In the vast world of Baldur’s Gate 3, a pure Fighter stands as a formidable damage-dealing class, capable of delivering unparalleled devastation with three attacks per turn. However, for those seeking enhanced versatility and a more tactical experience, the Fighter/Barbarian multiclass proves to be a potent choice. This combination, with 8 levels of Fighter and 4 levels of Barbarian, brings forth a synergistic blend of abilities, including Rage, Reckless Attack, and Danger Sense.
The Fighter/Barbarian: Levels 1-6
Players embarking on the Fighter/Barbarian journey should commence with 1 level of Fighter for Heavy Armor Proficiency and Second Wind. While any race can work, Half-Orcs, with their synergy between Reckless Attack and Savage Attacks, or Duergar Dwarves for enhanced Darkvision and racial spells, are particularly commendable choices.
Ensure a Strength of 17 during character creation, prioritizing Constitution afterward. Although Dexterity won’t impact AC in Heavy Armor, it proves useful for boosting Initiative. Choose Great Weapon Fighting Style for maximum damage or opt for Defense for added toughness. At level 3, select the Battle Master or Champion Fighter Subclass. Consider the Athlete Feat at level 4 to round Strength up to 18 or go for Great Weapon Master for significant damage output.
Features Gained per Level:
- Level 1: Fighter
- Second Wind
- Fighting Style: Great Weapon Fighting
- Level 2: Fighter
- Level 3: Fighter
- Fighter Subclass: Battle Master or Champion
- Subclass Feature
- Level 4: Fighter
- Feat: Athlete (+1 Strength) or Great Weapon Master
- Level 5: Fighter
- Level 6: Fighter
- Feat: Great Weapon Master or Athlete (+1 Strength)
The Fighter/Barbarian: Levels 7-12
Transition to Barbarian levels after achieving the second Feat at Fighter level 6. With 18 Strength, Great Weapon Master, Extra Attack, and potent Fighter subclass features, maintain competitiveness during the initial Barbarian levels. After Barbarian level 1, switch to Medium Armor and embrace Reckless Attack, compensating for Great Weapon Master’s accuracy penalty.
Opt for the Wildheart Barbarian subclass for versatility, selecting Bear, Eagle, or Tiger Heart features. Bear enhances survivability with damage resistance, while Eagle and Tiger provide unique attacks synergizing with Great Weapon Master.
Features Gained per Level:
- Level 7: Barbarian
- Level 8: Barbarian
- Reckless Attack
- Danger Sense
- Level 9: Barbarian
- Barbarian Subclass — Wildheart recommended
- Subclass Feature — Bear, Eagle, or Tiger Heart recommended
- Level 10: Barbarian
- Feat: Alert or +2 Strength
- Level 11: Fighter
- Level 12: Fighter
- Feat: Alert, Savage Attacker, or +2 Strength
At Barbarian 4 (level 10), return to Fighter for the final 2 levels, unlocking an extra subclass feature and a fourth Feat. Max Strength at 20 or choose a utility Feat like Alert for a significant Initiative bonus. This potent Fighter/Barbarian build ensures a thrilling and tactically rich adventure in the world of Baldur’s Gate 3.
