Preface

When it comes to Barbarian, the most distinctive feature is: this is the only class in the entire game that can equip 4 weapons at the same time.

Specifically including:

One Two-Handed Bludgeoning Weapon (such as Two-Handed Mace)
One Two-Handed Slashing Weapon (such as Two-Handed Sword or Polearm)
Two One-Handed Weapons

This mechanism gives the Barbarian extremely high build flexibility:

Can equip more unique gear
Can imprint more Legendary Aspects

At the same time, this is also one of the core reasons why Barbarian's stats appear "disadvantaged".

In comparison, most classes can only equip one Two-Handed Weapon, so their Aspect values and unique effects are usually stronger. This is for balance reasons—otherwise, Barbarian with 4 weapons could easily dominate other classes in power.

In summary:
The Arsenal system is both the source of Barbarian's advantage and its balance limitation.

This article will systematically explain the Barbarian's class specialization—Arsenal system, helping newcomers quickly understand this core mechanic.

1. How to Bind Weapons (Skill Weapon Assignment)

Unlike other classes, many Barbarian skills require binding to specific weapon types.

The system automatically assigns weapons by default
Some skills cannot change weapon type, for example:
- Ancestral Hammer → Can only use Two-Handed Mace

Change Method

Keyboard & Mouse Players:

Press S to open the skill interface
Hover mouse over the target skill
Click **mouse middle button (press scroll wheel)** to switch weapon ⚠️ Note: It's "press", not scroll the wheel

Controller Players:

Open the skill interface
Press Left Stick (L3)
Select skill, then switch weapon as prompted

2. Weapon Expertise and Weapon Choice

In Diablo IV, different weapons have inherent differences:

Two-Handed Bludgeoning → High damage / Slow attack speed
One-Handed Sword → Low damage / High attack speed

And due to the "Arsenal system", Barbarian weapons also provide Expertise effects (Weapon Expertise), making weapon choice even more critical.

Weapon Expertise Effects

One-Handed Axe

Increased crit rate against "injured enemies"
Lucky Hit: Increased attack speed
Dual-wield axes → Effects doubled

One-Handed Sword

Hitting "crowd controlled enemies" generates Fury
Killing enemies increases attack speed
Dual-wield swords → Effects doubled

One-Handed Mace

Increased damage against "stunned enemies"
Lucky Hit: Stun enemy and gain Berserking
Dual-wield maces → Effects doubled

Two-Handed Axe

Increased damage and crit rate against "Vulnerable enemies"

Two-Handed Sword

Direct damage inflicts Bleed effect
Deals additional DoT damage

Two-Handed Mace

Lucky Hit: Restore Fury
Increased crit damage

Polearm

Increased Lucky Hit Chance
Increased damage while "Healthy"

Practical Example

Take Thorns as an example:

Bind Two-Handed Mace
→ Gain extra crit damage + Lucky Hit Fury restore
Bind Two-Handed Axe
→ Increased crit rate against Vulnerable enemies + extra damage

Extra Expertise Mechanic

Barbarian can select an additional Weapon Expertise effect that works even without equipping that weapon.

For example:

Using [Ancestral Hammer] (Two-Handed Mace)
Also select [Polearm Expertise]

👉 Result:

Gain Two-Handed Mace bonuses
Also gain Polearm: Lucky Hit boost and Healthy damage increase

⚠️Note：
If the skill's weapon type = your selected Expertise type, effects do not stack twice. So choose a different type whenever possible.

DLC Addition: Weapon Branch Mechanics

In Diablo IV's DLC (Vessel of Hatred), the skill tree adds weapon branch effects:

Take Leap as an example:

Dual-wield → Gain Berserking
Two-Handed Mace → Gain Overpower stacks
Two-Handed Slashing → Gain Brutal effect

3. How to Quickly Level Weapon Expertise

Many players find after clearing early content: lots of Weapon Expertise not maxed yet. Here's the fastest leveling method:

Steps

Prepare one of each weapon type (skip maxed ones)
Switch to lowest World Tier
Go to the Training Grounds in Kyovashad
Summon 5 regular dummies
Use skills that can switch weapons like:
- Whirlwind
- Thorns

Keep attacking dummies → Weapon Expertise levels up fast

Once a weapon maxes: Swap weapon, rebind, keep attacking dummies

Repeat until: all Weapon Expertise maxed