Table of Content
- Ranger Class Overview
- Ranger Class Playstyle
- Ranger Class Features
- Ranger Class Progression
- Level 1
- Level 2
- Level 3
- Level 4
- Level 5
- Level 6
- Level 7
- Level 8
- Level 9
- Level 10
- Level 11
- Level 12
- BG3 Ranger Subclasses
- Hunter
- Beast Master Ranger
- Gloom Stalker
- Ranger Class Build Recommendation
- Conclusion
- FAQ
- How many spells does a ranger get?
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Ranger Class Overview
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Embark on adventures with a trusty bow in hand and a loyal animal companion by your side! In this guide to the Ranger Class, we will discuss the class, its subclasses, builds, and equipment. In Baldur's Gate 3, the Ranger Class excels in both close and ranged combat and is versatile in terms of spells, abilities, and interactions with pets. Rangers can be extremely effective both in and out of battle. They can communicate with animals and summon them for assistance. We will detail all of these capabilities in this best bg3 ranger guide.
Ranger Class Playstyle
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In BG3, the Ranger is a versatile fighter, blending features of the Druid, Rogue, and Fighter. Rangers use lighter gear and weapons than fighters, granting them greater mobility. They are not restricted to melee attacks and can strike from long distances. The build and subclass you choose will allow you to deal significant damage both with spells and weapons in close and ranged combat.
Rangers possess tools for most combat situations, but they cannot hold off an enemy on their own. This class can survive challenging situations due to their spells, which should be used for regrouping. Once you understand how the class works and follow the tips in this guide, you'll have a versatile character that excels in combat and exploring locations.
Ranger Class Features
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During battles, Rangers can summon their animal companion to fight on their side. This can be done even without selecting the beast master subclass. The class is more geared towards ranged combat and area control using summoned creatures, but if desired, they can also engage in close combat. A high stealth rating makes them successful scouts.
Let's highlight the key features of the Ranger class.
Strength and Dexterity are the primary attributes required for this class in BG3. Based on gear parameters, Dexterity is a priority to gain bonuses for light weapon handling and armor class.
Rangers also utilize wisdom, necessary for casting spells. When creating the best bg3 ranger build, you should increase the wisdom attribute, but it shouldn't be a top priority.
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Rangers wear light and medium armor that grants bonuses from the dexterity attribute. However, if you choose the "Favored Enemy" spell, you can wear heavy armor. This choice will set you apart from the classic ranger view, but it's worth trying.
Weapon choices for Rangers are vast. They can opt for any simple and martial weapon, as well as shields. They can also use two weapons, creating a specific build.
Like all classes, Rangers can choose two proficiency skills when creating a character. The choice is unlimited, but we've highlighted those that will be most beneficial when building the best character.
Let's highlight the best skills that provide bonuses related to athletics and stealth:
- Athletics;
- Animal Handling;
- Investigation;
- Nature;
- Perception;
- Stealth;
- Survival;
- Insight.
Favored Enemy: Offers unique advantages that enhance combat characteristics against specific enemy categories. Notably, these advantages will change regardless of whom you're fighting against. This provides a broad range of opportunities in battle. Choosing the Ranger Knight will allow you to create a strong melee character that will be a formidable combat unit. As you level up, you can expand your list of "favored enemies".
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Bounty Hunter: Enhances your investigative skills. Enemies affected by the Ensnaring Strike spell will receive a penalty on their saving throws.
Keeper of the Veil: Can use arcana. Provides protection against effects of evil or good.
Mage Breaker: Also proficient in arcana. Uses the True Strike spell.
Ranger Knight: Proficient in history. Allows the wearing of heavy armor.
Sanctified Stalker: Proficient in religion. Uses the Sacred Flame spell.
Natural Explorer: This skill works like "Favored Enemy", but bonuses arise from the type of location rather than the enemies. Natural Explorer gives advantages from the nature surrounding you. Urban Tracker allows lock-picking as efficiently as a rogue or bard. Wasteland Wanderer (Fire) provides resistance to fire damage. As you level up, you can choose more benefits from Natural Explorer.
Beast Tamer: Allows you to summon animals without expending spell slots.
Urban Tracker: Gain Proficiency in Sleight of Hand.
Wasteland Wanderer: Allows you to gain resistance to an elemental damage of your choice.
Ranger Spellcasting: Rangers can use various spells, utilizing the wisdom attribute. The spells are primarily borrowed from Druids.
Fighting Style: Rangers can choose different combat styles: archery, melee, defense, and two-weapon. Using light weapons, Rangers can deal significant damage thanks to attacks with weapons in each hand. This class is also excellent at archery, and many of its abilities are geared towards ranged combat.
Land's Stride: Rangers are connected with the forces of nature, and their life is always on the move. This skill removes penalties when moving through difficult terrain.
Hide In Plain Sight: This skill is perfect for those playing as archers. Your stealth, when you stand still, increases by 10.
Ranger Class Progression
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Let's enumerate all the key abilities as a Ranger levels up. All the skills you acquire will depend on the subclass you choose. Each subclass will be detailed below.
Level 1
HP: 10 HP. Hit point modifier increases with level by +6 HP or more + Con modifier per level.
Available:
- Favored Enemy;
- Natural Explorer.
Level 2
Fighting Style: you can choose a direction which will determine your gameplay style. Options: Archery, Defense, Two-Weapon Fighting, Dueling.
Ranger Spell:
2 Level 1 spell slots.
Level 3
Ranger Spell:
- +1 Level 1 spell slots
- Subclass choice. Choose a subclass: Beast Master, Gloom Stalker, Hunter
- Hunter: Hunter's Prey
- Beast Master: Ranger's Companion
- Gloom Stalker: Dread Ambusher, Superior Darkvision, Umbral Shroud, Disguise Self spell.
Level 4
Feat Selection. At level 4, every class can choose a feat from a general list. The choice of feats is vast, but not all will be equally useful for the Ranger. In this guide, we're making the best BG3 ranger and will point out those feats that will be useful for your character.
- Ability Improvement;
- Athlete;
- Charger;
- Defensive Duelist;
- Dual Wielder;
- Dungeon Delver;
- Durable;
- Lucky;
- Mobile;
- Skilled;
- Sharpshooter;
- Tough;
- Weapon Master.
Level 5
Extra Attack: Ranger can make a free weapon or unarmed attack.
Ranger Spell:
- +1 Level 1 spell slots;
- 2 Level 2 spell slots.
Available:
- Beast Master: Companion's Bond;
- Gloom Stalker: Misty Step spell.
Level 6
- Favored Enemy: +1 Favored Enemy;
- Natural Explorer: +1 Natural Explorer terrain.
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Level 7
Ranger Spell:
- +1 Level 2 spell slots;
- Hunter: Defensive Tactics;
- Beast Master: Exceptional Training;
- Gloom Stalker: Iron Mind.
Level 8
- Feat Selection: Choose one feat from the list;
- Acquired the Land's Stride skill.
Level 9
Ranger Spell:
- 2 Level 3 spell slots;
- Acquired the Gloom Stalker skill.
Level 10
- Hide in Plain Sight: +10 to stealth checks when standing still;
- Favored Enemy: +1 Favored Enemy;
- Natural Explorer: +1 Natural Explorer terrain.
Level 11
Ranger Spell:
- +1 Level 3 spell slots;
- Hunter: Volley and Whirlwind Attack: Point-blank AOE attack;
- Beast Master: Bestial Fury;
- Gloom Stalker: Stalker's Flurry.
Level 12
Feat Selection: Choose a feat from the provided list.
BG3 Ranger Subclasses
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Once you reach level 3, it's time to choose a subclass. This is an important decision, as each subclass offers a unique gameplay experience and will define your playstyle moving forward. The Hunter leans into special abilities and buffs, allowing them to handle the most dangerous enemies at a distance but with caution.
The Gloom Stalker is a silent assassin. They operate covertly and can avoid confrontations or strike from the shadows, dealing massive damage. The Beast Master has unique animal summoning capabilities. This subclass can communicate with animals, much like a druid, and summons powerful beasts in combat.
Hunter
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The Hunter is the classic RPG representation of a Ranger. This subclass leans into the "Favored Enemy" mechanic, where the ranger is particularly effective against certain categories of threats. In this case, the Hunter is adept at taking down "big game": opponents with a lot of HP, physically strong enemies that surpass the Hunter, or whole groups of targets. If you want to challenge the most potent enemies and mini-bosses, the Hunter is your choice.
Subclass Features
Hunter's Prey is the signature ability of the Hunter subclass. It's an enhanced version of "Favored Enemy", and its effects stack with that skill. Thus, the Hunter can deal incredible damage to a specific target. It's perfect for taking down colossi.
Colossus Slayer: Weapon attacks deal additional damage to creatures. If a creature's HP is less than its maximum, the ability works once per turn.
Giant Killer: If a creature is larger than the Hunter, he can immediately attack it as a reaction. An attack will also occur if the creature misses.
Horde Breaker: The Hunter can select two adjacent creatures and attack them in quick succession.
Defensive Tactics: A passive defense skill that activates depending on the situation. The Hunter receives a defense and evasion bonus.
Escape the Horde: Opponents receive a penalty to their hit chance against you.
Steel Will: Gain advantage on saving throws against fear.
Multiattack Defense: An opponent attacking you receives a -4 penalty to all their additional attacks against you.
Whirlwind Attack and Volley: Point-area attacks. Both abilities have the same effect but are activated with different weapons.
Beast Master Ranger
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The Beast Master Ranger is one of the most intriguing classes in BG3. The Beast Master Ranger relies on summoned animal companions both in combat and for quest progression. Similar to Druids, the Beast Master taps into the powers of nature but stands as a formidable combat unit. While nearly any ranger can acquire an animal, the bond between a Beast Master's animal companion is much stronger than that of other subclasses.
Because the Beast Master Ranger has its summoning mechanic, it can simultaneously have both its companion and a summoned animal, making them a self-sufficient party.
Subclass Features
Ranger's Companion: The Beast Master's signature feature, this summons a beast companion to aid the Ranger in quests and combat. Each summoned animal is unique and has its abilities. Depending on the situation, this helps adapt to the enemy or the quest progression.
- Bear — your shield in any situation. The bear boasts high armor and health ratings, making it an excellent tool for absorbing enemy damage. This creature can divert attention and shield the entire party, taking the damage itself. Also, the bear can attack foes with its claws.
- Boar — a living battering ram with high damage. The boar can charge into a crowd of enemies at high speeds, dealing high damage with its tusks and knocking them over.
- Giant Spider — a huge surprise in every sense for the enemy. The spider has a long jump and can execute swift maneuvers. It also poisons its foe with a "bite" ability and can ensnare with webs, slowing down the target. Hint: the webbing can be set on fire.
- Raven — your feathered scout. It scouts the terrain, deals damage with its beak, and can blind an enemy with a claw strike.
- Wolf — a faithful fighter. It can knock down enemies and delivers piercing damage with its fangs.
Companion's Bond: The animal companion benefits from its bond with the Ranger. Proficiency bonuses are added to its armor class and damage rolls.
Exceptional Training: Makes the animal companion's even more deadly. The animals gain the "Dash," "Disengage," and "Help" abilities as bonus actions.
Bestial Fury: Both the summoned beasts and the Ranger themselves gain additional attacks.
Gloom Stalker
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The Gloom Stalker Ranger stands out as another covert ninja among other classes. Its primary tactic is to strike first from the shadows and deal massive damage. However, it differs from an assassin. The Gloom Stalker aims to eliminate its target in one go and tries not to use the "hit-and-run" tactic.
It's notable that when choosing this subclass, characters of any race gain the "darkvision" skill.
Subclass Features
Dread Ambusher: The Gloom Stalker Ranger aims to strike first, leveraging its stealth advantage. This ability allows it to do so, granting additional attacks and boosting movement speed and damage.
With this skill, the Gloom Stalker can use "stealth" as a bonus action. Even when your character is not in the shadows, they might go unnoticed. Remember that, unlike Rogues, you won't get a significant bonus damage when attacking from the shadows.
Superior Darkvision: This skill grants you enhanced night vision. You'll be able to see in the dark for a full 24 meters. Only races that naturally dwell in darkness have this feature, but with this skill, anyone can.
Umbral Shroud: Allows the use of magic for stealth. It's a great solution when there are no nearby shadows or cover.
Iron Mind: Provides a bonus for wisdom and intellect saving throws. It can aid in casting a spell or in dialogue. Skill distribution also affects this ability. When crafting the best BG3 ranger build, the bonus can be substantial.
Stalker's Flurry: A fantastic ability that gives a second chance to attack upon a miss. If you missed with a weapon, you can immediately attack a second time.
Spell for Ranger: The Gloom Stalker can add one or multiple spells to its slot. Use them leveraging wisdom and intellect. You'll acquire several spells for stealth, control, and mobility: Disguise Self, Misty Step, Fear.
Ranger Class Build Recommendation
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In this article, we have prepared several basic tips for you to craft the best BG3 ranger build.
Let's start with the race selection. For almost every class, this is an essential choice that will offer advantages when developing a build. The Wood Elf is the best option due to its starting bonuses for long and short bows, long and short swords, and those skills that will provide the maximum bonus, especially at the beginning of the game. Moreover, the Wood Elf allows for quick movement towards and away from enemies.
Another option is the Drow, which offers proficiency with hand crossbows. The Forest Gnome is a worthy alternative, granting the Speak with Animals feature, which can be beneficial for the best beast master ranger build. The Half-Orc performs well in a melee build, but the Elf still remains the top recommendation.
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By default, the BG3 ranger's stats are almost ideal. Naturally, you'd want to increase Dexterity to 17, and if you're also leaning into magic, don't forget about Wisdom.
Here's how we recommend distributing the skills for a classic Ranger focused on maximizing damage:
• Strength: 12;
• Dexterity: 17;
• Constitution: 13;
• Intelligence: 8;
• Wisdom: 15;
• Charisma: 10.
It's challenging to label the Baldur's Gate 3 ranger as a jack of all trades. While you can build various character types, from rogue-like to tank, it's essential to focus on a specific style to ensure they don't fall apart in combat.
The best beast master ranger is a unique subclass in BG3. The gameplay of a beast master offers a unique experience compared to other classes. However, it's hard to pinpoint the absolute best BG3 ranger subclass as they all have their strengths.
Conclusion
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You can confidently describe the Ranger as a versatile class for any playstyle. You can design a melee ranger, a silent assassin, or a beast master that summons an animal companion to the battlefield.
In conclusion, you'll end up with a character that deals massive damage to opponents in any combat style, and the "Favored Enemy" ability will allow you to defeat even the toughest foes. The "Beast Tamer" ability will enable you to create the best beast master ranger with unique gameplay. The companion you summon will not only assist in combat but also in dialogues with NPCs or when exploring the world.
FAQ
How many spells does a ranger get?
You will receive several spells for stealth, control, and mobility: Disguise Self, Misty Step, Fear.
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