Unleash the Fury: The Ultimate Barbarian Race Guide in Baldur's Gate 3 (Early Access)

Playing the Barbarian class in Baldur's Gate 3 is a thrilling experience, as it allows players to prioritize offense and rely on Rage for the rest. There is no need for armor, only a formidable weapon and a multitude of enemies.

The number of enemies actually holds significance for the Barbarian, as Rage will dissipate if the character fails to engage in combat or be attacked within a round. With such a strong emphasis on action, certain races complement the Barbarian's strengths exceptionally well in Baldur's Gate 3.

Shield Dwarf

+2 Strength

+2 Constitution

Movement: 7.5 meters per turn

Proficiencies: Battleaxe, Handaxe, Light Hammer, Warhammer, Light Armor, Medium Armor

Darkvision

Advantage on Poison Saving Throws

Resistance to Poison

In the game, there are only two races that grant a +2 attribute boost to Strength. Moreover, out of these two races, only one also offers a +2 bonus to Constitution. For the Barbarian character, who utilizes their body as a shield, the Shield Dwarf stands out as the race that bestows significant enhancements to the two vital attributes.

The proficiencies carry no significance as the Barbarian is expected to eschew armor and already possesses proficiency with martial weapons. However, the advantage against Poison effects and Darkvision will prove advantageous. Seek inspiration and embrace the frontline role, akin to a Dwarf's inherent inclination. As the movement may not be ideal, it is prudent to wield a ranged weapon to ensure consistent attacks and prevent the Rage buff from dissipating.

Githyanki

+2 Strength

+1 Intelligence

Movement: 9 meters per turn

Proficiencies: Light Armor, Medium Armor, Shortsword, Longsword, Greatsword

Cantrip: Mage Hand

Maximizing strength bonus is extremely important. While the Shield Dwarf may not have proficiencies that add significant value, this is common among various race and class combinations. The Githyanki, on the other hand, offers increased speed compared to the Dwarf, resulting in more melee attacks over time.

What makes the Githyanki Barbarian truly fascinating is the unique synergy between Intelligence and Mage Hand. This enables the Githyanki Barbarian to explore situations that are inaccessible to other races. Players who adore Barbarians in different games will undoubtedly appreciate this exceptional combination of class and race.

Human

+1 to all attributes

Movement: 9 meters per turn

While the Human race may be considered less captivating compared to others in the game, it complements the Barbarian class quite well. Only the Shield Dwarf and Githyanki offer a +2 bonus to Strength, making them the sole classes that enhance this attribute. Consequently, choosing a Human allows for a balanced character with a +1 bonus to various attributes.

The Barbarian class, lacking conventional magical abilities and defensive equipment, often relies on making saving throws. The Human, due to its diverse attribute distribution, covers all bases effectively. Playing alongside companions can help mitigate the risks associated with being a Barbarian. However, it's worth noting that whenever a Human Barbarian succeeds on a roll by a mere point, it should be acknowledged that other races may not have been as fortunate.

Baldur's Gate 3 is currently in Early Access for PC, with its full release scheduled for August 3rd, 2023. The PlayStation 5 version will become available on September 6th, 2023, while the development of the Xbox Series X/S version is still underway.