Welcome to the world of Clash of Clans, where strategy is more important than power. Today, we are discussing about the epic mobile game Clash of Clans character – “The Barbarian”. As it is the first troop unlock in the game, the Barbarian is more than a warrior or attacker, but it is the foundation of this game.
Wearing purple shorts, muscles, and ready for battle, the Barbarian is the face of Clash of Clans game. You will spot this warrior on the app icon and in much of the game’s marketing material. But there’s so much more to this character than meets the eye!
Whether you are a beginner to the Clash of Clans universe or a seasoned player who like seasonal gaming, looking to brush up on your knowledge, this guide will help you with All you need to know about the Barbarian. From its origins and evolution to advanced strategies and little-known facts, we are explaining all things about this mighty character. So pick up your sword, wear your helmet, and ready yourself into the world of Clash of Clans, first and most beloved character!
Points To Remember about The Barbarian
- The Barbarian is the first Elixir Troop unlocked in the Barracks, setting the stage for your Clash of Clans adventure.
- This Ground Troop plays a crucial role in early and mid-level attacks, especially in popular strategies like Barch (Barbarian + Archer).
- The Barbarian’s appearance has evolved significantly since the game’s launch, going from a mohawk-sporting warrior to a more detailed, full-haired fighter.
- Being the most basic troop, The Barbarians is still very useful at all Town Hall levels due to their quick Training Time.
- The Barbarian King, a giant hero unit, is based on this troop, showcasing the Barbarian’s importance to the game.
Origin of the Barbarian in Clash of Clans
The Barbarian burst onto the scene with the launch of Clash of Clans in 2012, instantly becoming the game’s poster child. This Ground Troop, with its distinctive purple shorts and bulging muscles, drew inspiration from various historical warriors, resembling a mix between a Viking and a Scottish highlander.
As the first Elixir Troop players unlock in the Barracks, the Barbarian serves as an introduction to the game’s combat mechanics. Its simplicity and effectiveness make it the perfect starting point for new players, while its versatility ensures it remains relevant throughout a player’s Clash of Clans journey.
Visual and Stat Evolution
Over the years, the Barbarian has undergone several visual and stat changes, reflecting the overall evolution of Clash of Clans. Initially depicted with a mohawk, the Barbarian now sports a full head of hair and a more detailed outfit, including Spiked Bracelets and a Bronze Helmet at higher levels.
Upgrade Differences
The Barbarian, as the first Elixir Troop unlocked in the Barracks, undergoes significant visual changes as it levels up, reflecting its growing power and importance in your Army Composition.
1-2 Level:
- Basic appearance: Short, muscular man
- Brown kilt with a leather belt
- Steel shield-shaped buckle
- Spiked wristbands on both arms
- Short claymore in the right hand
- Leather sandals
3-4 Level:
- Gains a brown leather headband with a central emblem
- Claymore becomes bigger and longer
5 Level :
- Headband replaced with a horned helmet
- Claymore upgrades to bronze
6 Level:
- Wields a dark iron claymore
- Helmet changes to a mightier horned design with dark Gray color and downward-pointing gray horns (similar to Masters League symbol)
- Kilt, belt, wristbands, and sandals turn a darker shade of brown
7 Level:
- Claymore becomes lighter-gray with molten-looking edges
- Helmet gains gold accents and gold horns
- Spiked bracelets turn black with gold spikes
- Belt buckle becomes brass-colored
8 Level:
- New helmet design with larger, upward-pointing horns and fur on the front
- Bracelets evolve into solid bands of metal and bronze
9 Level:
- Helmet loses brown fur, becomes metal with a purple tint
- Larger horns on the helmet
- Armbands gain gold plating
10 Level:
- New helmet design with a golden cross covering the eyes
- Shorter helmet with a golden tint transitioning to white at the tip
11 Level:
- Smaller helmet with a massive gold plate
- Small metal triangle in the middle of the gold plate
- Gains armor for the mustache
- Black fur coat reinforced with gold armor
- Even darker kilt
12 Level (Max Level):
- Helmet horns replaced with two pointy thorns
- Green leaf symbol (rhombus-shaped) on the helmet, surrounded by a white trim
- Helmet gains white trims
- Tunic and kilt return, replacing the fur coat
- Gold belt with a gold spike replacing the triangle symbol
- Shoulders gain two pauldrons with grey trims and a gold plate in the center
These visual changes not only make your Barbarians look more impressive but also serve as a quick visual indicator of their level on the battlefield. Higher-level Barbarians are more effective at tanking damage from defences like the Inferno Tower and Hidden Tesla, allowing other troops like Archers or Balloons to deal damage safely.
As Barbarians level up, their Hitpoints and Damage per Second increase significantly. For example, a level 1 Barbarian has 45 Hitpoints and deals 8 Damage per Second, while a Max Level Barbarian boasts 230 Hitpoints and deals 40 Damage per Second.
Statistics of Barbarians
The Barbarian’s stats and upgrade requirements across all levels. This will be very helpful for Clash of Clans players to understand the progression of this key Elixir Troop.
| Level | Damage per Second | Damage per Attack | Hitpoints | Research Cost | Research Time | Laboratory Level Required |
| 1 | 8 | 8 | 45 | N/A | N/A | N/A |
| 2 | 11 | 11 | 54 | 20,000 | 2h | 1 |
| 3 | 14 | 14 | 65 | 60,000 | 5h | 3 |
| 4 | 18 | 18 | 85 | 2,00,000 | 12h | 5 |
| 5 | 23 | 23 | 105 | 6,50,000 | 1d | 6 |
| 6 | 26 | 26 | 125 | 14,00,000 | 1d 12h | 7 |
| 7 | 30 | 30 | 160 | 21,00,000 | 1d 18h | 8 |
| 8 | 34 | 34 | 205 | 28,00,000 | 2d | 9 |
| 9 | 38 | 38 | 230 | 50,00,000 | 3d | 10 |
| 10 | 42 | 42 | 250 | 85,00,000 | 5d | 12 |
| 11 | 45 | 45 | 270 | 1,20,00,000 | 6d | 13 |
| 12 | 48 | 48 | 290 | 1,80,00,000 | 13d | 14 |
This table showcases the Barbarian’s progression from levels 1 to 12, detailing:
Damage per Second: The amount of damage the Barbarian deals every second
Damage per Attack: The damage dealt in a single attack (same as DPS for Barbarians)
Hitpoints: The Barbarian’s health, increasing with each level
Research Cost: The amount of Elixir required to upgrade to that level
Research Time: The duration needed to complete the upgrade
Laboratory Level Required: The minimum Laboratory level needed for that upgrade
As you can see, the Barbarian’s power increases from level 1 to 12, with its damages and hitpoints. The research costs and times also increase level by level, It shows the growing power of this troop.
Barbarian Update History
This will help you to understand more about Barbarian Update History
| Date | Update Type | Specific Changes | Notes |
| August 2, 2012 | Initial Release | – Barbarian introduced with 5 levels | The original release established the Barbarian as a core troop |
| September 19, 2012 | Visual Update | – Levels 3-4 and 5 now have upgrade differences | Improved visual feedback for troop levels |
| – Added pink asterisks on icon to represent level | |||
| February 5, 2013 | Level Addition | – Added level 6 Barbarian | Extended progression for advanced players |
| January 29, 2014 | Ability Update | – Barbarian King can now summon Barbarians with Iron Fist ability | Introduced synergy between hero and troop |
| September 16, 2014 | Level Addition | – Added level 7 Barbarian | Further extended high-level gameplay |
| July 1, 2015 | Cost Adjustment | – Increased training cost: | Balanced economy for higher level troops |
| • Level 4: 80 -> 100 | |||
| • Level 5: 100 -> 150 | |||
| • Level 6: 150 -> 200 | |||
| • Level 7: 200 -> 250 | |||
| December 19, 2016 | Visual Update | – Significant change in Barbarian’s icon and info | Refreshed appearance to match game’s evolving style |
| March 5, 2018 | Ability Adjustment | – Barbarians not spawned by King no longer affected by King’s rage | Balanced hero-troop interaction |
| June 11, 2018 | Level & Time Update | – Added level 8 Barbarian | Made higher levels more accessible |
| – Reduced upgrade time: | |||
| • Level 6: 10d -> 7d | |||
| • Level 7: 14d -> 9d | |||
| June 26, 2018 | Time Reduction | – Further reduced upgrade time: | Accelerated progression for mid to high levels |
| • Level 4: 3d -> 2d | |||
| • Level 5: 5d -> 3d 12h | |||
| • Level 6: 7d -> 4d 12h | |||
| • Level 7: 8d -> 7d 12h | |||
| February 22, 2019 | Stat Boost | – Increased hitpoints: | Improved viability of high-level Barbarians |
| • Level 7: 125 -> 145 | |||
| • Level 8: 140 -> 205 | |||
| April 2, 2019 | Time Reduction | – Reduced upgrade time at levels 5-8 | Specific time changes not provided in image |
| March 30, 2020 | Major Update | – Added level 9 Barbarian | Significant expansion of Barbarian capabilities |
| – Introduced Super Barbarian (unlocks at level 8) | |||
| – Reduced upgrade cost at levels 5-8 | |||
| October 12, 2020 | Cosmetic Update | – Added ability for certain Hero Skins to spawn skinned troop versions | Aesthetic enhancement for player customization |
| April 12, 2021 | Comprehensive Update | – Added level 10 Barbarian | Made Barbarians more accessible at all levels |
| – Reduced upgrade costs and times for levels 2-9 | |||
| – Reduced training cost: | |||
| • Level 1: 25 -> 15 | |||
| • Level 2: 40 -> 30 | |||
| December 9, 2021 | Stat & Cost Update | – Further reduced upgrade costs and times for levels 2-9 | Boosted mid-level Barbarian effectiveness |
| – Increased hitpoints: | |||
| • Level 4: 78 -> 85 | |||
| • Level 5: 95 -> 105 | |||
| • Level 6: 110 -> 125 | |||
| • Level 7: 145 -> 160 | |||
| October 10, 2022 | Level Addition | – Added level 11 Barbarian | Extended endgame progression |
| December 12, 2023 | Major Update | – Added level 12 Barbarian | Significant rework of high-level progression and hero interaction |
| – Reduced upgrade times: | |||
| • Level 7: 2d 12h -> 2d | |||
| • Level 8: 3d -> 2d 12h | |||
| • Level 9: 6d -> 3d 12h | |||
| • Level 10: 13d -> 6d | |||
| • Level 11: 14d -> 12d | |||
| – Split Iron Fist into two Hero Equipment: | |||
| • Rage Vial (enrages the King) | |||
| • Barbarian Puppet (summons Barbarians) |
This table provides a comprehensive overview of every documented update to the Barbarian troop, including specific changes to levels, costs, upgrade times, abilities, and visual elements.
Each entry is dated and includes detailed notes on the modifications made, offering readers a clear timeline of the Barbarian’s evolution in the game.
Offensive Strategy
Barbarians excel in early to mid-game Offensive Strategy, particularly in resource raiding and Trophy pushing. Their quick Training Time make them ideal for frequent attacks.
3.1 Tanking and Distraction Use
One of the Barbarian’s key roles is to act as a tank, absorbing damage from Defensive Buildings while other troops deal damage. They’re particularly effective at distracting Splash Damage defenses like the Mortar and Wizard Tower, allowing more fragile troops like Archers to deal damage safely.
- Barch Strategy: This popular farming technique combines Barbarians and Archers for quick, cost-effective raids.
- GoBarch Strategy: An evolution of Barch, this strategy adds Giants for additional tanking power.
Defensive Use of Barbarians
While primarily an offensive unit, Barbarians can also be used defensively when placed in the Clan Castle. Their high Hitpoints make them durable defenders, capable of slowing down enemy attacks.
However, Barbarians are vulnerable to certain threats when used defensively:
- Splash Damage: Mortar attacks and Wizard Tower blasts can quickly wipe out groups of Barbarians.
- Poison Spell: This Dark Elixir spell gradually reduces the Hitpoints and Attack Speed of Barbarians.
Hero Summoning and the Barbarian King
The Barbarian King, a powerful Hero unit, pays homage to the humble Barbarian. His Iron Fist ability summons a group of Barbarians, creating a synergy between the King and his troops. This ability not only increases the number of Barbarians on the battlefield but also boosts their effectiveness, making them a force to be reckoned with.
Unique Barbarian Skins
Clash of Clans offers various skins for the Barbarian, adding a fun visual element to the game:
- Ice Barbarian: A frosty warrior perfect for winter-themed battles
- Pixel Barbarian: A nostalgic nod to classic video game graphics
- Magic Barbarian: A mystical version with arcane-inspired attire
These skins change the Barbarian’s appearance but don’t affect its stats, ensuring balanced gameplay.
Super Barbarian
At Town Hall 11, players can unlock the Super Barbarian, a supercharged version of the classic troop. This Super Troop boasts increased speed and a temporary rage effect, making it a formidable force on the battlefield.
Key differences between regular and Super Barbarians:
- Higher Hitpoints and Damage per Second
- Temporary speed and damage boost upon deployment
- Increased Housing Space
Role in Events and Special Gameplay
Barbarians often feature in special events and challenges in Clash of Clans:
- Seasonal challenges often involve using Barbarians in various Attack Strategy scenarios
- Special events sometimes offer reduced Training Time or boosted stats for Barbarians
These events keep the gameplay fresh and encourage players to experiment with different Army Composition strategies.
Barbarian’s Role in Farming
Barbarians are a staple in Farming Strategy due to their efficiency and cost-effectiveness:
- Quick to train, allowing for frequent attacks
- Low Elixir upgrade cost, maximizing resource gains
- Effective at quickly destroying unprotected Resource Buildings
Pairing Barbarians with troops like Archers or Goblins creates a balanced and efficient farming army.
Trivia and Cultural References
- The Barbarian’s battle cry “RAAAAAH!” has become a recognizable sound effect associated with Clash of Clans.
- Barbarians have appeared in other Supercell games, including Clash Royale, showcasing their popularity across the franchise.
- The Barbarian’s design has been likened to famous wrestlers, adding a touch of pop culture to the game.
Conclusion
From its humble beginnings as the first unlockable troop to its enduring presence in high-level play, the Barbarian has truly stood the test of time in Clash of Clans. Its evolution mirrors the growth of the game itself, adapting and improving while maintaining its core identity.
Whether you’re using them in a Barch Strategy, pairing them with Giants, or watching them charge forth from your Barbarian King, these purple-shorted warriors remain a cornerstone of Clash of Clans gameplay. Their versatility in both Attack Strategy and Defensive Strategy ensures that players of all levels can find a use for these hardy fighters.
As you continue your Clash of Clans journey, remember the trusty Barbarian. It’s not just a troop – it’s the heart and soul of the game, always ready for battle with a hearty “RAAAAAH!” So next time you’re planning your attack or defending your village, give a nod to the Barbarian. After all, every great Clash of Clans story starts with this iconic warrior!
