D&D 5e Barbarian: Comprehensive Guide
D&D 5e Barbarian: Comprehensive Guide
Blog Article
barbarian 5eThe Barbarian in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e) is a primal warrior driven by instinct, rage, and an unyielding spirit. They excel in melee combat, capable of absorbing damage and dealing significant harm. Barbarians are perfect for players who enjoy aggressive playstyles and direct engagement in battles.
Key Features
1. Rage
Rage is the Barbarian's core feature, enabling them to:
- Gain a bonus to melee weapon damage using Strength.
- Have resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage.
- Gain advantage on Strength checks and saving throws.
Rage lasts for 1 minute and can be used a limited number of times per long rest, increasing as the Barbarian levels up.
2. Unarmored Defense
When not wearing armor, Barbarians can calculate their Armor Class (AC) as 10 + Dexterity modifier + Constitution modifier. This allows for good defense while maximizing mobility and freeing up equipment slots.
3. Reckless Attack
Starting at 2nd level, Barbarians can choose to attack recklessly, granting advantage on melee weapon attacks. However, this also grants enemies advantage on attacks against them until their next turn.
4. Danger Sense
At 2nd level, Barbarians gain advantage on Dexterity saving throws against effects they can see, such as traps or spells, reflecting their keen awareness of danger.
5. Extra Attack
Beginning at 5th level, Barbarians can attack twice instead of once whenever they take the Attack action, significantly enhancing their damage output.
6. Fast Movement
At 5th level, Barbarians gain an additional 10 feet of movement speed, allowing them to maneuver effectively on the battlefield.
7. Feral Instinct
At 7th level, Barbarians gain advantage on initiative rolls and can act normally on their first turn in combat even if surprised, provided they rage.
8. Brutal Critical
Starting at 9th level, Barbarians deal extra damage on critical hits, rolling an additional damage die, with further increases at higher levels.
9. Relentless Rage
At 11th level, if reduced to 0 hit points while raging, a Barbarian can make a Constitution saving throw to drop to 1 hit point instead, allowing them to continue fighting.
10. Persistent Rage
At 15th level, rage does not end early unless the Barbarian is knocked unconscious or chooses to end it, enabling sustained combat effectiveness.
11. Indomitable Might
At 18th level, Barbarians can substitute their Strength score for any Strength check if the roll is lower than their Strength, ensuring success in physical challenges.
12. Primal Champion
At 20th level, Barbarians increase their Strength and Constitution scores by 4, with a maximum of 24, making them incredibly powerful and durable.
Primal Paths (Subclasses)
At 3rd level, Barbarians choose a Primal Path, defining their unique abilities:
1. Path of the Berserker
- Frenzy: Allows for an extra attack while raging, but incurs exhaustion afterward.
- Mindless Rage: Prevents being charmed or frightened while raging.
- Retaliation: Attack as a reaction against a creature that hits them.
2. Path of the Totem Warrior
- Totem Spirit: Choose an animal totem (Bear, Eagle, or Wolf) for various benefits.
- Aspect of the Beast: Grants special abilities based on the chosen totem.
- Totemic Attunement: Provides additional powerful effects at higher levels.
3. Path of the Ancestral Guardian
- Ancestral Protectors: Distract enemies attacking allies, imposing disadvantage.
- Spirit Shield: Reduce damage dealt to allies.
- Vengeful Ancestors: Spirits retaliate against attackers of allies.
4. Path of the Zealot
- Divine Fury: Adds radiant or necrotic damage to attacks while raging.
- Warrior of the Gods: Allows for resurrection without costly material components.
- Rage Beyond Death: Continue fighting at 0 hit points while raging.
5. Path of the Storm Herald
- Storm Aura: Create an aura based on the chosen environment (Desert, Sea, or Tundra) that affects enemies and allies.
- Storm Soul: Gain resistance to specific elemental damage types.
- Raging Storm: Amplify aura effects for greater impact.
Ability Score Priorities
- Strength: Essential for melee attacks and damage.
- Constitution: Important for maximizing hit points and durability.
- Dexterity: Useful for improving AC and initiative.
Recommended Feats
- Great Weapon Master: Trade accuracy for increased damage and gain bonus attacks.
- Tough: Increase maximum hit points for greater survivability.
- Sentinel: Control enemy movement with opportunity attacks.
- Resilient (Constitution): Gain proficiency in Constitution saving throws.
Playstyle Tips
- Maximize Rage: Use rage wisely to enhance both damage and survivability.
- Balance Reckless Attack: Consider the risks of using Reckless Attack against potential damage taken.
- Leverage Mobility: Take advantage of increased movement speed to maneuver effectively in combat.
Conclusion
The Barbarian class in D&D 5e offers a thrilling gameplay experience that emphasizes strength, resilience, and primal instincts. With their powerful abilities and diverse subclass options, Barbarians are a vital asset to any adventuring party. Whether charging into battle with ferocity or harnessing the powers of the wild, Barbarians provide a dynamic and engaging character choice for players looking for a raw and primal warrior experience. Report this page