Gnome Path of the Berserker Barbarian Build Guide
Unleashing a Gnome’s pint-sized fury with the Path of the Berserker creates an unstoppable, magically resilient frontline striker that defies all expectations.
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Why Path of the Berserker?
Don't let their small size fool you; a Gnome Path of the Berserker Barbarian is a terrifying force on the battlefield. As a Striker, your main job is to rush into melee and deal massive damage. When you enter a Frenzy, you can make an extra melee attack as a bonus action on each of your turns. While this extra power comes with a cost of exhaustion, it lets your small-statured warrior output incredible offensive pressure that rivals much larger foes.
What makes a Gnome uniquely suited for this brutal path is their innate defense against magic. Thanks to Gnomish Cunning, you gain advantage on Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma saving throws against spells. Barbarians are notoriously vulnerable to mind-controlling magic, but this trait shores up your mental defenses perfectly. Combined with Mindless Rage, which makes you immune to being charmed or frightened while raging, you become a relentless juggernaut that enemy spellcasters simply cannot shut down.
Path of the Berserker Features
Frenzy
Level 3If you use the Reckless Attack while your Rage is active, you deal extra damage to the first target you hit on your turn with a Strength-based attack. To determine the extra damage, roll a number of d6s equal to your Rage Damage bonus and add them together. The damage is the same type as the weapon or Unarmed Strike used for the attack.
Mindless Rage
Level 6You have immunity to the Charmed and Frightened conditions while your Rage is active. If you are Charmed or Frightened when you enter your Rage, the condition ends.
Retaliation
Level 10When you take damage from a creature within 5 feet of you, you can use your Reaction to make a Melee attack with a weapon or an Unarmed Strike against that creature.
Intimidating Presence
Level 14As a Bonus Action, you can instill fear in others with your menacing presence and primal power. Creatures of your choice within 30 feet of you must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw or become Frightened of you until the end of your next turn.
Recommended Ability Scores
Gnome Traits That Benefit Path of the Berserker Barbarian
Gnomish Cunning
Extra saving throw advantages protect against debilitating spells and effects.
Darkvision
Gnome Darkvision helps Barbarians scout ahead and fight in darkness without needing a torch.
Combat Effectiveness
| Level | HP | Melee DPR | Ranged DPR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 | 50 | 7.8 | 6.05 |
| Level 11 | 104 | 7.15 | 5.5 |
| Level 17 | 158 | 7.15 | 5.5 |
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Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ♦ Path of the Berserker grants Frenzy at level 3
- ♦ High hit points for frontline durability
- ♦ Highest possible hit die (d12)
- ♦ Darkvision for dungeon exploration
- ♦ Strong melee damage output
Weaknesses
- ♦ Low Charisma limits social interactions
- ♦ Limited ranged and magical options without multiclassing
- ♦ Small size limits heavy weapon usage
Pro Tips
Use your Darkvision to spot enemies in pitch-black dungeons, allowing you to leap forward and trigger a Frenzy before they can react.
Save your Frenzy for tough boss fights, as the exhaustion penalty can add up quickly if you use it during minor skirmishes.
Rely on Gnomish Cunning and Mindless Rage to fearlessly charge enemy spellcasters, knowing you are highly resistant to their mind-disrupting magic.
Position yourself in the thick of battle to trigger Retaliation when enemies dare to strike your small but incredibly tough Gnome.
Other Barbarian Subclasses for Gnome
Other Races for Path of the Berserker Barbarian
Frequently Asked Questions
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