clearstream
(He, Him)
Ranger Hunter, with Archery, Hunter's Mark, SharpshooterCould someone explain to me how the ranged attacker has better damage, or even comparable damage, to the melee attacker? All the melee dudes in my party right now are rockin' the greatsword or maul with the 2d6 damage, and most have Great Weapon Fighting Style and/or barbarian Frenzy, increasing that damage even further. So I'm confused how ranged damage can even come close. Yes, you could pick up Sharpshooter, but the melee folks can get Heavy Weapon Mastery for the same price. What am I missing?
Tier 1
Maximum average/round = 20
Maximum average/day = 300 assuming about 3 encounters of about 3 rounds each
Likely average/round = 7
Likely average/day = 106
Tier 2
Maximum average/round = 76
Maximum average/day = 1140
Likely average/round = 23
Likely average/day = 346
Tier 3
Maximum average/round = 82
Maximum average/day = 1230
Likely average/round = 30
Likely average/day = 443
Barbarian Totem, with Rage, Reckless Attacks, Great Weapon Master
Tier 1
Maximum average/round = 19
Maximum average/day = 285
Likely average/round = 7
Likely average/day = 105
Tier 2
Maximum average/round = 87
Maximum average/day = 1305
Likely average/round = 27
Likely average/day = 406
Tier 3
Maximum average/round = 101
Maximum average/day = 1508
Likely average/round = 33
Likely average/day = 493
Without spells, the Barbarian is nearer the system maximum for melee than the Ranger is to the maximum for ranged. With spells, a Barbarian with Haste could increase their average and maximum by a third, while a Ranger with Greater Invisibility could increase their average by up to a half. That is because the Barbarian is gaining one attack (increases max damage), while the Ranger is gaining advantage (more often deals nearer their maximum).
Barbarian likely has 39 HP at Tier 1, and 77 at Tier 2. Doubled due to Rage. Their AC is probably about 14. A factor to keep in mind is that Barbarian's damage is predicated on granting attackers advantage.
Ranger has likely 32 HP at Tier 1, and 60 at Tier 2. Their AC is probably about 16. Ranger's damage is predicated on keeping at least 10' away from attackers.
Looking at Tier 1, where damage is a wash, 150' range seems more good than wanting to stay 10' away from foes is bad. Looking at Tier 2, where Barbarian is doing likely 20 damage more in each encounter, I think it is less clear, but it is also worth noting that the highest damage SS ranged is a CEX Fighter, not a Hunter. An SS/CEX Fighter can push the damage values in tiers 2 and 3 to equal the GWM Barbarian, with 4 points better AC.
For me, within the 5th edition system, there is only one ranged strategy that overshadows all melee to such a great degree that even "twisty-corridors" lack plausibility as a reason not to take it: Sharpshooter, which I firmly believe should be "Once per turn" on the power attack. Other ranged attacks like Agonizing Blast certainly push the envelope, but don't overwhelm other considerations to anywhere like the same degree.
Note that "Maximum average" shows the product if accuracy, resources and up-time were all 100%, while "Likely average" shows the product if those things are matched to values found in play, e.g. chance to hit against an expected foe's AC.
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