unyielding might, they are the go-to choice for those who crave the heat of battle and the thrill of up-close combat.

The realm of Baldur’s Gate 3 offers a canvas for diverse barbarian builds. Here we offer a blueprint for a formidable build that merges unbridled damage with unassailable survival.

What is the Best Build for Barbarian in BG3

Hold onto your axes, because the world of Barbarian class in Baldur’s Gate 3 comes with some electrifying mechanics that’ll set your heart racing. Say hello to the power of Rage and the finesse of Unarmoured Defence!

• Race: Shield Dwarf
• Subclass: Berserker
• Background: Soldier
• Skills: Athletics and Intimidation
• Weapons: Greataxe, Longbow
• Ability Focus: Strength, Constitution, dexterity

Below we will explain in more detail about these choices.

Best Race for Barbarian Build – Shield Dwarf

When it comes to choosing the best race for your Barbarian journey in Baldur’s Gate 3, look no further than the Shield Dwarf. This race isn’t just a choice – it’s a tactical move that unlocks your true potential. Along with this another solid choice is the Half-Orc race for their ferocity. Prepare to wield strength and resilience like never before, as the Shield Dwarf gifts you with a +2 boost to both Strength and Constitution. These aren’t just stats – they’re the heart of your Barbarian might.

• +2 Strength and +2 Constitution
• Multiple weapon proficiencies
• Darkvision
• Dwarven Resilience (resist poison damage)
• Low movement range

But that’s not all – the Shield Dwarf comes with a nifty bonus. With Darkvision by your side, even the dimmest corners won’t slow you down. So when the shadows stretch, you’ll be more than ready to face whatever lies ahead.

Best Subclass for Barbarian Build – Berserker

The Berserker subclass and Wildheart are the two subclasses available to Barbarians in Baldur’s Gate 3. Both are viable options, but the Berserker is better for dealing damage, while the Wildheart offers more survivability and utility.

The Berserker’s signature ability is Frenzy, which allows them to make an extra attack each turn. This can be very powerful in the early game, as it allows you to deal more damage than other classes. However, Frenzy also has a downside: it reduces your maximum HP.

• Frenzy – Spend your bonus action Rage points to enter the Frenzy state, giving you access to Frenzied Strike and Enraged Throw.
• Frenzied Strike – This ability can be used in combat and exploration scenarios to move across the battlefield or aid characters.
• Enraged Throw – Just like Frenzied Strike, this can be used in combat and exploration. The better your strength, the more weight you can throw.

Best Background for Barbarian – Soldier

Now, let’s talk about background. If you’re aiming to ascend the Barbarian ranks, Soldier is your calling card. This background packs a punch, gifting you with a +1 boost to Strength and Intimidation. As if that wasn’t enough, proficiency in Athletics and Intimidation fuels your potential for damage and battlefield control. The soldier isn’t just a background – it’s your ticket to mastering the art of Barbarian domination.

Best Weapon for Barbarians

The weapons in this build are a greataxe and a longbow. The greataxe is a powerful two-handed weapon that is perfect for a Strength-based character. The longbow is a ranged weapon that can be used to deal damage from a distance.

Greataxe 

Front and center is the great axe – a true force to be reckoned with. Crafted for those who revel in their Strength-based prowess, this two-handed marvel amplifies every swing into a display of raw might. When the clash intensifies, the great axe is your steadfast ally, an embodiment of your unwavering power.

• Weapon Type: Two-Handed
• Damage: 1d12 + Strength modifier
• Critical Range: 19-20
• Weight: 12 lb.
• Properties: Heavy, Two-Handed, Versatile (1d10)

What are the Best Mechanics for Barbarians

Barbarians have some of the best mechanics in the game, here is how to optimise them to create the best barbarian build:

Rage 

Brace yourself, Barbarians! This game-changing action is your ace in the hole. When you trigger Rage, a storm of power awaits. Imagine a +2 damage boost with weapons and thrown objects – now that’s packing a punch! And as if that wasn’t enough, you’ll also embrace resistance against physical damage, a real edge in the heat of battle. But that’s not all – your strength checks and saving throws get an advantageous twist too.

The Storm of Rage doesn’t last forever though; it’s a ten-turn thrill ride. But watch out, if you find yourself unable to pounce on a creature or dodge damage in a turn, the party’s over. Remember, this game-changing action can only be called upon twice per long rest, so use it wisely!

Unarmored Defence 

Get ready to mix some wisdom with your might, because Unarmored Defense is here to prove you don’t need heavy armor to rock the battlefield. This perk is all about synergy; it adds your constitution modifier to your armor class (AC). So, you’re not just brawns, you’re brains too! But keep this in mind – if you decide to don the heavy armor, your path to Rage mastery might get a little rocky.

The Wildheart barbarian subclass in Baldur’s Gate 3 has 5 bestial hearts to choose from:

• Bear Heart: Grants resistance to all damage except psychic damage and allows you to heal yourself for 1d8+2 hit points as a bonus action while raging.
• Eagle Heart: Allows you to dash as a bonus action and gives enemies a disadvantage on attacks of opportunity against you while raging.
• Elk Heart: Allows you to charge forward, attacking all hostile creatures in your way and knocking them prone.
• Tiger Heart: Allows you to attack up to 3 enemies at once and make them bleed.
• Wolf Heart: Inspires your allies, granting them an advantage on attacks against foes within 2 meters of you, and also allows you to use “Inciting Howl” which allows allies within earshot to move 3 meters further during their next turn.

The best heart choice for you will depend on your playstyle and the other members of your party. If you want to be a tanky frontline, then the Bear Heart is a good choice. If you want to be more mobile and deal damage to multiple enemies, then the Eagle Heart or Tiger Heart are good choices. And if you want to support your allies, then the Wolf Heart is a good choice.

It’s a world of strategic choices and electrifying twists in the realm of Barbarians. With Rage and Unarmoured Defence at your fingertips, you’re not just entering battles – you’re commanding them! So gear up, lock and load, and embrace the power and finesse that comes with being a Baldur’s Gate 3 Barbarian. The storm awaits, my friends!

How To Increase Barbarian’s Rage

Here are some more tips for the best barbarian build:

Embrace the Power: Make Strength Your North Star

In the world of Barbarians, one stat stands above the rest – Strength. It’s not just important; it’s your ticket to raw power. So, channel your efforts into boosting your Strength whenever you can

Unleash the Fury: Seize the Moment with Rage

When it comes to unleashing devastating force, nothing trumps your Rage ability. It’s not just a skill; it’s your ace in the hole. So, whenever the opportunity arises, don’t hold back – unleash your Rage and watch as your enemies crumble before your might.

Defender of Allies: Embrace the Tank Role

Picture this: as a Barbarian, you’re a natural-born tank. Your allies can rely on you to take the hits that would otherwise cripple them. So, gear up to be the shield that guards your companions.

Versatility at Your Fingertips: Master Melee and Ranged Combat

In the dynamic world of combat, versatility is your secret weapon. As a Barbarian, you’re not confined to just one role – you can excel in both melee and ranged skirmishes. So, be ready to shift gears and adapt to the situation at hand.

In the world of Baldur’s Gate 3, where danger and adventure await at every corner, the path of the barbarian is a visceral and thrilling journey. Whether you wield a great axe or any other melee weapon with roaring might or let loose arrows with calculated precision, your role as a raging force of nature shapes the narrative. Unleash your inner fury, forge alliances, and leave your indelible mark upon the realm with the melee attack of a Barbarian. May your journey as a formidable barbarian echo in the annals of Baldur’s Gate 3 history. We hope this article has given you a good insight into what makes, in our opinion, the best barbarian build to get those savage attacks.

If building a barbarian isn’t up your street then why not test out our other best builds, Best Bard Build for Baldur’s Gate 3, Best Druid Build in Baldur’s Gate 3 and Best Fighter Build in Baldur’s Gate 3.

BG3 Best Barbarian Build – FAQ

Which mechanics are best for Barbarian Build?

Rage and Unarmored Defence are the best mechanics for the Barbarian build.

What is the best subclass for Barbarian Build?

Berserker is the best subclass for the Barbarian build.