Pseudopsyche
First Post
Yes, the beastmaster is noticeably underpowered, and I am not a power gamer who usually worries about that sort of thing. But this one was so noticeable to me, that I just asked Mearls how much playtesting it got. It seems to me the CR of the animal should be 1/4 your level (rounded down), not 1/4 total.
It's not like we have no basis for comparison. You don't need to compare it to a prior version of the game or a novel - you compare it to the hunter ranger in this very game, and it's noticeably underpowered.
Let's at least judge the ranger by the version that appears in the book. The animal's base stats are CR 1/4, but you add the ranger's proficiency bonus to AC, attack rolls, and damage rolls, as well as the skills and saves the ranger is proficient in. The companion also has HP equal to the ranger's level times 4, if its base HP is not already higher. Once we see the monster design guidelines in the DMG, we'll be able to gauge the actual effective CR of the animal companion, but I'm certain it will be above 1/4.