Best Baldur's Gate 3 Barbarian build: Race, skills, subclass, background & more
If you want to adventure throughout the lands of Faerûn as a Barbarian in Baldur's Gate 3, you'll need to know which race, background, skills, and subclass are best suited for this tanky build - and our guide has a rundown of the best picks to ensure you're tanking those hits.
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.
Not a fan of the Barbarian build? Check out our recommendations for other best builds in Baldur's Gate 3:
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- Best Baldur's Gate 3 Rogue build
- Best Baldur's Gate 3 Sorcerer build
- Best Baldur's Gate 3 Warlock build
- Best Baldur's Gate 3 Wizard build
Baldur's Gate 3 Barbarian explained
Click to enlargeThe Baldur's Gate 3 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 you can use this guide to optimise her once you add her to your party, or make your own perfect Barbarian build if you're looking to change class or start fresh.
- Check out how to complete the Baldur's Gate 3 Arcane Tower in the Underdark
All Barbarian subclasses in Baldur's Gate 3
Click to enlargeThere 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 |
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What is the best Barbarian subclass?
Click to enlargeOur 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.
- Make sure you also learn about Karmic Dice in Baldur's Gate 3 and whether you should use it
Best Baldur's Gate 3 Barbarian build
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
Click to enlarge| Option | Selection |
| Race | Half-Orc |
| Background | Soldier |
| Skill Proficiencies | Perception & Survival |
| Ability Points |
|
Level 3
Click to enlarge| Option | Selection |
| Subclass | Berserker |
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Level 4
Click to enlarge| Option | Selection |
| Feat | Ability Improvement, +1 Strength, +1 Constitution |
Level 8
Click to enlarge| Option | Selection |
| Feat | Tough |
That's our full breakdown of the best Baldur's Gate 3 Barbarian build, and now you know what choices to make during character creation, and when levelling up.
For more guides, be sure to check out our Baldur's 3 homepage, take a look at our explainer of the Strange Ox in BG3, or find out the best settings to run the RPG on Steam Deck.