Update 2.3.1 was notable in that it enhanced every class. Druids, Necromancers, Rogues, Sorcerers, and Spiritborns all received significant boosts, enabling players to farm more efficiently and acquire more Diablo 4 gold . However, despite this widespread enhancement, one class stands out: the Barbarian.

Druids received stronger Pulverize and improved Storm Strike synergy. Necromancers experienced a substantial increase in Golem damage. Rogues enjoyed enhanced aspects such as Breakneck Bandit. Sorcerers saw major upgrades to Meteor and Frozen Orb. Spiritborns benefited from buffs to Pestilence and Razor Wings. 

While all classes became stronger, Barbarians experienced the most significant improvement. The damage increase for Whirlwind allows for unmatched dungeon-clearing speed. Farming efficiency is now comparable to, or even surpasses, that of Sorcerer’s Frozen Orb—an outcome few anticipated this season.

The HOTA build has become a central feature of the Season 9 meta. With a dramatic increase in damage scaling, bosses are defeated quickly by this single-target hammer. Streamers have showcased HOTA clearing Nightmare dungeon bosses in record time, solidifying its position as the Barbarian’s top bossing tool.

Other Barbarian abilities also perform better. Upheaval’s area-of-effect destruction and Double Swing’s substantial burst enhance leveling and midgame experience. Meanwhile, bleed-focused Rend and Thorns builds, previously overlooked, now possess enough power to compete in higher-end content, increasing the class’s build diversity.

With these improvements, Barbarians no longer lag behind in group content. Instead, they provide both reliable DPS and frontline tanking. While Druids and Sorcerers experienced significant gains, none have altered the meta quite like Barbarians. Current tier lists almost unanimously rank them in S-tier.

Blizzard successfully elevated all classes with Update 2.3.1, but the Barbarian has risen higher than any other. Whether farming with Whirlwind, defeating bosses with HOTA, or experimenting with bleed and thorns, Barbarian players now have multiple competitive avenues to success—making them one of the best classes for gathering loot, farming Diablo 4 gold buy , and tackling Diablo 4’s toughest challenges.