My barbarian is not relying on AC so much as he is on his HP pool, but I still have him change up his fighting style depending on the threats (I'm playing a Path of the Beast so I swap between shield and claws, 2-handed battle axe and jaws, or 1-handed battle axe, shield, and tail). That said, we had a higher level start for this campaign and our DM allowed us to start with an Uncommon magic Item so I chose Adamantine Breastplate, I have the same AC as my unarmored AC but I am immune to crits. I think, for a Barbarian that wants to be the party tank, Adamantine armor is super valuable, makes sure you don't get caught by a spike of damage unexpectedly. Especially for non-Bear Totem barbarians.
So yeah, in my opinion Barbarians need to worry about AC to a degree, but if you want to rely on Reckless Attack, and with how many higher level monsters won't worry about attack roles to deal damage, I'd say prioritize HP before AC. If you can keep that dragon's face pointed in your direction, your HP pool might save your Party.
I wouldn't say ignore it, but with using Reckless Attacks (thus giving advantage to attacks on you, also) and the fact that Rage cuts the damage coming in, by half, it's not the most important thing for a barbarian. Just assume you will be hit. So when you are hit, you're ok with it and if not hit, it's just a nice surprise! lol
I wouldn't say ignore it, but with using Reckless Attacks (thus giving advantage to attacks on you, also) and the fact that Rage cuts the damage coming in, by half, it's not the most important thing for a barbarian. Just assume you will be hit. So when you are hit, you're ok with it and if not hit, it's just a nice surprise! lol
That's the mindset I try to keep while Barbin', too.
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My barbarian is not relying on AC so much as he is on his HP pool, but I still have him change up his fighting style depending on the threats (I'm playing a Path of the Beast so I swap between shield and claws, 2-handed battle axe and jaws, or 1-handed battle axe, shield, and tail). That said, we had a higher level start for this campaign and our DM allowed us to start with an Uncommon magic Item so I chose Adamantine Breastplate, I have the same AC as my unarmored AC but I am immune to crits. I think, for a Barbarian that wants to be the party tank, Adamantine armor is super valuable, makes sure you don't get caught by a spike of damage unexpectedly. Especially for non-Bear Totem barbarians.
So yeah, in my opinion Barbarians need to worry about AC to a degree, but if you want to rely on Reckless Attack, and with how many higher level monsters won't worry about attack roles to deal damage, I'd say prioritize HP before AC. If you can keep that dragon's face pointed in your direction, your HP pool might save your Party.
I wouldn't say ignore it, but with using Reckless Attacks (thus giving advantage to attacks on you, also) and the fact that Rage cuts the damage coming in, by half, it's not the most important thing for a barbarian. Just assume you will be hit. So when you are hit, you're ok with it and if not hit, it's just a nice surprise! lol
That's the mindset I try to keep while Barbin', too.