Baldur's Gate 3: Barbarian - best build Baldurs Gate 3 guide, walkthrough

Barbarian is one of the fighting classes in BG3. On this guide page, you will learn how to build the barbarian class to get the best results.

Last update: 27 November 2023

Barbarian is a class focusing and specializing in melee combat. Properly led, he can have enormous damage output, and some of his subclasses offer options that allow him to withstand punishment better than the remaining team members. On this page of the guide, we show how to build a Barbarian properly.

• Character creation wizard
• Class progression
• Ilithild Powers
• Party members - their skills and spells
• Equipment and bonuses from it
• Consumables

Character creation wizard

The best race for a Barbarian is Half-Orc. This is due to his racial traits and proficiencies. One of them, Savage Attacks, changes a standard attack to crit if rolled 19-20, while the second, Relentless Endurance, allows you to survive a killing blow - your hero will live through with 1 HP, and this may come into effect once per long rest.

Alternative race choices are Wood Elf, who receives a bonus to movement speed, Gold Dwarf who has a bonus to HP, or Githyanki who has an advantage during ability checks.

When it comes to background, the best choice for a Barbarian would be Soldier, following his Athletics and Intimidation proficiency, or an Outlander that has bonuses to Athletics and Survival.

Class progression

1. At level 1, your hero receives the ability to induce Rage. This is a unique skill on which Barbarian bases his damage-dealing capabilities, as well as his survival on the battlefield. When cast, it lasts for 10 turns, is activated in the Bonus Action, and increases damage dealt with melee weapons by 2 points. Rage also reduces physical damage received and offers an Advantage on Strength Checks and Strength Saving Throws.

1. The second level comes with another ability that is used often - Reckless Attack is a type of attack that gives an Advantage for your next attack in the next turn but in return, all attacks that are targeted on the Barbarian also have an Advantage. The second received spell on this level is Danger Sense, which when activated gives an Advantage on Dexterity Saving Throws against traps, spells, and surfaces.
2. Level 3 results in Additional Rage Charge and allows choosing a subclass. From all available, we recommend choosing Berserker if you want to build a damage-dealing character. With the Berserker chosen, Rage changes to Frenzy, and two unique actions are unlocked - first of them, Frenzied Strike, is simply an attack, but performed during a Bonus Action. The second, Enraged Throw, allows throwing items and objects at enemies and this way knock them down.
3. On level 4, its time to choose a Feat - we recommend choosing +2 to Strength. This is the most beneficial bonus on this stage of the character.
4. With level 5, your Proficiency bonus is increased to 3, an Extra Attack is added and Fast Movement (increased movement speed) is unlocked.
5. At level 6, you receive Additional Rage Charge, and Mindless Rage which makes you immune to Charmed, Frightened, or Calm Emotions.
6. Level 7 means Feral Instinct unlocked - you gain a +3 to Initiative and can't be Surprised.
7. At level 8, you receive another Feat - at this stage, we recommend choosing Great Weapon Fighter which changes -5 Attack Roll penalty to +10 to damage.
8. At level 9, your proficiency bonus is increased to 4. Additionally, your critical hits deal extra damage.
9. Level 10 means Intimidating Presence unlocked, which means you can try to instill Fear in an enemy during your action. Unfortunately, this is an action that you'll use sporadically.
10. Level 11 means Relentless Rage unlocked - if you receive a blow that is supposed to kill you, instead of losing consciousness, you return with 1HP - this bonus can be activated once per short rest.
11. Final level 12 allows choosing another Feat - you can decide on Ability Improvements or Savage Attacker, that increases your overall damage.

Ilithild Powers

Don't be afraid to unlock and use these skills - focus especially on Cull the Weak, Repulsor and Black Hole. Unleashing the full power of Ilithild Powers doesn't affect the character negatively, so leave every tadpole for yourself.

Party members - their skills and spells

As a Barbarian, you're susceptible to magic damage, so make sure to bring companions that will address these shortcomings. Additionally, make sure to have a Rogue or Bard in the team, because of their Sleight of Hand skill and unique spells in case of the Bard.

If you want to maximize your potential, add a Cleric or a Mage to the party with Haste unlocked.

Equipment and bonuses from it

As a Barbarian, you have a unique option of leaving the prologue already well-equipped. If you have Lae'zel in your party, take her armor. This is a good temporary armor, even with your Armor Class bonuses. Also, at the end of the prologue, if you kill the devil with whom the Ilithid is fighting, after searching him you'll find an exceptional two-handed sword that deals 1d4 fire damage.

Moreover, in Act 1, you'll find Reason's Grasp - gloves that provides a temporary 15 HP bonus if you end Rage manually - this is a valuable item when it comes to defense.

Additionally, in Act 1 you can receive +1 bonus to chosen attribute if you let Auntie Ethel go after fighting her - use this option so you'll have a +5 to Strength on level 4.

In Act 3, make sure to find Helm of Balduran. It offers exceptional bonuses to defense, which will make your Barbarian much harder to kill.

Furthermore, consider choosing Balduran's Giantslayer weapon for your Barbarian - this powerful two-handed sword doubles the damage from your Strength modifier and gives an Advantage on Attack Rolls against Large, Huge, or Gargantuan creatures.

Consumables

Below you will find a list of consumables that will make your Barbarian even stronger.

1. Oil of Accuracy - provides +2 to Attack Rolls.
2. Elixir of Heroism - gives additional 10HP temporarily and applies "Blessed" status.
3. Potion of Flying - additional mobility is something that is always needed.
4. Potion of Hill Giant Strength - perfect if you don't have 20 Strength yet.
5. Elixir of Vigilance - provides +5 to Initiative, make sure to drink it before tougher battles.