The newest edition of the D&D handbook has been released, and with it comes a slew of new and exciting class and subclass updates. Here at Roll20, we’re keeping you updated on the latest additions – and how you can get strategic with your new options.

For the Barbarians among us, D&D 2024 has some impressive upgrades that look to be a blast to implement. Let’s take a look at some of the updates and how you can make the most of them in the new edition.

Rage Gets A Major Overhaul

We have to start with the cornerstone of every Barbarian's toolkit: Rage. In the 2024 edition, Rage is getting a major overhaul. 

While the description is significantly longer – like, really long – those who are willing to dig into the details will find plenty of goodies to get excited about. 

• Maintain Rage by using a Bonus Action, forcing an enemy to make a saving throw, or making an attack roll against an enemy.
• Regain one expended use of Rage after each Short Rest.
• Rage now lasts for 10 minutes without needing to extend it (at level 15).

New Feature: Weapon Mastery

One of the additions to 2024’s handbook that we’re most excited about is the brand-new Weapon Mastery feature. This feature is fresh to the Barbarian class, giving you even more ways to make your enemies regret the day they crossed paths with you. 

• Choose two Melee weapons and gain access to their mastery properties.
• Swap chosen weapons after each Long Rest.
• Access more mastery properties as you level up.

We recently pulled together a blog all about weapon mastery!

Instinctive Pounce

Ever felt like your Barbarian was a bit too slow to get into the thick of things? Well, say hello to Instinctive Pounce! 

This new ability adds some serious maneuverability to your repertoire. Now you can move up to half your Speed as part of the same Bonus Action you use to enter Rage. This allows a barbarian to close the distance and start dealing damage faster, adding a new layer of mobility to your combat tactics.

Updated Offense, Defense, and Non-Combat Capabilities

For the barbarian, the 2024 guide updates the defensive capabilities a bit more, helping you make more use of even the most dire circumstances:

• All-Around Awareness: Danger Sense now works even when you're Blinded or Deafened.
• Relentless Rage: When dropping to 0 HP while raging, heal for twice your Barbarian level instead of just popping back up with 1 HP.
• Superior Defense: At level 18, gain resistance to all damage types except Force for 1 minute by spending 3 Focus Points.

Offense: Brutal Strike

Say goodbye to Brutal Critical and hello to Brutal Strike! This revamped feature adds tactical decision-making to your critical hits:

• Trade off Advantage from Reckless Attack for extra damage and debuffs.
• Choose between effects like Forceful Blow (knock enemies back) or Hamstring Blow (reduce speed).
• At higher levels, unlock Staggering Blow and Sundering Blow for even more options.

Non-Combat: Primal Knowledge

With Primal knowledge, you can utilize your barbarian strength to enhance your checks for a variety of story-based challenges.

• Gain an extra skill proficiency from the Barbarian list.
• Use Strength for certain skill checks while raging, including Acrobatics, Intimidation, Perception, Stealth, or Survival.

Barbarian Subclass Revisions

The Barbarian subclasses have also received a makeover, adding some unique features and skills that you’ll want to try out:

1. Path of the Berserker: Your Frenzy can now cause more damage rather than granting extra attacks – and it no longer causes Exhaustion.
2. Path of the Wild Heart (formerly Totem Warrior): More flexible, allowing you to change animal benefits each Rage or Long Rest.
3. Path of the World Tree (New): Focus on support abilities, battlefield control, and teleportation.
4. Path of the Zealot: Shifted focus to staying alive rather than easier resurrection.

Epic Boons and Primal Champion

Barbarians are joining the Epic Boon club at level 19. While these features were always available, they were typically saved for longer campaigns and given out at the DM’s discretion. Now, D&D has taken the popular options and given them a nice upgrade.

• Epic Boons: At level 19, choose from powerful feats (such as Boon of Irresistible Offense) to elevate your Barbarian to near-demigod status.
• Primal Champion: At level 20, increase your Strength and Constitution limits to a staggering 25.

Try The New Barbarian Enhancements on Roll20

Like many of the classes and subclasses, the Barbarian in D&D 2024 is being honed – and is now more versatile and powerful than ever before. This means you have plenty more to play with across your campaign – and your options for expanding your character’s build and storyline are even bigger.

Whether you're a veteran Barbarian player or thinking about trying out the class for the first time, these changes are sure to make your gaming experience even more epic.

Ready to create your own fury-fueled warrior? Hop on over to Roll20 and start building your Barbarian today. The battlefield awaits, and it's time to rage!