Barbarian Goes Giant: How to Maximize Path of the Giants in BG3 Patch 8

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Patch 8 for Baldur’s Gate 3 introduced something absolutely bonkers: the Path of the Giant Barbarian. This subclass lets you grow huge, hurl enemies across the map like ragdolls, and double down on the most chaotic parts of combat. If you’ve ever wanted to play a walking wrecking ball with a serious anger problem, this is your moment.

In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about going Giant — from how it works to the best builds, feats, gear, and party comps. Whether you’re diving into cross-play co-op or smashing faces solo, this subclass is a blast.

🧬 What Is Path of the Giant?

Path of the Giant is the newest Barbarian subclass, added in BG3 Patch 8, and it turns your melee brawler into a super-sized throwing machine. Here’s what you get:

  • Giant’s Rage (Level 3) – When you rage, you grow in size and get bonus damage with thrown weapons.

  • Elemental Cleaver (Level 6) – Adds elemental damage to thrown weapons and makes them return automatically.

  • Boot of the Giants (Level 5 ability) – A powerful kick that sends enemies flying. Great for battlefield control.

It’s like someone mashed up the Hulk and Kratos with a dodgeball champion.

🧙 Best Race, Background & Stats

Barbarian Goes Giant, Maximize Path of the Giants, BG3 Patch 8
🧬 Best Races:

  • Duergar Dwarf – Bonus Enlarge spell, superior darkvision, and resistance to charm and paralysis.

  • Githyanki – Access to Misty Step and great Strength synergy.

  • Half-Orc – Relentless Endurance + Savage Attacks = survival and crits.

🎭 Backgrounds:

  • Soldier – Bonus Strength skills.

  • Outlander – Fits thematically and mechanically with Strength + survival.

📊 Stats to Prioritize:

  • Strength – Always top priority (you’re throwing heavy stuff).

  • Constitution – More health = more Rage time.

  • Dexterity – Boosts your AC if you’re running Unarmored Defense.

🏅 Best Feats for Giant Barbarian

  1. Tavern Brawler – Turns your thrown weapons into monster damage by doubling Strength bonus.

  2. Great Weapon Master – If you want to go melee more often.

  3. Alert – Higher initiative = early battlefield control.

  4. Tough – Extra HP for staying alive when you're the target.

⚙️ Best Gear & Equipment

🔥 Weapons:

  • Nyrulna (Trident) – Best-in-slot for thrown builds. Auto-returns, insane range and force damage.

  • Returning Pike – Decent early-game option until you snag Nyrulna.

💍 Accessories:

  • Ring of Flinging – Boosts damage from thrown weapons.

  • Amulet of Misty Step – Mobility is key for controlling positioning.

🛡️ Armor:

  • Bhaalist Armour – Helps you survive longer, especially with high Constitution.

  • Unarmored Defense with decent Dex + Con is also viable.

🔀 Multiclassing Options

If you want to spice things up:

  • 6 Barbarian / 4 Rogue (Thief) / 2 Fighter – Extra bonus action + Action Surge. Throw all the things.

  • 8 Barbarian / 4 Fighter – For more tankiness and raw strength.

Stick to full Barbarian if you want the purest Giant experience — but multiclassing adds flexibility and fun.

🎮 Best Fun Builds (Solo or Co-op)

🧨 Full Giant Thrower

  • Race: Duergar

  • Feats: Tavern Brawler + Alert

  • Weapon: Nyrulna

  • Perks: Rage + Enlarge + Thrown Crits = win

👥 4-Player Cross-Play Party Idea:

  1. Barbarian (Path of the Giant) – Damage dealer + battlefield chaos

  2. Cleric (Life or War) – Support and tank backup

  3. Wizard (Enchanter) – Crowd control with Hold Person or Hypnotic Pattern

  4. Hexblade Warlock – Curse support and melee pressure

Perfect synergy for controller + PC + couch co-op madness.

🌐 Cross-Play Performance

Patch 8 improved stability for cross-play between PC, PS5, Xbox, Mac, and GeForce NOW. Giant Barbarians perform really well in multiplayer, especially with builds focused on fast throws and high-impact actions. Less downtime = more action.

Just be sure everyone’s using the same version — and avoid heavy modding if you're cross-playing.

👥 Community Resources & Support

Looking to theorycraft more? Join these spaces:

⚠️ Mod Disclaimer (If Applicable)

Using mods may affect save compatibility and cross-play. Always back up your saves and disable mods when connecting across platforms.

🧾 Final Thoughts

The Path of the Giant Barbarian is a powerhouse — and a total blast to play. Whether you’re punting goblins off cliffs or playing dodge-axe with your party, it’s one of the most entertaining subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3 right now. 

If you're diving deep into Patch 8, don’t miss these other must-read guides:

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