The Barbarian class in Diablo 4 is a powerhouse of melee attacks and supportive Shout Skills, making the class one of the best tanks in the game. With how many new players are jumping into Diablo 4 for the first time now that the game is available to Xbox Game Pass subscribers, there is likely a brand-new crop of players trying out the Barbarian for themselves. However, there are some important, community-developed rules players should try to follow when playing a Barbarian in Diablo 4 in order to ensure they have the best experience possible.

Although the Barbarian class has gone through ups and downs throughout Diablo 4's post-launch seasons, it has the potential to be incredibly powerful with the right build. Diablo 4 Season 3 may have nerfed the impact of the Whirlwind Barbarian build, but there are still plenty of other builds that take advantage of the Barbarian's unique potential. As such, players should pay attention to some of these unwritten rules to ensure they ae playing Diablo 4's Barbarian as efficiently as possible.

The Essential Guidelines for Excelling as a Barbarian in Diablo 4

Master the Weapon Types for Optimal Skill Usage

The Barbarian in Diablo 4 wields the Arsenal System, enabling them to equip four different weapons simultaneously for varied attacks. Understanding which skills correspond to specific weapon types is crucial for maximizing effectiveness. Identifying the best weapon for each primary skill is key, as some skills like Lunging Strike and Upheaval have specific weapon requirements that impact their performance.

Enhance Attacks through Weapon Expertise

Weapon Expertise within the Barbarian's Arsenal System allows for weapon leveling and unlocking passive bonuses. Boosts such as increased damage to Vulnerable enemies or heightened Critical Strike chance against Injured foes can significantly amplify damage output. Focusing on leveling up weapons essential to a particular build is recommended. Additionally, assigning a bonus to the Technique Slot extends its benefits to all equipped weapons.

Utilize Shout Skills Wisely for Enhanced Gameplay

In addition to unleashing formidable weapon-based skills, Barbarians excel at providing beneficial buffs through Shout skills. Essential shouts like Wary Cry and Rallying Cry offer temporary boosts in damage, movement speed, and resource generation for both the Barbarian and their allies. Leveraging these buffs optimally not only benefits solo play but also proves invaluable in cooperative scenarios, safeguarding more fragile classes like the Sorcerer in Diablo 4.

Embrace the Berserk State for Superior Performance

Understanding Berserking is vital for Barbarians in Diablo 4, granting a substantial increase in damage output and movement speed. Activating Berserk through specific skills like Enhanced Wary Cry and Wrath of the Berserker is crucial for maximizing combat effectiveness. The advantages offered by the Berserk status are too significant to overlook, making it advisable to include at least one skill in every Barbarian build that can trigger this powerful state.