Unleashing the full potential of a Barbarian in *Baldur's Gate 3* (*BG3*) can transform you into an unstoppable force on the battlefield, fueled by rage and sheer power. Barbarians are a thrilling class to master in *BG3*, known for their straightforward gameplay, speed, and exceptional damage output. While they may not have access to as many Feats as other classes, the right selection can significantly enhance your Barbarian's prowess. Let's explore the top 10 Barbarian Feats that you should consider as you level up in *Baldur's Gate 3 (BG3)*.
10 – Durable
How to Unlock | Description |
Available at Level 4 | Your Constitution increases by 1, to a maximum of 20. |
You regain full hit points each time you take a Short Rest. |
Barbarians are already tough to take down, but the Durable Feat in *Baldur’s Gate 3* makes them even more resilient. Not only does it boost your Constitution by one, enhancing your overall health, but it also allows you to recover fully during Short Rests. This can be a game-changer on higher difficulty levels, making Durable a stellar choice for any Barbarian build.
9 – Lucky
How to Unlock | Description |
Available at Level 4 | You gain 3 Luck points, which you can use to gain Advantage on Attack Rolls, Ability Checks, or Saving Throws, or to make an enemy reroll their attack. |
The Lucky Feat is a versatile powerhouse, granting you three Luck points to use after every Long Rest. These points can be spent to gain Advantage on crucial rolls or force enemies to reroll their attacks. This flexibility makes Lucky an invaluable asset for any Barbarian in *Baldur’s Gate 3*, regardless of build.
8 – Mage Slayer
How to Unlock | Description |
Available at Level 4 | When a creature casts a spell within melee range of you, you have Advantage on any Saving Throw against it, and you can use a reaction to immediately make an attack against the caster. |
Enemies you hit have Disadvantage on Concentration Saving Throws. |
Mage Slayer is tailor-made for Barbarians who despise enemy spellcasters. This Feat provides Advantage on Saving Throws against spells cast within melee range and lets you counterattack the caster. Additionally, it inflicts Disadvantage on the caster's Concentration Saving Throws, making it an essential pick for neutralizing magic users in *Baldur’s Gate 3*.
7 – Athlete
How to Unlock | Description |
Available at Level 4 | Your Strength or Dexterity increases by 1, to a maximum of 20. |
When you are Prone, standing up uses significantly less movement. Your Jump distance also increases by 50%. |
For Barbarians who frequently find themselves knocked down or looking to leap across the battlefield, the Athlete Feat is a perfect fit. It not only boosts your Strength or Dexterity but also reduces the movement cost of standing up and increases your jump distance by 50%. This makes it an excellent choice for both exploration and combat in *Baldur’s Gate 3*.
6 – Savage Attacker
How to Unlock | Description |
Available at Level 4 | When making melee weapon attacks, you roll your damage dice twice and use the highest result. |
Savage Attacker is a straightforward yet powerful Feat that aligns perfectly with the Barbarian's rage-driven combat style. By allowing you to roll your damage dice twice and take the higher result, this Feat ensures that your melee attacks remain impactful and satisfying in *Baldur’s Gate 3*.
5 – Charger
How to Unlock | Description |
Available at Level 4 | Deal more damage: charge forward and slam your weapon into the first enemy in your way. |
Doesn’t provoke Opportunity Attacks. |
Embrace the Barbarian's love for charging into battle with the Charger Feat. This thematic choice not only allows you to swiftly close the distance to your enemies but also delivers a powerful strike without provoking Opportunity Attacks. It's a must-have for any Barbarian looking to dominate the front lines in *Baldur’s Gate 3*.
4 – Tough
How to Unlock | Description |
Available at Level 4 | Your hit point maximum increases by 2 for every level you have gained. |
Gives hit points retroactively. |
As a frontline warrior, your Barbarian needs to withstand significant damage. The Tough Feat in *Baldur’s Gate 3* increases your hit point maximum by 2 per level, retroactively, which is like gaining additional Constitution points. It's an excellent choice for any Barbarian build, especially if taken early in the game.
3 – Sentinel
How to Unlock | Description |
Available at Level 4 | When an enemy within melee range attacks an ally, you can use a reaction to make a weapon attack against that enemy. Target ally must not have the Sentinel Feat. |
You gain Advantage on Opportunity Attacks, and when you hit a creature with an Opportunity Attack, it can no longer move for the rest of its turn. |
Sentinel is a top-tier Feat for Barbarians, enhancing their role as a tank. It allows you to protect your allies by making Opportunity Attacks even when enemies use Disengage. Hitting an enemy with an Opportunity Attack also stops them from moving further, effectively locking them in combat with your Barbarian in *Baldur’s Gate 3*.
RELATED: Best Races and Ability Scores for Barbarian in Baldur’s Gate 3
2 – Polearm Master
How to Unlock | Description |
Available at Level 4 | When attacking with a glaive, halberd, quarterstaff, or spear, you can use a bonus action to attack with the butt of your weapon. |
You can also make an Opportunity Attack when a target comes within range. |
Polearm Master may not be the most traditional choice for a Barbarian, but it offers significant advantages in *Baldur’s Gate 3*. It grants an extra attack as a bonus action and allows Opportunity Attacks when enemies enter your reach. Combined with Sentinel, it can create a formidable defensive and offensive synergy, making it a great choice for controlling the battlefield.
1 – Great Weapon Master
How to Unlock | Description |
Available at Level 4 | When you land a Critical Hit or kill a target with a melee weapon attack, you can make another melee weapon attack as a bonus action that turn. |
Attacks with Heavy melee weapons you are Proficient with can deal an additional 10 damage at the cost of a -5 Attack Roll penalty. |
Great Weapon Master is the ultimate Feat for Barbarians who relish in wielding heavy, two-handed weapons. It allows you to trade a -5 penalty on Attack Rolls for a +10 damage boost, and you can make an additional attack after scoring a Critical Hit or killing an enemy. This Feat embodies the essence of a Barbarian's devastating power in *Baldur’s Gate 3*, making it an essential early-game choice.
These top 10 Feats are crucial for maximizing your Barbarian's potential in *Baldur's Gate 3 (BG3)*. Each offers unique benefits that can enhance your gameplay, but starting with Great Weapon Master can provide a significant boost to your early-game strength.
For more insights into *Baldur’s Gate 3*, explore our guides on crafting the Elixir of Arcane Cultivation and dyeing armor. If you're new to the game, don't miss Destructoid's comprehensive beginner's guide to *Baldur’s Gate 3*.
UPDATE: This article was updated on 03/23/24 by Jason Coles to include new list entries and images. It was further revised on 1/27/25 by Liam Nolan to enhance readability and provide more detailed information.