I played the Berserker in the original boardgame till about 6th level and found that she is, bar none, the best damage dealer in the game. That being said, experience with the game is essential to get the most mileage from the Berserker. In the digital version I've played her to level 9 and adjusted my approach to the class. I've found that, for me, the best approach is to treat the class like any other class when it comes to losing health. Treat each card that allows you to lose health as if it's an enemy attack that will always do 2 damage or X damage. Then decide if the bonus action is worth the cost in life. Will you kill the enemy or enemies before they act?? Then it would be worth it. Taking unnecessary damage via card abilities and then taking damage from enemies is a VERY fast way to get yourself exhausted with this class. In general I would try and save any life loss abilities for the last room or rooms of the scenario unless the card does something amazing (looking at you Flurry of Axes). I have finally settled on using abilities that target all adjacent enemies and usually doesn't cost life for the first parts of the scenario and then using my better cards later in the scenario. Party composition will make a difference in many of your choices.
A great high level card pairing is Careless Charge, and Unstoppable Destruction. Since you've got a move on top with Careless Charge, you can move and attack in a single turn, which is always good. But you can also suffer the Wound to Push and Immobilize nova to give your team some breathing room without any real penalty, because you'll immediately use Unstoppable Destruction's faux long rest to use a heal on yourself, clearing the Wound. Also, I really like a simple Poison Dagger to use with the bottom of Fatal Fury. You get an immediate second attack out of Fatal Fury, and then can follow-up with a third attack on your other card's top, all on the same target. This is a great way to really stack damage without relying on a 'zerker HP mechanic, or burning a dangerous loss card.
I think, ( at 4 players) that Spiked Armor bottom is a game changer for your damage output. You can easily target 2 to 4 enemies with it while moving next to them. I almost always combine it with top Reckless Offensive. When our first Berserker reached level 3 I started to get really ugly for the enemies! Same thing happened at level 7 when Burning Hatred came into play. Ton of damage. It's essentially a light non lost version of Flurry of Axes. But at 2 players, Careless charge is better. And Spiked armor is less effective. Our group consider the Berserker to be the Strongest character in the game. We played all the characters and it was really easier with her in our group Finally, One of the first enhencements should be jump on Strength in Agony, jumping 4 to 7 hex is awesome movement.
Just played berserker , first time! And in a 3 group. Didnt take "from the brink" into the level. Got down to 1 health halfway thru. No way to get health back up. Threw away all my cards to avoid attacks. Allies saved me life. Thanks for the card descriptions! I think I know more now.
Currently playing with berserker, she is a lot of fun. Strenghten echants are soo good. Advantage on 2-3 attacks if you plan right. A bit lacks ranged attacks, but it is ok.
Yeah Reaping Scythe is definitely good! I just like the spear because it's a spend item and can be refreshed by resting. With Berserker having a card that you can short rest, and get the effects of long rest, the spear is going to help output a ton of damage over the course of a scenario by adding an extra target easily 4+ times. I like that if you take Glass Hammer and Resolute Stand you can use the spear to turn both of them into multi target! Thanks for watching!
Great guide! It sure sounds like you need to be a brilliant board game tactician to play this effectively. Also, I’m a big fan of the battle axe. Same basic concept of the item you mentioned except it’s one handed. Yes resting can’t get it back but who rests anyway. Stop resting and keep smashing faces!
One of our players just unlocked this class! I thought it was very very cool. He opted to go with something else because of the complexity. Would love to run side by side with this lady one day!
another guide where you unfortunately don't get the value of the cards :( cauterize /enhanced with posion & range, dazing wound with the long spear, bone breaker (situational??!). you are missing so much potential and damage here.
