Best Barbarian Build: Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3)

Abu Bakar Karim
By Abu Bakar Karim
5 Min Read
Best Barbarian Build: Baldur's Gate 3

Learn about the best subclasses, armories, skills, and spells for the Barbarian class in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Barbarians are one of the versatile combatants with raw strength and ferocity in Baldur’s Gate 3. Their capability to tear through enemies arises from their state of rage, which increases their damage output and durability. And with the Berserker subclass and its reckless streak, the Barbarian is even more destructive than other classes in Baldur’s Gate 3. And this rage even comes with immunity to unbearable pain, making them a powerful force on the battlefield.

And in this build guide, we will talk about being the rage-full Barbarian with a high stat in both Constitution and Strength. We will also talk about the abilities in detail and where you can think of spending your AP more. Without further ado, let’s jump right into it.

Best Barbarian Build in BG3

Best Barbarian Build in BG3
Barbarian class

The Barbarian class comes with a Hit Dice of 1d12, and the saving throw proficiencies are Strength and Constitution. They excel in light and medium armor, shields, and martial weaponry. The Barbarian class is a savage and primordial fighter known for its raw physical strength, stamina, and resilience.

Their primitive rage during combat sets them apart, giving them an advantage in close quarters. Their strength and resilience make them more effective in battle, allowing them to develop immunity to destructive damage and increase their resilience.

Best Ability Points Assignment for Barbarian

  • Strength: 18
  • Dexterity: 12
  • Constitution: 16
  • Intelligence: 8
  • Wisdom: 12
  • Charisma: 9

The Barbarian’s Constitution of 16 is highly resistant to disease and poison, along with a high score for Strength. Dexterity of 12 is decent and is in balance with Strength. The Intelligence of 8 and Wisdom of 12 are balanced, making them perceptive and resistant to magical effects. However, Charisma scores of 9 may hinder their charm and persuasive abilities; however, they are Barbarians, right?

Best Barbarian Background Origin

Barbarian backgrounds in Baldur’s Gate 3 should represent its true essence. With that in mind, I would suggest going for Soldier, as Soldier is the best choice due to its proficiency in Athletics and Intimidation. Strength scales in effectiveness with the Barbarian’s primary stats. However, Outlander reflects wilderness expertise and self-reliance, which can also be considered.

Best Barbarian Race

Best Barbarian Build in BG3 Half-Orc race
barbarian from half-orc race

Half-Orc is the optimal race choice for Barbarians due to its Relentless Endurance, savage attack, and Darkvision. Shield Dwarf offers Dwarven Resilience, weapon proficiencies, and Darkvision, making it a secondary choice for Barbarian builds in Baldur’s Gate 3. However, both of these races offer menacing abilities, so I am kind of leaving it up to you.

Best Barbarian Subclass

Baldur’s Gate 3 introduces a Berserker for Barbarian, which allows players to strike wildly in a fist of fury, which continuously increases damage. Frenzy allows bonus attacks, while Enraged Throw deals damage and knocks opponents prone. This offensive specialization, unlike its D&D counterpart, has no tiredness debuff after fighting, which makes it a significant boon to the Berserker.

Best Barbarian Equipment

The Sword of Justice is a 2d6+ Slashing sword found at The Risen Road during the quest, Hunt the Devil. The Hasse Helm grants momentum for 3 turns, while Linebreaker Boost grants Wrath for 3 turns and +1 bonus damage. The Crusher Ring increases speed by 3m, and Absolute’s Talisman gives 1d8 hit points when dealing damage.

Best Barbarian Skills

Level 1: Reckless Attack, Dangerous Sense

Level 3: Extra Rage, Frenzied Strike, and Enraged Throw

Level 4: Great Weapon Master

Level 5: Extra Attack, Fasta Movement

UPDATE: PATCH #01 (25.08.23)

Astarion and the Zhentarim have improved the game, enhancing story flow, dialogue, and UI menus. Players can interact with Astarion and the Moonrise Towers, and the Zhentarim at Goblin Camp are more tolerant. The Digital Deluxe DLC has been updated, improving visuals, character models, and gameplay.

By Abu Bakar Karim Deputy Guide Editor
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AB Karim is the Deputy Editor of the Guide section at GameRiv. With an insatiable love for RPGs and a knack for puns, AB combines his passion for gaming with a professional touch. He has to polish every word with precision; otherwise, he will keep losing health bar. Keep that aside for now, and let's embark on epic quests and unravel mysteries with AB as your trusted guide. Prosst!