Barbarian Subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3: A Comprehensive Guide
If you’ve reached level three as a Barbarian in Baldur’s Gate 3, congratulations! You’re now faced with the decision of choosing a subclass. In this guide, we’ll explore the different Barbarian subclasses available and rank them from best to worst, so you can make an informed choice.
What is the Best Barbarian Subclass in Baldur’s Gate 3?
Barbarians are known for their high damage output and resilience. The three subclasses available for Barbarians in Baldur’s Gate 3 slightly alter their playstyle. Let’s take a closer look at each of them:
1. Wildheart
Wildheart Barbarians have a deep connection with nature and exhibit traits similar to Druids. By choosing the Wildheart subclass, you immediately gain the ability to Speak with Animals, which can be useful for solving puzzles. This subclass grants access to unique actions, making it my top choice for the best Barbarian subclass in Baldur’s Gate 3.
2. Berserker
If you prefer a more aggressive playstyle, the Berserker subclass is for you. By channeling your rage, you unlock Frenzied Strike and Frenzied Throw, enhancing your damage output. This subclass excels at dealing heavy damage and is a solid choice for those who enjoy being in the thick of battle.
3. Wild Magic
Wild Magic Barbarians tap into their innate magical abilities, adding a touch of chaos to their playthrough. While in a rage, they unleash random spells through Rage: Wild Magic. Though not the most optimal choice for a Barbarian subclass, Wild Magic provides a fun and unpredictable gameplay experience.
The Bestial Hearts and Animal Aspects of Wildheart Barbarians
If you choose the Wildheart subclass, you’ll have access to Bestial Hearts and Animal Aspects, further enhancing your Barbarian abilities.
Bestial Hearts:
- Bear Heart: Gain damage resistance to all damage types except psychic and access to Unrelenting Ferocity for self-healing.
- Wolf Heart: Grant allies advantage on Attack Rolls against nearby enemies and use Inciting Howl to improve their mobility.
- Eagle Heart: Dash as a bonus action, giving enemies disadvantage on Opportunity Attacks. Diving Strike allows you to leap onto foes and knock them prone.
- Elk Heart: Increase your movement speed and use Primal Stampede to charge forward, knocking enemies prone.
- Tiger Heart: Enhance your jump distance and apply a Bleed effect to enemies with Tiger’s Bloodlust.
Ranking these Bestial Hearts, I recommend Bear Heart as the top choice due to its damage resistance and healing capabilities. Next would be Wolf Heart, followed by Eagle Heart, Elk Heart, and Tiger Heart.
Animal Aspects:
Wildheart Barbarians also gain Animal Aspects, which provide permanent buffs to your character. You can choose two from the following list:
- Bear Animal Aspect: Gain strength-related bonuses and increased carrying capacity.
- Tiger Animal Aspect: Deal additional damage to Bleeding or Poisoned targets and gain proficiency in Survival.
- Crocodile Animal Aspect: Move faster in water and gain advantage on slippery surface Saving Throws.
- Honey Badger Animal Aspect: Chance to enter Rage at the start of your turn when affected by Poison, Charm, or Fright.
- Wolverine Animal Aspect: When attacking a Bleeding or Poisoned target, inflict Maim for one turn.
- Stallion Animal Aspect: Gain temporary HP when dashing, equal to twice your level, but only from this source.
- Chimpanzee Animal Aspect: Gain resistance to falling damage and blind enemies by throwing camp supplies.
- Elk Animal Aspect: Increase movement speed for yourself and nearby allies.
- Eagle Animal Aspect: Gain darkvision and advantage on Perception checks.
- Wolf Animal Aspect: Gain proficiency in Stealth.
With an array of Animal Aspects to choose from, you can tailor your Barbarian to suit your preferred playstyle and create a unique character in Baldur’s Gate 3.
The Berserk Subclass: Adding Frenzy to the Fight
The Berserk subclass replaces the Barbarian’s Rage with Frenzy, encouraging an even more relentless and aggressive approach to combat. By choosing this subclass, you’ll gain Frenzied Strike and Frenzied Throw, allowing you to utilize the environment as a weapon. Additional abilities like Mindless Rage and Intimidating Presence further enhance your capabilities.
If you enjoy playing a tank-like character with high damage output, the Berserk subclass is an excellent choice for your Barbarian in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Embracing Chaos with the Wild Magic Subclass
Though not the most practical option, the Wild Magic subclass offers a unique and chaotic playstyle for Barbarians. By tapping into your innate magical abilities, you unleash random spells during your rage. Abilities such as Bolstering Magic: Boon and Unstable Backlash add an element of chance and surprise to your gameplay experience.
If you’re looking to have a blast and embrace the unpredictability of the Wild Magic Barbarian, this subclass is for you.
In Conclusion: Building Your Ideal Barbarian in Baldur’s Gate 3
While playing a Barbarian in Baldur’s Gate 3 may seem straightforward, choosing the right subclass can greatly enhance your enjoyment of the game. The Wildheart Barbarian offers a versatile and exciting build, with access to unique actions and the ability to attune with nature. The Berserk Barbarian excels at dealing and tanking damage, while the Wild Magic Barbarian adds a touch of chaos and surprise to every battle.
Ultimately, the choice is yours. Select the Barbarian subclass that aligns with your desired playstyle, and have a fantastic adventure in Baldur’s Gate 3!