Ranger

Key facts

Hit Die

d10

Primary Ability

DEX and WIS

Saving Throws

STR, DEX

Overview

Rangers are warriors of the wilderness, combining martial skill with nature magic. They excel at tracking prey, surviving in hostile environments, and fighting with a combination of weapon attacks and spells. Rangers often serve as guides, scouts, and protectors of the frontier. Ranger characters combine combat effectiveness with exploration utility. With a good spell list, martial weapons, and medium armor, they're capable in a variety of situations. The Hunter subclass (SRD) offers tactical combat options that enhance damage or defense against different types of enemies.

How it works

Hit Die: d10 Primary Ability: Dexterity and Wisdom Saving Throws: Strength, Dexterity Spellcasting: Half caster using Wisdom. Learns spells (not prepared). Up to 5th level slots. Favored Enemy: Advantage on Survival checks to track and INT checks to recall info about chosen enemy types. Natural Explorer: Double proficiency on INT/WIS checks in favored terrain. Travel benefits in that terrain. Hunter (SRD): Choose combat specializations at levels 3, 7, 11, 15. Options include: Colossus Slayer (1d8 extra vs injured), Horde Breaker (extra attack vs adjacent), Multiattack Defense, Escape the Horde, and more.

Tips and playstyle

Character Concepts: Wilderness guide, bounty hunter, monster slayer, border patrol, hermit protector, beast companion. Playstyle: Rangers work best as ranged attackers (longbow) or dual-wielders. Hunter's Mark is your bread-and-butter spell for extra damage. Colossus Slayer adds reliable damage. Use nature spells for utility and exploration. Synergies: DEX-based archery with Sharpshooter feat is strong. Hunter's Mark + Colossus Slayer provides good sustained damage. Goodberry and Pass without Trace are excellent utility spells.

Frequently asked questions