Discover the best Barbarian build in Baldur's Gate 3, combining Barbarian, Paladin, and Fighter for maximum two-handed weapon damage. Learn optimal race, feat, and level progression.
This guide details a powerful Barbarian build for Baldur's Gate 3, focusing on a multiclass approach with Paladin and Fighter to maximize two-handed weapon damage. The build aims to leverage the strengths of each class for high damage output and survivability.
The recommended level allocation for this build is:
- Barbarian: 5 levels
- Paladin: 5 levels
- Fighter: 2 levels
The leveling progression begins with 5 levels in Barbarian. This grants access to the Berserker subclass at level 3, which allows an additional bonus action attack while raging without penalties. At level 5, you gain an Extra Attack, enabling three attacks per turn (two from the Attack action, one from the Berserker's bonus action). This combination, especially with the advantage on attack rolls while raging, provides a significant hit chance against tough enemies.
Next, invest 5 levels into Paladin. At Paladin level 5, you unlock the enhanced Divine Smite, which adds bonus damage to attacks using spell slots. This damage bonus can be applied while raging, significantly boosting your damage per turn. While Divine Smite cannot be used while raging, it offers a potent damage option when not raging. Paladin also provides access to the Magic Weapon spell for improved accuracy and Lay on Hands for substantial healing, enhancing your ability to withstand prolonged combat.
The final 2 levels are spent in Fighter. This provides access to Action Surge, granting an additional action per short rest, which can be used for another attack or to cast a Paladin spell. Fighter also offers another self-healing option.
Best Feats for Barbarian in BG3
For this Barbarian build, the following feats are recommended:
- Great Weapon Mastery: Reduces hit chance by 5 but adds 10 extra damage per hit. This is highly effective due to the build's numerous attack bonuses and advantage on attacks.
- Sentinel: Allows for reaction attacks when an ally within range is attacked by a close-range enemy.
- Durable: Improves healing from short rests based on your Constitution modifier.
- Medium Armor Master: If you have at least 14 Dexterity, this feat improves defensive capabilities when wearing medium armor.
- Savage Attacker: Allows you to roll damage dice twice and use the higher result for weapon attacks.
Best Barbarian Races in BG3
While no race is definitively underpowered, several offer strong synergies for a Barbarian build:
- Half-Orc: The Half-Orc's Savage Attacks racial feature allows you to roll triple damage dice on critical hits, which synergizes exceptionally well with the build's focus on landing critical hits.
- Githyanki: Provides proficiency with armor and longswords, which is beneficial if using weapons like the Everburn Blade early in the game.
- Gold Dwarf: Grants a bonus to Constitution, increasing tankiness, and offers proficiencies with hammers and axes.
- Human: Offers broad proficiencies with various weapons and armor, and increases carrying capacity.
When allocating starting ability scores, consider prioritizing Strength. While not strictly necessary, having at least 14 in Charisma and Dexterity can provide minor benefits for Paladin spellcasting and AC, respectively, without significantly impacting critical hit reactions.
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