The Barbarian build centered around the Whirlwind ability is one of the most simple and effective ways to wipe out hordes of enemies in Diablo 4.

Known for its remarkable versatility and unmatched prowess in rounding up and farming large groups of enemies, this build has become a staple among Barbarian mains seeking to leave a trail of destruction in their wake. 

With their formidable tankiness, Barbarians possess an inherent ability to endure multiple attacks, allowing them to absorb damage compared to the other classes. 

This build will help Barbarian players catapult their character to the max level at an accelerated pace and enable them to conquer the endgame stage. We will show you the right skill tree build and the most efficient weapons to maximize your damage output.


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Barbarian build in Diablo 4 that optimizes the Whirlwind ability

Diablo 4 Barbarian Axe
Screenshot by Nigel Zalamea/ONE Esports

The three main components of the build are the Whirlwind ability, the shouts, and a choice between the Call of the Ancients (CotA) and Wrath of the Berserker ultimates.

Whirlwind is the centerpiece of this build, allowing Barbarians to fight against multiple enemies simultaneously. The ability’s AOE (area of effect) damage will quickly wipe out mobs of enemies. However, Barbarians will need a steady amount of Fury to sustain Whirlwind. 

This is where the Rallying Cry Shout comes in as it increases resource generation, allowing Barbarians to cast Whirlwind longer. The passive skill Booming Voice is a must because it increases the duration of shouts, allowing Barbarians to gain more Fury.

Barbarians have two ultimates to choose from with the Call of the Ancients and Wrath of the Berserker. 

While finishing the campaign, CotA is more advantageous because summoning three immortal warriors to join the fight will lessen the chances of dying in boss fights. Having Whirlwind and the different shouts is more than enough to clear the regular and elite mobs on the map.

After finishing the campaign and reaching higher levels, Barbarians should turn to the Wrath of the Berserker because having better gear and more skill points will exponentially increase damage output.

The last piece to dish out even more damage is selecting skill buffs with the bleeding effect. Barbarians will go through many enemies while they’re using Whirlwind. Bleeding will damage enemies even when they’re out of Whirlwind range.

Diablo 4 Barbarian build weapon expertise
Screenshot by Nigel Zalamea/ONE Esports

Bleeding also works in tandem with the Barbarian’s arsenal system. Each weapon expertise has unique properties, and the two-handed sword is an ideal choice because it increases bleeding damage and its duration.

To add even more damage for Whirlwind, finish the Masters of Battle quest. Completing the quest will give Barbarians a weapon technique that can be used to select a two-handed sword or axe. Barbarians can dish out more damage with the Furious Whirlwind skill by having a two-handed sword equipped with a two-handed axe as the selected weapon technique.

For the endgame, pick the Glyph Socket with Disembowel. This will reduce the cooldowns of non-ultimate abilities, allowing Barbarians to cast shouts more frequently.

With the concept of the build explained, here are the skills to unlock.

Skill tree

Diablo 4 Barbarian skill tree
Screenshot by Nigel Zalamea/ONE Esports
  • Basic skills: Lunging Strike > Enhanced Lunging Strike > Battle Lunging Strike
  • Core skills: Whirlwind > Enhanced Whirlwind > Furious Whirlwind
  • Defensive Skill: Rallying Cry > Enhanced Rallying Cry > Tactical Rallying Cry
  • Brawling skill: War Cry > Enhanced War Cry > Battle War Cry
  • Ultimate skills: Call of the Ancient or Wrath of the Berserker
  • Key passive: Unbridled Rage
  • All other passive abilities: Pressure Point, Endless Fury, Booming Voice, Guttural Yell, Heavy Handed

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