The Barbarian is the strongest class in straightforward melee combat. His weapon mastery skills supplement this method of warfare nicely. His Warcries add strength, as well as aiding his allies, making him an effective member of the party as well. Additionally, his Combat Skills aid his natural proclivity to melee combat, particularly his ability to wield two weapons and his abilities in leaping.

The Barbarians characteristics can be confusing. Certainly adding to his damage by developing his prodigious strength is always a temptation. Energy would seem to be less of a concern. However, he needs enough energy to use the skills he requires, and it is the least developed of his characteristics. Dexterity is necessary for his attack rating, as well as supplementing his defense rating. He has a strong vitality, but developing it further extends his ability to remain in combat and strengthens his stamina.

When looking for items, the Barbarian enjoys a greater flexibility than the other character classes. Starting with a higher strength makes armament less of an immediate problem. As for weaponry, the only weapon he requires is the one for which he has developed skill. Here the only choices are to do more damage with a two handed weapon, retain a shield for magical resistance, or use two weapons.

Defensive Warcries are shared with any friendly party members that are inside the Warcry radius when the Warcry is activated. Offensive Warcries will hit monsters within the radius of the Warcry when cast.

Different defensive Warcries can be stacked, but only one offensive Warcry can be used on a monster at a time. If you cast Taunt and Howl, the last one cast will be the one that is active on the monster.

There are three Warcries that can give bonuses to yourself and other members of your Party. Shout increases Defense. Battle Orders, a party favorite, increases the max health, Mana, and stamina of the Barbarian and his party members. Battle Commands increases the Barbarian and party members' skill levels by 1. These three Warcries can also be stacked, or active on yourself and party members at the same time. The animation will rotate among these three Warcries to indicate all three are active.

Once Battle Commands is available, cast it first, before casting Battle Orders or Shout. Battle Commands will raise Shout and Battle Orders by one skill point and will increase their effectiveness and lengthen their duration. By casting Battle Commands first, instead of after these Warcries, characters benefit from a free skill point for Shout and Battle Orders.

Battle Orders is a favorite of Mana-hungry classes such as the Necromancer and Sorceress for the increase in total Mana and all classes for the increase Life and Stamina for running longer distances.