The Ultimate Guide to Dominating Baldur’s Gate 3 as a Barbarian
Unleash the power of the Barbarian in Baldur's Gate 3! Survive brutal attacks while dealing devastating damage Master the art of resilience and become an unstoppable force on the battlefield
When Baldur's Gate 3 debuts, players will have a wide range of choices for their class and race. Although the game's Early Access version already provides ample options, the upcoming full release of Balder's Gate 3 will introduce even more possibilities. Among these options, Barbarians are expected to be the sturdiest choice.
Having been available in Baldur's Gate 3's Early Access builds, Barbarians are renowned for their exceptional melee prowess and ability to endure numerous blows. Similar to the game's other classes, the full release will offer players additional customization for their Barbarians, allowing them to tailor their characters to their preferred playstyle. Regardless of the chosen path, Barbarians prove invaluable as reliable tanks capable of absorbing substantial damage.
Barbarians Take Damage As Well As They Deal It
Barbarians in Baldur's Gate 3 are known for their exceptional damage-dealing abilities and strong defenses, making them one of the more accessible classes. Their primary role within a team is to capitalize on these traits, regardless of how players choose to customize them.
However, Barbarians also offer a wide range of expression through the various subclasses available in the game, similar to other classes in Baldur's Gate 3. There are three subclasses for Barbarians, each of which introduces different variations of the Rage ability. Rage enhances player damage with physical melee attacks and thrown objects, adding a unique flavor to an individual's play style.
Berserker is designed for players seeking a traditional Barbarian experience, centered around the Path of the Berserker. This subclass highlights the Barbarian's savage and impulsive physical prowess, excelling at obliterating enemies.
On the other hand, Wildheart draws inspiration from the Path of the Totem and retains a strong emphasis on physical abilities. However, this subclass is centered around a unique animal theme, allowing the Barbarian to embody the traits of a wolf, leading allies into battle, or an eagle, striking down prey from above.
The Wild Magic subclass takes inspiration from the Path of the Wild Magic and introduces a new element called Wild Surge. When a player activates Rage, the primary effect of this subclass, they will roll a d8 to determine a magical effect.
Each of the Barbarian subclasses focuses on enhancing the Rage ability, with most skills acquired being offensive in nature and a few offering support. However, Wild Magic stands out by granting effects based on a separate roll, while still requiring Rage to be active. Regardless, Barbarians of all subclasses are capable of maximizing the potential of the strongest melee weapons in Baldur's Gate 3.
Barbarians prove their usefulness outside of combat as well, as they possess the ability to break through locked doors and excel in skill checks that rely on physical abilities. In addition to their combat prowess, Barbarians can swiftly end confrontations or intimidate enemies with their immense strength. Even though the Barbarian class is straightforward, it boasts strong role-playing capabilities.
It is important to consider these factors when building a Barbarian in Baldur's Gate 3. Regardless of the chosen subclass, prioritizing high Strength and Constitution is recommended, as Barbarians often find themselves at the forefront of battles, and these stats serve as their saving throws. A decently high Dexterity can also benefit a Barbarian, improving their Armor Class and damage with ranged weapons, providing an alternative strategy when close combat isn't viable.
The Barbarian class in Baldur's Gate 3 is an ideal choice for new players who are not familiar with the game's systems. It is easy to grasp and offers highly satisfying gameplay. Few things can match the thrill of effortlessly smashing through a colossal door or dealing a devastating blow to a boss in a single strike, and the Barbarian excels at both. Mark your calendars for the PC release on August 3 and the PS5 release on September 6 for an unforgettable gaming experience.
