Baldur’s Gate 3 Ranger Class Guide

Rangers are not as easy to play as most warlocks and frenzy barbarians.

They are strong and useful, but optimizing a ranger can be challenging. Unlocking the full potential of this class requires expertise and dedication, but we’ve got you covered.

Whether your goal is to establish a connection with nature’s denizens or wield the might of unique spells, our Baldur’s Gate 3 Ranger class guide offers a spectrum of choices for your adventure.

Ranger Overview

The Ranger class is a quintessential character archetype, deeply rooted in the lore of Dungeons & Dragons.

In Baldur’s Gate 3, Rangers embody the essence of wilderness and are equipped to thrive in the most challenging environments.

One could say that the ranger falls somewhere between the fighter and the druid, acting as a guardian of nature skilled in archery or swordsmanship, and often in both.

Here’s an overview of what to expect when playing a Ranger:

Key Class Features

• Primary Ability: Dexterity
• Saving Throw Proficiencies: Strength and Dexterity
• Hit Dice: 1d10
• Armor Proficiencies: Light Armor, Medium Armor, Shields
• Weapon Proficiencies: Simple Weapons, Martial Weapons
• Skills: Choose any 3 from Animal Handling, Athletics, Insight, Investigation, Nature, Perception, Stealth, and Survival

Starting Equipment

• Leather Armor
• Leather Boots
• Shortbow
• Arrow of Ice
• Health Potion x2
• Scroll of Revivify

Ranger Spellcasting

• Starts Spellcasting: At level 2, Rangers begin their journey into spellcasting.
• Unlocking New Spell Levels: As they progress, Rangers gain access to higher-level spells every 4 Ranger levels, reaching a maximum of level 3 spells.
• Spell Save DC: To determine the Spell Save Difficulty Class (DC), add 8 to your Proficiency bonus and your Wisdom modifier.
• Spell Attack Modifier: Calculate the Spell Attack Modifier by adding your Proficiency bonus to your Wisdom modifier.
• Known Spells: Rangers start with knowledge of 1 plus your Wisdom modifier spells, and this number increases by half your Ranger level, rounded down, as you level up.
• Equipped Spell Limitations: Rangers cannot freely change their equipped spells; you can only swap them when you level up.

Unique Class Features

• Favored Enemy: Gain advantages against chosen enemy types
• Natural Explorer: Gain benefits based on your chosen environment

Now that we have a general understanding of the Ranger class, let’s delve deeper into its subclasses, abilities, and progression.

Favored Enemy and Natural Explorer

One of the defining features of the Ranger class is the ability to choose a favored enemy and a natural explorer environment.

These choices significantly impact your gameplay and role-playing experience.

Favored Enemy

At Ranger level 1, you select a favored enemy type, gaining specific advantages against them. Here are the available options:

• Bounty Hunter: Gain Investigation Proficiency; creatures hit with Ensnaring Strike have Disadvantage on Saves.
• Keeper of the Veil: Gain Arcana Proficiency and can cast Protection from Evil and Good.
• Mage Breaker: Gain Arcana Proficiency and can cast True Strike.
• Ranger Knight: Gain History and Heavy Armor Proficiencies.
• Sanctified Stalker: Gain Religion Proficiency and can cast Sacred Flame.

Natural Explorer

Also at Ranger level 1, you choose a natural explorer environment, enhancing your skills in specific terrains. Your choices include:

• Beast Tamer: Cast Find Familiar as a ritual spell.
• Urban Tracker: Gain Proficiency in Sleight of Hand.
• Wasteland Wanderer (Cold): Gain resistance to cold damage.
• Wasteland Wanderer (Fire): Gain resistance to fire damage.
• Wasteland Wanderer (Poison): Gain resistance to poison damage.

Ranger Progression

As you level up your Ranger character, you unlock new abilities and features. Here’s a brief overview of your progression:

Level	Abilities and Features
1	Choose 1 Favoured Enemy and 1 Natural Explorer Environment
2	Gain 1st-level Ranger Spellcasting and choose a Fighting Style (Archery, Defence, Duelling, or Two-Weapon Fighting)
3	Choose one Ranger Subclass (Beast Master, Gloom Stalker, or Hunter)
4	Gain a Feat
5	Gain 2nd-level Ranger Spellcasting and Extra Attack
6	Choose 1 additional Favoured Enemy and 1 additional Natural Explorer environment
8	Gain Land’s Stride and a Feat
9	Gain 3rd-level Ranger Spellcasting
10	Acquire Hide in Plain Sight
12	Gain a Feat

Ranger Spell Slots

Rangers gain access to spellcasting at level 2, and their spellcasting abilities progress with their Ranger levels.

Although they are far from being powerful spellcasters like wizards, they do have a decent amount of spell slots at their disposal.

Here’s an overview of the available spell slots:

Level	I	II	III
1 Ranger	–	–	–
2 Ranger	2	–	–
3 Ranger	3	–	–
4 Ranger	3	–	–
5 Ranger	4	2	–
6 Ranger	4	2	–
7 Ranger	4	3	–
8 Ranger	4	3	–
9 Ranger	4	3	2
10 Ranger	4	3	2
11 Ranger	4	3	3
12 Ranger	4	3	3

Ranger Spell List

Cantrips	Level 1	Level 2	Level 3
True Strike	Goodberry	Barkskin	Daylight
Sacred Flame	Fog Cloud	Darkvision (Dark Domain)	Plant Growth
–	Ensnaring Strike	Lesser Restoration	Protection from Energy
–	Cure Wounds	Pass Without Trace	Conjure Barrage
–	Animal Friendship	Protection From Poison	Lightning Arrow
–	Hail of Thorns	Silence
–	Enhance Leap	Spike Growth
–	Longstrider	–
–	Disguise Self	–

Ranger Subclasses Overview

At level 3, Rangers have the opportunity to choose one of three subclasses that define their unique path.

Each subclass offers distinct advantages and abilities, catering to different playstyles. Here are the available Ranger subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3:

Beast Master

As a Beast Master Ranger, your gameplan revolves around forming a deep bond with an animal companion

The Beast Master subclass allows you to summon and bond with creatures like bears, wolves, and dire ravens. Your companion fights alongside you, scouting ahead and providing valuable utility.

Hunter

Hunters are specialists in tracking and eliminating dangerous prey, making them formidable foes on the battlefield.

You excel at taking down formidable foes, from ancient dragons to hordes of undead. Your combat abilities and tactics make you a formidable force on the battlefield.

Gloom Stalker

The Gloom Stalker thrives in darkness and shadows, ambushing enemies before they even realize.

You gain the upper hand in low-light environments and have access to unique abilities that make you a master of surprise attacks.

Basic Tips for Rangers

Choosing the Beast Master subclass is a great decision if you desire a summoned animal companion.

This companion adds versatility and utility to your party, serving as a valuable ally in combat and exploration.

If you prefer a stealthy and tactical playstyle with surprise attacks, the Gloom Stalker subclass is an excellent fit.

It excels in ambush scenarios, allowing you to catch enemies off guard and strike with precision.

Once your Ranger reaches level 5, consider multiclassing into Fighter.

This choice grants you access to powerful abilities such as Second Wind and Action Surge, significantly enhancing your combat prowess.

Within the Beast Master subclass, selecting a Dire Raven as your animal companion can be an excellent utility choice.

This avian ally excels at scouting, applying status effects to enemies, and contributing to your overall damage potential.

Opting for the Wasteland Wanderer environment with resistance to cold, fire, or poison damage can prove invaluable.

These resistances protect you from common types of damage encountered in various areas, increasing your survivability.

The Beast Master Subclass

If you opt for the Beast Master subclass, be prepared to embrace a gameplay style centered around summoning and utilizing an animal companion in combat.

Here’s what you need to know:

Beast Master Progression

Level	Feature
3	Ranger’s Companion (Action)
5	Companion’s Bond (Subclass Feature)
7	Exceptional Training (Subclass Feature)
11	Bestial Fury (Subclass Feature)

Animal Companions

As a Beast Master Ranger, you have access to an array of potential animal companions, including bears, dire ravens, wolves, and even a wolf spider.

This companion will become an invaluable ally in both exploration and battles.

Advantages Over Hunter

In comparison to the Hunter subclass, the Beast Master brings several advantages to the table.

For instance, the dire raven companion can scout ahead of your party, providing valuable information about the surroundings.

Moreover, your animal companion serves as an additional combatant, absorbing damage that might otherwise target you or your allies.

Hunter’s Mark Synergy

When your animal companion attacks foes marked by your Hunter’s Mark, they deal an additional 1d6 damage, making them even more formidable in combat.

Beast Master Progression

As you advance in levels as a Beast Master, your bond with your animal companion strengthens:

• Level 3: Ranger’s Companion (Action) – You gain a loyal animal companion that fights by your side.
• Level 5: Companion’s Bond (Subclass Feature) – Your bond with your companion enhances, and your proficiency bonus applies to its armor class and damage rolls.
• Level 7: Exceptional Training (Subclass Feature) – Your animal companion gains new actions, such as dash, disengage, and help, as bonus actions.
• Level 11: Bestial Fury (Subclass Feature) – Your bond deepens even further, granting your companion an extra attack.

This additional attack significantly boosts your overall damage output, making the Beast Master a potent choice, especially if your animal companion excels in dealing damage.

The Hunter Subclass

As a Hunter Ranger, your primary focus is tracking and eliminating dangerous adversaries.

This subclass excels at combat and offers a range of abilities tailored for the battlefield:

Hunter Progression

Level	Feature
3	Choose 1 Hunter’s Prey (Subclass Feature)
7	Choose 1 Defensive Tactics (Subclass Feature)
11	Volley, Whirlwind Attack (Actions)

Hunter’s Prey

At level 3, you gain access to Hunter’s Prey, where you can choose from the following abilities:

• Horde Breaker: This ability allows you to target two creatures standing close to each other, enabling quick successive attacks.
• Giant Killer: In response to a large or larger creature attacking you, you can make a melee attack as a reaction.
• Colossus Slayer: This passive ability adds an extra 1d8 damage to your weapon attacks against targets below their hit point maximum.

Among these, Colossus Slayer is often considered the go-to choice for its consistent extra damage output, making it especially effective when multiclassing.

Defensive Tactics

At level 7, you acquire Defensive Tactics, providing valuable defensive options:

• Escape the Horde: Opportunity attacks against you have disadvantage.
• Steel Will: You gain advantage on saving throws against being frightened.
• Multiattack Defense: Enemies suffer a -4 penalty to additional attack rolls against you until the start of their next turn.

This array of defensive abilities bolsters your resilience against a variety of threats.

Volley and Whirlwind Attack: At level 11, you gain access to powerful attacks:

• Volley: With this ability, you can rain down a cascade of magical arrows upon nearby foes, dealing considerable damage in an area.
• Whirlwind Attack: This feature allows you to strike multiple nearby enemies with separate attack rolls.

These abilities further enhance your prowess in combat, making you a formidable force on the battlefield.

The Gloom Stalker Subclass

The Gloom Stalker is a unique and enigmatic subclass, introducing a different dimension to the Ranger class.

Here’s a breakdown of what the Gloom Stalker has to offer:

Gloom Stalker Progression

Level	Class Feature
3	Dread Ambusher (Subclass Feature)
3	Superior Darkvision (Subclass Feature)
3	Dread Ambusher: Hide (Action)
3	Umbral Shroud (Action)
3	Disguise Self (Lvl 1 Spell)
5	Misty Step (Lvl 2 Spell)
7	Iron Mind (Subclass Feature)
9	Fear (Lvl 3 Spell)
11	Stalker’s Flurry (Subclass Feature)

Swift and Ruthless

At level 3, Gloom Stalkers become experts in swiftly dispatching their foes.

With a +3 bonus to initiative and increased movement speed by three meters on the first turn of combat, you can strike first and with precision.

Additionally, you gain an extra 1d8 damage on your initial attack.

Superior Darkvision

Gloom Stalkers possess superior darkvision, allowing them to see clearly in the dark up to 24 meters. This enhanced sight is invaluable in low-light environments.

Dread Ambusher and Hide Action

Also at level 3, you acquire Dread Ambusher, which grants an extra attack dealing additional damage. Furthermore, you gain the Hide action, usable both in and out of combat, allowing you to hide from enemies provided you stay within the shadows and out of their sightlines.

Umbral Shroud

At level 3, you gain access to Umbral Shroud, a class action that makes you invisible as long as you remain obscured. However, taking any offensive actions or casting spells will reveal your location.

Disguise Self

At this level, you can also cast Disguise Self, a level 1 spell that lets you change your appearance, race, and gender, providing excellent utility for both role-playing and combat situations.

Fear and Stalker’s Flurry

As you continue your journey as a Gloom Stalker, you unlock even more capabilities:

• Fear: This level 3 spell projects a terrifying image that causes targets to drop their weapons and become frightened for two turns, creating an advantageous situation in combat.
• Stalker’s Flurry: At level 11, you gain Stalker’s Flurry, which allows you to make an additional weapon attack when you miss with a weapon attack, greatly increasing your damage potential.

Incorporating elements of stealth, surprise attacks, and mastery over shadows, the Gloom Stalker offers a unique playstyle that can be highly effective in various scenarios.

Ranger Multiclass Builds

The Ranger class in Baldur’s Gate 3 offers a well-rounded experience, with its proficiency in ranged combat, survival skills, and nature-based magic.

However, some players crave more variety or wish to hyper-specialize in specific aspects that the Ranger might not fully satisfy.

Although characters like Minsk show that Rangers can be unusual, there are weird builds to be discovered.

Who knows, maybe adding some warlock levels to your ranger might turn your character in something truly special.

The Ranger’s Solid Foundation

The Ranger class is undoubtedly a great choice, catering to those who enjoy a versatile playstyle.

Whether you prefer stealthy scouting or long-distance archery, the Ranger has something to offer.

For instance, the Gloom Stalker subclass excels in hiding and scouting, making it a popular choice for those who favor stealth.

However, the Ranger’s versatility means it doesn’t hyper-specialize in one particular area.

If you’re looking to maximize your damage output while shooting from the shadows, you might find the Ranger lacking in this aspect.

Ranger and Rogue Multiclass

One effective way to address this limitation is by multiclassing your Ranger with the Rogue class.

The Rogue class offers a unique ability called Sneak Attack, which allows you to deal extra damage when you have an advantage on an attack roll or when an ally is engaged with your target.

While the Ranger only gains one extra attack upon reaching level five, the Rogue’s Sneak Attack can significantly boost your damage output.

When you combine the Gloom Stalker’s stealthy abilities with the Rogue’s Sneak Attack, you create a character capable of dealing substantial damage from the shadows.

This synergy is especially powerful because the Gloom Stalker already provides advantages for initiating combat unseen.

Do You Want Fighter or Paladin Levels?

To further enhance your combat capabilities, you might consider multiclassing your Ranger with either the Fighter or Paladin classes.

These options provide additional extra attacks, giving you more opportunities to strike your foes.

1. Fighter Multiclass: By taking levels in Fighter, you can gain an extra attack through the class features, such as the Extra Attack feature at level five. This additional attack can significantly increase your damage output, especially when combined with the Rogue’s Sneak Attack and the Gloom Stalker’s abilities.
2. Paladin Multiclass: The Paladin class offers the Divine Smite feature, allowing you to expend spell slots to deal additional radiant damage on your melee weapon attacks. While Paladins are known for their melee combat prowess, you can still utilize Divine Smite effectively when necessary, giving your character more versatility in battle.

Multiclass Masterpiece: Ranger/Fighter/Paladin

For those seeking the ultimate combat experience, you can embark on a multiclass journey that combines all three classes: Ranger, Fighter, and Paladin.

This unique multiclass build grants you access to a wide range of combat maneuvers, Divine Smite for extra damage, and the Hunter’s Mark spell for tracking and damage amplification.

With this combination, you can excel in various aspects of combat, ensuring that your character remains a force to be reckoned with in the world of Baldur’s Gate 3.

Levels 1-5: Ranger (Gloom Stalker)

• Level 1:
  • Choose 1 Favoured Enemy (e.g., Humanoids)
  • Choose 1 Natural Explorer Environment (e.g., Forest)
  • Skills: Select skills that fit your role, such as Stealth, Perception, and Survival.

• Level 2:
  • Level 1 Ranger Spellcasting
  • Choose a Fighting Style: Archery (for ranged accuracy)

• Level 3:
  • Choose the Ranger Subclass: Gloom Stalker (for stealth and damage)

• Level 4:
  • Feat: Sharpshooter (enhances ranged damage)

• Level 5:
  • Level 2 Ranger Spellcasting
  • Extra Attack (two attacks per turn)

Levels 6-10: Fighter (Battle Master)

• Level 1 (Fighter):
  • Choose a Fighting Style: Archery (for ranged accuracy)
  • Gain Second Wind (self-healing)
• Level 2:
  • Action Surge (two actions in one turn)
• Level 3:
  • Fighter Subclass: Battle Master (for combat maneuvers)
  • Choose maneuvers like Precision Attack (enhancing attack rolls) and Trip Attack (prone enemies).
• Level 4:
  • Feat: Crossbow Expert (removes disadvantage on ranged attacks in close quarters)

• Level 5:
  • Extra Attack (two additional attacks per turn)

Levels 11-12: Paladin (Oath of Vengeance)

• Level 1 (Paladin):
  • Lay on Hands (healing)
  • Divine Sense (detecting creatures)
  • Choose the Paladin Oath: Oath of Vengeance (for damage and control)

• Level 2:
  • Level 1 Paladin Spellcasting
  • Divine Smite (extra damage with spell slots)
  • Choose a Fighting Style: Defense (for added survivability)

Equipment

Focus on a longbow or crossbow for ranged combat, and a backup melee weapon like a longsword.

Wear medium or light armor, such as studded leather, for mobility.

Playstyle

This build excels at both ranged and melee combat, making it versatile in various situations.

Use your Gloom Stalker features to initiate combat from stealth and deal extra damage on your first turn.

In subsequent turns, you can attack multiple times due to Extra Attack. Employ your Fighter combat maneuvers for tactical advantages and control.

As a Paladin, utilize Divine Smite for additional damage, especially when you crit or use advantage gained from Vow of Enmity.

Spells

Select Ranger spells that enhance your ranged capabilities and utility, such as Hunter’s Mark and Cure Wounds. Paladin spells like Wrathful Smite can complement your melee attacks.

This corrected build combines the strengths of all three classes, with a focus on ranged combat and spellcasting.

This build makes your character a versatile force that can deal significant damage, control the battlefield, and provide utility to the party.

The choice of feats enhances your accuracy and survivability, making you a formidable force on the battlefield.

Stealthy Archer: Ranger/Rogue Multiclass

This build excels in ranged combat and stealth, making it an excellent choice for players who want to deal significant damage while remaining hidden from enemies.

• Sneak Attack:
  • As a Rogue, you gain access to the Sneak Attack feature, which allows you to deal extra damage when you have advantage on an attack roll or when an ally is engaged with your target.
  • Rangers can use their spells and abilities to gain advantage or set up sneak attacks from a distance, such as through the following ranger spells and subclass features:
    • Hunter’s Mark: This 1st-level spell allows you to choose a target and gain benefits like extra damage on each hit. It helps create advantage by ensuring you have a specific target to focus on.
    • Gloom Stalker’s Umbral Sight: If you choose the Gloom Stalker subclass, you gain darkvision and the ability to become invisible to creatures with darkvision. This can help you stay hidden in low-light environments, setting up ideal conditions for sneak attacks.
• Ranger Abilities:
  • Rangers have access to a variety of ranged attacks and spells, making them excellent ranged combatants.
  • Features like Archery style grant a bonus to attack rolls with ranged weapons, further enhancing your accuracy and damage output.
• Subclass Synergy:
  • Choosing the Hunter or Gloom Stalker subclass for your Ranger complements your Rogue abilities.
  • These subclasses offer stealth-related bonuses and extra attack options, enhancing your combat versatility.
• Critical Hits:
  • With levels in Rogue, you increase your chances of landing critical hits due to Sneak Attack, which deals even more damage when it crits.
  • Ranger’s high hit rate from Archery style and multiattacks ensures more chances to trigger Sneak Attack.
• Assassin Subclass:
  • If you opt for the Assassin subclass in Rogue, you gain the following benefits:
    • Assassinate: Starting at level 3, you have advantage on attack rolls against creatures that haven’t acted yet. This means that during the surprise round or when you’re hidden from your target, you’re likely to hit and potentially land a critical hit.
    • Evasion: At Rogue level 7, you gain Evasion, which helps you avoid damage from area-effect spells and abilities, making you more resilient on the battlefield.

Holy Guardian: Ranger/Paladin Multiclass

Combining the Paladin and Ranger classes creates a character with ranged combat capabilities, divine magic, and potent melee combat potential.

• Divine Smite:
  • Paladins have access to Divine Smite, allowing them to expend spell slots to deal additional radiant damage on their melee weapon attacks.
  • As a Holy Archer, you can use this feature in melee situations when enemies get too close.
• Branding Smite:
  • Unlike Divine Smite, this level 2 spell alternative can be used from afar, making your ranged attacks deal +2d6 damage and mark the enemy with a light that prevents it from becoming invisible.
• Ranged Combat:
  • Rangers are known for their proficiency in ranged combat, making them effective archers.
  • Your proficiency in ranged weapons and Archery style increases your accuracy and damage with bows and crossbows.
• Spellcasting Synergy:
  • Paladins and Rangers both use spell slots, and you can use them for various effects, including divine smiting in melee and casting ranger spells from a distance.
  • This versatility allows you to adapt to different combat scenarios.
• Aura of Protection:
  • Paladins gain the Aura of Protection feature at level 6, providing a bonus to saving throws to you and your allies within 10 feet.
  • This aura enhances your party’s overall survivability.
• Divine Spells:
  • Paladins have access to a unique set of spells, including healing and utility spells that complement your Ranger abilities.
  • Spells like Cure Wounds can help you or your allies in dire situations.

Nature’s Alliance: Ranger/Druid Multiclass

This combination of Ranger and Druid creates a character deeply connected to nature, with a focus on summoning animal companions and spellcasting.

• Beast Master Companion:
  • By taking just three levels in Ranger, you unlock the Beast Master subclass, allowing you to summon a loyal animal companion to aid you in combat.
  • This companion can attack, provide support, and even scout for you.
• Wild Shape:
  • Druids possess the Wild Shape ability, which allows them to transform into animals, gaining their abilities and forms.
  • Combining this with your animal companion creates a formidable duo, especially in situations where terrain or strategy can be exploited.
  • Web Terrain Exploitation: When your character transforms into a spider and your spider companion navigates webs, you create a significant tactical advantage.
  • Enemies on the web terrain have disadvantage on all their attack rolls, giving you and your companion a defensive edge.
• Spellcasting Versatility:
  • As a Druid, you gain access to a wide range of spells, including healing, control, and damage-dealing spells.
  • This versatility allows you to adapt to various combat situations and support your party in a number of different ways.

The Best Pure Ranger Build

Although claiming that one specific build is the undisputed best in a game like BG3 is at the very least bold, I’ll do my best to make it true.

If you want to go full on ranger, there are choices that will clearly make your ranger much stronger. However, I’m not going only for power here.

If you want power and complexity, Beast Master is going to provide you all you need.

Right now, i’m going for power and simplicity, so we’re going to make a classic Elf Ranger that can deal good damage and be useful to the party.

Race, Subclass, and Abilities

• Wood Elf:
  • Gain a significant edge with bonuses to saving throws against Charmed effects, Fey Ancestry, and the invaluable Darkvision.

• Hunter Subclass:
  • Hunters have reliable damage output and mobility.
  • It grants access to potent spells and allows you to mark enemies, enabling sustained damage over time.
  • This subclass also unlocks special attacks at levels, granting you damage in an area of effect.
• Best Ability Score:
  • Idealy, you’re going for Dexterity. Make sure to do your best to start with a 17 Dexterity Score since this Ability can be used to attack with ranged weapons, finesse melee weapons, and increases your Armor Class.
  • Dexterity is your primary focus, but don’t neglect Constitution, which boosts your health.
  • Higher Wisdom improves your saving throws and enhances your skill proficiencies, but it’s by far the least important Ability of the main three.

Best Ranger Spells

While spellcasting isn’t the Ranger’s primary focus, selecting the right spells can greatly influence your effectiveness.

Consider these top spell choices:

Best Spells for Rangers in Baldur’s Gate 3
Level 1:
Ensnaring Strike
Hunter’s Mark
Hail of Thorns
Cure Wounds
Level 2:
Spike Growth
Lesser Restoration
Pass Without Trace
Level 3:
Lightning Arrow
Conjure Barrage

• Ensnaring Strike (Level 1, Conjuration School):
  • Description: This spell summons thorny vines upon your attack, potentially ensnaring your target. Ensnared creatures suffer 1d6 Piercing damage at the start of each turn. The creature or an ally can use its action to attempt to tear away the vines.
  • Why it’s the Best: Ensnaring Strike provides crowd control by hindering enemy movement and dealing consistent damage over time. It’s an excellent choice for controlling the battlefield and mitigating threats.
• Hunter’s Mark (Level 1, Divination School):
  • Description: Mark a creature as your quarry to deal an additional 1-6 damage whenever you hit it with a weapon attack. If the target dies before the spell ends, you can mark a new creature without expending a Spell Slot.
  • Why it’s the Best: Hunter’s Mark boosts your single-target damage significantly, making it a staple for Rangers focused on eliminating specific threats quickly. Its versatility allows you to switch targets without consuming additional resources.
• Cure Wounds (Level 1, Evocation School):
  • Description: Heal a creature you can touch. No effect on undead and constructs.
  • Why it’s the Best: While not a traditional Ranger spell, Cure Wounds provides essential healing capabilities for your party, ensuring your survival during tough encounters. It’s a versatile option to keep your team in fighting shape.
• Spike Growth (Level 2, Transmutation School):
  • Description: Shape a piece of ground into hard spikes, halving movement. A creature walking on the spikes takes 2-8 Piercing damage for every 1.5 meters it moves.
  • Why it’s the Best: Spike Growth creates an area denial effect, forcing enemies to navigate hazardous terrain. It’s particularly effective in controlling chokepoints and limiting enemy mobility.
• Lesser Restoration (Level 2, Abjuration School):
  • Description: Cure a creature from disease, poison, paralysis, or blindness.
  • Why it’s the Best: Lesser Restoration is a utility spell that comes in handy when dealing with status ailments that can cripple your party. It ensures your Ranger and allies remain effective in combat by removing debilitating conditions.
• Lightning Arrow (Level 3, Transmutation School):
  • Description: After the arrow hits, smaller bolts snake out from the target toward nearby creatures.
  • Why it’s the Best: Lightning Arrow transforms your ranged attacks into area-of-effect damage, making it perfect for taking down groups of enemies. Its versatility and damage potential elevate your combat effectiveness.
• Conjure Barrage (Level 3, Conjuration School):
  • Description: Channel your weapon’s essence into a destructive, widespread volley. Targets still take half damage on a successful save.
  • Why it’s the Best: Conjure Barrage turns your weapon attacks into a cone-shaped AoE, allowing you to hit multiple foes at once. It’s an excellent choice for crowd control and dealing damage to clustered enemies.