Paths of Destruction: Beginner's Guide to 5e Barbarian
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Time to read 14 min
The thunderous clash of steel against steel fills the air as a hulking figure charges into battle, fueled by primal rage. This is the essence of the 5e Barbarian, a formidable force on the battlefield. Whether you're a newcomer to the world of Dungeons & Dragons or a seasoned player looking to explore a new class, the 5e barbarian offers a unique and exciting playstyle. In this beginner's guide to the 5e Barbarian, we will delve into the paths of destruction that this class has to offer. From the brutish and relentless Path of the Berserker, to the resilient and defensive Path of the Totem Warrior, each path offers its own distinct playstyle, abilities, and strengths. Join us as we uncover the secrets of unleashing your inner beast and harnessing the power of rage. Learn how to optimize your character build, make strategic choices in combat, and engage in epic feats of strength and fury. Whether you seek to become an unstoppable force on the battlefield or simply wish to explore the intriguing lore and mechanics of the 5e barbarian class, this guide is your essential companion. Strap on your battle axe, brace yourself for the bloodlust, and prepare to conquer all who stand in your way.
5e Barbarian Class Features
As a 5e barbarian, you gain the following class features.
Hit Points
Hit Dice: 1d12 per 5e barbarian level
Hit Points at 1st Level: 12 + your Constitution modifier
Hit Points at Higher Levels: 1d12 (or 7) + your Constitution modifier per 5e barbarian level after 1st
Proficiencies
Armor: Light armor, medium armor, shields
Weapons: Simple weapons, martial weapons
Tools: None
Saving Throws: Strength, Constitution
Skills: Choose two from Animal Handling , Athletics , Intimidation , Nature , Perception , and Survival
Level |
Proficiency |
Features |
Rages |
Rage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1st |
+2 |
Rage , Unarmored Defense |
2 |
+2 |
2nd |
+2 |
Reckless Attack , Danger Sense |
2 |
+2 |
3rd |
+2 |
Primal Path |
3 |
+2 |
4th |
+2 |
Ability Score Improvement |
3 |
+2 |
5th |
+3 |
Extra Attack , Fast Movement |
3 |
+2 |
6th |
+3 |
Path Feature |
4 |
+2 |
7th |
+3 |
Feral Instinct |
4 |
+2 |
8th |
+3 |
Ability Score Improvement |
4 |
+2 |
9th |
+4 |
Brutal Critical (1 die) |
4 |
+3 |
10th |
+4 |
Path Feature |
4 |
+3 |
11th |
+4 |
Relentless Rage |
4 |
+3 |
12th |
+4 |
Ability Score Improvement |
5 |
+3 |
13th |
+5 |
Brutal Critical (2 dice) |
5 |
+3 |
14th |
+5 |
Path Feature |
5 |
+3 |
15th |
+5 |
Persistent Rage |
5 |
+3 |
16th |
+5 |
Ability Score Improvement |
5 |
+4 |
17th |
+6 |
Brutal Critical (3 dice) |
6 |
+4 |
18th |
+6 |
Indomitable Might |
6 |
+4 |
19th |
+6 |
Ability Score Improvement |
6 |
+4 |
20th |
+6 |
Primal Champion |
Unlimited |
+4 |
Benefits of playing a 5e Barbarian
Playing a 5e barbarian in Dungeons & Dragons offers a wide range of benefits that make it an enticing choice for players. First and foremost, 5e Barbarians are the epitome of raw power and physical strength. They excel in melee combat, dealing massive amounts of damage with each swing of their weapon. 5e Barbarians also have a high hit point pool and access to powerful rage abilities, making them incredibly resilient in battle. Additionally, Barbarians have the unique ability to resist certain types of damage and can even shrug off being knocked unconscious.
Furthermore, 5e Barbarians thrive in chaotic and unpredictable situations. Their rage-filled nature allows them to embrace the chaos of battle, granting them advantage on Strength checks and saving throws while raging. This makes them excellent at grappling opponents, pushing through difficult terrain, and shrugging off debilitating effects. Lastly, 5e Barbarians have the ability to tap into their ancestral spirits, channeling their power to enhance their combat abilities and resist certain types of damage.
Playing a Barbarian not only offers a thrilling and dynamic playstyle but also provides players with the opportunity to embody a larger-than-life character who can withstand the harshest of battles and emerge victorious.
Choosing a race for your Barbarian
When creating a 5e barbarian character, choosing the right race can greatly enhance your character's abilities and playstyle. Different races offer unique racial traits that can complement the 5e barbarian class and help you optimize your character build.
One popular race for Barbarians is the Half-Orc. With their Savage Attacks racial trait, Half-Orcs can deal extra damage when scoring a critical hit, making them even more deadly in combat. Their Relentless Endurance trait also allows them to shrug off death once per long rest, ensuring they stay in the fight even when things get tough.
Another race worth considering is the Goliath. Goliaths have the powerful Stone's Endurance trait, which allows them to shrug off a certain amount of damage once per short rest. This ability, combined with the Barbarian's already impressive resilience, makes Goliaths incredibly difficult to take down on the battlefield. Additionally, Goliaths have the Mountain Born trait, granting them proficiency in Athletics and making them excellent climbers and grapplers.
Other races that can make formidable Barbarians include the Dragonborn, with their breath weapon and damage resistance, and the Half-Elf, with their versatile ability score increase and access to the Drow Magic racial trait. Ultimately, the choice of race for your Barbarian should align with your desired playstyle and character concept.
5e Barbarian class features and abilities
The 5e barbarian class in Dungeons & Dragons comes with a range of unique features and abilities that set it apart from other classes. At its core, the 5e barbarian relies on rage to fuel their combat prowess. By entering a state of primal fury, Barbarians gain a number of benefits, including increased damage, resistance to certain types of damage, and advantage on Strength-based attack rolls and saving throws.
In addition to rage, Barbarians have access to a variety of class features that enhance their combat abilities. These include the ability to make reckless attacks, which grant advantage on attack rolls but leave the 5e barbarian more vulnerable to incoming attacks. Barbarians also have access to danger sense, allowing them to better avoid traps and spells that target their Dexterity saving throws. Furthermore, Barbarians gain the ability to move faster and jump farther when entering a rage, making them incredibly mobile on the battlefield.
As the 5e barbarian progresses in levels, they unlock additional features such as the ability to shrug off critical hits, gain extra attacks, and even unleash a mighty roar that frightens enemies. These class features and abilities make the 5e barbarian a formidable force to be reckoned with, capable of dealing devastating blows and surviving even the toughest of encounters.
Choosing your 5e Barbarian
Building your 5e Barbarian's stats and abilities
When building a Barbarian character, it's important to allocate your ability scores in a way that maximizes your combat effectiveness. As a melee-focused class, Strength should be your highest ability score, as it determines your attack and damage rolls with melee weapons. Additionally, a high Strength score increases your carrying capacity and allows you to perform feats of strength, such as breaking down doors or lifting heavy objects.
Constitution is another important ability score for a Barbarian, as it determines your hit points and your ability to maintain concentration on spells or other effects. A high Constitution score increases your survivability and allows you to endure longer in battle.
While Dexterity is not as crucial for a Barbarian as it is for other classes, it's still worth considering. A decent Dexterity score can improve your Armor Class and help you avoid being hit by enemy attacks. Additionally, a higher Dexterity score allows you to add your Dexterity modifier to Initiative rolls, ensuring you can act sooner in combat.
Intelligence and Charisma are generally less important for a Barbarian, but a higher Charisma score can have its benefits. With a high Charisma score, you can be more persuasive in social interactions and potentially intimidate your enemies with your imposing presence.
When it comes to choosing your abilities, the Barbarian class offers a wide range of options. The Path of the Berserker focuses on delivering relentless attacks and maximizing damage output. The Path of the Totem Warrior, on the other hand, grants you the ability to commune with animal spirits and gain their powers, enhancing your defensive capabilities and granting you unique abilities.
Barbarian subclasses and their unique features
The Barbarian class in Dungeons & Dragons offers a variety of subclasses, known as Paths, which allow players to further customize their characters and explore different playstyles. Each Path offers unique features and abilities that enhance the Barbarian's capabilities in different ways.
One popular subclass is the Path of the Berserker. As a Berserker Barbarian, you tap into your primal rage, becoming an unstoppable force on the battlefield. This Path offers features such as Frenzy, which allows you to make an extra attack as a bonus action while raging, but leaves you exhausted afterward. Additionally, Berserkers gain the Mindless Rage feature, granting them immunity to being charmed or frightened while raging.
Another subclass worth considering is the Path of the Totem Warrior. This Path allows you to bond with animal spirits, gaining their powers and abilities. By choosing a totem animal, such as the Bear, Eagle, or Wolf, you gain unique benefits such as resistance to certain types of damage, enhanced perception, or the ability to knock enemies prone. The Path of the Totem Warrior offers a more defensive and versatile playstyle, allowing you to adapt to different situations and support your party members.
Other Barbarian subclasses include the Path of the Zealot, which focuses on divine rage and grants you the ability to resurrect yourself, and the Path of the Storm Herald, which allows you to harness the power of elemental storms to deal damage and control the battlefield.
Tips for playing a Barbarian effectively in combat
Playing a Barbarian effectively in combat requires a combination of strategic choices and tactical decision-making. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your Barbarian's abilities:
1. Manage your rage: Barbarians rely on rage to fuel their combat prowess, but it's important to manage it wisely. Consider the number of encounters you're likely to face in a day and conserve your rage for the most crucial moments. Remember that rage has a limited duration, so make sure to time it well and maximize its benefits.
2. Choose your targets wisely: As a Barbarian, you have the potential to deal massive amounts of damage, but it's important to choose your targets strategically. Focus on high-priority targets, such as spellcasters or enemy leaders, to neutralize their threat early in the battle. Additionally, consider using your reckless attacks when facing tough opponents or when you have advantage on your attack rolls.
3. Take advantage of your mobility: Barbarians have the ability to move faster and jump farther while raging. Use this to your advantage by positioning yourself strategically on the battlefield. Flank enemies, create diversions, or leap over obstacles to gain the upper hand in combat. Your mobility can often catch your opponents off guard and give you a significant advantage.
4. Communicate with your party: While Barbarians excel in solo combat, they can also be valuable assets in a party. Coordinate with your party members to make the most of your abilities. For example, you can use your reckless attacks to grant your rogue ally sneak attack opportunities or provide cover for your spellcasting allies by drawing enemy attention.
5. Consider your equipment: Choose your weapons and armor wisely to suit your playstyle and character concept. Two-handed weapons, such as greatswords or greataxes, can maximize your damage output, while shields and heavier armor can increase your survivability. Additionally, consider carrying utility items such as grappling hooks or climbing gear to make the most of your Barbarian's physical abilities.
By following these tips and making strategic choices in combat, you can unleash the full potential of your Barbarian and become an unstoppable force on the battlefield.
Equipment and gear recommendations for Barbarians
As a Barbarian, your choice of equipment and gear can greatly impact your combat effectiveness. Here are some recommendations to consider when outfitting your Barbarian:
1. Weapons: Two-handed weapons are often the weapon of choice for Barbarians, as they can maximize your damage output. Greatswords, greataxes, or mauls are powerful options that can deal devastating blows to your enemies. If you prefer a more defensive playstyle, consider using a weapon and shield combination for increased durability.
2. Armor: Barbarians have the ability to wear medium and heavy armor, which can significantly increase their survivability. Consider investing in a set of heavy armor, such as plate mail or half-plate, to maximize your Armor Class and protect yourself from enemy attacks. Alternatively, if you prefer a lighter and more mobile playstyle, you can opt for medium armor such as breastplates or chain shirts.
3. Utility items: Barbarians excel in physical tasks and feats of strength, so consider carrying utility items that can enhance your abilities. Grappling hooks, climbing gear, or even portable ramming devices can be valuable tools for overcoming obstacles or gaining the upper hand in certain situations.
4. Potions and consumables: Healing potions and other consumable items can be a lifesaver in the heat of battle. Consider keeping a supply of healing potions or other restorative items on hand to ensure you can quickly recover from injuries and continue fighting.
Remember to tailor your equipment choices to your character's playstyle and concept. Experiment with different weapons, armor types, and utility items to find the combination that works best for your Barbarian.
Multiclassing options for Barbarians
Multiclassing can be a powerful tool for expanding your character's abilities and versatility. Here are a few multiclassing options to consider for your Barbarian:
1. Fighter: Multiclassing into the Fighter class can provide additional combat abilities and fighting styles that complement the Barbarian's strengths. Taking a few levels in Fighter can grant you access to the Action Surge feature, allowing you to take an additional action on your turn, or the Second Wind feature, which allows you to regain hit points as a bonus action.
2. Rogue: Multiclassing into the Rogue class can provide you with additional skills, sneak attack damage, and expertise in certain areas. Taking a few levels in Rogue can grant you access to the Cunning Action feature, allowing you to take a bonus action to Dash, Disengage, or Hide, enhancing your mobility and tactical options.
3. Druid: Multiclassing into the Druid class can provide you with access to a wide range of nature-based spells and abilities. Taking a few levels in Druid can grant you access to Wild Shape, allowing you to transform into powerful beasts and gain their abilities. This can enhance your survivability and provide you with additional utility options.
When considering multiclassing options, it's important to think about how the new class abilities will complement your Barbarian's existing abilities and playstyle. Additionally, discuss your multiclassing plans with your Dungeon Master to ensure they align with the campaign's rules and narrative.
Conclusion and final thoughts
FAQ Barbarian 5e
How does barbarian rage work 5e?
A 5e barbarian can enter a rage as a bonus action. While raging, they gain the following benefits:
- Advantage on Strength checks and Strength saving throws.
- Bonus damage on melee weapon attacks using Strength.
- Resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage.
Rage lasts for 1 minute (typically the duration of most combat encounters), ending early if the barbarian is knocked unconscious, hasn't attacked a hostile creature since their last turn, or hasn't taken damage since then. Barbarians have a limited number of rages per long rest, which increases as they gain levels.
5e barbarian
How to build a barbarian 5e?
To build a 5e barbarian in D&D 5e, prioritize Strength for attack and damage, and Constitution for health and resilience. Choose a race that enhances these attributes or offers useful abilities. Select the Path of the Berserker or Totem Warrior at 3rd level, depending on whether you prefer raw damage or versatility. Focus on skills like Athletics and Survival. Equip your barbarian with melee weapons they're proficient in and consider light or medium armor to benefit from Unarmored Defense. Finally, plan your rage usage strategically in combat for maximum effectiveness.
How to make a barbarian 5e?
To make a 5e barbarian in D&D 5e, prioritize Strength and Constitution when assigning ability scores. Choose a race that enhances these attributes, such as Half-Orc or Human. Select the Barbarian class and focus on skills like Athletics and Survival. For equipment, opt for melee weapons (like a greataxe) and consider light or medium armor until your Unarmored Defense provides better protection. At 3rd level, choose a Primal Path that aligns with your desired playstyle, such as the Path of the Berserker for offense or the Path of the Totem Warrior for versatility.
How to play a barbarian 5e?
To play a 5e barbarian in D&D 5e, engage in melee combat and use your Rage feature to increase damage output and resistance to physical attacks. Leverage abilities like Reckless Attack for advantage on attacks at the cost of giving enemies advantage against you. Choose strategic moments to enter Rage, as its uses are limited. Utilize your high hit points and resistances to protect weaker party members. Explore your Primal Path abilities to enhance your combat and role-playing opportunities, and don't forget to play into the barbarian's natural strengths in survival and intimidation.
What is the best barbarian subclass 5e?
The "best" 5e barbarian subclass in D&D 5e varies by play style, but the Path of the Totem Warrior is often celebrated for its versatility and the Path of the Zealot for its damage output and durability. Totem Warrior allows for tactical flexibility and survival, while Zealot provides potent combat enhancements and cost-effective resurrection abilities, making both excellent choices for different reasons.
Can a barbarian rage in antimagic field 5e?
No, a 5e barbarian cannot initiate rage while inside an antimagic field in D&D 5e, as the rage ability is considered magical. However, if a barbarian is already raging before entering the field, the rage continues since the field suppresses only the activation of magical abilities, not their continuation.
Can a barbarian rage in werewolf form 5e?
Yes, a 5e barbarian can rage in werewolf form in D&D 5e. Transforming into a werewolf doesn't prevent using class features like Rage, unless specified otherwise by the DM or by specific game mechanics.
Can barbarians cast cantrips 5e?
No, barbarians in D&D 5e do not have access to spellcasting or cantrips through their class features, unless they multiclass into a spellcasting class or gain abilities through specific feats or racial traits that allow them to cast cantrips.
Can you make a ranged barbarian 5e?
Yes, you can make a ranged 5e barbarianin D&D 5e by focusing on throwing weapons or selecting feats and subclasses that enhance ranged combat, though it's less conventional and may not fully leverage all barbarian rage benefits.
Do barbarians get feats 5e?
Yes, barbarians in D&D 5e can choose feats at certain levels instead of increasing their ability scores, just like other classes, provided their DM is using the optional feats rule.
