DnD Shorts joins us to discuss changes to the Barbarian class in the 2024 edition of Dungeons & Dragons Players Handbook.

We discuss:

• The new Rage feature
• Primal Knowledge and out-of-combat utility
• Enhanced Brutal Strike
• Epic Boons and the capstone feature
• Why the 2024 Barbarian is a winner compared to the 2014 version!

Tune in for a deep dive into the mechanics, flavor, and what makes the new Barbarian more versatile and fun to play!

Summary

In this episode, DnD Shorts joins Ash, Tyler, and Randall and break down the Barbarian class updates in the 2024 edition of Dungeons & Dragons. They discuss the shortcomings of the 2014 Barbarian, focusing on its melee-centric design and limited utility outside of combat. The conversation then shifts to the 2024 rules, covering key updates such as:

• Rage feature adjustments
• The introduction of Primal Knowledge
• Improvements to Brutal Strike
• The new Epic Boons
• Changes to the Primal Champion capstone feature

The hosts praise these changes, agreeing that the 2024 Barbarian is more versatile, engaging, and balanced compared to both the 2014 version and Natasha's Barbarian. They particularly appreciate the enhanced mechanics, flavor, and subclass options, while also noting potential concerns with the push/slow mechanics and the increasing emphasis on ranged combat.

Overall, they declare the 2024 Barbarian a clear winner, delivering a more enjoyable play experience for fans of the class.

Links

• Children International
• Will, DnD Shorts
• DnD Shorts on Youtube
• DnD Shorts on TikTok
• Ryoko’s Guide to the Yokai Realms
• Content from RPGBOT.net
• 2024 DnD 5e Transition Guide
• 2024 DnD 5e Barbarian Class Guide
• 2024 DnD 5e Barbarian Subclasses Guide
• 2024 DnD 5e Path of the World Tree Barbarian Subclass Guide
• RPGBOT.Podcast
• BARBARIAN Levels 1 - 4: The Frat Bro' of the DnD World
• BARBARIANS Levels 5 – 20: Woohoo! Smash, smash, smashy smash! – RPGBOT.Podcast S4E77

Takeaways

• The 2014 Barbarian class had problems with its melee focus and lack of out-of-combat utility.
• The 2024 Barbarian class has made significant improvements, including changes to the Rage feature and the addition of Primal Knowledge.
• The improvements to Brutal Strike make it a more powerful and versatile feature.
• The Epic Boons and Primal Champion capstone feature add further enhancements to the Barbarian class.
• Overall, the changes to the Barbarian class make it more versatile and enjoyable to play. The 2024 Barbarian is considered better than both the 2014 Barbarian and Natasha's Barbarian.
• The improvements in mechanics, flavor, and subclass options are highlighted.
• The push and slow mechanics and the dominance of ranged combat are potential issues.
• The Barbarian is considered a winner in the 2024 rules.

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How to Find Us:

In-depth articles, guides, handbooks, reviews, news on Tabletop Role Playing at RPGBOT.net

Tyler Kamstra

• Twitter: @RPGBOTDOTNET
• Facebook: rpgbotbotdotnet
• Bluesky:rpgbot.bsky.social

Ash Ely

• Professional Game Master on StartPlaying.Games
• Twitter: @GravenAshes
• YouTube@ashravenmedia

Randall James

• @JackAmateur
• Amateurjack.com

Producer Dan

• @Lzr_illuminati