Barbarian

Key facts

Hit Die

d12

Primary Ability

STR

Saving Throws

STR, CON

Overview

Barbarians are fierce warriors of primitive background who can enter a battle rage. Their incredible toughness and raw physical power make them formidable combatants. In the wilds, barbarians live off the land, hunting and foraging to survive, and their combat style reflects this raw, unrefined approach to violence. Barbarian characters excel at melee combat, using Rage to deal extra damage and resist physical harm. With the highest hit die in the game (d12), they can absorb tremendous punishment. The Path of the Berserker subclass (SRD) enhances their combat fury, allowing Frenzy for additional attacks at the cost of exhaustion.

How it works

Hit Die: d12 (highest in the game) Primary Ability: Strength Saving Throws: Strength, Constitution Rage: Bonus action to enter rage. Advantage on STR checks/saves, bonus rage damage on melee attacks, resistance to bludgeoning/piercing/slashing damage. Lasts 1 minute, ends if you don't attack or take damage. Unarmored Defense: AC = 10 + DEX modifier + CON modifier (no armor). Reckless Attack: Advantage on melee STR attacks for a turn, but attacks against you also have advantage. Path of the Berserker (SRD): Frenzy allows a bonus action melee attack while raging, but causes exhaustion when rage ends.

Tips and playstyle

Character Concepts: Tribal warrior, mountain hermit, displaced nomad, arena gladiator, shipwrecked survivor, vengeful outcast. Playstyle: Barbarians are straightforward and effective. Run into melee, Rage, and start swinging. Reckless Attack is powerful but leaves you vulnerable. Great for players who want impactful combat without spell management. Synergies: High CON benefits both HP and Unarmored Defense. Great Weapon Master feat pairs well with Reckless Attack. Multiclassing into Fighter (for Action Surge) or Rogue (for skills) works well.

Frequently asked questions