To create a powerful Berserker character in Avowed, you’ll want to prioritize the Fighter class abilities, enhancing your attack speed while maximizing bleed and stun damage. Focus on upgrading heavy two-handed weapons, including great axes, hammers, and swords. With the impressive lineup of unique weapons in Avowed, you’ll discover several outstanding choices, making the Berserker build one of the strongest in the game. Once you hit Level 20, you’ll gain access to the Clear Out ability, allowing for wild strikes and devastating power attacks.
This build is effective from the beginning but really shines as you progress through the Fighter skill tree and acquire unique armor and weapons. Bleed and stun damage are the key features of the Berserker build, and the Fighter abilities in Avowed significantly enhance these effects when using great hammers and axes. One standout ability is Barbaric Shout, which ensures that your weapon attacks can’t be interrupted. My personal favorites for weapons include the Horsecutter great sword and the Just Pestle great hammer, but there are several other amazing options that can elevate this build.
Optimal Attributes for a Berserker Build
When building your Berserker, prioritize Might, Resolve, and Dexterity — in that order. Might is crucial as it determines your overall damage output, making it an essential part of the Berserker approach. Resolve boosts your stamina, allowing for a flurry of powerful attacks without running out of energy. It also enhances your Second Wind, providing additional health upon revival and reducing the cooldown for it.
Depending on your playstyle, Dexterity and Constitution can also be valuable attributes. Dexterity will increase your attack speed, enabling more continuous strikes, while Constitution will enhance your health and endurance. If you find yourself taking heavy damage frequently, consider prioritizing Constitution or gear that improves health and attack speed.
Best Weapons for a Berserker Build
With the variety of two-handed weapons available, you have plenty of great options starting from Dawnshore. The Philosopher’s Riddle and Seven Strivings are solid choices until you reach Emerald Stair, where you can consider swapping them for the Emerald Splitter and my favorite, the Horsecutter. The Horsecutter works exceptionally well in this build, particularly when upgraded with the Cull the Herd enchantment, although it will eventually be replaced by the Limb-Taker in Galawain’s Tusks.
While Horsecutter may carry you through much of the game, even stronger options arise once you enter Shatterscarp. The Just Pestle, found behind a secret door in the sulfur mines, can be enchanted to boost attack speed after a full combo attack, while the Inevitability great hammer, located in the Garden, enhances movement speed after damaging enemies. Ultimately, your best option is likely the Limb-Taker, which can be specialized for power attacks or attack speed, and Forge’s Friend, which offers unique benefits but is harder to find and available late in the game.
Best Armor, Clothing, and Accessories for a Berserker Build
In Avowed, there’s a special armor set known as the Berserker Set designed for this build, but it’s not available until you reach Galawain’s Tusks. It is advisable to re-spec with critical hits in mind if you plan on using it. Before that, consider alternatives like Stelgaer’s Pride, which you can earn from the Intimidating Feline Codpiece treasure map in Dawnshore. This medium armor can last throughout the game. For added movement speed and damage reduction, I prefer the Vailian Breast Plate or Sky Mother’s Embrace over the Berserker gear.
The Berserker Gloves offer significant benefits by boosting power attack damage by 15%, making them a top choice, but you can also find fantastic options earlier in the game, such as the Bracers of Bloodletting and Skald’s Gauntlets. The Berserker Boots enhance stamina regeneration by 100%, making them ideal for this build, though the Sojourner Boots and Imp Catchers are also viable alternatives. Unique accessories for a Berserker include the Berserker Ring (+3 Constitution) and the Thirdborn Tira Nui Badge (+2 Might), along with the Guard Sunderer, which amplifies power attack reactions.
Best Abilities for a Berserker Build
For your Berserker build, focus primarily on Fighter abilities, supplemented by a few options from the Ranger tree. Several Fighter abilities provide great advantages, starting with Charge at Level 1, progressing to the game-changing Clear Out ability at Level 20, and many effective choices in between. Barbaric Shout is essential, so make sure to acquire it early in the game. If you use a great axe or great sword, grab Bleeding Cuts, and once you find a one-of-a-kind great hammer, start investing in Stunning Blows. Brawn can significantly boost your damage, while Constant Recovery can help restore health if your Constitution is low.
If stamina becomes an issue, consider using Armored Grace or Evasive (from the Ranger tree). Clear Out is also a must-have ability. Two recommended Ranger abilities are Bear Ally and Flurry of Blows, the latter offering maximum attack speed. Don’t overlook Giatta’s Acceleration ability for extra movement and attack speed, and if you have spare points, Taunt and Into the Fray are useful as well.
In summary, the Berserker build offers rapid and powerful attacks that inflict heavy bleed and stun damage, overwhelming your adversaries. It’s crucial to activate the Totem of Perseverance in Galawain’s Tusks, as each of its bonuses will uniquely support your playstyle. You’ll have various options for weapons and gear available to you from the very beginning of the game, ensuring that once you achieve maximum attack speed with one of Avowed’s formidable hammers or swords, you’ll be a force to be reckoned with.
