SUPER DUPER OP BARLEY BUILD + Guide

Sticky Syrup Mixer is the best gadget for Barley because it slows down enemies in a small radius for four seconds. This is crucial for a thrower like Barley, who lacks mobility and struggles against high-speed assassins or tanks that can rush him down.Slowing enemies makes it easier to land multiple attacks, maximizing his damage output.
It provides an escape option when facing brawlers like Mortis, Edgar, or Leon, who rely on closing the gap quickly.
In objective-based modes like Hot Zone and Gem Grab, it forces enemies to stay in a vulnerable position longer, allowing Barley and his teammates to capitalize on the advantage.
Herbal Tonic, the alternative gadget, provides healing to allies but does not contribute much to Barley’s own survival or control. Since Barley’s playstyle revolves around avoiding direct combat rather than sustaining through damage, Sticky Syrup Mixer is the superior choice.Extra Noxious increases Barley’s attack damage by 200 per bottle, significantly boosting his total damage over time. This star power is better than Medical Use because:It increases Barley’s ability to control lanes by forcing enemies to retreat faster due to the higher damage output.
It makes him a more effective damage dealer in Heist, Siege, and Hot Zone, where zoning out enemies is critical.
The additional damage stacks over multiple hits, making it more effective in extended fights.
Medical Use, which heals Barley for 400 HP per attack, might seem useful for survivability, but it does not compensate for his low health and inability to escape aggressive brawlers. Since Barley should focus on keeping enemies at a distance rather than sustaining through damage, Extra Noxious is the better option.Damage Gear
Damage Gear increases Barley’s damage when he falls below 50 percent health, which is crucial for a low-health brawler. Since Barley often takes chip damage while staying behind walls, this gear helps him:Deal higher damage when defending against aggressive brawlers.
Secure kills faster when enemies get too close.
Increase his overall threat level in fights, making it riskier for enemies to push into his attack radius.
Health Gear
Health Gear helps Barley recover faster when out of combat, reducing downtime and allowing him to stay active for longer periods. This is important because:Barley frequently needs to retreat behind walls to avoid damage, and faster healing allows him to return to the fight quicker.
It increases his sustainability in prolonged fights, especially in modes like Gem Grab or Hot Zone.
It provides extra survivability against chip damage from brawlers like Belle or Piper, who can poke him from a distance.Playstyle and Strategy
Barley is best played as a zoning and control brawler rather than an aggressive damage dealer. His role is to control key areas, block enemy movement, and provide indirect support for his teammates.Positioning and Attack Strategy
Stay behind walls to maximize his advantage as a thrower, making it difficult for enemies to retaliate.
Aim slightly ahead of enemies to predict their movement and force them into his damage-over-time attacks.
Use attacks to block escape routes, preventing enemies from moving freely.
Prioritize objective control rather than direct eliminations. Keeping enemies away from critical areas is more important than securing kills.
Using the Super Effectively
Barley’s Super, Last Call, covers a wide area in flames, dealing massive damage over time. It should be used:To clear zones in Hot Zone, preventing enemies from capturing them.
On the enemy safe in Heist to deal significant burst damage.
To trap enemies in choke points, forcing them to either take damage or retreat.
If an assassin jumps on Barley, a good strategy is to drop Sticky Syrup Mixer and throw his Super at his feet, forcing the enemy to either take significant damage or retreat.