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Baldur’s Gate 3 allows you to build your own character in a handful of different ways. The Barbarian is a close-range class that will see you getting up close and personal with enemies. It is also the favored class for Karlach, one of several NPCs you can add to your party and romance. While not as sturdy as the Fighter and lacking the sustainability of the Paladin, it’s still worthwhile giving the Barbarian a whirl if you want something that can dish out loads of damage. You can read my explanations for all Baldur’s Gate 3 Barbarian subclasses below.
All Baldur’s Gate 3 Barbarian Subclasses
Like all subclasses, you will be able to unlock them when reaching Level 3. Barbarian has a total of three different subclasses you can choose from. These are the Wildheart, Berserker, and Wild Magic Barbarian. Unfortunately, one subclass stands out above the rest, as Barbarian is a class that is fun to play, but not necessarily the best of the melee classes available in the game. Below you will see my breakdown of each subclass and recommendations. You could then pair those with varying feats.
Berserker Barbarian
The Berserker is, without a doubt, the best Barbarian subclass. At least it is in my opinion. While it may seem to lack the utility of the Wildheart Barbarian, it is the most straightforward and has the greatest damage potential. By selecting the Berserker, you will have access to the Frenzy class action, alongside Frenzied Strike and Enraged Throw. Frenzied Strike is great, as it will allow for a bonus action using your melee weapon. This can make or break fights in Tactician Mode while you’re still working your way up to having multiple attacks per turn. Additionally, Enraged Throw allows you to toss enemies and knock them Prone, leaving them more vulnerable.
Wildheart Barbarian
While Wildheart Barbarian is kind of in a strange place as far as melee classes are concerned, I feel it’s a great support subclass. You will be able to pick a Bestial Heart, which will grant you a Passive Feature that is entirely dependent on what animal you choose. Wolf Heart is a great pick, as it provides buffs for your party and gives them an Advantage on melee attack roles. You can read about what each Heart does below.
- Bear Heart – While Raging you can use Unrelenting Ferocity, and have resistances to all damage except Psychic damage.
- Eagle Heart – While Raging you can use Divine Strike. Foes also have a Disadvantage on Opportunity Attacks against you, and can use Dash as a Bonus Action.
- Elk Heart – While Raging you can use Primal Stampede, and your Movement Speed increases by 4.5m.
- Tiger Heart – While Raging can use Tiger’s Bloodlust, and your Jump increases by 4.5m.
- Wolf Heart – While Raging you can use Inciting Howl, and your Allies have and Advantage on Melee Attack rolls against enemies 2m of you.
Wild Magic Barbarian
And lastly, there Wild Magic Barbarian. Wild Magic in Baldur’s Gate is defined by random effects, both in the game and The Forgotten Realms TTRPG scenario. This can sometimes be a boon, but is most often a detriment to combat. Taking the Wild Magic Barbarian Subclass gives you access to Rage: Wild Magic, which will cause a random magical effect. Additionally, they Magic Awareness Class Action which adds the Barbarian’s Proficiency Bonus to Saving Throws against spells. Which sounds good, but at that point you’re better off making your character a Monk. This Subclass is a hard recommend because of it. But for those that want more exciting encounters, this Subclass can give you that randomness you’re looking for.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is available for the PlayStation 5 and PC. It will release on Xbox consoles sometime in 2023.
