Understanding the Barbarian/Rogue Multiclass
The "Barb Rogue" refers to a character build in tabletop role-playing games, most notably Dungeons & Dragons, that combines levels in the Barbarian class with levels in the Rogue class. This multiclass aims to blend the raw power, resilience, and offensive capabilities of a Barbarian with the skill proficiency, stealth, and precision damage of a Rogue.
Core Synergies and Strengths
This combination offers several compelling advantages:
- Reckless Attack & Sneak Attack: A Barbarian's Reckless Attack grants advantage on Strength-based melee attack rolls. If using a finesse weapon with Strength (e.g., a rapier wielded with Strength), this advantage can reliably trigger the Rogue's Sneak Attack, significantly boosting single-target damage.
- Enhanced Survivability: Barbarians bring high hit points (d12 hit die), and Rage provides resistance to bludgeoning, piercing, and slashing damage. Rogues contribute Uncanny Dodge (halving damage from an attack) and Evasion (avoiding damage on successful Dexterity saves), making the character exceptionally durable.
- Mobility and Action Economy: Barbarian's Fast Movement increases speed, while the Rogue's Cunning Action allows for a bonus action Dash, Disengage, or Hide. This combination makes the character highly mobile and flexible in combat positioning.
- Skill Versatility: Rogues gain numerous skill proficiencies and Expertise, which can cover a Barbarian's typical skill gaps, making the character effective both in and out of combat.
- Damage Output: The flat damage bonus from Rage (when using Strength) complements the scaling dice from Sneak Attack, providing consistent and burst damage potential.
Common Build Considerations
When building a Barbarian/Rogue, several factors are key:
- Attribute Focus: Strength is vital for Barbarian features (Rage damage, Reckless Attack). Dexterity is important for AC (if unarmored or in light armor), Rogue skills, and finesse weapon attacks (though Strength can be used with finesse weapons for Reckless Attack + Sneak Attack synergy). Constitution is crucial for hit points.
- Weapon Choice: To enable Sneak Attack, a finesse or ranged weapon must be used. For the Reckless Attack synergy with Sneak Attack, a melee finesse weapon (like a rapier or scimitar) attacked using Strength is optimal.
- Level Split: The ratio of Barbarian to Rogue levels depends on the desired focus.
- More Barbarian levels (e.g., Barbarian 5 / Rogue X): Prioritizes Extra Attack, higher Rage damage, and Barbarian subclass features.
- More Rogue levels (e.g., Barbarian 2-3 / Rogue X): Focuses on maximizing Sneak Attack dice, Cunning Action utility, and Rogue subclass features, while dipping Barbarian for Rage and Reckless Attack.
- Subclass Synergy:
- Barbarian Path: Path of the Totem Warrior (Bear) is popular for extreme tankiness. Path of the Zealot adds extra radiant or necrotic damage.
- Rogue Archetype: Assassin provides advantage against surprised creatures. Thief offers Fast Hands for bonus action item interactions. Swashbuckler can enable Sneak Attack more easily without needing advantage if no other creature is within 5 feet of the target.
Playing a Barbarian/Rogue
Combat Role: Typically a high-damage striker and skirmisher. They can dive into melee, absorb hits with Rage, and deliver potent attacks. Their mobility allows them to pick targets and reposition effectively.
Out-of-Combat Utility: With Rogue skills, particularly those enhanced by Expertise (like Stealth, Athletics, Perception, or Thieves' Tools), they can contribute significantly to exploration, infiltration, and social encounters where intimidation or perception might be key.
Limitations: Rage prevents spellcasting and concentrating on spells. The build is primarily melee-focused if optimizing Reckless Attack with Sneak Attack. Heavy armor is generally not used, as it negates many Barbarian benefits.
Ultimately, the Barbarian/Rogue is a versatile and potent multiclass that excels at dealing damage while maintaining impressive resilience and out-of-combat utility, making it a popular choice for players seeking a dynamic and effective character.
