Pure 12 Giant Barbarian BG3 Build |
This guide teaches you how to build a Pure Level 12 Giant Barbarian focused on throwing weapons and battlefield control. The core idea is simple: become a living siege engine. You use Giant’s Rage to grow in size and damage, then exploit the Thrown property and Elemental Cleaver mechanics to repeatedly hurl returning weapons and create elemental terrain effects that punish clustered enemies. The build trades spellcasting and finesse for raw physical and elemental disruption, excelling at breaking enemy formations, tossing foes into hazards, and turning the battlefield into a trap.
This playstyle emphasizes three pillars: sustained thrown damage, area control through elemental interactions, and survivability while baiting enemy focus. You will be the party’s primary crowd controller and hazard exploiter, not a subtle skirmisher. Expect to be in the thick of fights, drawing attention and converting enemy positioning into damage.
Character creation and early choices
Choose a race that boosts Strength or Constitution. A +2 Strength race accelerates your damage curve and reduces reliance on consumables. If you prefer roleplay variety, pick a race that fits your character concept but still gives a Strength bonus. For background, anything that grants Athletics or Intimidation is useful; Athletics helps with shoves and environmental interactions, Intimidation fits the giant persona.
For ability scores, prioritize Strength first, then Constitution. A recommended spread at creation (point‑buy or standard array) is to push Strength to the highest allowed and put remaining points into Constitution. Dexterity and Wisdom are secondary; you don’t need high Dexterity because your defense comes from HP and rage resistances, not AC. Keep enough Wisdom to avoid being an easy target for certain saves, but don’t overinvest.
Choose the Path of Giants subclass (or the equivalent Giant subclass available in your game version) as soon as it’s offered. The subclass is the engine of this build: it turns rage into size and throwing power, and grants the elemental and impel mechanics that let you manipulate the battlefield.
At level 1, pick equipment that includes at least one reliable thrown weapon. If you can find a returning spear or javelin early, prioritize it. If not, any heavy thrown weapon will do until you acquire returning gear.
Stats and ability progression through level 12
Your long‑term goal is to maximize Strength and keep Constitution high enough to sustain rage. Aim to reach a Strength of 20 by level 12 if possible, either through ability score improvements (ASIs), items, or consumables. If you prefer not to invest all ASIs into Strength, use one ASI for Tough or a defensive feat to increase HP.
Suggested ability focus:
Strength — Primary. Every point increases throw damage and hit chance.
Constitution — Secondary. Increases HP and improves concentration saves for allies who rely on you to hold the line.
Dexterity — Tertiary. Only raise if you need initiative or specific saves.
Wisdom — Keep moderate for perception and some saves.
ASIs and feats timeline (example path):
Level 4: Tavern Brawler (if available) or +2 Strength.
Level 8: Tough or +2 Strength to push toward 20.
Level 12: +2 Strength or a situational feat like Brutal Critical or Mage Slayer depending on your campaign needs.
If Tavern Brawler is available as a feat, it’s highly recommended because it improves hit reliability for improvised and thrown attacks and gives you a useful unarmed damage boost when you need to follow up in melee.
Feats and talent choices explained
Feats are the levers that tune this build. Tavern Brawler is the most synergistic because it increases your chance to hit with improvised attacks and thrown objects, which is the backbone of a thrower build. It also makes improvised follow‑ups more reliable when you’re in melee and want to keep pressure on a target without switching weapons.
Tough is a straightforward durability pick. More HP means longer rage uptime and more opportunities to use Giant subclass features. If you prefer offensive scaling, Brutal Critical increases your critical damage, which pairs well with high Strength and Reckless Attack.
Mage Slayer is a niche but powerful choice if your campaign features many enemy spellcasters. It lets you punish casters who try to control or debuff your party, and it synergizes with the close‑range, in‑their‑face nature of the Giant Barbarian.
If your campaign allows variant feats or homebrew, consider any option that grants returning thrown weapons, extra throws, or elemental procs.
Gear priorities and how to find them
Gear transforms the build from “fun” to “broken.” The three most important gear traits are returning, elemental procs, and defensive sustain. Returning weapons let you throw your best gear repeatedly without losing it. Elemental procs (fire, cold, lightning, acid, thunder) let you create terrain effects and status interactions that multiply your damage. Defensive items that increase HP, grant resistances, or improve saving throws keep you alive while you bait enemies.
Early game: secure a reliable thrown weapon. If you can’t find a returning weapon immediately, use a cheap javelin or spear and conserve your best gear until you find a returning item. Look for gloves, rings, or boots that add elemental damage or movement bonuses.
Mid game: prioritize items that add elemental effects. Boots that increase movement let you reposition for better throws. Gloves that boost thrown damage or grant extra attacks are ideal. If you find a weapon that returns and adds elemental damage, that’s the holy grail—equip it and build your tactics around it.
Late game: stack HP and resistances. Equip items that increase Strength or grant temporary Strength boosts. If you can find items that let you throw as a bonus action or grant extra attacks while enraged, those are top tier.
How to find gear: explore thoroughly, complete side quests, loot corpses, and check merchants after major story beats. Many of the best items are rewards for exploration or hidden in optional encounters. Trade with NPCs and keep an eye on vendor inventories after major area clears.
Combat tactics and sample turns
This build is about positioning, timing, and maximizing splash. You want to be the center of attention, but not the first to die. Use rage as both offense and defense: it increases damage and grants resistances that let you trade hits.
Opening a fight: move into position so enemies cluster or can be forced to cluster. Activate Giant’s Rage before your first throw to gain size and damage bonuses. If an ally has a crowding spell (Grease, Web, Entangle), coordinate so enemies are grouped when you throw.
Primary turn example: activate Giant’s Rage, throw a returning weapon at the densest cluster, then use movement or a bonus action to reposition for a follow‑up throw or to shove an enemy into a hazard. If you have an ability like Mighty Impel, use it to toss a key enemy into a pit or off a ledge. If the thrown weapon returns, you can repeat this pattern on subsequent turns without losing your best gear.
When to use Reckless Attack: use Reckless Attack when you need to ensure a hit on a high‑value target and you can rely on rage resistances to soak counterattacks. Reckless Attack increases your chance to hit but also makes you easier to hit, so use it when you have backup or when the target is the immediate threat.
Against casters: close quickly and use your size to block line of sight. If you have Mage Slayer, use it to punish spellcasters who try to cast in melee. If not, coordinate with allies to silence or stun casters while you keep them pinned.
Environmental play: this build shines when you use the environment. Toss enemies into fire, water, or off cliffs. Use elemental throws to create ice or fire surfaces that slow or damage enemies. If an ally can create a wet surface, throw a lightning‑element weapon to chain damage through the group.
Sustain and recovery: keep a healer or potions handy. Use rage strategically; don’t waste it on trivial fights. If you’re low on HP, fall back, let an ally tank for a turn, and re‑enter the fray when you’re topped up.
Party composition and synergy
The Giant Barbarian thrower is best paired with controllers and casters who can group enemies and create surfaces. A wizard or druid who can cast Grease, Web, or create water surfaces multiplies your value because your elemental throws convert those surfaces into additional damage and control. A rogue or ranger who can capitalize on enemies you pin or shove will increase overall party damage.
A healer or buffer is essential. You will draw aggro and take hits; a cleric or life‑support caster keeps you raging longer. A support character who can grant advantage or increase enemy vulnerability (faerie fire, hold person) makes your throws land more reliably.
Avoid parties that lack crowd control or healing. Without allies who can group enemies or keep you alive, the thrower’s potential is limited. If you must play with a less synergistic party, focus on single‑target throws and use environmental hazards more aggressively.
Roleplay and tactical mindset
Play the Giant Barbarian as a force of nature. Your presence should change how enemies behave. Use intimidation and physical presence to shape encounters before they begin. In dialogue, lean into the giant persona: blunt, direct, and physically imposing. Use your Athletics and Intimidation to open alternative solutions to fights, and remember that throwing things isn’t just combat—use it to interact with the environment and solve puzzles.
Tactically, think like a siege engine. You don’t chase single targets; you break formations. You don’t hide; you draw fire. You don’t conserve rage for trivial fights; you use it to create opportunities for your party. When you see a clustered enemy group, that’s your moment.
Consumables and situational tools
Potions that boost Strength or grant temporary resistances are valuable. Throwing consumables like alchemist’s fire or acid flasks can be used as improvised thrown weapons if you lack returning gear. Scrolls or items that create terrain (oil, fire) are excellent when combined with elemental throws.
Keep a stock of healing potions and at least one item that grants temporary Strength or extra attacks. If your campaign allows crafting, prioritize crafting or enchanting returning thrown weapons and elemental procs.
Troubleshooting common problems
If your throws miss frequently, check hit chance modifiers and consider swapping to Tavern Brawler or increasing Strength. If you lose your thrown weapon often, prioritize returning items or use improvised objects that are expendable. If you die too quickly, invest in Tough, equip defensive trinkets, and coordinate with your healer to avoid being focused down.
If enemies are spread out, use movement and crowding spells from allies to cluster them. If you face many flying enemies, consider a ranged backup plan or a party member who can ground or control flyers.
Alternatives and variations
If you want a hybrid, consider a two‑level dip into Fighter for Action Surge and a fighting style that improves thrown attacks, but be aware this delays late‑game subclass features. A multiclass into Rogue is possible for single‑target burst and sneak attack synergy, but it dilutes the pure Giant subclass scaling. Pure Path of Giants remains the most consistent and powerful route for a dedicated thrower.
If your campaign lacks returning weapons, build around improvised throws and Tavern Brawler, and use consumables to maintain damage output. If you prefer a more defensive playstyle, swap offensive ASIs for Tough and defensive items.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tavern Brawler required for this build? No. Tavern Brawler is highly recommended because it improves hit reliability and makes improvised attacks more viable, but you can succeed without it if you invest heavily in Strength and secure returning weapons early.
Do I need Strength potions to be effective? Strength potions are helpful for temporary spikes, especially in boss fights, but they are not required if you plan your ASIs and gear to reach high Strength by level 12.
Which thrown weapons are best? Returning weapons with elemental procs are best. If you can find a returning spear, javelin, or axe that also adds elemental damage, that weapon becomes your primary tool for creating terrain effects and repeated high damage.
Should I multiclass? Multiclassing is possible but not necessary. Pure Path of Giants reaches its peak power at higher levels; multiclassing trades late subclass features for utility. If you want Action Surge or a fighting style, a Fighter dip is an option, but expect slower growth in subclass power.
How do I handle ranged or flying enemies? Coordinate with allies who can ground or control flyers. If none are available, use ranged thrown weapons as a fallback and focus on environmental hazards that affect flying enemies when possible.
What if my party lacks crowd control? You can still play a thrower, but you’ll need to rely more on environmental hazards and single‑target throws. Consider investing in items that increase movement or grant extra throws to maintain pressure.
How do I maximize elemental interactions? Work with allies to create wet or flammable surfaces, then throw elemental weapons that exploit those surfaces. For example, create a wet surface and throw a lightning or cold elemental weapon to chain effects and control movement.
Closing notes and final tips
This build rewards creativity and environmental awareness. The Giant Barbarian thrower is not a passive damage dealer; it’s an active battlefield manipulator. You win by forcing enemies into bad positions, exploiting terrain, and repeatedly applying elemental effects with returning weapons. Keep your Strength high, secure returning and elemental gear, and coordinate with controllers and healers.
Act by act gear plan
| Act | Recommended item and why | Where to find |
|---|---|---|
| Act 1 Returning Pike | Returning Pike for reliable repeated throws early; keeps your best weapon in hand | Goblin Camp trader or loot vendors |
| Act 2 Slinging Shoes or Comeback Handaxe | Slinging Shoes for quirky ranged options or Comeback Handaxe as a cheap homing throw | Tara vendor route or Akabi wheel rewards |
| Act 3 Nyrulna Trident or Legendary Returning Weapons | Nyrulna for late‑game explosive thrown effects and mobility; top tier returning weapon | Akabi jackpot quest and Act 3 locked chest |
Sources: .
Use Elemental Cleaver while enraged to add elemental damage and make your equipped weapon gain Thrown and return, enabling repeated elemental throws without losing the weapon. Combine returning weapons with gloves or rings that add elemental procs to create terrain interactions (ice, fire, lightning) and maximize splash damage.
Where to prioritize specific slots and why
Boots: mobility or special throw items like Slinging Shoes to reposition and create throw angles. Gloves: anything that boosts thrown damage or adds elemental riders. Rings/Amulets: Strength or HP boosts; items that grant temporary Strength are excellent for boss spikes. Main hand: always prefer a returning weapon once available; it’s the single biggest quality‑of‑life and damage multiplier for this build.
Detailed level and feat timeline with exact ASI choices
Level 1–4 focus on establishing core stats and the first feat. Put initial points into Strength and Constitution. At level 4 take Tavern Brawler for doubled Strength to hit and damage on thrown and improvised attacks (or +2 Strength if you prefer raw stat growth). Level 5–8 push Strength toward 18–20 and pick up Boot of the Giants at subclass level 5 for shove/kick utility; at level 8 take Tough or +2 Strength depending on survivability needs. Level 9–12 finalize your build: at level 10 you gain Mighty Impel to throw creatures; at level 12 take your final ASI—either +2 Strength to hit 20 or Brutal Critical/Mage Slayer for niche power depending on campaign composition.
Sample builds and playstyle variants
Pure Thrower DPS: Max Strength ASAP, Tavern Brawler at 4, +2 Strength at 8 and 12; prioritize returning weapons and elemental gloves.
Tanky Thrower: Tavern Brawler at 4, Tough at 8, +2 Strength at 12; focus on HP items and resistances.
Anti Caster Thrower: Tavern Brawler at 4, Mage Slayer at 8, Brutal Critical at 12; close quickly and punish spellcasters.
All three variants rely on Elemental Cleaver synergy and returning weapons to maintain consistent thrown output.
Final tips and follow ups
Keep a stash of Strength potions for boss fights, always prioritize returning weapons once you can access the Goblin Camp trader or Act 3 rewards, and coordinate with controllers to create wet or clustered surfaces before throwing for maximum effect.
Follow a focused route: secure early returning gear in Act 1, buy or unlock quirky midgame throwables in Act 2, then hunt the legendary returning trident in Act 3; prioritize Returning Pike, Slinging Shoes, Comeback Handaxe, and Nyrulna for a reliable thrower build.
| Act | Item | Why pick it up | Where to find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Act 1 | Returning Pike | Reliable early returning weapon for repeated throws | Goblin Camp trader Grat; vendor or loot |
| Act 1–2 | Comeback Handaxe | Cheap homing axe you can win from Akabi’s wheel | Circus of the Last Days; Akabi consolation prize or wheel rewards |
| Act 2 | Slinging Shoes | Wearable returning throwable that deals psychic damage | Sold by Tara on Lower City rooftops after specific quest steps |
| Act 3 | Nyrulna | Legendary returning trident with explosive AoE on throw | Win Akabi’s jackpot, go to the Jungle, open the painted chest |
Sources: .
Full pickup route explained
Start your run by aiming for the Returning Pike as soon as you reach the Goblin Camp. This is the single most important early pickup for any thrower because it returns after each throw, letting you build tactics around repeated high‑value throws without losing your weapon. If you can buy or steal it from the camp trader before major hostilities, do so; otherwise check vendor inventories after clearing nearby encounters.
Next, work the circus and Rivington content lines. The Comeback Handaxe is a low‑cost homing weapon you can obtain through Akabi’s Wheel of Fortune; it’s often given as a consolation or won from the jackpot and is a great backup returning weapon while you chase the trident. While in the Lower City, follow Tara’s vendor chain to unlock the Slinging Shoes—they’re sold only after specific dialogue and quest steps and make a fun, reliable returning option that also adds psychic damage.
Save your biggest push for Act 3. To get Nyrulna, you must win Akabi’s jackpot, be teleported to the Jungle, and open the painted chest near the exit; this legendary trident returns on throw and creates a thunder explosion on impact, turning single throws into area damage and terrain control. Because Nyrulna is late game, plan your inventory and stash so you can equip it immediately when you reach the Jungle.
Practical pickup tips
Buy or steal early returning gear: secure the Returning Pike before clearing the Goblin Camp to avoid losing vendor access.
Complete vendor quest chains: Tara’s stock changes after specific interactions—follow her steps to buy Slinging Shoes.
Prioritize Akabi interactions: spin the wheel with your best sleight/lockpick character to access Nyrulna later.
Turn‑by‑turn combat example using returning weapons and elemental items
This scene shows a typical encounter where a Pure Level 12 Giant Barbarian thrower uses returning weapons, Elemental Cleaver effects, and environmental hazards to win a fight. The example assumes you have the Returning Pike (early), Comeback Handaxe (backup), Slinging Shoes (mobility/throw option), and Nyrulna (late‑game trident) available across different phases of the fight. It also assumes you have Elemental Cleaver active while raging so your equipped weapon gains the Thrown property and elemental damage. Read it as a tactical script you can adapt to your party, map, and enemy types.
Encounter setup and context
The party enters a ruined watchtower courtyard. Enemies include a small elite group: a caster who stands on a raised platform, two shielded melee brutes clustered near a brazier, and three lightly armored skirmishers spread across the courtyard. There is a shallow pool of water near the brazier and a low ledge that drops into a pit on one side. The party composition: Giant Barbarian (you), a control wizard, a healer, and a rogue.
Your goals are to force clustering, exploit elemental interactions, and remove the caster or toss enemies into hazards. You open with Giant’s Rage to gain size and damage, then use returning throws and Mighty Impel to manipulate enemy positions.
Initiative and opening positioning
You win initiative and move first. Your opening choices set the tempo: activate Giant’s Rage to increase size and damage, equip the Returning Pike (or Nyrulna if you have it), and position yourself so the two brutes and the brazier are between you and the caster. The wizard prepares a Grease spell to be cast on the pool of water next turn, and the rogue moves to flank the nearest skirmisher.
Your opening action is to rage and ready a throw; your movement places you on the same elevation as the brutes but slightly to the side so you can shove or impel if needed. The caster is on the platform and currently out of direct melee reach, but the skirmishers are within throwing range.
Round 1 — Establish control and create terrain
You activate Giant’s Rage (bonus action or class feature timing depending on ruleset) and throw the Returning Pike at the cluster of two brutes and the brazier. Because Elemental Cleaver is active, the pike deals its base damage plus an elemental rider (for example, lightning). The pike hits the cluster, the lightning arcs and strikes the brazier and the shallow pool nearby, creating a brief electrical chain that stuns or interrupts one skirmisher (depending on resistances). The pike returns to your hand.
The wizard casts Grease on the shallow pool and the area around the brazier, turning it into a slippery, flammable surface for the next turn. The rogue uses a mobility action to take out one skirmisher with a precision strike. The healer moves into position to reach you next turn.
Tactical note: your first throw is about shaping the battlefield. The returning weapon lets you apply elemental effects without losing your main tool. The wizard’s Grease sets up a wet/slippery surface that you will exploit with elemental throws next round.
Round 2 — Amplify elemental interactions and punish clustering
You start by using Mighty Impel (if available) or a shove to push one brute toward the brazier and the greased pool. If you have Mighty Impel as a subclass ability, you can hurl the brute a short distance; otherwise, a successful Athletics check shoves the target into the greased area. The brute lands in the greased pool and is now prone or at disadvantage on its next actions.
With the brute in the pool, you throw the Returning Pike again, this time aiming to hit the brazier and the prone brute. The elemental rider (lightning or cold) interacts with the wet surface: lightning chains through the water and hits both brutes and one skirmisher, while cold creates a thin ice patch that reduces movement. The pike returns.
The caster attempts a counterspell or a damaging spell; because you are now the center of attention and the brutes are disabled, the caster is pressured. The rogue finishes off a skirmisher. The healer casts a quick buff on you to increase survivability.
Tactical note: use your throws to convert environmental setups into multi‑target damage. The returning weapon allows repeated application of the same elemental effect, making the Grease + elemental throw combo extremely efficient.
Round 3 — Focus the caster and use Nyrulna if available
If you have Nyrulna at this point, swap to it now. Nyrulna’s throw creates a thunderous explosion on impact, so aim for the raised platform or the caster’s position. Use movement to get a clear line of sight while staying within reach of your healer. Throw Nyrulna at the caster; the trident hits the platform and detonates, dealing area thunder damage and potentially knocking the caster prone or interrupting concentration.
If Nyrulna is not yet available, continue using the Returning Pike to hit the caster’s support minions and the brazier to keep the area hazardous. If the caster survives, use Reckless Attack on a later turn when you can rely on rage resistances to ensure a hit.
Tactical note: Nyrulna is a high‑value target for removing casters or creating a large AoE. Use it when the caster is grouped with other enemies or when they are on a vulnerable surface.
Round 4 — Clean up and hazard exploitation
With the caster disrupted or down, the remaining enemies try to reposition. Use the Comeback Handaxe as a quick secondary throw if you need to hit a fleeing skirmisher while your main weapon is on cooldown or being repositioned. The Comeback Handaxe’s homing property makes it reliable for finishing off targets that try to escape.
If an enemy tries to climb the ledge, use a shove or Mighty Impel to send them over the edge into the pit. If the ice patch created earlier is still active, throw a cold‑element returning weapon to expand the frozen area and slow enemy movement, allowing your rogue and wizard to pick off stragglers.
Tactical note: the Comeback Handaxe is your flexible backup. It’s expendable and reliable for finishing moves while you keep your main weapon for big combos.
Round 5 — Sustain pressure and manage resources
Enemies that remain will attempt to focus you because you are the biggest threat. Use Tough and your rage resistances to absorb hits. If you’re low on HP, fall back to a defensible position and let the healer top you up. Use a Strength potion if a boss or elite enemy is still standing and you need to push your damage over the threshold.
If the battlefield still has wet or flammable surfaces, coordinate with the wizard to ignite or electrify them again. Throwing a fire‑element returning weapon into a greased area creates a sustained burn that forces enemies to move or take damage.
Tactical note: don’t waste rage on trivial fights. Use it to create decisive moments—tossing a brute into a pit, detonating Nyrulna on a caster, or creating a chain lightning through a wet cluster.
Round 6 and beyond — Finish and reposition
By now most enemies are down or fleeing. Use the Slinging Shoes to reposition quickly if you need to chase a fleeing caster or to reach a ledge for another shove. If you have multiple returning weapons, alternate throws to keep elemental effects active while your main weapon returns.
After the fight, loot carefully. Returning weapons often have unique properties; if you used Nyrulna, check for any lingering quest triggers or special interactions. Rest and repair gear as needed.
Tactical note: always plan an exit route. The Giant Barbarian is excellent at creating openings but can be vulnerable to coordinated focus fire. Keep a healer nearby and use terrain to your advantage.
Variations and contingency plans
If enemies are spread out rather than clustered, use movement and crowd control from allies to force grouping before committing to a big throw. If the party lacks a controller, use improvised throws and the Comeback Handaxe to pick off isolated targets while you reposition for a better angle.
Against flying enemies, prioritize grounding effects or use ranged returning weapons to harass them until a party member can bring them down. If facing many casters, consider taking Mage Slayer and using Reckless Attack only when you have backup.
If you lose your returning weapon mid‑fight, switch to improvised objects or the Comeback Handaxe and focus on environmental hazards rather than pure damage throughput.
Why this sequence works
The sequence leverages three strengths of the build. First, returning weapons let you repeatedly apply high‑value throws without losing your best gear. Second, Elemental Cleaver turns each throw into a terrain and status tool rather than just raw damage. Third, the Giant subclass’s movement and impel mechanics let you reposition enemies into hazards for free damage and control. Combined with party crowd control and a healer, this creates a loop: set terrain, throw elemental returning weapon, force reposition, repeat.
Quick checklist for executing the combo in real fights
Activate Giant’s Rage before your first throw.
Coordinate with a controller to create wet or clustered surfaces.
Use Mighty Impel or shove to place enemies into hazards.
Throw a returning weapon with an elemental rider to convert terrain into AoE.
Swap to Nyrulna for a decisive thunder AoE when the caster or clustered enemies are vulnerable.
Keep a Comeback Handaxe or Slinging Shoes as a reliable backup for finishing moves.
Conserve rage for fights where you can create decisive environmental combos.
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