Barbarian Berserker Thrower Build

Barbarian Berserker Thrower Build - Baldur's Gate 3 (BG3)

By zanuffas
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The post covers Barbarian Berserker Build Thrower in Baldur's Gate 3. It full-on Tavern Brawler icon passive feature bg3Tavern Brawler​ Build throwing option for a ridiculous amount of damage and battlefield control. Berserkers can utilize bonus actions very early, and multiclassing will ensure being the strongest martial in your group.

Barbarian Berserker Tavern Brawler Build

Going Berserker is already an easy game, as they are a very powerful class early in the game. However, we will ensure that they continue to be your top damage dealer till the end of the game. For this, you will need multiclassing.

By going with Thief, the build can utilize another bonus action for Frenzy icon action bg3Frenzy​ + Enraged Throw icon action bg3Enraged Throw​ on the first turn. Although this seems like a simple improvement, it unlocks a lot of potential possibilities not only for damage but also for utilizing consumables during the fight.

Later, you multiclass into Fighter. It will give a whole action once per short rest, allowing you to sling two more throws. Another thing is that based on subclass selection, you will be able to use a wider variety of weapons or go all-in on maximizing damage.

Here is some late-game combat showcase, where each throw guarantees an enemy kill:

Leveling Overview

Here is a table to get 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.

The leveling overview is a simplified version of the build. In the detailed progression below I go into more details to optimize the build.

Level Class Selection
1 Barbarian 1 STR - 17 (15+2), DEX - 16 (15+1), CON - 14, INT - 8, WIS - 10, CHA - 8
Skills: Athletics, Intimidation, Perception, Survival
2 Barbarian 2 -
3 Barbarian 3 Subclass: Berserker
4 Barbarian 4 Feat: Tavern Brawler icon passive feature bg3Tavern Brawler​ +1 Strength
5 Barbarian 5
-
6 Rogue 1 Skills: Athletics, Acrobatics, any
7 Rogue 2 -
8 Rogue 3 Subclass: Thief
9 Rogue 4 Feat: Ability Improvement +2 Strength or Dual Wielder icon passive feature bg3Dual Wielder
10 Fighter 1 Fighting Style: Defence icon passive feature bg3Defence​ or Duelling icon passive feature bg3Duelling
11 Fighter 2 -
12 Fighter 3 Subclass: Eldritch Knight or Champion

Starting the Game - Level 1

We start with the early game. I would go into what are the best Races, Abilities, and Skills for a Barbarian Berserker Thrower Build. Some of these choices are impactful as you cannot respec them.

Races

Picking a race provides various benefits - abilities, dialogue options, looks, etc. Also, keep in mind whether your picked race has Shield proficiency as this can improve survivability or give benefits for offensive.

If you are having difficulties making a choice, pick whatever you prefer in terms of looks or roleplay. "The perfect race pick" is important if you are into extreme min-maxing.
Race Features Description
half orc bg3Half-Orc
  • Darkvision icon passive feature bg3Darkvision
  • Relentless Endurance icon passive feature bg3Relentless Endurance
  • Savage Attacks icon passive feature bg3Savage Attacks
A perfect race for physical attacks, that gain additional roll for critical hits, but most importantly, can stand up instead of being Downed.
dwarf bg3Duergar Dwarf
  • Dwarven Combat Training icon passive feature bg3Dwarven Combat Training
  • Superior Darkvision icon passive feature bg3Superior Darkvision
  • Dwarven Resilience icon passive feature bg3Dwarven Resilience
  • Duergar Resilience icon passive feature bg3Duergar 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 icon bg3Dwarven Thrower special effect for bonus damage.
halfling bg3Halfling
  • Halfling Luck icon passive feature bg3Halfling Luck
  • Brave icon passive feature bg3Brave​​
Pick any subrace. A halfling is a perfect race for most martial as it can reroll in case you get critical failure of rolling 1. This greatly reduces your chances of missing an attack.
githyanki bg3Githyanki
  • Martial Prodigy icon passive feature bg3Martial Prodigy
Very versatile race, that unlocks some good actions for combat and exploration.
Half-Elf Baldur's Gate 3Wood Half-Elf One of the more popular options, Wood Subrace gets bonuses to bonus mobility, you will not need that as much later in the game.

Class

The starting class is Barbarian. This will give the core of the throwing mechanics needed to be effective from the early game.

Overview
barbarian bg3Barbarian
Features
Rage icon passive feature bg3Rage Unique action to Barbarians that boosts damage and gives physical resistance. Make sure to attack each turn to sustain the bonuses.
Unarmoured Defence icon passive feature bg3Unarmoured 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 are mostly for role-playing and you can pick whatever you prefer. Barbarian, mainly benefits from Strength-related skills. However, as we will multiclass into Rogue, dexterity-related backgrounds can also be taken.

Background Skills Description
Outlander Athletics
Survival
Gives a boost to Athletics greatly reducing the chances of Shove's 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 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 Berserker Tavern Brawler build. Correct allocation will allow us to maximize the early gameplay and get good modifier bonuses.

Ability Value Description
strengthproficient_ability Baldur's Gate 3Strength 17 (15+2) Strength will determine the effectiveness of normal and throw attacks, so it is the most important stat to optimize damage.
dexterityDexterity 16 (15+1) Dexterity plays two roles for the Barbarian, first, it gives higher initiative to start the turn earlier. Second, it gives a bonus Armour class based on Dexterity proficiency.
constitution bg3Constitution 14 Gives HP and improves Armour class with Unarmoured Defence icon passive feature bg3Unarmoured Defence. However, as ranged build it would still be better going with some Light and Medium armour options throughout the game. You can set this to 16, and lower dexterity, for better survivability.
intelligenceIntelligence 8 Not an important stat for the build.
wisdomWisdom 10 Wisdom is useful to have some resistance against spells in the game. Most of them target Wisdom, meaning that having it too low can be detrimental.
charismaCharisma 8 Not important, unless you are the main face of the party. in this case, you could lower Wisdom and get 10. Otherwise, don't worry too much about dialogue outcomes, as you can beat your way out of any encounter.

Skills and Expertise

Overall, the skills should be impacted by your roleplaying 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 and these are Strength-related:

  • Athletics

However, you may want some other options, especially if you are the main character

  • Intimidation
  • Perception
  • Survival

Leveling Progression - Level 2-12

Here is the detailed progression for the Berserker Thrower 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 the feel for the class you can start picking your options

Level 2

From the get-go, we gain some neat features with the Barbarian class.

Action Description
Reckless Attack icon passive feature bg3Reckless Attack This action is good until level 4, after that, the build solely concentrates on Throws. This is very valuable early on, as that's when it is the easiest to miss most of the attacks due to bad gear.

And also a class feature:

Feature Description
Danger Sense icon passive feature bg3Danger Sense A decent utility skill. It is nothing major and does not have a big impact on the build

Level 3

As a Barbarian at level 3, you can choose the subclass. It impacts how you play the build and we will be going with Berserker. It will allow exploiting the Bonus Action for more damage early on.

Overview
berserker barbarian bg3Berserker
Features
Frenzy icon action bg3Frenzy An upgraded version of Rage. It unlocks two new attacks that can be used with your bonus action.
Frenzied Strike icon action bg3Frenzied Strike A melee attack with a bonus action
Enraged Throw icon action bg3Enraged Throw Throw an attack with a bonus action.

One thing that you may notice, is that each of these new attacks decreases attack rolls after each hit. Although it would be a problem, the next-level Tavern Brawler icon passive feature bg3Tavern Brawler​ will fix it.

Level 4

Level 4 brings the first feat. You could say the build is fully ready, as we will get the main thing it needs.

Feat

Feat Description
Tavern Brawler icon passive feature bg3Tavern Brawler This Feat makes the build very powerful. With high strength, you will have extremely high chances to hit and even better damage from its bonus effect. You want to take +1 Strength. However, if using Elixir of Hill Giant Strength choose +1 Constitution.

Level 5

This is a huge milestone for the build as it will become even more powerful.

Feature Description
Extra Attack icon passive feature bg3Extra Attack This allows attacking two times instead of one, theoretically doubling the build's damage output.
Fast Movement icon passive feature bg3Fast Movement Amazing feature of Barbarian, that will make it easier to get a better position for higher ground.

Level 6

Ideally, we would like to multiclass into Rogue now. However, it does not bring much to the table until the level 3 Thief subclass. For this reason, I would recommend sticking with Barbarian until Level 8 and then doing a respec of Barbarian 5/ Rogue 3.

If you do not want to do a respec, you can multiclass straight to Rogue Lv 1. This is a little bit less effective, but nothing to be worried about. So for now I will continue with Barbarian. This gives additional Rage Charge and a new subclass feature.

Feature Description
Mindless Rage icon passive feature bg3Mindless Rage The resistance can be useful in some encounters. You do not want Berserker Thrower to tap out of combat greatly diminishing the group's potential.

Level 7

The last level before doing a respec. Level 7 Barbarian also gives a very good passive that you will surely utilize to the full extent.

Feature Description
Feral Instinct icon passive feature bg3Feral Instinct Similar to Alert icon passive feature bg3Alert​ feat, but you get it as a passive.

Level 8 - respec to Barbarian Lv 5/Rogue Lv 3

This is a major milestone. I now recommend doing a respec as this will allow enjoying the best features from both classes:

  1. Start with Barbarian Lv 5 and use the same stats as previously
  2. After that multiclass into Rogue Lv 1 and continue leveling till level 3. The Rogue is very important as at level 3 you gain a subclass

Subclass

Overview
thief bg3Thief
Features
Fast Hands icon passive feature bg3Fast Hands Very powerful feature, that will ensure we can do another throw on the initial turn of combat.
Second-Story Work: Falling icon passive feature bg3Second-Story Work: Falling Reduces fall damage.

Overall, this will greatly improve your damage output on the first turn.

Level 9 - Rogue Lv 4

A second feat is unlocked that will greatly improve what you can do with the build.

Feats

Feat Description
Ability Improvement - +2 Strength This is a perfect option that allows you to reach 24 strength. The increased modifier will increase damage and attack rolls.
Dual Wielder icon passive feature bg3Dual Wielder The feat provides options to use dual-wielding with throwing weapons. There are some decent stat sticks that you could use to further improve the damage potential.
Alert icon passive feature bg3Alert Gives a good boost to the initiative and ensures that you cannot be surprised.

Level 10 - Fighter Lv 1

Now we enter the optimization phase of the build. For this reason, take Fighter, to unlock its subclasses for further improvements to the build.

Class

Overview
fighter bg3Fighter
Features
Second Wind icon action bg3Second Wind You can use this to heal yourself in tight encounters, to get a little bit more of survivability.

Fighting Style

I see two main contenders for the Berserker Tavern Brawler build

Fighting Style Description
Defence icon passive feature bg3Defence The only choice that is relevant for the build. It will give a higher survivability.
Duelling icon passive feature bg3Duelling The damage bonus is okay, nothing special, but it will stack up with multiple hits. However, I think this may be a bug and be patched someday as you are still using two weapons.

Level 11 - Fighter Lv 2

At the second level already fighter gains its most popular action:

Action Description
Action Surge icon action bg3Action Surge For each short rest, you can add additional action points for bonus attacks. As you progress and obtain Extra Attack icon passive feature bg3Extra Attack​ this will even give more than 1 additional attack.

Overall, this encourages having constant short rests if you want to have the full potential of the Fighter.

Level 12 - Fighter Lv 3

And we reach the final level of the Berserker Thrower build. This also requires making on major decision about which subclass to pick. There are two main contenders:

Subclass Description
eldritch knight bg3Eldritch Knight Eldritch Knight has a unique effect Weapon Bond icon action bg3Weapon Bond, that will allow you to make other weapons like Shar's Spear of Evening icon bg3Shar's Spear of Evening and Selûne's Spear of Night icon bg3Selûne's Spear of Night returnable. This is a great alternative when you have melee combatants in the group. Moreover, you also gain spell Shield, which greatly improves the survivability of the build.
champion bg3Champion This subclass is the simplest option in the whole game. The main idea here is that you get Improved Critical Hit icon passive feature bg3Improved Critical Hit,​ which increases critical hit chance. The result is a slightly improved average damage.

My personal preference is Eldritch Knight, with neat utility spells and its other features:

Overview
eldritch knight bg3Eldritch Knight
Features
Weapon Bond icon action bg3Weapon Bond Your weapon cannot be knocked out from the hand and returns when thrown. This further improves the array of weapons that you can use throughout the game as throwing ones.

Cantrips

I do not think it matters much what you pick at this point in the game. You are already close to the end and the most important aspects of your group loadout should be covered. Still, my recommended choices would be:

Cantrip Description
Friends icon action bg3Friends Can be used in dialogues to get an advantage on rolls.
Minor Illusion icon action bg3Minor Illusion Move enemies together to one place by drawing their attention. This can be perfectly exploited with Nyrulna icon bg3Nyrulna.
Mage Hand icon action bg3Mage Hand Could be used for exploration and some world interactions.

Spells

I think only one spell is needed, for the second one pick whatever you prefer:

Spell Description
Shield icon action bg3Shield Allows you to increase Armour Class by 5. This can be a big boost and negate most of the damage per turn.

Expanded

For an expanded spell list, pick one utility, or anything else. I am guessing you already have companions who can use Longstrider icon action bg3Longstrider, Enhance Leap icon action bg3Enhance Leap, etc.

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. here I will assume you did not take Strength Elixirs.

  1. Tavern Brawler icon passive feature bg3Tavern Brawler​ feat - +1 Strength
  2. Act 2 - Potion of Everlasting Vigour - +2 Strength.
  3. Ability Improvement - +2 Strength.
  4. Act 3 - Mirror of Loss - pick +2 Strength.

This will allow you to reach 22-24 natural Strength, and result in a +6 ability modifier on attacks and ability checks.

Potions, Elixirs and Consumables

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

Potions

These are general consumables, and most of them are activated for a few turns. Potions are separate from Elixirs and can be active together.

Consumable Description
Potion of Speed icon bg3Potion 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 icon action bg3Throw​ it on the ground, giving Hastened icon condition bg3Hastened​ to everyone.
Potion of Invisibility icon bg3Potion of Invisibility It can be used in two ways - the first one is to enter combat with a Surprised icon condition bg3Surprised​ round, causing enemies to skip their turn. Another option is to leave combat if you see that it is not going in your favour.
Terazul icon bg3Terazul Gives Hastened icon condition bg3Hastened​ 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 until a long rest, making them 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 icon bg3Elixir of Bloodlust As you will be able to easily kill at least the weakest foe, this ensures additional attacks per turn. Only use this if not taking the below elixirs, as otherwise your strength will be low and you will not be able to hit effectively.
Elixir of Hill Giant Strength icon bg3Elixir of Hill Giant Strength Sets 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 The Colossus icon bg3Elixir of The Colossus Provides bonus damage of 1d4 and some other good bonuses.
Elixir of Vigilance icon bg3Elixir 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 icon passive feature bg3Alert​ 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 icon passive feature bg3Favourable 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 icon passive feature bg3Luck of the Far Realms Base It's an easy way to ensure you land critical hits, especially good with Divine Smite icon action bg3Divine Smite.
Cull the Weak icon passive feature bg3Cull the Weak Base It can help to kill an enemy faster if it is left with a few HP.
Psionic Overload icon action bg3Psionic Overload Base Can be used to improve damage with additional psychic rider on each hit.
Psionic Backlash icon passive feature bg3Psionic Backlash​​ Base Excellent way to deal additional damage with reaction, early and mid game.
Transfuse Health icon action bg3Transfuse Health Base You can use it to drain health when activating Helmet of Grit icon bg3Helmet of Grit.
Ability Drain icon passive feature bg3Ability Drain Base Decreases enemy ability score, free use, so worth getting it.
Shield of Thralls icon action bg3Shield of Thralls Base Excellent option for bonus temporary HP. It can also apply Stunned icon condition bg3Stunned on foes after it is destroyed.
Illithid Expertise icon passive feature bg3Illithid Expertise Elite It can be used to maximize the effectiveness of charisma-based skills, especially those relevant to the main character.
Psionic Dominance icon passive feature bg3Psionic 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 Barbarian Tavern Brawler build effectiveness. Items are especially important as they take the build to the next level thanks to their unique effects.

I recommend checking the Item Checklists this will help you plan your run and assign items so that they do not overlap.

Act 1

Slot Item Description
melee slot bg3Melee (Two-Handed) Returning Pike icon bg3Returning Pike The only weapon you will need in Act 1-2. Although it may be boring, it will do great damage and make encounters very easy. Try to get it at levels 3-4.
ranged slot bg3Ranged Bow of Awareness icon bg3Bow of Awareness The higher initiative bonus will allow you to start your turn earlier.
Hand Crossbow +1 icon bg3Hand 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.
offhand slot bg3Shield - The build does not need a shield in Act 1.
helmet slot bg3Head Haste Helm icon bg3Haste 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 slot bg3Cloak The Deathstalker Mantle icon bg3The Deathstalker Mantle The only option in Act 1 that is okay, is by providing once-per-turn invisibility.
armor slot bg3Armor Adamantine Scale Mail icon bg3Adamantine Scale Mail Powerful armour from Grymforge, that is best worn with at least 14 Dexterity, to get Bonus Armour Class, making it equal to Heavy Armour.
Githyanki Half Plate icon bg3Githyanki 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.
gloves slot bg3Gloves Gloves of Uninhibited Kushigo icon bg3Gloves of Uninhibited Kushigo Very powerful gloves that ensure you deal bonus damage. They will lead you through most of the playthrough.
boots slot bg3Boots Disintegrating Night Walkers icon bg3Disintegrating Night Walkers Avoids slipping on various terrains and most importantly unlocks Misty Step each short rest.
Boots of Genial Striding  icon bg3Boots of Genial Striding No impact when moving on difficult terrain, this allows you to position yourself for perfect shots.
amulet slot bg3Amulet Amulet of Misty Step icon bg3Amulet 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.
ring slot bg3Rings Ring of Flinging icon bg3Ring of Flinging The best ring for Act 1, and it will be used up until Act 3.
Caustic Band icon bg3Caustic 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 icon bg3Ring of Protection Gives defensive bonuses to Armour Class and Saving Throws.

Act 2 - mid-game

This is the mid-game, where most of the areas will be covered by dark. Radiant equipment will shine here and having Darkvision icon passive feature bg3Darkvision​ is recommended. You also can get some great items, albeit some will stay the same from Act 1.

Slot Item Description
melee slot bg3Melee (One-Handed) Shar's Spear of Evening icon bg3Shar'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 endgame weapons or Nyrulna icon bg3Nyrulna. It is an alternative version of Selûne's Spear of Night icon bg3Selûne's Spear of Night. It will not return when thrown, but depending on your Fighter subclass it may be a good choice in Act 3.
Selûne's Spear of Night icon bg3Selûne's Spear of Night Very powerful option as it can buff allies with 1d4 damage, and create difficult terrain. It is an alternative version to Shar's Spear of Evening icon bg3Shar's Spear of Evening. It will not return when thrown, but depending on your Fighter subclass it may be a good choice in Act 3.
Lightning Jabber icon bg3Lightning Jabber Excellent thrown weapon, that sadly does not have return property. Still, later, when you get Eldritch Knight you can use Weapon Bond icon action bg3Weapon Bond​ to make it returnable and have a solid weapon.
melee slot bg3Melee (Two-Handed) Returning Pike icon bg3Returning Pike Still, the best weapon to use due to return on throw.
ranged slot bg3Ranged Darkfire Shortbow icon bg3Darkfire Shortbow Although not mandatory, this bow is useful as it can apply Haste icon action bg3Haste​ without spell slots. As Berserker, you should only do this before combat as otherwise, you waste 2 attacks.
offhand slot bg3Shield - As the build uses two-handed weapons for Act 2, no point in using a shield for now.
helmet slot bg3Head Dark Justiciar Helmet icon bg3Dark 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 icon bg3Marksmanship Hat Gives +1 to attack rolls. This is a minor improvement, especially as you have substantial bonuses from Tavern Brawler icon passive feature bg3Tavern Brawler​ already.
Covert Cowl icon bg3Covert Cowl Provides a bonus critical chance while obscured. The first helmet in the game that will offer this bonus.
cloak slot bg3Cloak Cloak of Protection icon bg3Cloak of Protection Improves survivability and Saving Throw success.
armor slot bg3Armor Yuan-ti Scale Mail icon bg3Yuan-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 icon bg3Adamantine Scale Mail
Adamantine Scale Mail icon bg3Adamantine 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 slot bg3Gloves Gloves of Uninhibited Kushigo icon bg3Gloves of Uninhibited Kushigo Still the best option until later in Act 3.
Flawed Helldusk Gloves icon bg3Flawed Helldusk Gloves Similar to the ones above, but changes the bonus damage to fire.
boots slot bg3Boots Evasive Shoes icon bg3Evasive Shoes Bonus armor class for higher survivability.
Disintegrating Night Walkers icon bg3Disintegrating Night Walkers The boots are still a good option in Act 2.
amulet slot bg3Amulet Surgeon's Subjugation Amulet icon bg3Surgeon's Subjugation Amulet The only amulet that can indirectly help Berserker Tavern Brawler build by paralyzing on a critical hit.
Amulet of the Harpers icon bg3Amulet of the Harpers An alternative to the amulet above if taken by another member. Gives bonus survivability and allows casting Shield icon action bg3Shield​ with reaction.
ring slot bg3Rings Ring of Flinging icon bg3Ring of Flinging This ring still rocks and should always be equipped.
Shadow-Cloaked Ring icon bg3Shadow-Cloaked Ring One of the best rings in terms of damage.
Caustic Band icon bg3Caustic Band 2 Acid damage on any kind of attack. With multiple attacks, the bonus is substantial.
Callous Glow Ring icon bg3Callous Glow Ring Easily get bonus damage if creatures are illuminated, this can be done by casting Light icon action bg3Light​ on yourself by an ally, and let them stand close to the foes.

Act 3 - Final Build setup

This is the last act of the game, where you will get access to the most powerful items. Getting them as early as possible will need some planning, but overall, it should not be a problem.

Act 3 gives so many different items, that the build can be changed multiple times as you explore it. For example:

  • Going with Thrown weapon and Shield
  • Thrown weapon and Dual Wielder icon passive feature bg3Dual Wielder​ a shortsword or dagger for various bonuses
  • Using a Thrown weapon, equipping Bhaalist Armour icon bg3Bhaalist Armour, and going in melee range for double-throw damage.

Each of these provides different options based on your risk appetite and expected damage output. Of course, the silliest and the strongest is the last one:

 

Weapon and Shield

This is another option where you skip Dual Wielder icon passive feature bg3Dual Wielder​ feat and instead concentrate on single-handed thrown weapons and shields. This option may be picked if your other characters have taken the offhand weapons or you want to have increased survivability with bonus AC from the shield.

Slot Item Description
melee slot bg3Melee (Main - Hand) Nyrulna icon bg3Nyrulna
(BiS)
I would say the simplest and most powerful pick for this build. Sadly, it comes with a caveat - area of effect thunder damage. Although this is good, it can hit allies or other friendly NPCs, sometimes creating more problems. So consider this when choosing it.
Shar's Spear of Evening icon bg3Shar's Spear of Evening If you were able to acquire it, this is a compelling weapon option, but it requires you to use Weapon Bond icon action bg3Weapon Bond​ so that it would return.
Selûne's Spear of Night icon bg3Selûne's Spear of Night Alternative to Nyrulna icon bg3Nyrulna if you want to avoid the area of effect thunder damage. As I mentioned before you can get either this version or Shar's Spear of Evening icon bg3Shar's Spear of Evening. You will also need to Weapon Bond icon action bg3Weapon Bond​ it.
Lightning Jabber icon bg3Lightning Jabber The lightning damage rider is still a decent damage boost. Requires Weapon Bond icon action bg3Weapon Bond​ for it to return.
Dwarven Thrower icon bg3Dwarven Thrower The best-throwing weapon if you are a dwarf. The weapon is a very good choice with its +1d8 bonus damage and further boosts against large targets.
offhand slot bg3Shield Viconia's Walking Fortress icon bg3Viconia's Walking Fortress
(BiS)
The strongest shield in the game. Has a special shield bash reaction that deals force damage. Moreover, gives good resistance to spells.
Swires' Sledboard icon bg3Swires' Sledboard Provides Force Conduit each turn, decreasing the damage that the wielder receives.

Dual Wielding Setup

This option is if you took the Dual Wielder icon passive feature bg3Dual Wielder​ feat. The main feature while dual wielding, after you Throw icon action bg3Throw​ a weapon, is that it returns to your off-hand. This seems strange, but unfortunately, that's how it works technically.

Slot Item Description
melee slot bg3Melee (Off-Hand) Rhapsody icon bg3Rhapsody Amazing weapon that improves your damage and attack rolls for each enemy killed. The maximum bonus is +3 on each attack that you do. The best option when using the Dual Wielder icon passive feature bg3Dual Wielder​ feat. Sadly, this item is highly contested, especially by other caster builds.
Blade of the First Blood icon bg3Blade of the First Blood This weapon enables double damage with its special effect. However, this requires you to hit an enemy with it. Then you are required to use melee throws. This is not a big problem even with the attack roll penalty, as you have huge bonuses from Tavern Brawler icon passive feature bg3Tavern Brawler. However, this melee approach could not be for everyone. It is an alternative to Bhaalist Armour icon bg3Bhaalist Armour
Knife of the Undermountain King icon bg3Knife of the Undermountain King The perfect weapon for dual-wielding provides some damage optimization and increases critical chance range. It is not as good as the above choices but perfect for early Act 3.
melee slot bg3Melee (Main - Hand) Nyrulna icon bg3Nyrulna
(BiS)
I would say the simplest and most powerful pick for this build. Sadly, it comes with a caveat - area of effect thunder damage. Although this is good, it can hit allies or other friendly NPCs, sometimes creating more problems. So consider this when choosing it.
Lightning Jabber icon bg3Lightning Jabber Once you get Weapon Bond icon action bg3Weapon Bond, this becomes one of the best piercing throwing weapons. What makes it special is that it has an additional lightning damage rider. Moreover, unlike Nyrulna icon bg3Nyrulna it will not damage allies.
Shar's Spear of Evening icon bg3Shar's Spear of Evening Alternative to Nyrulna icon bg3Nyrulna if you want to avoid the area of effect thunder damage. As I mentioned before you can get either this version or Selûne's Spear of Night icon bg3Selûne's Spear of Night. You will also need to Weapon Bond icon action bg3Weapon Bond​ it.
Dwarven Thrower icon bg3Dwarven Thrower The best-throwing weapon if you are a dwarf. The weapon is a very good choice with its +1d8 bonus damage and further boosts against large targets.
Selûne's Spear of Night icon bg3Selûne's Spear of Night Alternative to Nyrulna icon bg3Nyrulna if you want to avoid the area of effect thunder damage. As I mentioned before, you can get either this version or Shar's Spear of Evening icon bg3Shar's Spear of Evening. You will also need to Weapon Bond icon action bg3Weapon Bond​ it.

Other Items

The rest of the items that the build utilizes

Slot Item Description
ranged slot bg3Ranged The Dead Shot icon bg3The Dead Shot The best bow for critical increase. Overall, it is not a huge damage boost, but still more than nothing.
Hellrider Longbow icon bg3Hellrider Longbow Provides +3 Initiative boost, especially valuable if you did not take Alert icon passive feature bg3Alert​ feat.
helmet slot bg3Head Helmet of Grit icon bg3Helmet of Grit
(BiS)
The best helmet for Berserk Thrower. The additional bonus action is a huge damage boost, but it requires you to be at 50% HP. For this reason, I recommend wearing an Amulet of Greater Health icon bg3Amulet of Greater Health for the maximum amount of HP.
Horns of the Berserker icon bg3Horns of the Berserker The bonus damage also works for unarmed attacks
Sarevok's Horned Helmet icon bg3Sarevok's Horned Helmet The only helmet in Act 3 that provides a bonus critical chance.
cloak slot bg3Cloak Cloak of Displacement icon bg3Cloak of Displacement
(BiS)
Improves the chances of attacks missing the wearer until they get hit for that turn.
armor slot bg3Armor Bhaalist Armour icon bg3Bhaalist Armour This is light armor, so you should be maximizing your Dexterity and have it at least at 16, to get a high Armour Class. Together with any Piercing weapon (Nyrulna icon bg3Nyrulna, Lightning Jabber icon bg3Lightning Jabber, etc.), you can deal frightening amounts of damage due to the Aura Of Murder icon passive feature bg3Aura Of Murder​ effect. However, this requires you to be in melee range. Moreover, the armor could be taken by another, more relevant build in the group.
Armour of Agility icon bg3Armour of Agility The armor does not limit the Dexterity bonus to AC. So you can again make sure to have it at 16.
Bonespike Garb icon bg3Bonespike Garb Provides temporary HP and reduces incoming damage when Rage icon action bg3Rage​ is active.
Unwanted Masterwork Scalemail icon bg3Unwanted Masterwork Scalemail Another option for medium armor that gives a full Armor Class boost from Dexterity.
gloves slot bg3Gloves Legacy of the Masters icon bg3Legacy of the Masters
(BiS)
Gives a solid +2 damage boost, which can be doubled if using a piercing throw weapon + Bhaalist Armour icon bg3Bhaalist Armour for vulnerability.
Helldusk Gloves icon bg3Helldusk Gloves Gives a solid bonus of 1d6 fire damage on hit, and provides a fire spell with Strength as a casting ability!
boots slot bg3Boots Helldusk Boots icon bg3Helldusk Boots
(BiS)
Allows avoiding failed Saving Throws, and uses reaction to change the outcome. Moreover, provides bonus actions for mobility and damage.
Boots of Persistence icon bg3Boots of Persistence Gives a huge boost to mobility and avoids difficult terrain.
amulet slot bg3Amulet Amulet of Greater Health icon bg3Amulet of Greater Health
(BiS)
Makes any Constitution ability investment redundant, as it maximizes it to 23 points.
Surgeon's Subjugation Amulet icon bg3Surgeon's Subjugation Amulet Still a good choice if you find it useful.
ring slot bg3Rings Ring of Flinging icon bg3Ring of Flinging
(BiS)
The 1d4 bonus damage is a solid option till the end of the game.
Shadow-Cloaked Ring icon bg3Shadow-Cloaked Ring A solid damage boost, sadly, only activates when enemies are at least Lightly Obscured icon condition bg3Lightly Obscured. Sadly, it does not work with Nyrulna icon bg3Nyrulna.
Caustic Band icon bg3Caustic Band 2 Acid damage on any kind of attack. With multiple attacks, the bonus is substantial. Can be equipped after Killer's Sweetheart icon bg3Killer's Sweetheart has been used
Killer's Sweetheart icon bg3Killer's Sweetheart Guarantees a critical hit once per Long rest. Moreover, it can change an attack that misses and turn it into a critical.

How to use the Build

Now I would like to cover some general tips on how to play the Berserker Tavern Brawler build.

Important Mechanics and Combos

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

Using melee attacks

One thing that may blindside you is that you can only throw. Definitely not, as you are as effective in melee combat as in ranged throwing. Of course, the bonuses from Tavern Brawler icon passive feature bg3Tavern Brawler​ are so ridiculous that even with penalties from close range, it is still usually better to use Throw icon action bg3Throw​ attacks in melee range.

zephyr flash description bg3

But some weapons have amazing melee actions, that can knock back or debilitate enemies. So don't sleep on them if the opportunity arises and the enemy is close by.

Crushing Damage

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.

crushing damage throwing baldurs gate 3

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 do not know if this is a bug or intended but sometimes, if 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.

Have an ally with Phalar Aluve icon bg3Phalar Aluve equipped

This sword provides one of the most powerful buffs in the game. This decreases enemy Saving Throw rolls of Charisma, Intelligence, and Wisdom. But more importantly, each hit that you or your ally does adds a bonus 1d4 Thunder damage. So multiple attacks that you do, will stack up quite neatly against enemies.

Using Helmet of Grit icon bg3Helmet of Grit

If you will be using this amazing item in the late game, make sure to have your health at 50% or less. You can also use Transfuse Health icon action bg3Transfuse Health​ to activate it instantly.

Early Game Combat

To be honest, Thrower builds are as simple as it gets. Before obtaining Returning Pike icon bg3Returning Pike you can just attack in melee range, or use any random spear for throwing. Once you get the pike here is the main sequence you have to do:

  1. Use Frenzy icon action bg3Frenzy​ once in combat
  2. Use Throw with Returning Pike icon bg3Returning Pike
  3. Finish your turn
  4. Use Throw
  5. Use Enraged Throw icon action bg3Enraged Throw​ with a bonus action

Rinse and repeat, pretty simple, right? At level 5, you will get an Extra Attack icon passive feature bg3Extra Attack​ for an additional Throw with an action.

Late Game Combat

Here things get a little bit interesting, but overall, the same sequence repeats. Before combat, if using a Helmet of Grit icon bg3Helmet of Grit make sure you have 50% health.

  1. Use Frenzy icon action bg3Frenzy​ at the start of the combat
  2. Use up your main action with Throw.
  3. Do multiple times Enraged Throw icon action bg3Enraged Throw
  4. Activate Action Surge icon action bg3Action Surge
  5. Do more Throws

Still, simple, but now you do much more damage compared to the early game.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading the Barbarian Berserk Thrower build for Baldur's Gate 3. Using Tavern Brawler icon passive feature bg3Tavern Brawler​ or most of the builds makes them very powerful and the same is true here. The post will help you with leveling progression and the best gear in each act.

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