D&D 5e Alternative Character Options (Archetypes)

I appreciate the comment. In my experience, the problem is that the original archetypes simply aren't being played. I play in three campaigns with 13 other players--and none of them will consider playing the berserker barbarian. As written, the Frenzy feature is considered unplayable by my players, and even when we "house ruled" Frenzy to be usable once before inflicting exhaustion still nobody wanted to play it. The Totem Warrior simply is much more interesting (particularly thanks to the Sword Coast Adventurer's Guide expansion).

The goal of my document was to provide more interesting and playable variant archetypes that specifically do NOT require altering core rules or inventing new rules/mechanics. Everything here basically "borrows" from features/mechanics that exist elsewhere (in other class features, archetypes, or occasionally elements of feats). The concern that I would have with some of your suggestions is that they actually change the core rules in some way. Exhaustion...See more recovery is a shared core rule, so letting the barbarian recover exhaustion levels more quickly is a major change that affects not just the Frenzy feature but also the class's durability against certain spells and creature effects. Likewise, increasing the Rage damage bonus affects not just the berserker's Frenzy but the class as a whole (including the already quite desirable Totem Warrior).

This is why making Frenzy usable once per short rest (rather than exhaustion) seems appropriate, as many other features in the game use a short-rest restriction too. The fact that few campaigns lend themselves to taking frequent short rests after every battle ensures that this feature wouldn't be used exclusively over regular rages. My groups didn't find Frenzy to be exceptionally powerful--after all, anybody can make an extra attack as a bonus action every round by two-weapon fighting, and a fighter or ranger can make this extra attack adding Str bonus to damage by taking the appropriate Fighting Style.

Also, I think the haste-like 'lethargy' of 1 turn can't be completely ignored. Below 15th level, rages occasionally end early on big battlefields because the barbarian may not be able to reach another foe to attack or may not be targeted every round. While plenty of fights are short skirmishes lasting less than 10 rounds, most campaigns feature occasional major running battles that involves waves of encounters lasting more than 10 rounds in total. As the short rest is the major limiter, it's OK if the 'lethargy' effect doesn't seriously come into play every frenzy (especially after 15th level).

Of course, it is possible that the kinds of campaigns you play in differ from mine. These alternative variants might not be appropriate for every style of campaign. I appreciate this food for thought, and I'll definitely keep it in mind during future playtesting for possible revisions down the road.

After reading the preview, i can already see where you are going, and while i agree on some point... i also wouldn't consider using this as it makes the classes too strong to begin with. exemple is the barbarian, right of the bat.

Frenzy now only uses the lethargy haste rules of 1 turn. something every single barbarian will just ignore because... what's one round to lose after a fight right ? the problem arises fromt he fact that most combat wouldn'T even last 10 rounds. there is also no way for a barb to lose his rage at higher end levels. while there is the possibility that the barb will not attack every rounds and that monsters will end up shooting someone else. its strickly better most of the time to just hit the barb anyway when it comes to monsters. so basically this feature alone, just added Extra Attack to the barbarian Rage. There is no way a barbarian would ever do regular rage ever again. not to mention they can, to these add advantage on all attacks.

what i would of done,...See more is to give exaustion levels as normal. except for the barbarian they go down every short rest instead of long rest. that alone fixes all the problems of the frenzy as the barbarian could just go on and on and be fine after a long rest. but during short rest, yeah he's living hell.

and thats just one exemple thats not right.
i too want to fix many archetypes, but reality is... its way too easy to make one archetype be too strong.

one other way to solve the frenzy rage problems. would be to add more damage to the rage instead of the extra attack.