What Do Barbarians Start With in D&D?

The Barbarian in Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) is a powerhouse of raw strength and untamed fury. Known for their ability to enter a rage, they are formidable warriors on the battlefield. When starting a new campaign as a Barbarian, understanding your initial gear is crucial for diving into the action. So, what exactly do Barbarians start with in D&D 5th Edition?

At the beginning of your adventure, a Barbarian character receives starting equipment based on their class. This is in addition to any equipment granted by their chosen background. The standard starting equipment for a Barbarian is as follows:

• (a) a greataxe or (b) any martial melee weapon: This choice allows you to select a powerful two-handed weapon like the greataxe for massive damage, or opt for a different martial melee weapon that suits your preferred fighting style. Examples of other martial melee weapons include a greatsword, a battleaxe, or a warhammer.

• (a) two handaxes or (b) any simple weapon: This choice provides a ranged option with two handaxes or a simpler, perhaps more versatile, simple weapon. Common simple weapons include a club, a mace, or a shortsword. This is useful for situations where you can’t reach the enemy immediately.

• An explorer’s pack: This standard adventurer’s kit includes a backpack, a bedroll, a mess kit, a tinderbox, 10 torches, 10 days of rations, and a waterskin. It covers the basic needs for survival in the wilderness.

• Four javelins: These are ranged weapons that can be thrown to deal piercing damage. They add to the Barbarian’s versatility and can be used strategically in combat.

Choosing wisely between the weapon options is key to shaping your early game combat style. The greataxe offers substantial damage upfront, while a different martial weapon may offer more versatility. The handaxes provide a reliable ranged option, but a simple weapon might provide you with a shield. Each choice has an impact on your early encounters.

Understanding Barbarian Proficiencies

Before delving deeper into specific gear, it’s essential to understand the proficiencies Barbarians gain. Proficiencies dictate what a character can handle effectively without suffering penalties. A Barbarian is proficient in the following:

• Armor: Light armor, Medium armor, shields. This means a Barbarian is adept at using medium armor, and can wear light armor effectively. They can use shields as well, improving their durability. They do not have proficiency in heavy armor.
• Weapons: Simple weapons, Martial weapons. This means they are proficient with virtually all weapon types.
• Saving Throws: Strength, Constitution. Barbarians are skilled at resisting effects that target their physical prowess or durability.
• Skills: Choose two from Animal Handling, Athletics, Intimidation, Nature, Perception, Survival. This allows Barbarians to have a diverse skillset, highlighting their survival and physical talents.

These proficiencies underscore the Barbarian’s role as a powerful melee combatant and wilderness survivor. While capable of wearing armor, the Barbarian’s unique feature, Rage, is impacted by armor choices. They cannot Rage while wearing heavy armor.

Weapon Choices: A Closer Look

Let’s examine the weapon options in more detail. The choices you make here can significantly impact your early combat effectiveness:

Greataxe vs. Martial Melee Weapon

The greataxe is a two-handed weapon that deals 1d12 slashing damage, making it a high-damage option. While it lacks versatility, it’s perfect for dishing out substantial damage. Other martial melee weapons offer different properties. For instance, a greatsword deals 2d6 slashing damage (offering potentially more consistent damage), and a battleaxe offers 1d8 slashing damage which can be used one handed and provides different weapon properties.

Handaxes vs. Simple Weapon

Handaxes can be thrown for 1d6 slashing damage up to 20 feet and are useful for picking off distant targets. Simple weapons may offer versatility that a handaxe cannot. A mace, for example deals 1d6 bludgeoning damage, and a club deals 1d4. A shortsword is another simple weapon option. It deals 1d6 piercing damage. These are less powerful than martial weapons, but may offer tactical options, and can be used one handed.

Barbarian Starting Equipment: FAQs

To further clarify what Barbarians start with in D&D, here are some frequently asked questions:

What is a Barbarian in D&D?

A Barbarian is a class in D&D that specializes in melee combat, using raw strength and a powerful rage to overwhelm enemies. They are known for their toughness and ability to withstand considerable punishment.

Can Barbarians wear armor?

Yes, Barbarians can wear armor. They are proficient in light and medium armor, but not heavy armor. Wearing heavy armor prevents them from using their Rage ability, a crucial part of their kit. They can wear a helmet as it does not impact rage.

What is Barbarian rage?

Rage is a special ability that Barbarians can use as a bonus action. When raging, they gain benefits like increased damage, resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage, and advantage on Strength checks and Strength saving throws. Rage is a Barbarian’s most defining ability.

What’s the best race for a Barbarian?

While any race can be a Barbarian, some races are more naturally suited to it. The Half-Orc is a classic choice, gaining bonuses to Strength and Constitution, key abilities for a Barbarian. Other excellent choices include the Goliath and Mountain Dwarf.

Can a Barbarian use firearms?

In most standard D&D settings, firearms are not common. However, if they are available, a Barbarian can wield them as long as they have proficiency. They may not be the best choice for most barbarians as they do not rely on strength for their attack rolls.

What kind of clothes do barbarians wear?

Barbarians can wear a variety of clothing. It often depends on their background and environment. They often wear simple and practical garments like trousers, tunics, cloaks, and skirts, crafted from materials like wool or leather.

Why are Barbarians scary?

The Barbarian’s terrifying nature comes from their unpredictable rage and raw power. They are seen as fierce, brutal, and untamed warriors, both in a D&D world and in real-world history.

Can a Barbarian cast spells?

No, Barbarians do not have dedicated spellcasting as part of their standard class progression. While some subclasses, such as the Path of the Totem Warrior, might grant magic-like abilities, they are not true spellcasters.

How many rounds are in a minute of combat?

There are 10 combat rounds in a minute, with each round lasting 6 seconds, and each action taking about 3 seconds.

What is a barbarian’s main weapon?

While Barbarians are proficient in all martial weapons, they are often associated with large two-handed weapons such as the greataxe, greatsword, or maul.

Can a Barbarian rage in heavy armor?

No, a Barbarian cannot rage while wearing heavy armor. They lose the benefits of their Rage ability if they are wearing heavy armor. This encourages them to use their unarmored defense or medium armor.

Why is the Barbarian class so effective?

Barbarians are effective because of their high damage output, damage resistance while raging, and excellent strength scores. They are designed to be frontline fighters who can soak up damage while dishing it out.

What level does a Barbarian gain the Relentless Rage ability?

A Barbarian gains the Relentless Rage ability at level 11. This ability allows them to continue fighting even after dropping to 0 hit points.

Can halflings be Barbarians?

Yes, halflings can be Barbarians. While their small stature might seem like a disadvantage, they can still be effective in the role, especially with strategic subclass choices.

Are Barbarians good for beginner players?

While Barbarians are relatively straightforward to play, they might be a better second character after players understand the basics of D&D mechanics. They are not overly complicated, and can be relatively easier for some players to grasp.

Conclusion

Understanding what a Barbarian starts with in D&D is crucial for a successful campaign. The choices you make regarding weapons and the understanding of your class’s strengths and limitations will set the stage for how you will approach combat and exploration. The Barbarian is a powerful and enjoyable class, offering a great option for players who enjoy a more straightforward and aggressive playstyle. With the right equipment and strategies, a Barbarian can become a formidable force on the battlefield.