Barley Brawl Stars Complete Character Review & Tier List Guide (2025)
Barley Brawl Stars Complete Character Review & Tier List Guide (2025)
Introduction
In Brawl Stars, Barley stands as one of the most iconic thrower-type brawlers, known for his ability to control zones and deny enemy movement with his throwable bottles of damaging liquid. Though relatively fragile, Barley’s area denial and consistent damage over time make him a formidable opponent in skilled hands.
This guide will break down Barley’s stats, attacks, star powers, gadgets, best game modes, counters, and pro tips to help you master this tricky brawler in 2025.
Who is Barley in Brawl Stars?
Barley is a Rare Thrower who excels at long-range area control by lobbing bottles that explode in a small area, dealing damage over time to all enemies caught within the splash radius.
Barley’s playstyle revolves around controlling choke points, zoning enemies, and slowly chipping away at their health, forcing them to reposition or take significant damage.
Barley’s Stats (Level 11)
Barley’s Attack: Undiluted
Barley throws a bottle of harmful liquid in a straight arc that explodes on impact, creating an area of effect (AoE) damage for 2.5 seconds. Enemies standing in the area continuously take damage.
Key Features:
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Can control multiple enemies by denying space.
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Great for flushing enemies out of bushes or behind cover.
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Requires good prediction to land bottles effectively.
Barley’s Super: Last Call
Barley throws multiple bottles in quick succession, saturating a wide area with damage over time.
Strategic Uses:
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Zone control: Effective at controlling objectives like Gem Mines or Heist safes.
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Finishing off fleeing enemies: The sustained damage can secure kills.
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Area denial: Forces enemies to retreat or reposition.
Barley’s Gadgets
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Sticky Syrup
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Medical Use
Best Gadget:
Barley’s Star Powers
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Medical Use
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Heals Barley for 2000 health instantly (same as gadget, but passive).
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Adds survivability and makes Barley harder to eliminate.
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Extra Noxious
Best Star Power:
Best Game Modes for Barley
1. Gem Grab (A+ Tier)
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Barley controls the middle area effectively, denying enemy advances and protecting gem carriers.
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His Super helps maintain control of the Gem Mine.
2. Heist (S Tier)
3. Brawl Ball (B Tier)
4. Hot Zone (A Tier)
5. Showdown (C Tier)
Best Maps for Barley
Maps with tight chokepoints and narrow lanes let Barley maximize his damage and zone control.
Barley Tier List (2025 Meta)
Mode |
Tier |
Heist |
S Tier |
Gem Grab |
A+ Tier |
Hot Zone |
A Tier |
Brawl Ball |
B Tier |
Showdown |
C Tier |
Knockout |
C Tier |
Bounty |
C Tier |
Tips & Tricks for Playing Barley
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Predict enemy movement to land bottles where they will stand, not where they are.
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Use your Super to control objectives or force enemies out of hiding spots.
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Position safely behind walls and obstacles—Barley is fragile and easy to eliminate.
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Combine Sticky Syrup with your attack to slow enemies and secure kills.
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Keep moving to avoid getting caught by assassins and snipers.
How to Counter Barley
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High burst damage brawlers (Leon, Crow) can close in and eliminate Barley quickly.
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Long-range snipers (Piper, Belle) can outrange Barley and punish his slow reload.
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Tank brawlers who can absorb his attacks while closing the gap.
Final Thoughts
Barley is a zone control specialist with a unique playstyle centered on area denial and damage over time. His ability to control space and pressure objectives makes him a valuable pick in modes like Heist and Gem Grab.
Though fragile, Barley rewards patient and strategic play, making him a favorite for players who enjoy tactical positioning and slow, steady damage output.