Zardnaar
Legend
Thought I would try to rate the various classes based on subclasses. This is not based on power eg comparing cleric to druid or whatever. Its looking at how well designed the subclasses are and would I want to play one.
I will try to be objective. Theres some classes I'm not particularly fond of. Here the criteria is would I play that subclass if I was going to play that subclass.
Mostly weighted towards the lower levels. If a subclass doesn't "git gude" by level 6 or 7 vs 12-14 its a fail. Classes with the most "thumbs up" subclasses get rated higher than ones with less subclasses even if the base class is better. Its not a power rating more best designed and interesting and if the subclass achieves what you would expect on the can.
Artificer will be done last, the new Ravenloft book may also be done last and the scores updated. Its also not a 5MWD rating. If you're doing that you've already won regardless so who cares.
The barbarian is one of the weaker classes imho. Its a "striker" thats is heavily into melee combat and its weaker at defense than others. A lot dont scale that well either only the Zealot and Frenzied ones. Any problem with the class is kind of the base class as its a one trick pony.
Berzerker
The "best" barbarian at first glance according to the internet. They may be right with the Zealot putting its hands up as well. This subclass peaks early, hits like a truck and I've seen several players deal absurd amounts of damage. This includes critical hits and making 3 or 4 attacks at tier 1 and early 2 via cleave and hew weapon mastery and GWM feat. Sometimes you just need something dead and death is the best debuff in every edition of D&D.
And if another PC has paralyzed something or rendered it unconscious your damage explodes. Its hard to not respect that so its a thumbs up. Currently seeing a lvl 8 one piloted by 14 year old enjoy it and he's a newer player. Its a thumbs up 1/4 for the barbarian. I think ENworld forgets the newer and younger player appeal at times. Works as advertised and then some.
Wild Heart
The former best barbarian it got nerfed in 5.5 directly and indirectly via changes to monsters. Short but sweet its a pass from me. I'm not a fan of the Barbarian class to begin with and yeah what its offering meh. Still 1/4.
World Tree
This one gives up a bit of damage for control. I have actually played it up to level 10 and enjoyed it. It gets better in the right party eg one that uses zones and emanations. Its abilities switch on early as well.
Its a lot of fun and I found it effective enough. Its a ymmv type class more than most perhaps. Its my list and I'm giving it a thumbs up 2/3. Should appeal to tactical players more.
Zealot
My personal favorite barbarian power wise. Deal damage similar to the Berzerker but a lots more tankier due to being able to heal itself. And its better vs conditions that are not fear or charm. Also you dont need to reckless attack which is relevant when you have advantage already. Fairly obvious its a thumbs up.
Conclusion. Barbarian is off to a good start with a score of 3/4. I'm not a fan if the barbarian concept in general but didnt mark down as such. 3/4 are good imho by Barbarian standards.
I will try to be objective. Theres some classes I'm not particularly fond of. Here the criteria is would I play that subclass if I was going to play that subclass.
Mostly weighted towards the lower levels. If a subclass doesn't "git gude" by level 6 or 7 vs 12-14 its a fail. Classes with the most "thumbs up" subclasses get rated higher than ones with less subclasses even if the base class is better. Its not a power rating more best designed and interesting and if the subclass achieves what you would expect on the can.
Artificer will be done last, the new Ravenloft book may also be done last and the scores updated. Its also not a 5MWD rating. If you're doing that you've already won regardless so who cares.
The barbarian is one of the weaker classes imho. Its a "striker" thats is heavily into melee combat and its weaker at defense than others. A lot dont scale that well either only the Zealot and Frenzied ones. Any problem with the class is kind of the base class as its a one trick pony.
Berzerker
The "best" barbarian at first glance according to the internet. They may be right with the Zealot putting its hands up as well. This subclass peaks early, hits like a truck and I've seen several players deal absurd amounts of damage. This includes critical hits and making 3 or 4 attacks at tier 1 and early 2 via cleave and hew weapon mastery and GWM feat. Sometimes you just need something dead and death is the best debuff in every edition of D&D.
And if another PC has paralyzed something or rendered it unconscious your damage explodes. Its hard to not respect that so its a thumbs up. Currently seeing a lvl 8 one piloted by 14 year old enjoy it and he's a newer player. Its a thumbs up 1/4 for the barbarian. I think ENworld forgets the newer and younger player appeal at times. Works as advertised and then some.
Wild Heart
The former best barbarian it got nerfed in 5.5 directly and indirectly via changes to monsters. Short but sweet its a pass from me. I'm not a fan of the Barbarian class to begin with and yeah what its offering meh. Still 1/4.
World Tree
This one gives up a bit of damage for control. I have actually played it up to level 10 and enjoyed it. It gets better in the right party eg one that uses zones and emanations. Its abilities switch on early as well.
Its a lot of fun and I found it effective enough. Its a ymmv type class more than most perhaps. Its my list and I'm giving it a thumbs up 2/3. Should appeal to tactical players more.
Zealot
My personal favorite barbarian power wise. Deal damage similar to the Berzerker but a lots more tankier due to being able to heal itself. And its better vs conditions that are not fear or charm. Also you dont need to reckless attack which is relevant when you have advantage already. Fairly obvious its a thumbs up.
Conclusion. Barbarian is off to a good start with a score of 3/4. I'm not a fan if the barbarian concept in general but didnt mark down as such. 3/4 are good imho by Barbarian standards.
Last edited:
