I’ve long admired the raw power and simplistic beauty of the Barbarian class in Dungeons and Dragons (DnD). Seriously, what’s not to love about a character that can rip through their enemies like a whirlwind of destruction? The mighty Barbarian 5E is the heart of every great campaign, wielding massive two-handed weapons and charging fearlessly into battle.
Few experiences in DnD can match the sheer thrill of playing as a Barbarian. You’re probably roaring with anticipation to dive into this guide—so let’s unleash your inner rage and charge headfirst into the world of the 5th Edition Barbarian. Hang on tight! This won’t be your run-of-the-mill class guide; it’s going to be a wild ride through one of my most beloved aspects of this versatile game.
Also Read: Guidance 5E – Discover the power of divine magic
| Level | Proficiency Bonus | Features |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | +2 | Rage, Unarmored Defense |
| 2 | +2 | Reckless Attack, Danger Sense |
| 3 | +2 | Primal Path |
| 4 | +2 | Ability Score Improvement |
| 5 | +3 | Extra Attack, Fast Movement |
| 6 | +3 | Primal Path feature |
| 7 | +3 | Feral Instinct |
| 8 | +3 | Ability Score Improvement |
| 9 | +4 | Brutal Critical (1 die) |
| 10 | +4 | Path Feature |
| 11 | +4 | Relentless Rage |
| 12 | +4 | Ability Score Improvement |
| 13 | +5 | Brutal Critical (2 dice) |
| 14 | +5 | Path Feature |
| 15 | +5 | Persistent Rage |
| 16 | +5 | Ability Score Improvement |
| 17 | +6 | Brutal Critical (3 dice) |
| 18 | +6 | Indomitable Might |
| 19 | +6 | Ability Score Improvement |
| 20 | +6 | Primal Champion |
Hit Points
When it comes to playing a Barbarian 5E, understanding Hit Points (HP) is crucial. Hit points are essentially your health bar in DnD and the amount of damage you can sustain before falling unconscious or even facing death. Here’s what you need to know about your Barbarian’s hit points:
- A Barbarian’s hit points are determined by their Constitution modifier and their level.
- At Level 1, a Barbarian starts with maximum hit points, which is 12 plus their Constitution modifier.
- As they level up, the barbarian gains more hit points. You can either roll a d12 or take a flat seven, then add their Constitution modifier.
- If that’s not enough to keep you alive (and awake) in battle, remember that as a barbarian, once per day when you would normally be knocked out by damage in combat—dropped down to zero HP—you can instead drop down to one HP.
But why do these numbers matter? Because for barbarians who like living on the edge—the ones who rush headfirst into battle despite the odds—it’s all about endurance. And in DnD terms, perseverance means having as high HP as possible!
Barbarian 5E Equipments
Equipment is necessary for all the players of Barbarian 5E. Here is the list of some equipment that you should know about:
Great Axe
As a Barbarian, you’re going to need a weapon that packs a punch. The Great Axe is highly recommended, thanks to its heavy 1d12 damage.
Javelins
Having a ranged option is important for any adventurer. Javelins offer good damage (1d6) and can be thrown up to 30 feet with precision or even as far as 120 feet at a disadvantage.
Explorer’s Pack
This contains essential survival gear, including a backpack, bedroll, mess kit, tinderbox, torches, rations, and waterskin, among others. It covers your basic needs when adventuring out in wild terrains.
Hide Armor
Hide armor is the best that barbarians can start with – providing high armor class without hindering ‘Unarmored Defense,’ an essential Barbarian feature.
Remember, folks; these are just starting recommendations! As you level up and gather loot from your epic adventures, your equipment list will evolve to suit your play style and campaign better.
Also Read: Guidance 5E – Discover the power of divine magic
Barbarian 5E Class Features
Some features of the Barbarian 5E Class are mentioned below:
- Rage: Upon choosing this class, you’ll discover an intense anger bubbling within your Barbarian. When in Rage mode, your character will deal extra damage while also gaining additional resistance to certain types of damage.
- Unarmored Defense: Even when your Barbarian isn’t wearing armor, their toughened skin and rugged physicality offer a unique defensive bonus. With Unarmored Defense, the strength of your character’s constitution plays a significant role in their overall Armor Class.
- Reckless Attack: Starting at the 2nd level, throwing caution to the winds comes naturally for Barbarians. The Reckless Attack feature allows you to make reckless attacks at the expense of leaving yourself open for retaliatory strikes.
- Danger Sense: Your hardy survival instincts provide the ability to dodge traps and spells that others wouldn’t be able to. From level 2 onward, you gain an uncanny sense called Danger Sense, which fosters surprising agility.
- Primal Path: At level three, it’s time for your Barbarian to choose a Primal Path—traditional disciplines passed down by generations among the most formidable warriors, with each path offering unique features.
- Ability Score Improvement: At regular intervals (4th level and afterward), you’re given opportunities via the Ability Score Improvement option to make up for weaknesses or accentuate strength areas of your character’s abilities.
- Extra Attack: Every good warrior knows how to land a double blow in quick succession – thus, come 5th level; with the Extra Attack feature, you get just that chance!
Remember that each new feature is built upon previously accrued ones as well as on the growth potential steeped into this particular class; hence, understanding them makes quite some amount of difference!
Barbarian 5E Tips & Tricks
When it comes to playing DnD, or more specifically, mastering the Barbarian 5E class, there are a few key tips and tricks I’ve picked up along the way that I’d like to share with you:
- Embrace Your Role: Remember, as a Barbarian 5E, you are usually the party’s primary frontline combatant. So when in battle situations, aim to be at the forefront, soaking up damage for your squishier mates.
- Make Use of Your Rage: As a Barbarian 5E, your Rage ability is your best friend in combat scenarios. It gives you resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage – quite handy for someone who’s always in the thick of things.
- Consider Your Primal Path Carefully: Choosing your Primal Path at level three is a significant decision since it heavily influences how you play and grow as a Barbarian 5E. Make sure this choice aligns with how you envision playing this class over time.
- Don’t Forget about Reckless Attack: Hitting enemies is important because every miss is wasted potential damage output (DPS). With the Reckless Attack feature, get an advantage on melee attacks, but beware, opponents will also have an edge on hitting back.
- Choose Feats Wisely: If choosing to take feats instead of ability score improvements during level-up progression (subjected to DM’s rules), make sure they enhance or complement your existing abilities or fulfill a certain strategic requirement within your campaign dynamics.
Remember, these are merely crutches to guide you along rather than hard-and-fast rulesets etched in stone! The beauty of DnD lies much beyond classes and their features—it’s about creating dynamic stories where you get to wield significant control over what happens next!
Also Read: Guidance 5E – Discover the power of divine magic
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes the Barbarian 5E class unique in DnD?
The Barbarian 5E is set apart by its incredible strength, combat prowess, and the ability to enter rage states for added power during battles.
How does Rage work in Barbarian 5E?
Rage gives you an advantage on Strength checks and saves, more damage on your melee attacks, and resistance to all but psychic damage.
Is a Barbarian good for beginners in DnD?
Absolutely! Its straightforward playstyle and high survivability make it an excellent choice for newcomers to DnD.
Do Barbarians have an advantage on initiative 5E?
By 7th level, your instincts are so honed that you have an advantage on initiative rolls. Additionally, suppose you are surprised at the beginning of combat and aren’t incapacitated. In that case, you can act normally on your first turn, but only if you enter your rage before doing anything else on that turn.
Also Read: Guidance 5E – Discover the power of divine magic
Conclusion
Absolutely, let’s dive right into what makes Barbarian 5E such a unique class in Dungeons and Dragons. Look, it’s no secret that we all love a good power fantasy. And let’s be honest here: who doesn’t want to embody the essence of raw strength that barbarians inspire? We’re talking about playing a hulking warrior radiating power and fearlessness – everyone else is simply living on their mercy!
Barbarians are wild, free spirits on the battlefield. I’m about to shed light on everything there is to know: hit points, progression charts with proficiency bonuses, and features up to the 20th level! I’ll also touch upon what kinds of equipment you’ll need for your Barbarian 5E class before diving into an overview of those tasty Class Features.
