Much like the Barbarian class in Dungeons and Dragons, the Berserker class is built around the Rage feature. My group transitioned to Star Wars 5th Edition from Bunkers & Badasses, where they also have a Berserker class. This made it a perfect fit to match these two up.

The Berserker class is quite robust with its 1d12 hit die. You’ll likely allocate your stats to strength and constitution to maximize hit points. Whether it’s Rage, Unarmored Defense, or Reckless Attack, this class is pretty much a direct copy from D&D 5e. So, if you’re familiar with that class, you’ll already know this one. The unique Star Wars-specific feature of this class is the Instincts.

Berserker Instincts

The Berserker Instincts have fantastic flavours that you can add, and you get a couple of them. One of my favourites is Fyrnock’s Instinct, which lets you use a bonus action to leap 30 feet and deal damage upon landing. You can imagine it like a superhero leap, crashing down and pounding the ground, almost like a Hulk move.

Fyrnock’s Instinct
While raging, you can use your bonus action to leap up to 30 feet to an empty space you can see. When you land you deal kinetic damage equal to your Strength modifier to each creature within 5 feet of where you land. You can use this feature twice. You gain an additional use at 5th, 9th, 13th, and 17th level. You regain all expended uses when you complete a long rest.

There are other Instincts that also have a great feel to them like Dewback’s Instinct that adds three types of damage resistance and Katarn’s Instinct that gives you a climbing speed.

Dewback’s Instinct
Choose three damage types other than true damage. While raging, you have resistance to the chosen damage types.

Katarn’s Instinct
You gain a climbing speed equal to your movement speed.

When you are making your berserker, try to think of how you’d like your character to feel and then choose the instincts that will help you bring that about. There are a lot of different options here to choose from!

Berserker Approach

The archetypes in this class, known as Berserker Approaches, really define how you will be using your rage and there are some interesting options available. The Beastmaster (Companion) is particularly cool, similar to the astromech on the Engineer. You can have a Beastmaster Berserker with a companion beast, which could be an interesting roleplay opportunity.

Beastmaster Approach (Companion)
Many berserkers feel a primal attunement to nature. For berserkers of the Beastmaster Approach, that attunement manifests itself in a bond with a beast companion that accompanies a berserker on his journey.

The Marauder approach grants you force powers, which could be terrifying. Combining this with the Instinct that increases your movement by 10 feet and the 30-foot leap from Fyrnock’s Instinct that deals damage could make for a formidable character. Imagine using your bonus action and movement to leap and crash down, dealing force power damage—this would be a terrifying sight on the battlefield.

Marauder Approach
Few things are more terrifying than being in the path of a Berserker who has learned the ways of the Force. Those who follow this path unlock something deep within them, a well of untamed power from the depths of their fury. When a marauder unleashes their rage, they channel their brute strength into primal might, and uses it to devastate his foes in a hail of fire, blades, and blood. Due to the uncontrolled nature of their powers, marauders have a dangerous predilection for the strength and raw power offered by the dark side, and many fall into it’s clutches. Even those who do not are always temped by the voices of fury barely contained within.

For fun, there’s the Juggernaut approach, and the name says it all. You wear heavy armor, can still rage, and act like a massive shield for your allies, essentially becoming a tank.

Juggernaut Approach
Certain berserkers find that the strongest offense is a good defense. Berserkers of the Juggernaut Approach wear the heaviest of armor not because they fear injury, but to strike fear in their hapless attackers.

In our campaign, one of my best friends, whom I’ve known for years, is playing a Berserker and he definitely understood the assignment. He has brought nothing but chaos to the group, and we’ve had a lot of fun!

Do you prefer video?

I have a short video version doing a brief intro to the class if you prefer to learn that way!

Credits

• Cover image: “Morgukai Adept” by David Kegg (sourced from Wookiepedia)
• Berserker Instincts quotes: Berserker class (SW5e.com)
• Berserker Approaches: Archetypes listing, SW5e.com