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One of the most unexpected aspects of Diablo 4 right out of the gate is just how strong the Barbarian class is. While many players were going to play as a Barbarian due to how long the class has been around in the franchise, few expected their builds to be near the top of the meta in Sanctuary. Now, with more players than ever hopping on the Barbarian hype train, the proper builds for the class are more pertinent than ever.
Whether you are just now trying out a Barbarian or need some help with your build as you continue leveling, we have you covered. Below, you will find three different Barbarian builds in Diablo 4 that can help you during the main story and make you unstoppable in the endgame.
Table of Contents [hide]Best Barbarian BuildsBarbarian Leveling BuildBarbarian Whirlwind BuildBarbarian Bleed Build
Best Barbarian Builds
If you have been paying attention to any of the early access class tier lists for Diablo 4, then you likely know that the Whirlwind Barbarian build is among the best and most popular thus far. Naturally, we will be going over the best skills and weapons to use for that specific build, but we will also be including two other ones in case players want to switch it up or not follow the meta too strictly.
Barbarian Leveling Build
First up, we have the best leveling build for the Barbarian. This build is designed to get you through the main story and to level 50 in as quick a manner as possible. The skills chosen are meant to deal a ton of damage and make your life easy regardless of what World Tier you are playing on. Personally, I had a blast using the gameplay loop of using my two shouts to start an engagement, mixing Frenzy and Hammer of the Ancients, and then repeatedly killing weakened enemies with Death Blow.
Active skills
Frenzy: Enhanced – CombatHammer of the Ancients: Enhanced – FuriousRallying Cry: Enhanced – StrategicWar Cry: Enhanced – PowerDeath Blow: Enhanced – Warrior’s Death BlowCall of the Ancients: Prime – Supreme
Passive skills
Walking Arsenal (Capstone Skill)Pressure PointSwiftnessBooming VoiceWalking ArsenalPit FighterNo MercyExpose VulnerabilityThick SkinCounteroffensiveDefensive StanceAggressive ResistanceProlific Fury
Weapon Expertise
Frenzy: Dual WieldHammer of the Ancients: Two-Handed MaceDeath Blow: Two-Handed Slashing(All three make use of the Walking Arsenal Capstone skill)
Barbarian Whirlwind Build
Now, we have everyone’s favorite Barbarian build thus far in Diablo 4. This build utilizes the Whirlwind skill along with three separate shouts and only one other attacking skill. However, with the right passive skills and gear, that’s all you will need to clear out groups of enemies in a matter of seconds. The gameplay loop in use is basically to use all three shouts, start using Lunging Strike to gain extra Fury, and then plow ahead with Whirlwind.
Active skills
Lunging Strike: Enhanced – CombatWhirlwind: Enhanced – ViolentRallying Cry: Enhanced – TacticalChallenging Shout: Enhanced – TacticalWar Cry: Enhanced – PowerWrath of the Berserker: Prime – Supreme
Passive skills
Unconstrained (Unbridled Rage for endgame) (Capstone Skill)Pressure PointEndless FuryTempered FuryInvigorating FuryImposing PresenceMartial VigorBooming VoiceGuttural YellAggressive ResistanceProlific FuryPit FighterHeavy Handed
Weapon Expertise
Lunging Strike / Whirlwind: Two-Handed Slashing or Two-Handed Bludgeoning (whichever has a higher DPS stat or better affixes)
Barbarian Bleed Build
Finally, we have a more difficult Barbarian build to use in Diablo 4, but it can be the most rewarding. Players will be making use of the bleeding skills (ones marked in red) to deal damage over time to their enemies. Of course, shouts and other skills will also be in play for this build, but players will be relying on bleed damage to finish off most of the opposition. Death Blow was one of the more important skills for me with this build, though, as you can easily chain Death Blows together by killing weakened enemies who are taking bleed damage.
Active skills
Flay: Enhanced – BattleRend: Enhanced – ViolentRallying Cry: Enhanced – TacticalDeath Blow: Enhanced – Warrior’s Death BlowRupture: Enhanced – Fighter’s RuptureWrath of the Berserker: Prime – Supreme
Passive skills
Gushing Wounds (Capstone Skill)Imposing PresenceMartial VigorOutburstTough as NailsAggressive ResistanceProlific FuryHamstringCut to the BonePit FighterThick SkinDefensive StanceTempered FuryInvigorating Fury
Weapon Expertise
Flay: Dual WieldRend / Rupture / Death Blow: Two-Handed Slashing
And that wraps up our best Barbarian builds in Diablo 4. The Whirlwind build is far and away the best of the bunch, but the other two can be surprisingly strong if players equip the right gear to go along with them. For more on Diablo 4, check out our Diablo 4 guides hub featuring dozens more guides spanning all classes and game mechanics.
