How Many Extra Attacks Do Barbarians Get? A Deep Dive into 5e and Baldur’s Gate 3

The core question, how many extra attacks do Barbarians get?, has a surprisingly nuanced answer depending on the context. In Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e), and consequently in its popular video game adaptation, Baldur’s Gate 3 (BG3), the answer is influenced by level, class features, and sometimes even subclass choices. Let’s break it down.

The Core Mechanic: Extra Attack

At their core, Barbarians gain a crucial feature at 5th level: Extra Attack. This isn’t an additional action, but rather a boost to their Attack action. Before level 5, a Barbarian, like any other character, can make one weapon attack when they use their Attack action. However, starting at level 5, when a Barbarian uses the Attack action, they make two attacks instead of one. This fundamental rule applies to both 5e and BG3.

It’s vital to understand that the Extra Attack feature does not grant you an extra attack each turn in the same way that a bonus action attack does. It’s a multiplier of sorts, directly linked to the Attack action itself.

Beyond the Basics: Rage, Frenzy, and Bonus Actions

While the Extra Attack feature provides the basis for most Barbarian attack routines, it’s not the whole story. Barbarians also have access to a number of features, particularly related to their signature Rage, that can impact their attacks per turn.

Berserker Barbarians and Frenzy

The Berserker subclass introduces the Frenzy feature. This ability allows a Barbarian to use their bonus action to make an additional attack after using their Attack action. This bonus action attack is key to further increasing a Barbarian’s attack potential within a turn.

For instance, a 5th level Berserker Barbarian, while raging, can make two attacks using their Attack action, then use their bonus action to make an additional attack via their Frenzy. This amounts to three attacks in a single turn. This capability is consistent across both 5e and BG3.

Base Barbarian & Bonus Action Attacks

Even a Barbarian that isn’t a Berserker still has the potential for bonus action attacks, though not via Frenzy. If they are dual-wielding light weapons, they can use their bonus action to attack with their off-hand weapon. However, unlike the Frenzy attack, this off-hand attack doesn’t add your ability modifier to the damage dealt, unless you have the Two Weapon Fighting Style.

The Limitations: No Stacking

It’s crucial to note that Extra Attack does not stack between different classes. This means that if you multi-class into a Fighter, which also gains Extra Attack at level 5, you do NOT make four attacks. You’ll make two attacks per Attack Action, using the highest amount of Extra Attacks available from any class you have.

This is a core game mechanic intended to balance the potential for damage output and prevent absurdly high numbers of attacks per round. While many players yearn to create an attack machine that slaughters all enemies, multi-classing to stack attacks doesn’t work in 5e or BG3.

Baldur’s Gate 3 Peculiarities

While BG3 largely adheres to the core 5e rules, there are some items and situations that can influence attack potential. A certain item may provide a second bonus action, which can be used for an additional off-hand attack in dual wielding or by activating the Berserker’s Frenzy ability a second time.

However, in most circumstances, the rule of 2 attacks with the Attack Action and one bonus action attack holds true for Barbarians.

Maximum Attacks: A Practical View

So, while the maximum extra attacks you get from the Barbarian class feature is still just the one you receive at level 5 (going from one attack to two), in the proper circumstances, the maximum potential attacks for a Barbarian on their turn, considering everything above, are:

• Two attacks using the Attack action (provided by Extra Attack).
• One attack using a bonus action from either Frenzy, or off-hand attack in dual-wielding.
• Potentially another Bonus Action attack using the Berserker’s Frenzy a second time via rare in-game items.

Therefore, a Barbarian can get a maximum of three or four attacks on their turn in most situations in BG3, though in 5e, only three is feasible with class features.

Related Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does the Extra Attack feature from different classes stack in 5e or BG3?

No, the Extra Attack feature does not stack between classes. You only gain the benefit from the highest number of attacks granted by Extra Attack from a single class.

2. Can a Barbarian attack 3 times in 5e?

Yes, a Berserker Barbarian can attack three times per turn, by using their Attack action which grants two attacks because of Extra Attack, and then using the bonus action from Frenzy, which will allow them an extra attack.

3. How many attacks do Fighters get in 5e and BG3?

Fighters get Extra Attack at 5th level for a total of two attacks when they take the attack action. At 11th level, they get an additional Extra Attack, for a total of three attacks when taking the attack action, and a final one at 20th level, totaling four attacks.

4. Do Barbarians get bonus actions?

Yes, Barbarians have access to bonus actions. The most notable bonus action is used in conjunction with the Berserker’s Frenzy feature. They can also use their bonus action to make an off-hand weapon attack when dual-wielding light weapons.

5. Can a Barbarian rage in heavy armor?

No, you cannot use Rage while wearing heavy armor in both 5e and BG3. This limitation is a core part of the Barbarian’s design.

6. How do you calculate attack bonus in 5e and BG3?

Your attack bonus is calculated by adding your ability modifier (typically Strength for Barbarians) to your proficiency bonus.

7. What are the best stats for a Barbarian in 5e and BG3?

The most important stats for a Barbarian are Strength (STR) and Constitution (CON). Dexterity (DEX) is important as well since it influences Unarmored Defense.

8. How does Two-Weapon Fighting work for Barbarians?

If a Barbarian wields two light weapons, they can use their bonus action to make an attack with the off-hand weapon. However, the damage of this off-hand attack doesn’t add the Barbarian’s Strength modifier unless they have the Two Weapon Fighting Style.

9. Can you move between attacks?

Yes, you can move between attacks when taking an action that includes more than one weapon attack. You can break up your movement between these attacks if you wish.

10. Do Barbarians get advantage when raging?

Yes, while raging, Barbarians get advantage on Strength checks and Strength saving throws.

11. Can you be evil in Baldur’s Gate 3?

Yes, Baldur’s Gate 3 allows you to play as an evil character and make choices that reflect that.

12. What is the most overpowered class in BG3?

Many players consider the Paladin as one of the most powerful classes due to their combination of damage output, survivability, and versatility.

13. How do Barbarians do a lot of damage in 5e and BG3?

Barbarians deal high damage by using two-handed weapons and raging. Raging adds to their damage and helps them hit more often with advantage on Strength-based attacks. The Great Weapon Master feat, and similar boosts, also make them powerful.

14. Can you multiclass Barbarian and Fighter?

Yes, you can multiclass between Barbarian and Fighter. This combination can offer more utility in combat, but without stacking extra attacks.

15. Is dual wielding good for Barbarians?

Dual wielding can be effective for Barbarians, particularly at lower levels. However, two-handed weapons generally provide more reliable damage with features like Great Weapon Master, and are generally considered better than dual-wielding once you have enough feats.

Conclusion

While Barbarians are known for their brutal attacks, the way they generate those attacks through the Extra Attack feature and bonus actions is crucial to understanding their potential. The ability to swing two times through Extra Attack when taking the Attack action, and potentially a third time with Frenzy or off-hand attacks, is a big part of their power. Understanding the limitations of these features will allow you to build and play your Barbarian with maximum efficiency.