Hey guys! Are you ready to create an absolute powerhouse in your next D&D 5e campaign? If you're looking to smash, bash, and crash your way through enemies with relentless fury and tactical precision, then a Fighter Barbarian multiclass is exactly what you need. This combination brings together the raw, unbridled rage of the Barbarian with the disciplined martial prowess of the Fighter, resulting in a character that’s not only incredibly tough but also surprisingly versatile. Let's dive deep into how to build and optimize this devastating multiclass!

Why Choose a Fighter Barbarian Multiclass?

Before we get into the nitty-gritty of building your character, let's talk about why this multiclass is so effective. The Fighter and Barbarian classes complement each other beautifully, covering each other's weaknesses while amplifying their strengths. With Fighter Barbarian, you get:

• Damage Output: Combining Rage with Action Surge allows for massive damage spikes.
• Durability: High hit points, damage resistance from Rage, and potentially heavy armor make you incredibly hard to kill.
• Versatility: Fighter subclasses can add tactical options and utility to the Barbarian’s raw power.
• Fun Factor: Seriously, who doesn't want to play a character that can fly into a rage and then unleash a flurry of attacks?

Understanding the Synergy

The key to a successful multiclass is understanding how the different class features interact. For the Fighter Barbarian, it’s all about leveraging Rage and Action Surge. Rage gives you advantage on Strength checks and saving throws, plus extra damage on your attacks. Action Surge lets you take an extra action on your turn, meaning you can attack multiple times in a single round, especially when combined with Extra Attack from both classes. This synergy allows you to deal incredible amounts of damage in short bursts, making you a formidable force on the battlefield. Plus, Fighter's Second Wind can give you a quick heal when you need it, adding to your survivability.

Roleplaying Opportunities

Beyond the mechanical benefits, the Fighter Barbarian multiclass opens up some fantastic roleplaying opportunities. Are you a disciplined warrior who taps into a primal rage when pushed to the limit? Or perhaps a berserker who has learned to control their fury through rigorous training? The possibilities are endless, and you can create a character with a rich backstory and compelling motivations. Consider how your character's background influences their fighting style and how they reconcile the seemingly contradictory aspects of their personality. Maybe they're on a quest for inner peace, trying to balance their rage with a sense of duty and honor.

Core Build Concepts

Okay, let's get down to the specifics. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements to consider when building your Fighter Barbarian multiclass.

Ability Scores

• Strength: Your primary stat. You need this for attacks, carrying capacity, and those all-important Strength checks. Aim for at least 15 Strength at character creation.
• Constitution: This is your second most important stat. More hit points and a better bonus to your Constitution saving throws (especially for maintaining concentration, if you decide to pick up spells later on).
• Dexterity: While you won't be relying on Dexterity as much, it's still important for your Armor Class, especially if you're not using heavy armor. A decent Dexterity score will also help with initiative and Dexterity saving throws.
• Wisdom: Important for perception and insight checks, which can be crucial for avoiding ambushes and sussing out NPCs. Some Barbarian subclasses also use Wisdom for their features.
• Intelligence: Dump stat. Unless you have a specific reason for needing Intelligence, you can safely ignore this stat.
• Charisma: Another dump stat. While it can be useful for social interactions, it's not essential for this build.

Prioritize Strength and Constitution. These are the bread and butter of your build. Dexterity is nice to have, but not as crucial. Wisdom can be helpful, but Intelligence and Charisma are generally your lowest priorities. When allocating your ability scores, think about the kind of character you want to play. Do you want to be a hulking brute who smashes everything in their path? Or a more agile warrior who relies on speed and precision? Your ability scores should reflect your character's strengths and weaknesses.

Race

• Half-Orc: This is a classic choice for a reason. The Savage Attacks feature (extra damage die on a critical hit) and Relentless Endurance (staying at 1 hit point instead of dropping to 0 once per long rest) are both incredibly useful for a melee-focused build.
• Human (Variant): The extra feat at level 1 can be a game-changer, allowing you to pick up Great Weapon Master or Polearm Master right from the start.
• Dwarf (Mountain): The extra hit points and proficiency with medium armor are always welcome, and the bonus to Strength and Constitution is perfect for this build.
• Goliath: Stone's Endurance (reducing damage taken) and the bonus to Strength and Constitution make this a solid choice.
• Dragonborn: Breath weapon can be situationally useful, and the bonus to Strength and Charisma isn't terrible, even if Charisma isn't a priority. The resistance to a specific damage type can also come in handy.

Consider your character's backstory when choosing a race. Do they come from a tribe of fierce warriors? Or were they raised in a civilized society? Your race can influence your character's personality, motivations, and interactions with the world. For example, a Half-Orc might struggle with prejudice and discrimination, while a Goliath might feel a sense of responsibility to protect their tribe.

Level Progression

Here’s a suggested level progression to maximize your effectiveness:

• Levels 1-5: Barbarian 5
  • Start with Barbarian for the hit points and Rage. Take the Totem Warrior subclass at level 3 for extra resistances and combat effectiveness. By level 5, you'll have Extra Attack, which is crucial for your damage output.
• Levels 6-8: Fighter 3
  • Now dip into Fighter for Action Surge and a Fighting Style. Great Weapon Fighting is a solid choice if you're using a two-handed weapon, while Defense can boost your AC. At level 3, take the Battle Master subclass for its combat maneuvers, which add versatility to your attacks.
• Levels 9-20: Barbarian or Fighter
  • From here, you can either continue leveling Barbarian for more Rage damage and subclass features, or go further into Fighter for more Action Surges and combat prowess. The choice depends on your playstyle and what you want to get out of the build.

Experiment with different level progressions to find what works best for you. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to multiclassing. Consider your party's needs and your character's goals when deciding how to allocate your levels. For example, if you need more utility and tactical options, you might want to take more levels in Fighter. If you want to focus on raw damage and survivability, stick with Barbarian.

Subclass Choices

Choosing the right subclasses is crucial for optimizing your Fighter Barbarian multiclass. Here are some of the best options:

Barbarian Subclasses

• Totem Warrior: This is the classic choice for a reason. The Bear Totem at level 3 grants resistance to almost all damage types while raging, making you incredibly tanky. Other Totem options can also be useful, depending on your playstyle.
• Zealot: If you want to deal even more damage, the Zealot subclass is a great option. Divine Fury adds extra radiant or necrotic damage to your first attack each turn, and Fanatical Focus gives you advantage on saving throws against being charmed or frightened.
• Path of the Berserker: While the exhaustion penalty can be harsh, the Frenzy feature allows you to make an extra attack as a bonus action while raging. This can be devastating when combined with Action Surge, but be careful not to overexert yourself.

Consider how your subclass choice synergizes with your character's backstory and personality. Do they have a connection to nature? Or are they driven by a burning desire for vengeance? Your subclass should reflect your character's unique qualities and motivations. For example, a Totem Warrior might have a deep respect for the natural world, while a Zealot might be on a mission from their god.

Fighter Subclasses

• Battle Master: This subclass offers a wide range of combat maneuvers that can add versatility and tactical options to your attacks. Disarming Attack, Trip Attack, and Riposte are all excellent choices.
• Champion: If you prefer a more straightforward approach, the Champion subclass is a solid option. Improved Critical increases your critical hit range, making you more likely to score those devastating hits.
• Samurai: The Fighting Spirit feature grants you advantage on attack rolls and temporary hit points, making you a more effective and durable combatant. This is a great choice if you want to focus on dealing consistent damage.

Think about how your subclass choice complements your Barbarian subclass. Do you want to enhance your damage output? Or improve your survivability? Your Fighter subclass should work in tandem with your Barbarian subclass to create a well-rounded and effective character. For example, a Battle Master might use their maneuvers to control the battlefield, while a Champion might focus on dealing as much damage as possible.

Feats

Feats can greatly enhance your Fighter Barbarian multiclass. Here are some of the best options:

• Great Weapon Master: This feat is a must-have if you're using a two-handed weapon. The ability to make an extra attack on a critical hit or when you reduce a creature to 0 hit points is incredibly powerful, and the -5 to attack rolls/+10 to damage trade-off is well worth it.
• Polearm Master: If you're using a polearm, this feat is essential. The ability to make an opportunity attack when a creature enters your reach and to make an extra attack as a bonus action can greatly increase your damage output.
• Sentinel: This feat is great for controlling the battlefield. When a creature within your reach attacks a target other than you, you can make an opportunity attack against them. This can help protect your squishier allies and keep enemies from getting past you.
• Tough: This feat grants you an extra 2 hit points per level, making you even more durable. This is a great choice if you want to maximize your survivability.
• Savage Attacker: Once per turn, when you roll damage for a melee weapon attack, you can reroll the weapon’s damage dice and use either total. This can help you deal more consistent damage and avoid those low damage rolls.

Consider your character's strengths and weaknesses when choosing feats. Do you want to focus on dealing more damage? Or improving your survivability? Your feats should address your character's specific needs and goals. For example, if you're already dealing plenty of damage, you might want to focus on feats that improve your survivability or utility.

Gear

• Weapon: A greatsword, greataxe, or maul are all excellent choices for a two-handed weapon. If you're using a polearm, a halberd or glaive is a good option.
• Armor: If you have a high Dexterity score, you can use medium armor for decent protection without disadvantage on stealth checks. If you don't care about stealth, you can use heavy armor for maximum protection.
• Magic Items: Look for magic items that enhance your strength, constitution, or weapon attacks. A Belt of Giant Strength, an Amulet of Health, or a +1 weapon are all great choices.

Don't underestimate the importance of mundane gear. A backpack, rope, and rations can be just as important as a magic sword in certain situations. Consider what your character would need to survive in the wilderness or navigate a dungeon. For example, a tinderbox can be essential for starting a fire, while a crowbar can help you pry open locked doors.

Roleplaying Tips

• Embrace the Conflict: The Fighter and Barbarian classes can be seen as opposing forces. Explore the conflict between discipline and rage in your character's personality. How do they reconcile these two aspects of themselves?
• Develop a Backstory: Give your character a compelling backstory that explains why they multiclassed into Fighter and Barbarian. Were they a soldier who learned to tap into their inner rage? Or a berserker who sought to control their fury through training?
• Interact with the Party: Your character's personality and motivations should influence how they interact with the other members of the party. Are they a natural leader? Or a lone wolf who prefers to work alone?

Remember that roleplaying is just as important as combat. Your character's personality, motivations, and interactions with the world can have a significant impact on the story. Don't be afraid to get creative and explore different facets of your character's personality. For example, you could play a Fighter Barbarian who is secretly a pacifist, or one who is haunted by their past.

Final Thoughts

The Fighter Barbarian multiclass is a powerful and versatile build that can be a ton of fun to play. By combining the raw power of the Barbarian with the tactical prowess of the Fighter, you can create a character that's both incredibly tough and surprisingly adaptable. So go forth, embrace the rage, and unleash your inner warrior!