Even those who don't play Dungeons & Dragons understand the basic premise of this class. It's hard to miss the Barbarian characters in movies and television, too. They're usually the ones walking around with a bare chest, swilling mead out of a jug that's proportionate to their massive size. Barbarians are known for their prowess in melee combat, and depending on what kind of backstory and training they have, ranged weapons like bows or spears are also a distinct possibility. With all of the lore that's been added to the Barbarians of D&D, it's fun and interesting to create a Barbarian and role-play as one of the TTRPG's most uncompromising classes.
When players put together their characters, regardless of the module or Dungeon Master, there comes a point where they have to choose their Feat skills. These are special abilities that players use to further customize their characters for both combat and role-playing purposes. Some of the best Feats for this class are obvious, with names bordering on the satirical, but that's the Barbarian way. Sometimes the Dungeon Master just needs to hit them over the head a few times.
Durable
A Barbarian is usually pretty durable anyway, right? On the contrary, even though this class has a high Constitution, second only to Strength in their stats, they don't wear more than medium armor and are distinctive for their affinity to fight while wearing little if anything. It helps to have some help in this regard.
The Barbarian is usually about doing damage at close range, but at the same time, they don't wear heavy armor. That's why this Feat is so useful, even essential, for every Barbarian.
Sentinel
Although they're primarily seen as a damage class, players can build a Barbarian Defender, also known as a Tank, with some clever choices when it comes to skills, stats, and Feats.
The Sentinel Feat will give a Barbarian the ability to force enemies to attack them as opposed to other party members. This is known among players as the Defender Build and destroys the myth that Barbarians are solely for damage.
Dual-Wielder
It's an impressive image to see a Barbarian wading into battle swinging a weapon with each hand with classes like Rangers and Rogues also choosing this versatile and useful Feat. The infamous adventurer Drizzt is famous for his dual-wielding style. As great as it sounds, it works better with some builds than others.
For Barbarians that are looking for extra damage, this is ideal. If a player is building a Tank, however, it would be wiser to choose a Feat that adds a specific weapon specialization or increased defense instead.
Great Weapon Master
A Barbarian can combine the Great Weapon Master Feat with their affinity for two-handed weapons and deal even more serious damage. This Feat grants the player an extra attack, which makes this a handy and popular feat for virtually any class that relies on a weapon be it melee or ranged.
A Berserker Barbarian can use it in addition to their rage ability, while a Defender can use it to protect a friend.
Orcish Fury
This Feat can be found in Xanathar's Guide To Everything. It's a popular choice for Barbarians, as is the Orc race, so this Feat seems like a natural extension of this race and class combo. Several other Orc races have been added to the possibilities for creating playable characters. Volo's Guide To Monsters includes a playable Orc race that would also benefit from Orcish Fury.
Players can use this Feat to boost their Constitution and Strength score along with giving the player an extra attack. However, using it requires a long rest, so Defenders especially should keep that in mind.
Chef
Chef is a unique ability that's described in Tasha's Cauldron Of Everything. It's one of those Feats that's been a common skill in MMOs for some time now, so it's nice to see a form of this fun and advantageous skill move into tabletop gaming.
Even though the Barbarian already has plenty of Consitution, they can always use more, and this Feat gives the stat a +1 bonus. Those with the Chef Feat can cook special meals for themselves and their party that grant rest and healing bonuses.
Mage Slayer
This can tie in nicely with some backstory, including the Barbarian's choice of deity or moral alignment, along with giving this fighting class a big advantage against spellcasters. When a spell is cast within a five-foot radius of the player they can use this Feat to make a melee attack on the caster.
Rangers, Fighters, Rogues, and even Clerics often take on this Feat. Granted, it's more useful when dealing with spellcasters, so a Barbarian in an adventure that doesn't involve a lot of magic won't find this as useful.
Lucky
Any class can benefit from certain Feats, and Lucky is one of them. This gives the player three luck points to use. When they roll to make an attack, an ability check, or a saving throw, they can use one point of luck to roll an additional d20.
A player can also use the Luck Feat to thwart an attack. Use a point of Luck to swap out the attacker's roll for your own.
Slasher
Rogues also like this Feat, which gives away part of its advantages with a blunt name. Other than giving the player the ability to slow an enemy down or deal grievous wounds on a critical hit, it also gives a bonus to Dexterity and Strength.
If this Feat is deadly when a Rogue or Ranger uses it, imagine how savage it would be in the hands of a Barbarian. It's even more useful for those building a Defender.
Tavern Brawler
Perhaps it's too much of a stereotype, but what's a tavern without a Barbarian and an ensuing brawl? As part of the customization process, this is really up to the player and what kind of Barbarian they're trying to create.
Despite the name, this Feat doesn't only apply to bar fights, and it's handy to have in several situations. It gives the player a bonus to their Constitution or Strength and makes them proficient in all improvised weapons. That means things like mugs, paddles, and frying pans. This Feat merges nicely with Grapple if that's the kind of Barbarian a player is trying to create.