Giant Barbarian Build - Can it get bigger? - Baldur's Gate 3 (BG3)

Giant Barbarian build

Any of the thrower builds will be a solid option for the early game. As always, Tavern Brawler​ makes the core of its kit and ensures that you have a very high hit chance. However, why would you pick Barbarian compared to Berserker Thrower or Eldritch Knight? Here is your answer, and it's big:

First, this is one of the new subclasses, which makes it a fresh choice already. However, it comes with a few nice features, which might not make it a powerhouse, but it is still a solid and viable option. One of them is special rage - Giant's Rage,​ which increases your size and gives a solid damage boost to throwing attacks.

You also get an early option for bonus action attack via Boot of the Giants, which can help in those early game fights, by throwing off enemies, but also is really fun to use.

The main highlight, in my opinion, is Elemental Cleaver,​ which can make some of the more forgotten weapons give a chance to be used as thrown ones. Sadly, these don't remove the already powerful weapon options. Still, you do get various elemental damage choices. Enemy is Wet​? Use lightning or the cold option. Enemy weak to fire? Choose a fire variation.

I also dip into Fighter for that sweet Action Surge,​ as there are no important features after level 10.

This does not mean that you take the crown from the Berserker Thrower, but if you want something new and wish to see your character being huge (use together with Elixir of The Colossus), you've got a new spin on the old formula.

So let's jump into the build!

Class Contribution

Here are what contributions and benefits you get from the class picks:

10 Giant Barbarian

• Rage​ + Giant's Rage​ for physical damage resistance and extra damage via throwing.
• Unarmoured Defence:​ extra armour class based on your constitution modifier
• Danger Sense​ minor passive feature for dexterity saving throws.
• You gain the Thaumaturgy​ cantrip, which makes it easy to gain advantage on some dialogue checks, perfect for the main character.
• Extra Attack​ for 2 attacks per main action point
• Boot of the Giants​ gives an early game bonus action use, to throw off enemies.
• Elemental damage boost and an option to return any thrown weapon via Elemental Cleaver​
• Feral Instinct​ for a significant initiative boost and avoids being Surprised​. Acts like an alternative to Alert​ feat.
• Mighty Impel​ allows you to throw not only medium-sized objects, but also your weapon via bonus action use.

2 Fighter

• Second Wind​ for a slight HP restoration, although most of the time it is more economical to use healing potions.
• Fighting style, to give a slight stat boost.
• Action Surge​ for an additional full action point, for a larger number of attacks.

Synergy with other builds

Compared to other throwers, Giant Barbarian has excellent synergy with various setups that can use different elements, thanks to Elemental Cleaver.

Wet based parties

This option does include both lightning and cold damage. It benefits from Wet​ condition. The great thing is that you do have both weapon options like Lightning Jabber and Elemental Cleaver​ to boost that damage.

Piercing setups

This is quite simple, any kind of build that engages in close combat and uses Bhaalist Armour can double piercing damage. As a thrower your strongest throwing weapons deal piercing damage, so you do get a significant damage boost:

• Melee martials with piercing weapons - Bardadin, Battle Master, Sorcadin, Bladelock, or any other melee option.

Controllers

Almost any party can benefit from good controllers that use Hold Person, Glyph of Warding: Sleep,​ or Hold Monster. They guarantee a 100% critical chance and allow you to maximize the whole group's damage.

• Fire Sorcerer - one of the most reliable builds for this type of setup, with Hat of Fire Acuity + Scorching Ray​ to build Arcane Acuity. After that, use the control spell with a 100% success chance.
• Spellsword build - Sorcadin, Bardadin, Swords Bard Archer is the standard option for gish controllers, as they get access to Band of the Mystic Scoundrel + Helmet of Arcane Acuity for a very high spell success chance, and the already mentioned spell options.
• Lorecerer - similar to Fire Sorcerer, can use the same combo and can easily apply total control. Sadly, it is just limited to Hold Person and Glyph of Warding.
• Other caster-related builds - Lore Bard or even Arcane Trickster with access to unlimited scrolls. They get nice features that help them improve their spell success chance.

Leveling Overview

Here is a concise table with all the main picks during your leveling progression. For more detailed reasoning, I go further in the article. Also, do not forget to check the recommended gear, as it is crucial.

Level	Class	Selection
1	Barbarian 1	Abilities: STR - 17(15+2), DEX - 16 (15+1), CON - 14, INT - 8, WIS - 10, CHA - 8
		Skills: Intimidation, any
2	Barbarian 2	-
3	Barbarian 3	Subclass: Giant
4	Barbarian 4	Feat: Tavern Brawler​ - +1 Strength
5	Barbarian 5	-
6	Barbarian 6	-
7	Barbarian 7	-
8	Barbarian 8	Feat: Ability Improvement - +2 Strength
9	Barbarian 9	-
10	Barbarian 10	-
11	Fighter 1	Fighting Style: Defence​
12	Fighter 2	-

Build Variations

Here are some variations that work similarly and utilize the same classes at their core.

Starting the Game - Level 1

This section covers the creation screen and what would go into the best Races, Abilities, and Skills for the Giant Barbarian build. If you have already started playing, feel free to do a respec at Withers and follow along. This will make it easy to follow the build step by step.

Races

Picking a race provides various benefits - abilities, dialogue options, looks, etc.

Race	Features	Description
Duergar Dwarf	Dwarven Combat Training​ Superior Darkvision​ Dwarven Resilience​ Duergar Resilience​​	Very solid choice, especially as they can Enlarge​ themselves and also become invisible. Another reason for dwarves is that they can use the Dwarven Thrower special effect for bonus damage.
Lightfoot Halfling	Halfling Luck​ Brave​	One of the best races overall, rerolls dice rolls with 1, increases, and improves overall game success from combat to dialogues.
Half-Orc	Darkvision​ Relentless Endurance​ Savage Attacks​	A perfect Fighter race gains additional rolls for critical hits, but most importantly, can stand up instead of being Downed.
Githyanki	Martial Prodigy​	A very versatile race that unlocks some good actions for combat and exploration.
Wood Half-Elf	Civil Militia Darkvision​ Fey Ancestry Fleet of Foot - your movement speed is increased by 1.5m.	Gives a movement speed increase, which improves your overall positioning capabilities during combat. This isn't as important for ranged builds, but still relevant.
Wood Elf	Elven Weapon Training​ Darkvision​ Fey Ancestry Fleet of Foot - your movement speed is increased by 1.5m.

Class

Overview
Barbarian
Features
Rage​	Unique action to Barbarians that boosts damage and gives physical resistance. Make sure to attack each turn to sustain the bonuses.
Unarmoured Defence​	Gives some utility to the Constitution when going with Barbarian. Sadly, the build relies on various armors so this will not be utilized to the full extent.

Background

Backgrounds serve a few purposes:

1. They give a role-playing option of your previous history, if you are into that.
2. It gives skill proficiencies, meaning that you get an additional bonus when you roll that skill check in which you are proficient. This depends on your proficiency bonus, which increases as you level up.

Here are my recommendations based on this build

Background	Skills	Description
Outlander	Athletics Survival	Gives a boost to Athletics greatly reducing the chances of Shove​ success. Moreover, Survival will help with revealing hidden treasures, but it mostly utilizes the Wisdom ability
Soldier	Athletics Intimidation	Gives a better chance to resist being Shove, and increases the success of Intimidation dialogues.
Urchin	Sleight of Hand Stealth	Improves stealth-related skills, allowing for better pickpocketing and trap disarmament.
Charlatan	Deception Sleight of Hand	Mainly good for improved Sleight of Hand to unlock chests and pickpocketing.

Abilities

Now, let's take a look at the abilities of the Giant Barb build. Correct allocation will allow you to maximize the early gameplay and get good modifier bonuses.

Abilities	Description
Recommended Setup: Strength - 17 (15+2) Dexterity - 16 (15+1) Constitution - 14 Intelligence - 8 Wisdom - 10 Charisma - 8	This is my go-to setup for thrower. It is perfect for using natural strength setup throughout the whole game. Of course, you can use Elixir of Hill Giant Strength to maximize your potential early game (as other elixirs are not as abundant), but later on, natural strength frees up a slot for Elixir of Bloodlust.

Skills and Expertise

Overall, the skills should be impacted by your role-playing and background decisions. However, you would still want those that will give you the best benefits. My recommendations are to pick those at which you have a high ability modifier or are useful in general:

• Intimidation - helps with dialogue checks
• Survival - can help find diggable mounds

Leveling Progression - Levels 2-12

Here is the detailed progression for the Giant Barbarian build to get you started. You can use it as a guideline because early games can be daunting and overwhelming. Later on, once you get a feel for the class, you can start picking your options.

Level 2

By this time, you should have landed on the Ravaged beach already and started exploring the initial area. You might need 1 additional encounter if you did not obtain enough XP in the Nautiloid.

Features	Description
Danger Sense​	Gives an advantage on Dexterity saving throws, helping with various surface effects and spells.
Reckless Attack​	Pretty good melee attack option, giving an easy advantage and increasing your chances of hitting

Level 3

Subclass

Overview
Giant
Features
Vaprak's Greed​	A decent utility feature to help carry more.
Giant's Rage​	Improved Rage​ variation, increasing your size and giving a slight throwing damage boost.
Thaumaturgy​	Excellent action, which gives an easy advantage on some dialogue checks.

Level 4

Feat

Feat	Description
Tavern Brawler​	Take +1 Strength, to round it to 18. This feat is a huge boost, giving a decent damage boost and a significant attack chance success.

Level 5

Feature	Description
Extra Attack​	Allows for additional attack time, giving a significant damage per turn boost.
Fast Movement​	Gives 3m movement boost.
Boot of the Giants​	Allows kicking a target away, which uses only a bonus action. This can give instant kills on enemies near the ledges or other places.

Level 6

Feature	Description
Elemental Cleaver​	One of the main highlights of the Giant subclass. Gives access to various elemental damage riders - cold, fire, lightning, etc. Moreover, forces the weapon to return after being thrown and adds the "Thrown" property, which activates other effects. This allows you to use any weapon for throwing, expanding your options. The action is free to use so that you can switch elements at any time.

Level 7

Feature	Description
Feral Instinct​	Excellent passive that gives a significant initiative boost and helps avoid the Surprised​ condition. It is an inferior alternative to Alert​ feat.

Level 8

Feat

Feat	Description
Ability Improvement - +2 Strength	Improves the strength modifier, allowing it to reach 20.
Dual Wielder​	In case you are going with strength elixirs all the way, you can dual-wield some decent stat sticks like Knife of the Undermountain King and later Rhapsody, depending on your party gear accessibilities.

Level 9 

Feature	Description
Brutal Critical​	Sadly, it doesn't work with thrown attacks.

Level 10

This is the last level in the Giant Barbarian. We get another important feature, which will allow a full throwing attack using the bonus action, giving a much-needed damage boost for Act 3.

Feature	Description
Mighty Impel​	Although this mentions throwing objects, it still means you can choose to throw your weapon giving a full attack option if needed.

Level 11 - Fighter Lv 1

Now the build takes its first multiclass into fighter. This will give some nice features, as the third feat from Barbarian, would not give that much. Still, we will need 2 levels into a fighter for the full potential. To multiclass click the button when leveling up and choose the appropriate class:

Class

Overview
Fighter
Features
Second Wind​	You can use this to heal yourself in tight encounters, to get a little bit more of survivability.

Fighting Style

Style	Description
Defence​	Effective stat boost compared to other fighting style options, as a result, improving armour class.

Level 12 - Fighter Lv 2

The final level of the build which gives a significant damage boost with special fighter action.

Feature	Description
Action Surge​	The iconic action of a fighter is extremely popular for its simplicity and effectiveness. You get additional action with full bonuses from Extra Attack.

That's it, the build is done!

Maximizing Ability Scores

Now, as the build progression is covered, there are a few aspects and important decisions you will have to make throughout the game. These will decide your final score for abilities.

Strength

1. 17 Strength - the base from character creation.
2. Tavern Brawler​ - +1 Strength
3. Feat - Ability Improvement - +2 Strength.
4. Act 2 - Potion of Everlasting Vigour - +2 Strength.
5. Act 3 - Mirror of Loss - pick +2 Strength.

This results in 24 Strength, with a +7 modifier, which can only be higher with the Elixir of Cloud Giant Strength.

Potions, Elixirs, and Consumables

Let's take a look at what consumables you can use to further empower the build.

Potions

These have short-term effects for a few turns.

Consumable	Description
Potion of Speed	This is a very powerful potion. It gives an additional action point, which can be used to cast a spell or attack. The activation is generally by drinking using a bonus action. However, you can stack together with party members and make one member Throw​ it on the ground, giving Hastened​ to everyone.
Potion of Invisibility	It can be used in two ways - the first one is to enter combat with a Surprised​ round, causing enemies to skip their turn. Another option is to leave combat if you see that it is not going in your favour.
Potion of Animal Speaking	An easy way to get the Speak with Animals​ effect.
Terazul	Gives Hastened​ and stacks with other sources of it. This is a late-game consumable.

Elixirs

Unfortunately, only one Elixir can be active at a time. However, the good thing is that they last for the whole day, before making a long rest. This makes exlixirs very useful and economical.

Be sure to activate them before combat, as otherwise, you will need to use Bonus Action.

Consumable	Description
Elixir of Bloodlust	As you will be able to easily kill at least the weakest foe, this ensures additional attacks per turn. This is the strongest elixir option in most cases.
Elixir of Hill Giant Strength	Sets the strength value to 21 until the Long Rest. This is a perfect option for the early game, while you are limited to 18 Strength. Here is a farming guide for Elixir of Hill Giant Strength.
Elixir of Cloud Giant Strength	Sets the strength to 27. Excellent option to be used in case, Elixir of Bloodlust is unavailable, or you have missed some of the strength boosts.
Elixir of The Colossus	Provides bonus damage of 1d4 and some other good bonuses. The main attractive point is that it increases your size. So Giant's Rage​ + Elixir of The Colossus is a sight to behold!
Elixir of Vigilance	For some encounters, you will want to go first. This elixir will ensure that it overcomes even surprise mechanics. However, if you have Alert,​ this becomes redundant.

Illithid Powers

This special mechanic in Baldur's Gate 3 allows you to consume tadpoles and unlock special Illithid Powers.

At first, you can only use the base powers. As you move to Act 3, you will be able to unlock the outer ring powers, also called Elite.

Illithid Power	Type	Description
Favourable Beginnings	Base	Beneficial power to take as it does not have any costs, and provides only benefits on the first hits with attack rolls.
Luck of the Far Realms​	Base	It's an easy way to ensure you land critical hits, especially good when you need an instant damage boost.
Cull the Weak​	Base	It can help to kill an enemy faster if it is left with a few HP.
Psionic Overload​	Base	It can help give a slight damage boost. The main issue is that this cannot be activated outside of combat, so you will have to use an action point.
Psionic Backlash​​	Base	Excellent way to deal additional damage with reaction, early and mid game.
Ability Drain​	Base	Decreases enemy ability score, free use, so worth getting.
Shield of Thralls​	Base	Excellent option for bonus temporary HP. It can also apply Stunned on foes after it is destroyed.
Illithid Expertise​	Elite	It can be used to maximize the effectiveness of charisma-based skills, especially those relevant to the main character.
Black Hole​	Elite	Allows for easily pulling enemies together for effective use of the area of attacks.
Psionic Dominance​	Elite	It can be used to save yourself from a deadly spell.

Equipment Recommendations

Now I would like to go through some gear recommendations to maximize the Giant Barb Build. Items are especially important as they take the build to the next level thanks to their unique effects.

Act 1

Slot	Item	Description
Melee (One-Handed)	Returning Pike	The only weapon you will need in Acts 1-2. Although it may be boring, it will cause significant damage and make encounters easier. Try to get it at levels 3-4.
	Doom Hammer	Definitely get this weapon as it can be useful later in Act 2, when fighting the Apostle of Myrkul to disable his health regeneration.
	Javelin +1	In case you lose Returning Pike you can stock up on these.
Ranged	Bow of Awareness	The higher initiative bonus will allow you to start your turn earlier.
	Gandrel's Aspiration	Gives easy Advantage against monstrosities for all weapon attacks.
	Hunting Shortbow
	Hand Crossbow +1	Equipping two of these will allow you to attack with off-hand. This is important as you may not have use for Bonus Action. However, for dedicated ranged weapons check the options above.
Shield	-	The build does not need a shield in Act 1.
Head	Haste Helm	Provides increased speed at the start of the combat. However, this is better used on other frontliner as you are not so reliant on movement speed.
Cloak	The Deathstalker Mantle	The only option in Act 1 that is okay, is by providing once-per-turn invisibility.
Armor	Adamantine Scale Mail	Powerful armour from Grymforge, which is best worn with at least 14 Dexterity, to get Bonus Armour Class, making it equal to Heavy Armour.
	Githyanki Half Plate	This can be equipped when starting the game by taking it from Lae'zel. It's a very solid option with a high Armour Class.
	The Protecty Sparkswall	It can be used as an armor option once you have The Sparkle Hands. However, this is first and foremost caster item, so I would prioritize it there.
Gloves	The Sparkle Hands	Excellent glove options are one of the best options throughout the game. Thanks to Elemental Cleaver,​ you can stack 4 Lightning Charges​ on one attack. Later with Lightning Jabber, this increases to 6!
	Gloves of Uninhibited Kushigo	Very powerful gloves that ensure you deal bonus damage. They will lead you through most of the playthrough.
Boots	Disintegrating Night Walkers	Avoids slipping on various terrains and, most importantly, unlocks Misty Step​ with each short rest.
	Boots of Genial Striding	No impact when moving on difficult terrain, which allows you to position yourself for perfect shots.
Amulet	Periapt of Wound Closure	The amulet can help avoid death.
	Amulet of Branding	Gives an easy way to apply vulnerabilities via bonus action.
	Amulet of Misty Step	Does not require you to use Spell Slot to cast Misty Step, to either get away or reserve a better throwing position.
Rings	Ring of Flinging	The best ring for Act 1, and it will be used up until Act 3.
	Caustic Band	Provides 2 damage increase on each weapon hit, making it a good choice in Act 1. It is very expensive, so be sure to pickpocket some traders.
	Ring of Protection	Gives defensive bonuses to Armour Class and Saving Throws.

Act 2 - mid-game

Here, the build can start taking a more advanced shape, mainly as you will have Elemental Cleaver​ at your disposal from level 6.

I would like to emphasize a few item setups to give some variations to the build:

Revorb debuffer

I would recommend these items if you don't have a cleric or other Spirit Guardians​ user. Just make sure that targets are illuminated (Light, Dancing Lights, etc.) to activate the Callous Glow Ring. This way, you can do some debuffing with Radiating Orb​ and Reverberation.

For Elemental Cleaver,​ you can take either lightning or thunder. If you are using Returning Pike, otherwise, with Lightning Jabber, any of them work, even cold.

Here are the item recommendations:

Slot	Item	Description
Head	Holy Lance Helm	Can help apply Radiating Orb​ when enemies miss attacking you.
Cloak	Thunderskin Cloak	An optional item, that can help to apply even more debuffs against enemies who attack you.
Armor	Luminous Armour	This is one of the best cleric armors, so this setup relies on either you not having a cleric or making some kind of other variation. Otherwise, this armor option is too expensive to pass up, as it will not be as effective on Giant Barb.
Gloves	Gloves of Belligerent Skies	These gloves will give stacks of Reverberation​ from either lightning, radiant or thunder damage.
	Luminous Gloves	Applies the Radiating Orb​ condition on attack.
Boots	Boots of Stormy Clamour	The boots will be activated from one of the above items, to give further 2 stacks of Reverberation.
Rings	Callous Glow Ring	This item gives an easy source of radiant damage, allowing to apply Radiating Orb​.

Ice Giant setup

This is another powerful setup that is more aimed at applying control via the creation of ice fields or forcing the Encrusted with Frost​ condition. This is a truly great way to apply Frozen​ in case you reach 7 stacks. Once it is encased in ice, you can use one of the blunt weapons to inflict double damage - Doom Hammer, Dwarven Thrower, etc.

To make this all work, use Elemental Cleaver​ ice version, which gives the cold damage rider to activate all of these nice items.

Slot	Item	Description
Head	Coldbrim Hat	The hat will give stacks of Encrusted with Frost​ together with Winter's Clutches; otherwise, it will not work.
Gloves	Winter's Clutches	You will have a source of cold damage via Elemental Cleaver​ to apply the condition.
Rings	Snowburst Ring	Creates an ice field when you deal cold damage, making enemies slip and forcing them to skip their turn.

Other equipment

Here is the standard gear recommendation to continue using. This will emphasize the Lightning damage, as it will give the highest direct damage boost. The good thing is that the weapons in Act 2 allow you to wear a shield, greatly improving your survivability.

Slot	Item	Description
Melee (One-Handed)	Lightning Jabber	The best weapon for throwing in Act 2, thanks to the Elemental Cleaver​, just don't use lightning variation as it does not stack with the innate damage rider on weapon.
	Shar's Spear of Evening	One of the best weapons in the game. You will get it late in Act 2, but it can be a solid choice until you get the Nyrulna. It is an alternative version of Selûne's Spear of Night. It can return with Elemental Cleaver.
	Selûne's Spear of Night	The "good" decision reward for the major Act 2 event. It is inferior to Shar's Spear of Evening. Still, it can create Difficult Terrain. It only returns if you use Elemental Cleaver​.
Melee (Two-Handed)	Returning Pike	It can be used until you obtain Lightning Jabber. I would still keep this weapon even after that, in case you lose any of the weapons.
Ranged	Darkfire Shortbow	Although not mandatory, this bow is useful as it can apply Haste​ without spell slots. Best used before combat, or continue using Act 1 weapons.
Shield	Adamantine Shield	One of the best shields in the game with immunity to critical hits.
	-	Besides that, any uncommon or rare shield will work.
Head	Dark Justiciar Helmet	It increases the critical chance by 5%, and it only requires you to be obscured. Moreover, gives some resistance against spells by providing bonus Saving Throws.
	Marksmanship Hat	Gives +1 to attack rolls. This is a minor improvement, especially as you have substantial bonuses from Tavern Brawler​ already.
	Covert Cowl	Provides a bonus critical chance while obscured. The first helmet in the game that will offer this bonus.
Cloak	Cloak of Protection	Improves survivability and Saving Throw success.
Armor	The Mighty Cloth	A solid option, especially until you reach level 8 for the ability improvement feat. Gives a direct damage boost.
	Yuan-ti Scale Mail	With it, you are not limited to a +2 Armour Class bonus from Dexterity. So while using it, be sure to have 16 Dexterity to utilize its full potential. I think the bonus initiative is better than the Adamantine Scale Mail
	Adamantine Scale Mail	Still plays a good role in Act 2, as its 16 Armour Class is plenty, especially if you have at least 14 Dexterity.
Gloves	The Sparkle Hands	Continues to be the best glove option
	Flawed Helldusk Gloves	Similar to the Gloves of Uninhibited Kushigo, but changes the bonus damage to fire.
Boots	Evasive Shoes	Bonus armor class for higher survivability.
	Disintegrating Night Walkers	Continues to be one of the best boot options.
Amulet	Surgeon's Subjugation Amulet	The only amulet that can indirectly help to maximize damage, as you make a humanoid enemyParalysed
	Amulet of the Harpers	An alternative to the amulet above gives bonus survivability and allows casting Shield​ with a reaction.
Rings	Ring of Flinging	This ring still rocks and should always be equipped.
	Shadow-Cloaked Ring	One of the best rings in terms of damage.
	Caustic Band	2 Acid damage on any kind of attack. With multiple attacks, the bonus is substantial.
	Callous Glow Ring	Easily get bonus damage if creatures are illuminated, this can be done by casting Light​ on yourself by an ally, and let them stand close to the foes.

Act 3 - Final Build setup

The Ice Giant and Revorb debuffer setups still work, and you can continue using those items up to the final stages of the game. Still, Act 3 provides some good items for specific slots, so let's take a look at them

You have an option to wear a shield; however, some items will not work with it, like Bonespike Boots. Still, this should not limit you in case you decide to go for other item options.

Slot	Item	Description
Melee (One-Handed)	Nyrulna	One of the best throwing weapons in the game. Comes with neat weapon actions and Thunder Rider. The main issue is that it deals area of effect thunder damage, which can damage both yourself and your allies, or unwanted NPCs.
	Dwarven Thrower	Excellent throwing weapon, that maximizes its potential when worn by a Dwarf. Especially useful for the Ice Giant setup on Frozen​ targets.
	-	The weapons from previous acts are still powerful, especially if you don't want to deal with Nyrulna area of effect thunder rider.
Ranged	The Dead Shot	Gives -1 requirement for critical hit, giving a slight boost to average damage.
	Hellrider Longbow	Gives a significant initiative boost, but as Barbarian, you already have plenty of it, so I would prioritize this on another party member.
Shield	Viconia's Walking Fortress	Powerful shield with various effects and +3 Armour class.
	Adamantine Shield	One of the best shields in the game with immunity to critical hits.
	-	Besides that, any uncommon or rare shield will work.
Head	Horns of the Berserker	Simple and solid helm option with a direct damage boost.
	Helmet of Grit	Allows for obtaining additional bonus action for more attacks. This requires being at 50% HP or lower, so feel free to use something like Transfuse Health​ to maintain this level.
	Helldusk Helmet	Excellent helmet, gives immunity to Blinded​ and critical hits, comes with other goodies, making it one of the best headwear options.
	Helm of Balduran	Gives critical hit immunity, bonuses to armour class and saving throws.
Cloak	Cloak of Displacement	The strongest cloak in the game, with a significant boost to defensive capabilities.
Armor	Bonespike Garb	Pretty neat armor that gives temporary HP when you use Giant's Rage. Moreover, it reflects damage, and gets a slight bonus if you have Callous Glow Ring equipped.
	Bhaalist Armour	Very powerful armor option, which works well with piercing weapons - Nyrulna, Lightning Jabber, etc. To activate Aura Of Murder,​ you will need to be in close range. So either use a melee companion for that or do this yourself.
	Armour of Agility	Gives a solid armour class boost.
Gloves	The Sparkle Hands	Continues to be one of the best glove options.
	Helldusk Gloves	If you want to add different types of damage, the gloves are a perfect pick.
Boots	Helldusk Boots	One of the best boots in the game, giving immunity to Prone​ condition.
	Bonespike Boots	Gives additional armour class if not using a shield. Moreover, it has a special action - Brutal Leap, which can force enemies Prone.
Amulet	Amulet of Greater Health	Excellent amulet for boosting health pool and increasing constitution stat. You can respec and set CON to 8 and increase any other ability.
	Fey Semblance Amulet	Great defensive amulet that gives advantage on metal saving throws.
Rings	Ring of Flinging	Excellent ring for a slight damage boost.
	Shadow-Cloaked Ring	Gives a direct damage boost as long as you are at least Lightly Obscured.
	Caustic Band	Gives +2 damage boost

Build Mechanics

In this section, I would like to dive deep into how to play the Giant Barbarian Build. This will help you utilize it to the fullest and correctly use various actions and spells throughout the game.

Important Mechanics and Combos

Let's go through key mechanics and tips on how to use the build effectively.

Crushing Damage and Height

The important aspect of any Thrower build is the type of damage these weapons can deal. I would like to draw your attention to the crushing damage that is possible when something drops from very high heights.

Why is this special? It pushes the enemy forward and can sometimes make them fall down the ledges. For this reason, always look for upper ground in combat to activate this bonus.

Do not use Throw attacks from Stealth

I am unsure if this is a bug or intended, but sometimes, when you throw a weapon from stealth and combat initiates, it does not return. This is extremely irritating and sometimes can leave you without a weapon.

For this reason, I would avoid attacking from Stealth with a Thrower build. Leave this option for someone else.

Remember to use Elemental Cleaver

Giant Barbarian highlight is the Elemental Cleaver​ action, which forces the weapon to return to hand when thrown. Another important aspect is that it attaches a chosen elemental damage rider. This means that now, you can inflict more damage, or activate various effects like Encrusted with Frost​, Radiating Orb​, etc.

Still, remember that you first need to enter Giant's Rage​, as many times I would be without Rage Charges, and could not activate it. I also recommend carrying returnable weapons like Returning Pike in case you are in this kind of situation.

Keep old throwing weapons

As I mentioned, I would recommend keeping the old weapons that you get in Act 1 and Act 2. Sometimes you might lose your weapon due to bugs. So having a fallback option is excellent. Even in Act 3, the starter weapons will be extremely powerful on a thrower build.

Be ready for bugs...

As you can already guess, there will be bugs... a lot of bugs when playing Thrower. So keep that in mind, that anything can happen - you miss XP, the weapon disappears, the weapon hits the ceiling, and so on.

For me personally, being mindful of how I play allowed me to avoid any of the big bugs, and I thoroughly enjoyed using Giant Barb.

Use Giant's special actions to throw enemies off

Giant Barbarian also comes with 2 additional actions, that utilize bonus action - Boot of the Giants​ and Mighty Impel. Let's go through them shortly:

• Boot of the Giants​ - a solid early game bonus action use. It can help you throw off enemy from various ledges, change their position, and more. In some cases, this can result in an instant kill.
• Mighty Impel​ - heavily needed bonus action attack that allows you to both throw medium-sized objects (can be people) or your weapons. This allows you to catch up to other thrower builds in terms of the number of attacks.

So that's it, these two actions can give solid options for bonus action use, besides chugging potions.

Early Game Combat

This part would cover how the build plays up until level 6, you could say, before obtaining Elemental Cleaver​:

• For the first few levels, just use your main attack, if you can utilize Reckless Attack​ where needed.
• Rage​ is a great option to improve your damage and also gain physical damage reduction.
• Once you gain Giant's Rage,​ it can be used to improve throwing attacks.
• Tavern Brawler​ is your big upgrade, and this is when using throwin attacks becomes mandatory, as the hit change is very high and its easy to obliterate your targets.
• Use Boot of the Giants​ to kick enemies off the ledges, or even use it to inflict damage once you have a bonus action not utilized.

Late Game Combat

This covers the combat options for the late game:

• Remember to activate Giant's Rage​ + Elemental Cleaver​ on big encounters, especially if you are using weapons like Lightning Jabber, which don't return by themselves. This ensures that your throwing attacks work as expected.
• You can always change your elemental rider using Elemental Cleaver​ for free. If enemies get Wet,​ change to lightning or cold, if they are weak to fire, use fire, and so on.
• Use Mighty Impel​ to throw either weapon or enemy targets.
• Once you have Action Surge,​ use it to gain more attacks on the nova rounds to obliterate your targets.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading the Giant Barbarian build for Baldur's Gate 3. It's a solid thrower alternative, with unique actions and various elemental interactions. It opens up some solid weapon choices to spice things up for the setup.

Cheers!

Credits

I want to give a special thanks Morgana Evelyn and her famous Giant Barbarian, it was a big inspiration and recommendation from various people to check out.