About the Barbarian

Barbarians channel primal forces through Rage, but that power is more than ordinary anger.

Different Barbarians understand Rage through spirits, ancestors, pain, wild magic, nature, or the deepest part of the self breaking through.

Rage sharpens a Barbarian's combat ability, reflexes, senses, and raw physical force. In an adventuring party, Barbarians often become protectors and leaders because they willingly enter danger first and hold the line for everyone behind them.

Campaign notes & variants 0 campaign-specific rules

No campaign-specific rules


Core Traits

Hit Points

Hit Points
PropertyValue
Hit Dice1d12 per barbarian level
Hit Points at 1st Level12 + your Constitution A stylized heart emblem inside a circular frame representing
				health, stamina, endurance, and resilience. D&D Portal - Constitution Health, stamina, and endurance Constitution measures health, stamina, endurance, and a character's resistance to physical hardship. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/constitution/ modifier
Hit Points at Higher Levels1d12 (or 7) + your Constitution A stylized heart emblem inside a circular frame representing
				health, stamina, endurance, and resilience. D&D Portal - Constitution Health, stamina, and endurance Constitution measures health, stamina, endurance, and a character's resistance to physical hardship. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/constitution/ modifier per barbarian level after 1st

Proficiencies

Proficiencies
PropertyValue
Armor Light armor A stylized armor icon representing light armor. D&D Portal - Light Armor Equipment reference Light Armor is an equipment reference used by character options and rules. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/equipment/light-armor/, medium armor A stylized armor icon representing medium armor. D&D Portal - Medium Armor Equipment reference Medium Armor is an equipment reference used by character options and rules. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/equipment/medium-armor/, and shields A stylized armor class icon representing shields. D&D Portal - Shields Equipment reference Shields is an equipment reference used by character options and rules. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/equipment/shields/
Weapons Simple weapons A stylized weapon icon representing simple weapon
					proficiency. D&D Portal - Simple Weapons Equipment reference Simple Weapons is an equipment reference used by character options and rules. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/equipment/simple-weapons/ and martial weapons A stylized sword icon representing martial weapon
					proficiency. D&D Portal - Martial Weapons Equipment reference Martial Weapons is an equipment reference used by character options and rules. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/equipment/martial-weapons/
ToolsNone
Saving Throws Strength A stylized clenched fist emblem representing physical power,
				athletic ability, and force. D&D Portal - Strength Physical power and athletic ability Strength measures physical power, athletic ability, and a character's capacity to exert force. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/strength/ and Constitution A stylized heart emblem inside a circular frame representing
				health, stamina, endurance, and resilience. D&D Portal - Constitution Health, stamina, and endurance Constitution measures health, stamina, endurance, and a character's resistance to physical hardship. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/constitution/
SkillsChoose two: Animal Handling A stylized animal handling icon representing calming,
					controlling, or understanding animals. D&D Portal - Animal Handling Skill reference Animal Handling is a skill used for ability checks in relevant situations. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/skills/animal-handling/, Athletics A stylized athletics icon representing climbing, jumping,
					swimming, and physical contests. D&D Portal - Athletics Skill reference Athletics is a skill used for ability checks in relevant situations. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/skills/athletics/, Intimidation A stylized intimidation icon representing forceful social
					pressure. D&D Portal - Intimidation Skill reference Intimidation is a skill used for ability checks in relevant situations. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/skills/intimidation/, Nature A stylized nature icon representing knowledge of terrain,
					plants, animals, and natural lore. D&D Portal - Nature Skill reference Nature is a skill used for ability checks in relevant situations. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/skills/nature/, Perception A stylized perception icon representing awareness and
					observation. D&D Portal - Perception Skill reference Perception is a skill used for ability checks in relevant situations. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/skills/perception/, Survival A stylized survival icon representing tracking,
					foraging, and enduring wilderness hazards. D&D Portal - Survival Skill reference Survival is a skill used for ability checks in relevant situations. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/skills/survival/

Starting Equipment

You start with the following equipment, in addition to the equipment granted by your background.

Barbarian Progression

The Barbarian
Level Proficiency Bonus A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/FeaturesRagesRage Damage
+22+2
+22+2
+23+2
+23+2
+33+2
+3
  • Path Feature
4+2
+34+2
+34+2
+44+3
+44+3
+44+3
+45+3
+55+3
+5
  • Path Feature
5+3
+55+3
+55+4
+66+4
+66+4
+66+4
+6Unlimited+4
Level 1 2 features gained Rage | Unarmored Defense +2 PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
+2
Rages
2
Rage Damage
+2
Level 2 2 features gained Reckless Attack | Danger Sense +2 PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
+2
Rages
2
Rage Damage
+2
Level 3 2 features gained Primal Path | Primal Knowledge +2 PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
+2
Features
Rages
3
Rage Damage
+2
Level 4 1 feature gained Ability Score Improvement +2 PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
+2
Rages
3
Rage Damage
+2
Level 5 2 features gained Extra Attack | Fast Movement +3 PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
+3
Rages
3
Rage Damage
+2
Level 6 1 feature gained Path Feature +3 PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
+3
Features
  • Path Feature
Rages
4
Rage Damage
+2
Level 7 2 features gained Feral Instinct | Instinctive Pounce +3 PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
+3
Rages
4
Rage Damage
+2
Level 8 1 feature gained Ability Score Improvement +3 PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
+3
Rages
4
Rage Damage
+2
Level 9 1 feature gained Brutal Critical (1 die) +4 PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
+4
Rages
4
Rage Damage
+3
Level 10 2 features gained Path Feature | Primal Knowledge +4 PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
+4
Features
Rages
4
Rage Damage
+3
Level 11 1 feature gained Relentless Rage +4 PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
+4
Features
Rages
4
Rage Damage
+3
Level 12 1 feature gained Ability Score Improvement +4 PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
+4
Rages
5
Rage Damage
+3
Level 13 1 feature gained Brutal Critical (2 dice) +5 PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
+5
Rages
5
Rage Damage
+3
Level 14 1 feature gained Path Feature +5 PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
+5
Features
  • Path Feature
Rages
5
Rage Damage
+3
Level 15 1 feature gained Persistent Rage +5 PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
+5
Features
Rages
5
Rage Damage
+3
Level 16 1 feature gained Ability Score Improvement +5 PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
+5
Rages
5
Rage Damage
+4
Level 17 1 feature gained Brutal Critical (3 dice) +6 PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
+6
Rages
6
Rage Damage
+4
Level 18 1 feature gained Indomitable Might +6 PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
+6
Rages
6
Rage Damage
+4
Level 19 1 feature gained Ability Score Improvement +6 PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
+6
Rages
6
Rage Damage
+4
Level 20 1 feature gained Primal Champion +6 PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
PB A stylized speech bubble icon representing the PB abbreviation. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
+6
Features
Rages
Unlimited
Rage Damage
+4

Class Features

As a barbarian, you gain the following class features.

Rage

In battle, you fight with primal ferocity. On your turn, you can enter a rage as a Bonus Action A stylized combat action icon representing a bonus action. D&D Portal - Bonus Action Action rule Bonus Action is an action economy rule used to describe what a creature can do on its turn. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/actions/bonus-action/.

While raging, you gain the following benefits if you aren't wearing heavy armor A stylized armor icon representing heavy armor. D&D Portal - Heavy Armor Equipment reference Heavy Armor is an equipment reference used by character options and rules. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/equipment/heavy-armor/:

If you are able to cast spells A stylized spell icon representing spells. D&D Portal - Spells Spellcasting rule Spells is a spellcasting rule used by spells, class features, and magical effects. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/spellcasting/spells/, you can't cast them or concentrate A stylized spell icon representing concentration. D&D Portal - Concentration Spellcasting rule Concentration is a spellcasting rule used by spells, class features, and magical effects. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/spellcasting/concentration/ on them while raging.

Your rage lasts for 1 minute. It ends early if you are knocked Unconscious A stylized condition icon representing the unconscious condition. D&D Portal - Unconscious Condition Unconscious is a game condition that can affect what a creature can perceive, do, or resist during play. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/conditions/unconscious/ or if your turn ends and you haven't attacked a hostile creature since your last turn or taken damage since then. You can also end your rage on your turn as a Bonus Action A stylized combat action icon representing a bonus action. D&D Portal - Bonus Action Action rule Bonus Action is an action economy rule used to describe what a creature can do on its turn. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/actions/bonus-action/.

Once you have raged the number of times shown for your barbarian level in the Rages column of the Barbarian table, you must finish a long rest A stylized rest icon representing a long rest. D&D Portal - Long Rest Rest rule Long Rest is a rest rule used to recover resources, hit points, and class features. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/rests/long-rest/ before you can rage again.

Unarmored Defense

While you are not wearing any armor, your armor class A stylized shield icon representing Armor Class. D&D Portal - Armor Class Combat rule Armor Class is a combat rule used by attacks, damage, defenses, or turn order. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/combat/armor-class/ equals:

10 + your Dexterity A stylized winged boot emblem representing agility, balance,
				reflexes, and precise movement. D&D Portal - Dexterity Agility, reflexes, and coordination Dexterity measures agility, reflexes, balance, and precise physical coordination. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/dexterity/ modifier + your Constitution A stylized heart emblem inside a circular frame representing
				health, stamina, endurance, and resilience. D&D Portal - Constitution Health, stamina, and endurance Constitution measures health, stamina, endurance, and a character's resistance to physical hardship. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/constitution/ modifier

You can use a shield A stylized armor class icon representing shields. D&D Portal - Shields Equipment reference Shields is an equipment reference used by character options and rules. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/equipment/shields/ and still gain this benefit.

Danger Sense

At 2nd level, you gain an uncanny sense of when things nearby aren't as they should be, giving you an edge when you dodge away from danger.

You have advantage on Dexterity A stylized winged boot emblem representing agility, balance,
				reflexes, and precise movement. D&D Portal - Dexterity Agility, reflexes, and coordination Dexterity measures agility, reflexes, balance, and precise physical coordination. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/dexterity/ saving throws A stylized die roll icon representing a saving throw. D&D Portal - Saving Throw D20 test rule Saving Throw is a d20 test rule used to resolve uncertain outcomes during play. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/d20-tests/saving-throw/ against effects that you can see, such as traps and spells A stylized spell icon representing spells. D&D Portal - Spells Spellcasting rule Spells is a spellcasting rule used by spells, class features, and magical effects. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/spellcasting/spells/.

To gain this benefit, you can't be Blinded A stylized condition icon representing the blinded condition. D&D Portal - Blinded Condition Blinded is a game condition that can affect what a creature can perceive, do, or resist during play. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/conditions/blinded/, Deafened A stylized condition icon representing the deafened condition. D&D Portal - Deafened Condition Deafened is a game condition that can affect what a creature can perceive, do, or resist during play. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/conditions/deafened/, or Incapacitated A stylized condition icon representing the incapacitated condition. D&D Portal - Incapacitated Condition Incapacitated is a game condition that can affect what a creature can perceive, do, or resist during play. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/conditions/incapacitated/.

Reckless Attack

Starting at 2nd level, you can throw aside all concern for defense to attack with fierce desperation.

When you make your first attack on your turn, you can decide to attack recklessly.

Doing so gives you advantage on melee weapon attack A stylized crossed-weapon icon representing a melee weapon attack. D&D Portal - Melee Weapon Attack Combat rule Melee Weapon Attack is a combat rule used by attacks, damage, defenses, or turn order. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/combat/melee-weapon-attack/ attack rolls A stylized die roll icon representing an attack roll. D&D Portal - Attack Roll Combat rule Attack Roll is a combat rule used by attacks, damage, defenses, or turn order. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/combat/attack-roll/ using Strength A stylized clenched fist emblem representing physical power,
				athletic ability, and force. D&D Portal - Strength Physical power and athletic ability Strength measures physical power, athletic ability, and a character's capacity to exert force. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/strength/ during this turn, but attack rolls A stylized die roll icon representing an attack roll. D&D Portal - Attack Roll Combat rule Attack Roll is a combat rule used by attacks, damage, defenses, or turn order. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/combat/attack-roll/ against you have advantage until your next turn.

Primal Path

At 3rd level, you choose a path that shapes the nature of your rage.

Your choice grants you features at 3rd level and again at 6th, 10th, and 14th levels.

Official Paths

Xanathar's Guide to Everything

Ancestral Guardian

An Ancestral Guardian fights through protective spirits, pulling enemy pressure onto themselves and shielding nearby allies.

  • barbarian
  • subclass
  • primal-path
  • ancestral-guardian

Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide

Battlerager

A Battlerager throws themselves into brutal armored contact, using spiked armor, reckless momentum, and close pressure.

  • barbarian
  • subclass
  • primal-path
  • battlerager

Tasha's Cauldron of Everything

Beast

A Beast Barbarian lets a feral shape surface through rage, gaining natural weapons, adaptations, and predatory fury.

  • barbarian
  • subclass
  • primal-path
  • beast

Player's Handbook

Berserker

A Berserker follows a path of unrestrained fury, turning rage into relentless close-range aggression and overwhelming physical pressure.

  • barbarian
  • subclass
  • primal-path
  • berserker

Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants

Giant

A Giant Barbarian grows into enormous battlefield presence, throwing weapons, hurling creatures, and channeling elemental force.

  • barbarian
  • subclass
  • primal-path
  • giant

Xanathar's Guide to Everything

Storm Herald

A Storm Herald carries a supernatural aura of desert, sea, or tundra, turning rage into weather around the front line.

  • barbarian
  • subclass
  • primal-path
  • storm-herald

Player's Handbook

Totem Warrior

A Totem Warrior shapes rage through spirit guides, choosing animal aspects for defense, movement, senses, or pack tactics.

  • barbarian
  • subclass
  • primal-path
  • totem-warrior

Tasha's Cauldron of Everything

Wild Magic

A Wild Magic Barbarian erupts with unpredictable arcane power, turning rage into surges, support, and unstable reactions.

  • barbarian
  • subclass
  • primal-path
  • wild-magic

Xanathar's Guide to Everything

Zealot

A Zealot channels divine fury through rage, combining destructive sacred power with supernatural endurance and an almost impossible refusal to remain fallen.

  • barbarian
  • subclass
  • primal-path
  • zealot

Archived Unearthed Arcana

Unearthed Arcana 67: Subclasses, Part 1

Beast

An archived Unearthed Arcana Barbarian Primal Path option from Unearthed Arcana 67: Subclasses, Part 1.

Unearthed Arcana 83: Giant Options

Giant

An archived Unearthed Arcana Barbarian Primal Path option from Unearthed Arcana 83: Giant Options.

Unearthed Arcana 60: Barbarian and Monk

Wild Soul

An archived Unearthed Arcana Barbarian Primal Path option from Unearthed Arcana 60: Barbarian and Monk.

Primal Knowledge

Optional

When you reach 3rd level and again at 10th level, you gain proficiency in one skill of your choice from the list of skills available to barbarians at 1st level.

Ability Score Improvement

When you reach 4th level, and again at 8th, 12th, 16th, and 19th level, you can increase one ability score of your choice by 2, or you can increase two ability scores of your choice by 1.

As normal, you can't increase an ability score above 20 using this feature.

Extra Attack

Beginning at 5th level, you can attack twice, instead of once, whenever you take the Attack Action A stylized combat action icon representing the Attack action. D&D Portal - Attack Action Action rule Attack Action is an action economy rule used to describe what a creature can do on its turn. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/actions/attack-action/ on your turn.

Fast Movement

Starting at 5th level, your Speed A stylized walking icon representing speed. D&D Portal - Speed Movement rule Speed is a movement rule used during exploration, encounters, and combat. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/movement/speed/ increases by 10 feet while you aren't wearing heavy armor A stylized armor icon representing heavy armor. D&D Portal - Heavy Armor Equipment reference Heavy Armor is an equipment reference used by character options and rules. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/equipment/heavy-armor/.

Feral Instinct

By 7th level, your instincts are so honed that you have advantage on initiative rolls A stylized initiative icon representing initiative rolls. D&D Portal - Initiative Roll Combat rule Initiative Roll is a combat rule used by attacks, damage, defenses, or turn order. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/combat/initiative-roll/.

Additionally, if you are surprised at the beginning of combat and aren't Incapacitated A stylized condition icon representing the incapacitated condition. D&D Portal - Incapacitated Condition Incapacitated is a game condition that can affect what a creature can perceive, do, or resist during play. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/conditions/incapacitated/, you can act normally on your first turn, but only if you enter your rage before doing anything else on that turn.

Instinctive Pounce

Optional

At 7th level, as part of the Bonus Action A stylized combat action icon representing a bonus action. D&D Portal - Bonus Action Action rule Bonus Action is an action economy rule used to describe what a creature can do on its turn. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/actions/bonus-action/ you take to enter your rage, you can move up to half your Speed A stylized walking icon representing speed. D&D Portal - Speed Movement rule Speed is a movement rule used during exploration, encounters, and combat. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/movement/speed/.

Brutal Critical

Beginning at 9th level, you can roll one additional weapon damage die when determining the extra damage for a critical hit A stylized attack icon representing a critical hit. D&D Portal - Critical Hit Combat rule Critical Hit is a combat rule used by attacks, damage, defenses, or turn order. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/combat/critical-hit/ with a melee attack A stylized crossed-weapon icon representing a melee attack. D&D Portal - Melee Attack Combat rule Melee Attack is a combat rule used by attacks, damage, defenses, or turn order. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/combat/melee-attack/.

This increases to two additional dice at 13th level and three additional dice at 17th level.

Relentless Rage

Starting at 11th level, your rage can keep you fighting despite grievous wounds.

If you drop to 0 hit points A stylized blood drop icon representing hit points. D&D Portal - Hit Points Combat rule Hit Points is a combat rule used by attacks, damage, defenses, or turn order. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/combat/hit-points/ while you're raging and don't die outright, you can make a DC A stylized d20 icon representing a Difficulty Class. D&D Portal - Difficulty Class D20 test rule Difficulty Class is a d20 test rule used to resolve uncertain outcomes during play. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/d20-tests/difficulty-class/ 10 Constitution A stylized heart emblem inside a circular frame representing
				health, stamina, endurance, and resilience. D&D Portal - Constitution Health, stamina, and endurance Constitution measures health, stamina, endurance, and a character's resistance to physical hardship. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/constitution/ saving throw A stylized die roll icon representing a saving throw. D&D Portal - Saving Throw D20 test rule Saving Throw is a d20 test rule used to resolve uncertain outcomes during play. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/d20-tests/saving-throw/.

If you succeed, you drop to 1 hit point instead.

Each time you use this feature after the first, the DC increases by 5.

When you finish a short rest A stylized rest icon representing a short rest. D&D Portal - Short Rest Rest rule Short Rest is a rest rule used to recover resources, hit points, and class features. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/rests/short-rest/ or long rest A stylized rest icon representing a long rest. D&D Portal - Long Rest Rest rule Long Rest is a rest rule used to recover resources, hit points, and class features. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/rests/long-rest/, the DC resets to 10.

Persistent Rage

Beginning at 15th level, your rage is so fierce that it ends early only if you fall Unconscious A stylized condition icon representing the unconscious condition. D&D Portal - Unconscious Condition Unconscious is a game condition that can affect what a creature can perceive, do, or resist during play. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/conditions/unconscious/ or if you choose to end it.

Indomitable Might

Beginning at 18th level, if your total for a Strength A stylized clenched fist emblem representing physical power,
				athletic ability, and force. D&D Portal - Strength Physical power and athletic ability Strength measures physical power, athletic ability, and a character's capacity to exert force. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/strength/ check is less than your Strength A stylized clenched fist emblem representing physical power,
				athletic ability, and force. D&D Portal - Strength Physical power and athletic ability Strength measures physical power, athletic ability, and a character's capacity to exert force. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/strength/ score, you can use that score in place of the total.

Primal Champion

At 20th level, you embody the power of the wilds.

Your Strength A stylized clenched fist emblem representing physical power,
				athletic ability, and force. D&D Portal - Strength Physical power and athletic ability Strength measures physical power, athletic ability, and a character's capacity to exert force. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/strength/ and Constitution A stylized heart emblem inside a circular frame representing
				health, stamina, endurance, and resilience. D&D Portal - Constitution Health, stamina, and endurance Constitution measures health, stamina, endurance, and a character's resistance to physical hardship. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/constitution/ scores increase by 4.

Your maximum for those scores is now 24.

FAQ

What is a Barbarian in D&D?

A Barbarian is a durable martial class built around Rage, a limited combat state that improves Strength-based offense and makes the character much harder to bring down. Barbarians use a d12 Hit Die, are proficient with simple and martial weapons, and usually fight on the front line with high Strength and Constitution.

Read more: Barbarian The D&D Portal Wiki logo representing an internal page
				within the website. D&D Portal - What is a Barbarian in D&D? Barbarian FAQ A Barbarian is a durable martial class built around Rage, a limited combat state that improves Strength-based offense and makes the character much harder to bring down. Barbarians use a d12 Hit Die, are proficient with simple and martial weapons, and usually fight on the front line with high Strength and Constitution. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/faq/barbarian/what-is-barbarian-in-dnd/

How do you play a Barbarian in D&D?

Play a Barbarian by entering Rage when its damage and resistance will matter, attacking mainly with Strength-based melee weapons, and using your durability to pressure dangerous enemies. Reckless Attack can secure advantage when accuracy is worth the defensive risk, so good Barbarian play is about timing, positioning, and choosing when to commit rather than simply charging every enemy.

Read more: Barbarian The D&D Portal Wiki logo representing an internal page
				within the website. D&D Portal - How do you play a Barbarian in D&D? Barbarian FAQ Play a Barbarian by entering Rage when its damage and resistance will matter, attacking mainly with Strength-based melee weapons, and using your durability to pressure dangerous enemies. Reckless Attack can secure advantage when accuracy is worth the defensive risk, so good Barbarian play is about timing, positioning, and choosing when to commit rather than simply charging every enemy. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/faq/barbarian/how-to-play-barbarian-in-dnd/

What is the Hit Die for a Barbarian?

A Barbarian uses a d12 Hit Die for every Barbarian level in the 2014 rules. At 1st level, a Barbarian starts with 12 + their Constitution modifier hit points; at later Barbarian levels they add 1d12, or the fixed average of 7, plus their Constitution modifier. Hit Dice can also be spent to recover hit points during short rests.

Read more: Barbarian The D&D Portal Wiki logo representing an internal page
				within the website. D&D Portal - What is the Hit Die for a Barbarian? Barbarian FAQ A Barbarian uses a d12 Hit Die for every Barbarian level in the 2014 rules. At 1st level, a Barbarian starts with 12 + their Constitution modifier hit points; at later Barbarian levels they add 1d12, or the fixed average of 7, plus their Constitution modifier. Hit Dice can also be spent to recover hit points during short rests. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/faq/barbarian/what-is-the-hit-dice-for-barbarian-in-dnd/

How does Rage work for a Barbarian?

In the 2014 rules, a Barbarian enters Rage as a bonus action. While raging and not wearing heavy armor, the Barbarian has advantage on Strength checks and Strength saving throws, deals extra damage with qualifying Strength-based melee weapon attacks, and has resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage. Rage prevents spellcasting and concentration and normally lasts up to 1 minute, subject to its early-ending rules.

Read more: Barbarian The D&D Portal Wiki logo representing an internal page
				within the website. D&D Portal - How does Rage work for a Barbarian? Barbarian FAQ In the 2014 rules, a Barbarian enters Rage as a bonus action. While raging and not wearing heavy armor, the Barbarian has advantage on Strength checks and Strength saving throws, deals extra damage with qualifying Strength-based melee weapon attacks, and has resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage. Rage prevents spellcasting and concentration and normally lasts up to 1 minute, subject to its early-ending rules. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/faq/barbarian/how-does-rage-work-for-a-barbarian/

What ability scores are best for a Barbarian?

Strength is usually the Barbarian's highest ability score because it drives the attacks that work best with Rage and Reckless Attack and supports Athletics. Constitution is normally the second priority because it increases hit points and contributes to Unarmored Defense, while Dexterity improves Armor Class, initiative, and Dexterity saving throws. The 2014 multiclass prerequisite for Barbarian is Strength 13.

Read more: Barbarian The D&D Portal Wiki logo representing an internal page
				within the website. D&D Portal - What ability scores are best for a Barbarian? Barbarian FAQ Strength is usually the Barbarian's highest ability score because it drives the attacks that work best with Rage and Reckless Attack and supports Athletics. Constitution is normally the second priority because it increases hit points and contributes to Unarmored Defense, while Dexterity improves Armor Class, initiative, and Dexterity saving throws. The 2014 multiclass prerequisite for Barbarian is Strength 13. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/faq/barbarian/what-ability-scores-are-best-for-a-barbarian/