Barbarian Class Overview

Core Barbarian Traits

Primary Ability: Strength
Hit Dice: d12 per Barbarian level
Saving Throw Proficiencies: Strength, Constitution

Skill Proficiencies (choose 2):

  • Animal Handling
  • Athletics
  • Intimidation
  • Nature
  • Perception
  • Survival

Weapon Proficiencies: Simple and Martial weapons
Armor Training: Light armor, Medium armor, Shields

Starting Equipment — choose A or B:
A: Greataxe, 4 Handaxes, Explorer’s Pack, 15 gp
B: 75 gp


Becoming a Barbarian

As a Level 1 Character

  • Gain all Core Barbarian Traits
  • Gain the Barbarian level 1 class features

As a Multiclass Character

  • Gain: Hit Dice (d12), Martial weapon proficiency, Shield proficiency
  • Gain Barbarian level 1 class features

Barbarian Class Features Table

LevelProficiency BonusClass FeaturesRagesRage DamageWeapon Mastery
1+2Rage, Unarmored Defense, Weapon Mastery2+22
2+2Danger Sense, Reckless Attack2+22
3+2Barbarian Subclass, Primal Knowledge3+22
4+2Ability Score Improvement3+23
5+3Extra Attack, Fast Movement3+23
6+3Subclass Feature4+23
7+3Feral Instinct, Instinctive Pounce4+23
8+3Ability Score Improvement4+23
9+4Brutal Strike4+33
10+4Subclass Feature4+34
11+4Relentless Rage4+34
12+4Ability Score Improvement5+34
13+5Improved Brutal Strike5+34
14+5Subclass Feature5+34
15+5Persistent Rage5+34
16+5Ability Score Improvement5+44
17+6Improved Brutal Strike6+44
18+6Indomitable Might6+44
19+6Epic Boon6+44
20+6Primal Champion6+44

Barbarian Class Features

Level 1 — Rage

  • Bonus Action to enter Rage (cannot be wearing Heavy armor)
  • Uses per level shown in class table
  • Regain 1 use on Short Rest, all on Long Rest

While Raging:

  • Resistance to Bludgeoning, Piercing, and Slashing damage
  • Bonus damage to Strength-based attacks (see table)
  • Advantage on Strength checks and Strength saving throws
  • Cannot cast spells or maintain Concentration
  • Rage lasts until end of next turn; can extend by:
    • Making an attack roll against an enemy
    • Forcing an enemy to make a saving throw
    • Spending a Bonus Action
  • Maximum duration: 10 minutes
  • Ends early if incapacitated or wearing Heavy armor

Level 1 — Unarmored Defense

  • AC = 10 + Dex modifier + Con modifier
  • You may still use a Shield

Level 1 — Weapon Mastery

  • Mastery of 2 Simple or Martial melee weapons
  • Change one mastery choice after each Long Rest
  • Gain additional masteries at higher levels (see class table)

Level 2 — Danger Sense

  • Advantage on Dexterity saving throws
  • Does not work while incapacitated

Level 2 — Reckless Attack

  • When you make your first attack on your turn, you may attack recklessly
  • Gain Advantage on Strength-based attack rolls until next turn
  • Attack rolls against you have Advantage during that time

Level 3 — Subclass

  • Gain a Barbarian subclass
  • Additional subclass features at levels 6, 10, and 14

Level 3 — Primal Knowledge

  • Gain proficiency in one additional Barbarian skill
  • While Raging, you may use Strength for:
    • Acrobatics
    • Intimidation
    • Perception
    • Stealth
    • Survival

Level 4, 8, 12, 16 — Ability Score Improvement

  • Gain ASI or eligible feat

Level 5 — Extra Attack

  • Attack twice when taking the Attack action

Level 5 — Fast Movement

  • Speed increases by 10 ft while not wearing Heavy armor

Level 7 — Feral Instinct

  • Advantage on Initiative rolls

Level 7 — Instinctive Pounce

  • When entering Rage, move up to half your Speed as part of the same Bonus Action

Level 9 — Brutal Strike

  • When using Reckless Attack, you may forgo Advantage on one Strength attack you make
  • If the attack hits, deal +1d10 damage and apply one effect:

Forceful Blow

  • Push target 15 ft away
  • You may move up to half your Speed toward the target without provoking Opportunity Attacks

Hamstring Blow

  • Reduce target’s Speed by 15 ft until start of your next turn

Level 11 — Relentless Rage

  • When reduced to 0 HP during Rage, make a DC 10 Con save
  • On success, drop to HP equal to 2 × Barbarian level instead
  • DC increases by 5 each time until a rest

Level 13 — Improved Brutal Strike

Adds two new Brutal Strike options:

Staggering Blow

  • Target has Disadvantage on next saving throw
  • Target cannot make Opportunity Attacks until next turn

Sundering Blow

  • Next attack against target before your next turn gets +5 bonus

Level 15 — Persistent Rage

  • When you roll Initiative, regain all uses of Rage (once per Long Rest)
  • Rage lasts 10 minutes automatically
  • Ends early if unconscious or wearing Heavy armor

Level 17 — Improved Brutal Strike Upgrade

  • Extra damage increases to 2d10
  • May choose two Brutal Strike effects at once

Level 18 — Indomitable Might

  • If total on Strength check/save is lower than Strength score, use your score instead

Level 19 — Epic Boon

  • Gain an Epic Boon feat
  • Recommended: Boon of Irresistible Offense

Level 20 — Primal Champion

  • Strength and Constitution each increase by 4 (max 25)
DoggertQBones
DoggertQBones

DoggertQBones is an avid player of games, predominately D&D! Previously a highly published author for another popular Wizards of the Coast game, Magic: the Gathering, he's been playing D&D since childhood as both player and DM!

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