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D&D 2024 Class GuideBarbarian Guide: Build, Feats and Ratings

The best species, backgrounds, feats and weapon masteries for a 2024 barbarian, two ready-made builds, and what to pick at every level from 1 to 20.

2024 RULES 2014 RULES
Thrain Mapcarver
Resident DM · Updated October 21, 2026

Overview

At a glance
Hit die
d12
Saving throws
Str, Con
Primary ability
Strength
Armor
Light, Medium, Shields
Difficulty
Easy
SRD subclass
Path of the Berserker
StrikerTank
Role ratings
Damage Control Survival Utility Party support

The barbarian has the biggest hit die in the game and halves the most common kinds of damage while Raging. Your turn is simple: Rage, attack, and decide whether to attack recklessly. The 2024 rules add Weapon Mastery at level 1 and Brutal Strike at level 9, so a barbarian now knocks enemies down, pushes them and slows them as well as hitting hard.

It is the easiest class to pick up and one of the hardest to kill. What it lacks is anything to do outside a fight, and you cannot cast spells while Raging.

Thrain's take

Rage on your first turn, not your second. A barbarian who waits to see how the fight goes has already lost half of it. And mind your Rages: you get two at level 1, and every fight I have seen go wrong for a young barbarian started with the words 'I'll save it for the boss.'

Strengths
  • d12 hit die and Resistance to bludgeoning, piercing and slashing damage while Raging
  • Reckless AttackReckless AttackLevel 2 featureYou can throw aside all concern for defense to attack with increased ferocity. When you make your first attack roll on your turn, you can decide to attack recklessly. gives Advantage on Strength attacks whenever you want it
  • Weapon MasteryWeapon MasteryLevel 1 featureYour training with weapons allows you to use the mastery properties of two kinds of Simple or Martial Melee weapons of your choice, such as Greataxes and Handaxes. Whenever you finish a Long Rest, you can practice weapon drills and change one of those weapon choices. adds Topple, Cleave or Graze to every swing
  • Danger SenseDanger SenseLevel 2 featureYou gain an uncanny sense of when things aren't as they should be, giving you an edge when you dodge perils. You have Advantage on Dexterity saving throws unless you have the Incapacitated condition., Feral InstinctFeral InstinctLevel 7 featureYour instincts are so honed that you have Advantage on Initiative rolls. and Relentless RageRelentless RageLevel 11 featureYour Rage can keep you fighting despite grievous wounds. If you drop to 0 Hit Points while your Rage is active and don't die outright, you can make a DC 10 Constitution saving throw. If you succeed, your Hit Points instead change to a number equal to twice your Barbarian level. keep you alive and acting first
Weaknesses
  • No spellcasting while Raging, and little to do outside combat
  • Reckless Attack gives enemies Advantage against you too
  • Only two Rages at level 1
  • Mental saves are a weak spot until the Berserker's Mindless Rage

Ability Scores

Strength, then Constitution, then Dexterity. Strength drives your attacks and your Rage bonuses. Unarmored DefenseUnarmored DefenseLevel 1 featureWhile you aren't wearing any armor, your base Armor Class equals 10 plus your Dexterity and Constitution modifiers. You can use a Shield and still gain this benefit. adds both Dexterity and Constitution to your AC, so those two come next. Intelligence and Charisma can be your lowest scores.

In the 2024 rules your ability score increases come from your background. With the standard array and the Soldier background (+2 Str, +1 Dex), assign 15 Str, 14 Con, 13 Dex, 12 Wis, 10 Cha and 8 Int, and you start with:

17STR
14DEX
14CON
8INT
12WIS
10CHA

That gives AC 14 without armor, or 16 with a shield. Take the Ability Score Improvement feat at level 4 for Strength 19, and again at 8 for 20. After that, Constitution and Dexterity both raise your AC, so spread later increases between them.

Best Species for a Barbarian

Legendary: build around it Epic: excellent Rare: good Uncommon: works Common: weak fit
Goliath
Giant Ancestry adds extra damage or a damage reduction several times a day, and Large Form at level 5 gives Advantage on Strength checks and 10 more feet of speed. Stone's Endurance on a Raging barbarian is very hard to bring down.
Legendary
Orc
Adrenaline Rush is a Bonus Action Dash with Temporary Hit Points, and Relentless Endurance stacks with Relentless RageRelentless RageLevel 11 featureYour Rage can keep you fighting despite grievous wounds. If you drop to 0 Hit Points while your Rage is active and don't die outright, you can make a DC 10 Constitution saving throw. If you succeed, your Hit Points instead change to a number equal to twice your Barbarian level.: two chances to stay standing at 0.
Legendary
Dwarf
Dwarven Toughness adds a hit point every level on the class that already has the most. Poison resistance covers a damage type Rage does not.
Epic
Human
Versatile adds a second Origin feat. With Soldier's Savage AttackerSavage AttackerOrigin featYou've trained to deal particularly damaging strikes. Once per turn when you hit a target with a weapon, you can roll the weapon's damage dice twice and use either roll against the target. you can take AlertAlertOrigin featWhen you roll Initiative, you can add your Proficiency Bonus to the roll. and still have Heroic Inspiration every morning.
Epic
Halfling
Luck rerolls 1s on attacks and saves. In 2024 a Small character can swing a Heavy weapon with 13 Strength, so a halfling with a greataxe works fine.
Rare
Dragonborn
Breath Weapon replaces one attack, which suits Extra Attack. One more damage resistance and flight at level 5.
Rare
Gnome
Gnomish Cunning covers the mental saves a barbarian fails most. The lineage spells do not work while Raging.
Uncommon
Elf
Wood Elf speed is nice, but you cannot cast lineage spells while Raging.
Uncommon
Tiefling
Fire resistance from the Infernal legacy is the useful part. The spells sit idle while you Rage.
Uncommon

Best Backgrounds

Soldier
Strength, Dexterity and Constitution increases, Athletics and Intimidation, and Savage AttackerSavage AttackerOrigin featYou've trained to deal particularly damaging strikes. Once per turn when you hit a target with a weapon, you can roll the weapon's damage dice twice and use either roll against the target., which rerolls your weapon damage once per turn.
Legendary
Criminal
Dexterity and Constitution increases and AlertAlertOrigin featWhen you roll Initiative, you can add your Proficiency Bonus to the roll.. No Strength, so you start at 15 in your main score.
Rare
Sage
Constitution is the only increase you want, and Magic Initiate spells do nothing while Raging.
Common
Acolyte
No Strength, Dexterity or Constitution increase.
Common

Best Feats

Origin feats (level 1)

Savage Attacker
Roll weapon damage twice and keep the better result, once per turn. Best with a greataxe or maul.
Epic
Alert
Proficiency Bonus to initiative. Until Feral InstinctFeral InstinctLevel 7 featureYour instincts are so honed that you have Advantage on Initiative rolls. at level 7 this is how you act first.
Epic
Tough (Player's Handbook)
Two extra hit points per level. Not in the free rules.
Rare

General feats (level 4+)

Ability Score Improvement
Strength to 19 at level 4 and 20 at level 8. Every Rage attack gets better.
Legendary
Great Weapon Master (Player's Handbook)
Adds your Proficiency Bonus to damage when you hit with a Heavy weapon, plus a Bonus Action attack after a critical hit or a kill. Not in the free rules.
Epic
Grappler
In 2024 a grapple forces a save against a DC set by your Strength, so a barbarian lands them. Grappler adds Advantage on attacks against whoever you hold.
Rare

Epic boons (level 19)

Boon of Irresistible Offense
Your bludgeoning, piercing and slashing damage ignores Resistance, and a natural 20 adds extra damage.
Legendary
Boon of Combat Prowess
Once per round, turn a miss into a hit.
Epic

Subclass: Path of the Berserker

The Berserker is the barbarian subclass in the free 2024 rules. In 2024 Frenzy no longer costs you Exhaustion, so it is pure extra damage every turn you attack recklessly.

FrenzyLEVEL 3

When you use Reckless Attack while Raging, the first creature you hit with a Strength attack each turn takes extra d6s equal to your Rage Damage bonus.

Mindless RageLEVEL 6

Immunity to Charmed and Frightened while Raging. Raging also ends either condition if it is already on you.

RetaliationLEVEL 10

When a creature within 5 feet damages you, use your Reaction to hit it back with a melee attack.

Intimidating PresenceLEVEL 14

Frighten creatures of your choice within 30 feet on a failed Wisdom save. Once per Long Rest, or spend a Rage to use it again.

The 2024 Player's Handbook also has the Path of the Wild Heart, the World Tree and the Zealot. They are not in the free rules, so this guide does not cover them.

Weapon Masteries and Rage Tactics

Weapon MasteryWeapon MasteryLevel 1 featureYour training with weapons allows you to use the mastery properties of two kinds of Simple or Martial Melee weapons of your choice, such as Greataxes and Handaxes. Whenever you finish a Long Rest, you can practice weapon drills and change one of those weapon choices. lets you use the mastery property of two kinds of melee weapons at level 1, three at level 4 and four at level 10. You can swap one choice after each Long Rest. The common pairing is a two-handed weapon for most fights and Handaxes to throw.

Best masteries for a barbarian

Topple (Maul, Battleaxe)
On a hit the target makes a Constitution save or falls Prone. Melee attacks against a Prone target have Advantage without Reckless Attack, and the enemy spends half its movement standing up.
Legendary
Cleave (Greataxe, Halberd)
Once per turn, a hit lets you attack a second creature next to the first. Great against packs of weak enemies.
Epic
Graze (Greatsword, Glaive)
A miss still deals damage equal to your Strength modifier. Steady damage on the turns you skip Reckless Attack.
Epic
Vex (Handaxe)
A thrown Handaxe that hits gives you Advantage on your next attack against that target. Your answer to enemies you cannot reach.
Rare
Sap (Longsword, Mace)
The target has Disadvantage on its next attack. Pairs with a shield when you want to tank.
Rare

When to attack recklessly. Use Reckless AttackReckless AttackLevel 2 featureYou can throw aside all concern for defense to attack with increased ferocity. When you make your first attack roll on your turn, you can decide to attack recklessly. when you need the hit and the enemy cannot punish you for it: when it is nearly dead, when it is already Prone, or when your party has its attention. Skip it against a group that can all reach you, or when you are low and your healer is not.

Brutal Strike. From level 9, Brutal StrikeBrutal StrikeLevel 9 featureIf you use Reckless Attack, you can forgo any Advantage on one Strength-based attack roll of your choice on your turn. The chosen attack roll mustn't have Disadvantage. gives up all Advantage on one reckless attack for extra damage and an effect: push the target away, or cut its Speed. Use it when you would likely hit anyway, such as against a low-AC enemy.

Barbarian Builds

Human barbarian
Beginner friendlyThe Human Berserker
Species
Human (Versatile: AlertAlertOrigin featWhen you roll Initiative, you can add your Proficiency Bonus to the roll.)
Background
Soldier (Savage AttackerSavage AttackerOrigin featYou've trained to deal particularly damaging strikes. Once per turn when you hit a target with a weapon, you can roll the weapon's damage dice twice and use either roll against the target.)
Subclass
Path of the Berserker
Weapons
Greataxe (Cleave), Handaxes (Vex)
17STR
14DEX
14CON
8INT
12WIS
10CHA

Acts first, Rages on turn one and hits two enemies a turn with Cleave. Frenzy turns every reckless hit into a big one from level 3.

Build this barbarian
Free to start. No card needed.
Goliath barbarian
TankThe Goliath Wall
Species
Goliath (Stone's Endurance)
Background
Soldier (Savage AttackerSavage AttackerOrigin featYou've trained to deal particularly damaging strikes. Once per turn when you hit a target with a weapon, you can roll the weapon's damage dice twice and use either roll against the target.)
Subclass
Path of the Berserker
Weapons
Maul (Topple), Handaxes (Vex)
17STR
14DEX
14CON
8INT
12WIS
10CHA

Knocks enemies Prone with Topple, then shrugs off the hits that come back with Rage and Stone's Endurance. Large Form at level 5 makes you hard to ignore.

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Barbarian Features by Level

LvlPBFeatures Rage DamageRagesWeapon Mastery
1 +2 RageRageLevel 1 featureYou can imbue yourself with a primal power called Rage, a force that grants you extraordinary might and resilience. You can enter it as a Bonus Action if you aren't wearing Heavy armor. Unarmored DefenseUnarmored DefenseLevel 1 featureWhile you aren't wearing any armor, your base Armor Class equals 10 plus your Dexterity and Constitution modifiers. You can use a Shield and still gain this benefit. Weapon MasteryWeapon MasteryLevel 1 featureYour training with weapons allows you to use the mastery properties of two kinds of Simple or Martial Melee weapons of your choice, such as Greataxes and Handaxes. Whenever you finish a Long Rest, you can practice weapon drills and change one of those weapon choices. +2 2 2
2 +2 Danger SenseDanger SenseLevel 2 featureYou gain an uncanny sense of when things aren't as they should be, giving you an edge when you dodge perils. You have Advantage on Dexterity saving throws unless you have the Incapacitated condition. Reckless AttackReckless AttackLevel 2 featureYou can throw aside all concern for defense to attack with increased ferocity. When you make your first attack roll on your turn, you can decide to attack recklessly. +2 2 2
3 +2 Barbarian SubclassBarbarian SubclassLevel 3 featureYou gain a Barbarian subclass of your choice. The Path of the Berserker subclass is detailed after this class's description. A subclass is a specialization that grants you features at certain Barbarian levels. Primal KnowledgePrimal KnowledgeLevel 3 featureYou gain proficiency in another skill of your choice from the skill list available to Barbarians at level 1. FrenzyFrenzyLevel 3 featureIf you use Reckless Attack while your Rage is active, you deal extra damage to the first target you hit on your turn with a Strength-based attack. To determine the extra damage, roll a number of d6s equal to your Rage Damage bonus, and add them together. +2 3 2
4 +2 Ability Score ImprovementAbility Score ImprovementLevel 4 featureYou gain the Ability Score Improvement feat (see "Feats") or another feat of your choice for which you qualify. You gain this feature again at Barbarian levels 8, 12, and 16. +2 3 3
5 +3 Extra AttackExtra AttackLevel 5 featureYou can attack twice instead of once whenever you take the Attack action on your turn. Fast MovementFast MovementLevel 5 featureYour speed increases by 10 feet while you aren't wearing Heavy armor. +2 3 3
6 +3 Mindless RageMindless RageLevel 6 featureYou have Immunity to the Charmed and Frightened conditions while your Rage is active. If you're Charmed or Frightened when you enter your Rage, the condition ends on you. +2 4 3
7 +3 Feral InstinctFeral InstinctLevel 7 featureYour instincts are so honed that you have Advantage on Initiative rolls. Instinctive PounceInstinctive PounceLevel 7 featureAs part of the Bonus Action you take to enter your Rage, you can move up to half your Speed. +2 4 3
8 +3 Ability Score ImprovementAbility Score ImprovementLevel 4 featureYou gain the Ability Score Improvement feat (see "Feats") or another feat of your choice for which you qualify. You gain this feature again at Barbarian levels 8, 12, and 16. +2 4 3
9 +4 Brutal StrikeBrutal StrikeLevel 9 featureIf you use Reckless Attack, you can forgo any Advantage on one Strength-based attack roll of your choice on your turn. The chosen attack roll mustn't have Disadvantage. +3 4 3
10 +4 RetaliationRetaliationLevel 10 featureWhen you take damage from a creature that is within 5 feet of you, you can take a Reaction to make one melee attack against that creature, using a weapon or an Unarmed Strike. +3 4 4
11 +4 Relentless RageRelentless RageLevel 11 featureYour Rage can keep you fighting despite grievous wounds. If you drop to 0 Hit Points while your Rage is active and don't die outright, you can make a DC 10 Constitution saving throw. If you succeed, your Hit Points instead change to a number equal to twice your Barbarian level. +3 4 4
12 +4 Ability Score ImprovementAbility Score ImprovementLevel 4 featureYou gain the Ability Score Improvement feat (see "Feats") or another feat of your choice for which you qualify. You gain this feature again at Barbarian levels 8, 12, and 16. +3 5 4
13 +5 Improved Brutal StrikeImproved Brutal StrikeLevel 13 featureYou have honed new ways to attack furiously. The following effects are now among your Brutal Strike options. Staggering Blow. The target has Disadvantage on the next saving throw it makes, and it can't make Opportunity Attacks until the start of your next turn. Sundering Blow. +3 5 4
14 +5 Intimidating PresenceIntimidating PresenceLevel 14 featureAs a Bonus Action, you can strike terror into others with your menacing presence and primal power. When you do so, each creature of your choice in a 30-foot Emanation originating from you must make a Wisdom saving throw (DC 8 plus your Strength modifier and Proficiency Bonus). +3 5 4
15 +5 Persistent RagePersistent RageLevel 15 featureWhen you roll Initiative, you can regain all expended uses of Rage. After you regain uses of Rage in this way, you can't do so again until you finish a Long Rest. +3 5 4
16 +5 Ability Score ImprovementAbility Score ImprovementLevel 4 featureYou gain the Ability Score Improvement feat (see "Feats") or another feat of your choice for which you qualify. You gain this feature again at Barbarian levels 8, 12, and 16. +4 5 4
17 +6 Improved Brutal Strike (Enhanced)Improved Brutal Strike (Enhanced)Level 17 featureThe extra damage of your Brutal Strike increases to 2d10. In addition, you can use two different Brutal Strike effects whenever you use your Brutal Strike feature. +4 6 4
18 +6 Indomitable MightIndomitable MightLevel 18 featureIf your total for a Strength check or Strength saving throw is less than your Strength score, you can use that score in place of the total. +4 6 4
19 +6 Epic BoonEpic BoonLevel 19 featureYou gain an Epic Boon feat (see "Feats") or another feat of your choice for which you qualify. Boon of Irresistible Offense is recommended. +4 6 4
20 +6 Primal ChampionPrimal ChampionLevel 20 featureYou embody primal power. Your Strength and Constitution scores increase by 4, to a maximum of 25. +4 6 4

Leveling Your Barbarian, 1 to 20

LVL1
Rage, Unarmored Defense and Weapon Mastery. Pick a Greataxe or Maul and Handaxes. Rage at the start of every real fight; you have two.
LVL2
Reckless Attack and Danger Sense. Most of your attacks from now on are reckless.
LVL3
Choose the Path of the Berserker for Frenzy. Primal Knowledge adds a skill, and while Raging you can use Strength for checks like Intimidation and Stealth. A third Rage.
LVL4
Ability Score Improvement: +2 Strength to 19. A third weapon mastery.
LVL5
Extra Attack and Fast Movement (+10 feet). Your damage roughly doubles.
LVL6
Mindless Rage: no more being Charmed or Frightened while Raging. A fourth Rage.
LVL7
Feral Instinct gives Advantage on initiative. Instinctive Pounce lets you move half your Speed as you Rage.
LVL8
Ability Score Improvement: Strength to 20, or Great Weapon Master if you have the Player's Handbook.
LVL9
Brutal Strike: give up Advantage on one attack for extra damage and a push or a slow.
LVL10
Retaliation: hit back with your Reaction whenever an adjacent enemy damages you. A fourth weapon mastery.
LVL11-14
Relentless Rage at 11 keeps you up at 0 hit points. Improved Brutal Strike at 13 adds Staggering Blow and Sundering Blow. Intimidating Presence at 14 frightens a crowd.
LVL15-20
Persistent Rage at 15 refills your Rages when you roll initiative once per Long Rest. Brutal Strike improves again at 17, Indomitable Might at 18, Boon of Irresistible Offense at 19, and Primal Champion at 20 raises Strength and Constitution by 4.

Barbarian FAQ

Is the barbarian good in D&D 2024?

Yes. Weapon Mastery, Brutal Strike and a Berserker that no longer takes Exhaustion make it one of the strongest and simplest martial classes in the 2024 rules.

What is the best species for a barbarian in D&D 2024?

Goliath and Orc. Goliath adds damage or damage reduction and grows Large at level 5. Orc stacks Relentless Endurance with Relentless Rage. Dwarf and Human are close behind.

What is the best background for a 2024 barbarian?

Soldier. It raises Strength, Dexterity and Constitution and gives you Savage Attacker, which rerolls your weapon damage once per turn.

What is the best weapon mastery for a barbarian?

Topple on a Maul or Battleaxe. A Prone enemy gives you Advantage on later attacks and wastes its movement getting up. Cleave on a Greataxe is better against groups.

Can a barbarian cast spells while Raging?

No. Rage stops you casting spells and ends concentration, so spells from your species or Magic Initiate are only useful outside a Rage.

Keep reading

Barbarian Guide: Build, Feats and RatingsD&D 5e (2014) Class Guide
Fighter Guide: Build, Feats and RatingsD&D 2024 Class Guide
Goliath Guide: Giant Ancestries, Classes and BuildsD&D 2024 Species Guide
How to Build a BerserkerD&D Build Guide

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This guide includes material from the System Reference Document 5.2 by Wizards of the Coast LLC, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. TableForge is not affiliated with Wizards of the Coast. Full licenses.