Diablo 4 Vessel of Hatred: Best Barbarian Leveling Builds

The Rend Barbarian build is our recommendation for players who enjoy the hit-and-run playstyle of applying bleeds and moving to the next pack of monsters. Rend is similar in some ways to the Double Swing build; it can absolutely destroy Elites and Bosses while struggling a bit with wide open areas because of the lack of AoE. The first few levels can feel a little clunky to play, but once this build gets going, everything you apply your bleeds to is going to die in mere seconds. This build does not require any specific aspects while leveling up, as most of its power comes from your skill tree. Damage-over-time effect builds are also naturally more survivable, as you can just apply your dots and move around until they expire.

There are no changes made to the Rend skill in the Vessel of Hatred expansion, aside from some indirect and minor buffs and nerfs through passives.

If you are looking for a more single-target-oriented Barbarian build, then Double Swing might be the best leveling option. Double Swing is a skill that hits enemies in front of you with both of your weapons, and with the right aspects, it can do some devastating damage even early on. While this build will not clear entire packs of small enemies with a single button, you are going to have absolutely no issues with some of the stronger Elites and Bosses in the game. While you definitely can scale this build even during the leveling process, it does not actually require anything for it to fully function. This build might be on the slower side compared to the rest of the options on this list, but there is nothing quite like obliterating a Boss in just a few seconds.

There haven't been any changes made to the Double Swing skill in the Vessel of Hatred expansion; however, there is a new runeword that you will be able to use, which grants a small chance to strike twice while using it.

In terms of the fun factor, there is nothing quite like playing a Whirlwind Barbarian. Jumping into packs of monsters, holding down the button, and spinning through everything in a ball of death has been the most iconic way of playing the Barbarian class for the last 20 years. While Whirlwind is not going to be the best build for endgame, you can absolutely take it while leveling and reach the new Torment difficulties without any issues whatsoever. One of the main problems of the build is that it requires a ton of resource generation in order for it to work, so you are going to need to hunt down some aspects while leveling up. Once all of this is set, however, you can hold down your Whirlwind button and spin all the way to the endgame.

The only change made to the Whirlwind skill in Vessel of Hatred is the addition of a new runeword that gives you a chance to deal double damage. Since this is more of an endgame change, it will not significantly impact the viability of the skill during leveling.

The Hammer of the Ancients build for Barbarians is not only one of the most fun ways to experience the class, but it's also among the best leveling and endgame builds available. The skill might feel a little awkward to play at the beginning, but once you grab the Ancestral Force aspect, which increases its AoE, it quickly becomes one of the most enjoyable builds in the game. Who doesn't enjoy smacking enemies with a huge hammer? Another amazing aspect of this build is that it can easily transition into the end-game, as Hammer of the Ancients has a ton of items and aspects that can synergize well. The only issues with the build come from the fact that it can lack survivability, and it's very aspect-dependent in order to scale properly.

Hammer of the Ancients is not receiving any significant changes in the Vessel of Hatred expansion, aside from a runeword effect that gives it a chance to deal double damage. This will not impact the strength of the skill while progressing to level 60.