D&D (2024) Ranger 2024 is a bigger joke than Ranger 2014:

[ECMO3]

So essentially the same use case we keep saying is for the free hunters mark casts that you keep saying you wont use…

No I won't. Like I said even when not concentrating, and with a bonus action available, there is usually a better spell to cast. FF is in a different design space. It is after you make a hit, when you are ready to drop concentration immediately. It is not something you precast or plan to use.

I am starting a campaign tomorrow with a 2024 Ranger. I figure we will get to level 20 around Christmas or a little after, so I will be able to say for sure after that, but I don't see myself using the free uses of HM much above 4th level or so.

Here is the character I am playing:

D&D Beyond Character Sheet

The World's most intelligent Dungeons and Dragons Character Sheet.

www.dndbeyond.com

 

[fluffybunbunkittens]

So essentially the same use case we keep saying is for the free hunters mark casts that you keep saying you wont use…

'without bonus action'

FF beats HM in just how free it is.

 

[FrogReaver]

Also Bonus actions are relatively valuable on a Ranger. At high level it is competing with Nature's Viel

Not really. Natures veil is almost always going to better used when concentrating on a ‘good spell’ instead of using it on mop up duty while you concentrate on hunters mark. That’s the use case for your favored foe, right?

and at all levels it is competing with two-weapon fighting.

Not with nick weapon mastery.

Even if you are comparing it to other 1st level Concentration spells there is Ensnaring Strike which is generally going to be better.

I’m just trying to compare it to the old favored foe.

 

[FrogReaver]

'without bonus action'

FF beats HM in just how free it is.

So I think we are now full circle back to the real issue being bonus action economy and the desire for free action abilities.

 

[ECMO3]

Not really. Natures veil is almost always going to better used when concentrating on a ‘good spell’ instead of using it on mop up duty while you concentrate on hunters mark. That’s the use case for your favored foe, right?

Not true. For one thing it is one round only and you are using it for advantage quite a bit.

Not with nick weapon mastery.

Sure, but your character is going to have to function around the magic weapons you find, and unless you put feats into it, relying on Nick weapons is going to be a pretty big hit in damage compared to pistols.

’m just trying to compare it to the old favored foe.

I don't see it being better, except in tier 1.

Maybe in some builds that are designed specifically around using attacks with little control, but not in most builds that are going to maximize spell capability.

 

[ECMO3]

So I think we are now full circle back to the real issue being bonus action economy and the desire for free action abilities.

The real issue is the 13th, 17th and 20th level abilities or more specifically what essentially amounts to 3 largely dead levels on many builds. The new FE is worse than the old FF but that is not the real issue IMO.

 

[fluffybunbunkittens]

So I think we are now full circle back to the real issue being bonus action economy and the desire for free action abilities.

Well, that matters because of the busy Ranger concentration space.

Cost of concentration + bonus action is just more than concentration alone. This should not be hard to see.

I would also be alright paying a bonus action for free uses of Zephyr Strike without concentration, kind of a deal.

 

[FrogReaver]

Not true. For one thing it is one round only and you are using it for advantage quite a bit.

IMO. You are really inconsistently describing how you play your ranger.

Sure, but your character is going to have to function around the magic weapons you find, but relying on Nick weapons is going to be a pretty big hit in damage compared to pistols.

With all things considered that’s doubtful.

I don't see it being better, except in tier 1.

Your not explaining why very well.

Maybe in some builds that are designed specifically around using attacks with little control, but not in most builds that are going to maximize spell capability.

It makes no sense how you find it worse than the old favored foe in the maximize spell casting builds.

 

[FrogReaver]

Well, that matters because of the busy Ranger concentration space.

Cost of concentration + bonus action is just more than concentration alone. This should not be hard to see.

I would also be alright paying a bonus action for free uses of Zephyr Strike without concentration, kind of a deal.

Old favored for had concentration and is received favorably, so it can’t be the concentration issue. Has to be the bonus action issue.

 

[Minigiant]

So I think we are now full circle back to the real issue being bonus action economy and the desire for free action abilities.

Exactly

Favored For isn't good
Favored For is free additive combat power feature with no action cost that replaces an exploration and social power feature if the number of threats are less than your proficiency modifer.

Which goes down the game assumptions and not playing by them.