D&D 5E Archery Fighter level progression: Multiclass now or later?

I just started a new campaign at level 5, and decided to play a Wood Elf Archery Fighter. Here's my character currently:

Wood Elf Fighter (5) Archery Style, Battle Master, Crossbow Expert. (uses a Hand Crossbow)
Str 10
Dex 18
Con 11
Int 10
Wis 15
Cha 10
(I had to roll my stats)

Ultimately, I want to take three levels in Ranger for Dread Ambusher (the level 3 ability of the Gloom Stalker subclass from Xanathar's) and three levels in Rogue for Assassinate. I'm wondering whether this is any better than just going straight Fighter, and if so, when should I start multiclassing?

If I stay with Fighter, I get another ASI, which I could use to get my Dex to 20 (I have 18 currently because we rolled stats), or I could take Sharpshooter. From there, I get another Superiority Dice, another ASI, and Indomitable.

If I start into Ranger, I can get Dread Ambusher in 3 levels, which gives me an extra attack (or 2 with Action Surge) plus 1d8 of damage on the first round of each combat. It also gives me access to Hunter's Mark for an extra 1d6 damage on a hit, and Defense Style for +1 AC.

If I start into Rogue, I get one dice of Sneak Attack Immediately, plus a skill and Perception/Stealth Expertise. Cunning Action is a bit redundant with Crossbow Expert, but Assassinate gives me advantage against any creature slower than me on the first round of combat and free crits if I surprise my enemy.

The other thing I wonder is how can I make use of Elven Accuracy with a Hand Crossbow? Assassinate gives you advantage, but only for one round, and only against creatures slower than you (I do have very high Initiative with maxed Dex and +3 Wisdom) Are there any more reliable methods that don't require you be in melee?

The Samurai feature, Fighting Spirit, is good for one round per rest (at first, at least once per battle once you hit 10th level).
Other than that, it's mostly dependent on outside sources. If there's a Mastermind Rogue in your party, they can Bonus action Help you with one attack. Or if there's a spellcaster they could Hold your target.

I'd probably multiclass after Fighter 6. Maxing Dex is important, but I'd be nervous about having a +0 modifier in Con too. If you go Rogue 3 then Ranger 3 it will be forever until you get another ASI. I'd be tempted to go Rogue 5 next because Uncanny Dodge is great, you get the 3rd sneak damage die, and another ASI, but then it'd be forever until your entire build comes online.


Ultimately, I'd probably end up Fighter 12, Rogue 5, Ranger 3. That'd give you 5 ASI/feats which would be Crossbow Expert, +2 Dex, Tough, Alert, and probably +1 Con and Wis

CTurbo said:

I'd probably multiclass after Fighter 6. Maxing Dex is important, but I'd be nervous about having a +0 modifier in Con too. If you go Rogue 3 then Ranger 3 it will be forever until you get another ASI. I'd be tempted to go Rogue 5 next because Uncanny Dodge is great, you get the 3rd sneak damage die, and another ASI, but then it'd be forever until your entire build comes online.


Ultimately, I'd probably end up Fighter 12, Rogue 5, Ranger 3. That'd give you 5 ASI/feats which would be Crossbow Expert, +2 Dex, Tough, Alert, and probably +1 Con and Wis

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That looks good, although for feats I think I'd want Sharpshooter over Tough, and Elven Accuracy over +1 Con/+1 Wis

Gavin O. said:

That looks good, although for feats I think I'd want Sharpshooter over Tough, and Elven Accuracy over +1 Con/+1 Wis

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Your hp are going to be extremely low. Good luck! lol

Gavin O. said:

Ultimately, I want to take three levels in Ranger for Dread Ambusher (the level 3 ability of the Gloom Stalker subclass from Xanathar's) and three levels in Rogue for Assassinate. I'm wondering whether this is any better than just going straight Fighter, and if so, when should I start multiclassing?

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That's tricky.

You definitely want Extra Attack at fighter level 5.

You want to take four, not three, levels of each new class (for the feats/ASIs).

So I'd suggest 6 fighter levels, then 4 rogue levels, then 4 druid levels.

If that's unacceptably slow, your group really needs a houserule - multiclassing is generally rated well, except the way you lose so much by multiclassing the old-fashioned way (alternating levels).

CapnZapp said:

That's tricky.

You definitely want Extra Attack at fighter level 5.

You want to take four, not three, levels of each new class (for the feats/ASIs).

So I'd suggest 6 fighter levels, then 4 rogue levels, then 4 druid levels.

If that's unacceptably slow, your group really needs a houserule - multiclassing is generally rated well, except the way you lose so much by multiclassing the old-fashioned way (alternating levels).

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I start at level 5 (and I took 5 levels in Fighter) so I already have Extra Attack. I could take one more level in fighter to be 6, and then branch out. That's not so bad.