Article-at-a-Glance
Understanding the Berserker build for a Barbarian in D&D 3.5
Key level milestones and abilities for maximizing damage and survival
Essential feats to choose for an unstoppable Berserker
Equipment that complements the Berserker’s combat style
Strategies for using the Berserker in various combat scenarios
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At level 1, the The Berserker focuses on raw combat talent with feats to improve battle prowess and abilities that lay the foundation for ferocious rage. Combining physical power with the threat of increasing abilities in later levels, this character displays the beginning of a feared warrior’s path.
Stat Block Level 1
The Berserker: male, Human Barbarian 1; CR 1; Medium humanoid (human); HD 1d12+2; hp 14; Init +0; Spd 40 ft.; AC 14, touch 10, flat-footed 14; Base Atk +1; Grp +4; Atk +4 melee (2d6+4/x3, Greatsword) or NA; Full Atk +4 melee (2d6+4/x3, Greatsword) or NA; SA Rage 1/Day; SQ Fast Movement, Illiteracy; AL Any Chaotic; SV Fort +4, Ref +0, Will +2; Str 18, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 15, Cha 9. Skills and Feats: Craft (Scarring) +5, Intimidate +5, Jump +8, Sense Motive -1; Power Attack, Cleave, Destructive Rage, Intimidating Rage.
Abilities
Rage (Ex): Once per day, The Berserker can enter a state of rage, gaining +4 Str, +4 Con, and +2 Will saves but -2 AC for 3 rounds.
By level 5, The Berserker has honed his combat skills and increased his defensive abilities. With abilities such as Improved Uncanny Dodge, he now evades better, offering tactical advantages in battle. This build emphasizes resilience and stronger rage capabilities.
Stat Block Level 5
The Berserker: male, Human Barbarian 5; CR 5; Medium humanoid (human); HD 5d12+10; hp 42; Init +0; Spd 40 ft.; AC 16, touch 10, flat-footed 16; Base Atk +5; Grp +9; Atk +9 melee (2d6+4/x3, Greatsword) or NA; Full Atk +9 melee (2d6+4/x3, Greatsword) or NA; SA Rage 2/Day; SQ Fast Movement, Improved Uncanny Dodge, Illiteracy; AL Any Chaotic; SV Fort +6, Ref +1, Will +3; Str 18, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 15, Cha 9. Skills and Feats: Craft (Scarring) +8, Intimidate +8, Jump +12, Sense Motive +1; Power Attack, Cleave, Destructive Rage, Intimidating Rage.
Abilities
Rage (Ex): Twice per day, The Berserker can enter a state of rage, gaining +4 Str, +4 Con, and +2 Will saves but -2 AC for 5 rounds. Improved Uncanny Dodge (Ex): The Berserker can no longer be flanked, and he retains his Dexterity bonus to AC even if caught flat-footed or struck by an invisible attacker.
The Berserker experiences a significant power increase At level 10, combining the relentless onslaught of a Frenzied Berserker with his fundamental rage skills. The addition of ‘Deathless Frenzy’ increases his survivability, making him a formidable foe capable of sustaining lethal damage while in a frenzy.
Stat Block Level 10
The Berserker: male, Human Barbarian 6/Frenzied Berserker 4; CR 10; Medium humanoid (human); HD 10d12+20; hp 85; Init +0; Spd 40 ft.; AC 18, touch 10, flat-footed 18; Base Atk +10; Grp +14; Atk +14 melee (2d6+4/x3, Greatsword) or NA; Full Atk +14 melee (2d6+4/x3, Greatsword) or NA; SA Rage 3/Day, Frenzy 2/Day; SQ Fast Movement, Improved Uncanny Dodge, Trap Sense +2, Deathless Frenzy, Illiteracy; AL Any Chaotic; SV Fort +10, Ref +3, Will +5; Str 18, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 15, Cha 9. Skills and Feats: Craft (Scarring) +10, Intimidate +10, Jump +14, Sense Motive +2; Power Attack, Cleave, Destructive Rage, Intimidating Rage, Diehard, Survivor.
Abilities
Deathless Frenzy (Ex): When frenzying, The Berserker is difficult to kill. He does not fall unconscious and die from hit point damage until his frenzy ends.
At level 15, the The Berserker has reached an apex in resilience and raw power. The combination of defensive abilities such as DR and offensive enhancements like Shock Trooper makes him utterly formidable in battle. His runic capabilities and enhanced rage make him a dangerously versatile warrior in any scenario.
Stat Block Level 15
The Berserker: male, Human Barbarian 6/Frenzied Berserker 4/Runescarred Berserker 5; CR 15; Medium humanoid (human); HD 15d12+30; hp 127; Init +0; Spd 40 ft.; AC 20, touch 10, flat-footed 20; Base Atk +15; Grp +19; Atk +19 melee (2d6+4/x3, Greatsword) or NA; Full Atk +19/+14/+9 melee (2d6+4/x3, Greatsword) or NA; SA Rage 4/Day, Frenzy 2/Day, Ritual Scarring +1; SQ Fast Movement, Improved Uncanny Dodge, Trap Sense +2, Deathless Frenzy, DR 1/-, Illiteracy; AL Any Chaotic; SV Fort +12, Ref +5, Will +7; Str 18, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 15, Cha 9. Skills and Feats: Craft (Scarring) +15, Intimidate +15, Jump +18, Sense Motive +5; Power Attack, Cleave, Destructive Rage, Intimidating Rage, Diehard, Survivor, Shock Trooper.
Abilities
Rage (Ex): Four times per day, The Berserker can enter a state of rage, gaining +4 Str, +4 Con, and +2 Will saves but -2 AC for 7 rounds.
At level 20, the Berserker has combined his Frenzied Berserker and Runescarred Berserker traits to become nearly invincible, reaching the peak of his destructive abilities. With this build, his healing, anti-magic, and damage absorption are all optimized making him a true fighting machine.
Stat Block Level 20
The Berserker: male, Human Barbarian 6/Frenzied Berserker 4/Runescarred Berserker 10; CR 20; Medium humanoid (human); HD 20d12+40; hp 170; Init +0; Spd 40 ft.; AC 22, touch 10, flat-footed 22; Base Atk +20; Grp +24; Atk +24 melee (2d6+4/x3, Greatsword) or NA; Full Atk +24/+19/+14/+9 melee (2d6+4/x3, Greatsword) or NA; SA Rage 5/Day, Frenzy 2/Day, Spawn of the Frost, Greater Rage; SQ Fast Movement, Improved Uncanny Dodge, Trap Sense +3, Deathless Frenzy, DR 3/-, Illiteracy; AL Any Chaotic; SV Fort +16, Ref +6, Will +9; Str 18, Dex 10, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 15, Cha 9. Skills and Feats: Craft (Scarring) +20, Intimidate +20, Jump +22, Sense Motive +7; Power Attack, Cleave, Destructive Rage, Intimidating Rage, Diehard, Survivor, Shock Trooper, Robilar’s Gambit.
Abilities
Rage (Ex): Five times per day, The Berserker can enter a state of rage, gaining +4 Str, +4 Con, and +2 Will saves but -2 AC for 7 rounds. Greater Rage (Ex): When raging, gains +6 Str, +6 Con, and +3 to Will saves.
Strategies for The Berserker Build
You’ve got to be tactical about your rage. It’s a resource, and you need to learn when to unleash it. Frenzy has a drawback: if you annihilate all your foes, you might turn on your allies. Coordination with your party is key—make sure they know when to give you space on the battlefield.
Combinations with Party Members
Consider the spellcasters in your group. A well-timed ‘Haste’ spell can turn you into a veritable storm of slashes. And do not forget ‘Enlarge Person’ turning you into a towering beacon of doom. Supportive characters can also provide healing or buffs, keeping you in the fight longer. The goal is to become the tip of the spear, your party guiding you to the heart of the enemy.
Handling Enemy Spellcasters
As a Berserker, you can’t afford to be held at bay by a wizard’s tricks. That’s why mobility is crucial. Skills like Jump and feats such as Improved Bull Rush can help you close the distance quickly. And once you’re up close, it’s game over for those robe-wearing nuisances.
Charge through the ranks to target enemy spellcasters directly.
Use your high damage output to disrupt their concentration and spellcasting.
Work with your team to create diversions and opportunities for you to strike.
Role-Playing Considerations
The key is to intertwine your Berserker’s rage with their personal journey. Which creates a character that’s as compelling as they are fearsome. Some options to consider:
- Seeking redemption for a past frenzy that went too far.
- A quest to prove their worth to a tribe or deity.
- Avenging their lost people from depredations of another tribe.
Interactions with Non-Player Characters (NPCs)
As a Berserker, your interactions with NPCs can be… explosive. But that doesn’t mean they’re all going to be violent. Use your intimidating presence to your advantage in negotiations or to gather information. Show that there’s more to your character than just rage—there’s also a cunning warrior who knows when to roar and when to whisper.
Recap
But what makes the Berserker truly special isn’t just their prowess in combat. It’s the moments when they stand bloodied but unbroken, the last line between their fallen allies and an unstoppable enemy. It’s the tales of their fury that will echo through the ages.
Strengths & Weaknesses of The Berserker Build
“As a Frenzied Berserker, your rage is now eternal. As long as you frenzy, you cannot die from hit point damage. Only disintegrating you or an instant death spell can kill you.” – Stellar Dragon Games
In D&D 3.5, you’re about as “unkillable” as it gets with this build. But great power also carries a great deal of responsibility and the possibility of significant risk. Because of its dual nature, your rage may turn against your allies if you don’t exercise caution.
FAQ
How do I manage The Berserker’s rage in battle without harming allies?
To prevent your Berserker’s fury from becoming a hazard to friends, establish clear battle tactics with your party. Consider using signals or code words to indicate when it’s safe to approach you. Ensure your allies are equipped with countermeasures like calming spells or restraints in case things get out of hand.
Can The Berserker Barbarian fit into any adventuring party?
The Berserker can be a valuable asset to any group, provided there is an understanding of their role in combat. Communication is key, as well as having allies that complement your fighting style. A well-rounded party will benefit greatly from the raw power and resilience of a Berserker.
What are the best strategies for The Berserker against multiple foes?
When facing a multitude of enemies, use your Berserker’s abilities to control the battlefield. Utilize feats like Cleave and Supreme Cleave to cut through enemy ranks. Focusing on taking out the most threatening opponents first. Position yourself where you can do the most damage and draw the most attention.
How does terrain affect the battle strategies of a The Berserker Barbarian?
Terrain can greatly influence your approach to combat. High ground can give you a strategic advantage, while obstacles can be used to funnel enemies into your range. Be mindful of environmental elements that could hinder your movement or provide cover for your enemies. Use the terrain to your advantage, and don’t let it become a barrier to your fury.
Join the Stellar Dragons Community
Are you prepared to advance your D&D gaming to its maximum potential? Join the Stellar Dragons Discord community today and unleash the full potential of your Barbarian Berserker. Forge alliances, share strategies, and become part of a group that celebrates every critical hit and narrow escape. Your adventure awaits!
A Berserker build can provide the perfect combination of raw power and resilience. For an in-depth guide on optimizing your Barbarian, check out our comprehensive analysis on Barbarian builds in D&D 3.5.
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