Just like inFire Emblem: Three Houses, Claude von Riegan has a Unique Class separate from the Wyvern Rider and Wyvern Lord Classes inFire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes. Once players have neared Part 2 of Golden Wildfire, they’ll unlock Barbarossa, a Master Class. Like other Master Classes, Barbarossa requires the use of a Master Seal, which players won’t be able to get until later in the story.
Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopes’Barbarossa Class is incapable of using Axes or Lances. Instead, the main weapon is a Bow, and, being a Unique Class, only Claude can learn the Barbarossa Class. Although it’s arguably his best Class, players will want to learn other Abilities to build Claude into a swift and powerful fighter.
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Barbarossa: Unlocking, Build, and Class Abilities
As a unit, Claude’s best stats are his Speed and Dexterity. He’s no slouch in Strength or Charm either, which is something to keep in mind if players wish to use battalions. On the other hand, he has poor Res and even worse Magic, meaning players should do their best to keep him away from Gremories and Dark Bishops. Since the Barbarossa Class is a flying unit, Claude takes extra damage from bow-wielders. However, because theBarbarossa’s main weapon is a bow, he can counter Pegasus Knights and Wyvern Riders too. If players equip him with the right Ability or the right Accessory, then they won’t have to worry about Claude’s flying weakness.
In order for Claude to learn the Barbarossa Class, he’ll need to have a Master Seal and have maxed out the following Classes:
Claude’s recommended Classes are Wyvern Master, Sniper, and Barbarossa. Players will find out that if they take the time to master other Classes with Claude, he’ll have everything he needs to hold his own in battle.
The Barbarossa Class has the following Class Abilities:
Players should keep in mind that the above Class Abilitiescannotbe learned. The effects will disappear the minute Claude changes Class. On the other hand, the Class Abilities listed in the following table will be added to the Set Abilities menu each time Claude meets a milestone/rank for Barbarossa:
Unlocked at
Seasoned Tactics
Rank 2
Claude’s assigned battalion will regain Endurancewhen he defeats an enemy commander.
Wind God
Combat Art that is effective against all enemies. Inflicts Windtorn status effect, which doubles the damage enemies take when in the air. Wind God also has the Guard Pierce effect, which will inflict damage if the opponent is guarding.
Seeker of Greatness
Rank 3
Critical hit rate increases in proportion to how much lower an enemy’s Dexterity is compared to Claude’s Dexterity.
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The Best Abilities for Barbarossa
Claude’s high Dexterity means he’s ideal for critical hits and critical rushes. InThree Hopes, Dexterity determines the damage output during a Critical Rush. Equipping Claude with a Nimble Dexterity Ring will bring his Dexterity stat up by ten points. He’ll also benefit wearing a Lightning Speed Ring, which instead raises Speed by ten.
If players have a fully built Tactics Academy (or are at leastupgrading the proper branch), Claude can equip up to ten Abilities. Separate from Equppable Abilites are Unique Abilities. Claude’s is Dustcloud, which will imbue his attacks with devastating wind. Players should combine this with one or two of the Abilities mentioned below to get the full use out of this Unique Ability:
Essence of Wind
Master the Dark Bishop Class
Doubles the power of wind-based Combat Arts, Magic, Class Actions, and Strong Attacks.
Absorb Dexterity
A minor boost is given to Claude’s Dexterity each time he defeats an enemy commander. This boost will last for the duration of the battle and disappear once the level is completed.
Leader’s Ploy
Rank 2 of Wyvern Master
An additional fireball is given to the Wyvern Master and Barbarossa class action (X button).
Master the Barbarossa Class
The critical hit rate is increased in proportion to how much lower an enemy’s Dexterity is compared to Claude’s Dexterity.
Apex Bow
Master the Sniper Class
Critical hit damage is increased when the unit is equipped with a bow.
Heaviest Hitter
Master the Wyvern Lord Class (Innate Ability)
Strong attacks have a high chance of producing enemies' Stun Gauge.
Master the Wyvern Lord Class
Nullifies effectiveness against fliers.
Essence of WindandFiendish Blowon the same Ability setup may seem redundant, but where Essence of Wind produces a more powerful version of a wind-based Combat Art, Fiendish Blow will double the elemental effects. In this case, Fiendish Blow will double the Windtorn status ailment inflicted on enemies by Claude’s attacks. Furthermore, having Essence of Wind is perfect for one of Claude’s Combat Arts: Wind God.
It is highly recommended to have Claude master the Wyvern Lord Class.Nullify Flying Effectswill save the Accessory Slot in exchange for an Ability Slot. By equipping Nullify Flying Effects, Claude will not receive double damage from bows. If players don’t wish to use up an Ability Slot, then they can forgo Nullify Flying Effects byequipping Claude with an Aurora Shield instead.
Claude’s best Combat Arts as a Barbarossa areWind GodandWard Arrow. Wind God is effective against all enemies, will inflict the Windtorn status effect, and even damage guarding enemies. Ward Arrow weakens the opponent and reduces their magic. Alternatively, Ward Arrow can be swapped out for something likeWaning ShotorHunter’s Volley. However, players will definitely want to keep Wind God because of its amazing Might and effects. As bow-based Combat Arts, they’re all effective against fliers.
Fire Emblem Warriors: Three Hopesis available now on Nintendo Switch.
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