Best Baldur's Gate 3 Barbarian build, from race to subclass
Here is everything you need to know about the best Baldur's Gate 3 Barbarian build, including the race, skills, subclass, and background you should pick.
Learning the best Baldur's Gate 3 Barbarian build is vital if you want to make the most of this heavy-hitting classing, so check out what race, skills, subclass, background, and other options you should pick when creating and levelling your character.
Baldur's Gate 3 lets you go wild when picking one of the many classes, allowing for a myriad of combinations, and even multi-classing if you can't contain yourself to just one. If you like to be at the front of the party in the game and bashing in brains, we've got you covered with the best Barbarian build in Baldur's Gate 3 below.
Here is what you need to know when creating the best Barbarian build in Baldur's Gate 3.
It's worth noting that you can respec your character in Baldur's Gate 3 if you have already started the game but want to try out some of the options below.
You also can't always select new features when levelling as a Barbarian, so we've only highlighted the levels where you need to make a choice below.
Level 1
| Option | Selection |
| Race | Half-Orc |
| Background | Soldier |
| Skill Proficiencies | Perception & Survival |
| Ability Points |
|
Level 3
| Option | Selection |
| Subclass | Berserker |
Level 4
| Option | Selection |
| Feat | Ability Improvement, +1 Strength, +1 Constitution |
Level 8
| Option | Selection |
| Feat | Tough |
Level 12
| Option | Selection |
| Feat | Great Weapon Master |
The Barbarian is a Strength-based fighting class designed to dish out tonnes of damage on the frontlines while soaking up just as much without breaking a sweat - far from the type of class that will want to skip fights and talk their way out of situations.
They are essentially tanks, allowing them to occupy the attention of the most powerful enemies, but they still require support to do their roles well and not get overwhelmed quickly.
A key aspect of a Barbarian is the Rage ability, which facilitates their playstyle by letting them deal extra damage and regain HP for hurting others.
One of the major companions you can meet in Baldur's Gate 3 - Karlach - also takes on a Barbarian role, so if you don't use the class yourself, I recommend using this guide to optimise her once you add her to your party. You can also make your own perfect Barbarian build if you're looking to change class or start fresh.
Not a fan of the Barbarian build? Check out our recommendations for other best builds in Baldur's Gate 3:
- Bard build
- Cleric build
- Druid build
- Monk build
- Rogue build
- Sorcerer build
- Warlock build
- Wizard build
All Barbarian subclasses
There are three Barbarian subclasses in Baldur's Gate 3: Wildheart, Berserker, and Wild Magic. Check out more about each one below.
Wildheart
Your attunement with nature and its beasts inspires your rage, empowering you with supernatural might.
| Subclass Feature | Description |
| Speak with Animals | Gain the ability to comprehend and communicate with beasts |
| Bestial Heart | Select a beast heart to give you extra abilities during Rage |
Berserker
Violence is both a means and an end. You follow a path of untrammelled fury, slick with blood, as you thrill in the chaos of battle, heedless of your own well-being.
| Subclass Feature | Description |
| Frenzy | Your Rage turns into a frenzy and you gain two new bonus actions, and can make an Improvised Weapon Attack as a bonus action |
| Frenzied Strike | As a bonus action, make a melee attack |
| Enraged Throw | Pick up and item or creature and throw it at the target, dealing additional damage and knocking it Prone |
Wild Magic
The wild influence of magic has transformed you, suffering you with an arcane power that churns within you, waiting to be released.
| Subclass Feature | Description |
| Rage: Wild Magic | Enter a Rage that releases all the magic inside you, causing a random magical effect |
| Magic Awareness | Anyone within range adds their Proficiency Bonus to Saving Throws against spells |
What is the best Barbarian subclass?
Our pick for the best Barbarian subclass in Baldur's Gate 3 is the Berserker, as it allows you to play the role of the Barbarian to its fullest extent.
Your Frenzy action replaces Rage, allowing you to use Frenzied Strike and Frenzied Throw as bonus actions to really take it to enemies during your turn and dish out massive amounts of damage.
Check out our Baldur's Gate 3 homepage for more guides. Alternatively, we've covered the Strange Ox, the best settings on Steam Deck, how to find Infernal Iron, how to find the Nightsong, and how to get and use Ceremonial Weapons.
About The Author
Tarran Stockton
Tarran is a Senior Guides Writer at GGRecon. He previously wrote reviews for his college newspaper before studying Media and Communication at university. His favourite genres include role-playing games, strategy games, and boomer shooters - along with anything indie. You can also find him in the pit at local hardcore shows.
