D&D 5E (2024) Ranged Builds Thread

[FrogReaver]

I really like wrathful smite from range in play, and it works with ranged attacks using melee weapons. I like it enough that I would not want to give that up. Against enemies that can be frightened it stops them cold on a failed save. No need for slow or anything else.

As such, I would offer thrown weapon fighting style and dagger(nick) for your other masteries hand axe, heavy crossbow, spear and javelin. Keep a bunch of javelins around for longer ranged throws. You can wrathful smite on all of that except the Crossbow. Get Truestrike on Charisma from Elf or an Origin feat, dump dex to 13 and prioritize strength.

For real long range use the Crossbow with truestrike. When close enough to throw you get 3 attacks once you have extra attack. Your 3rd nick attack would always be a nick dagger, and you would need one other attack with a light weapon
(hand axe or dagger) to trigger it, but the other could be with anything you throw. A Hand Axe mastery could also give you the vex you need to get advantage for sneak attack. Your sneak attack would need to be with the dagger of course

All the thrown weapons would let you wrathful smite from range. With Thrown weapon fighting it would be competitive in terms of damage.

The downside is finding a bunch of magic thrown weapons to make it work.

*Also sacred weapon does not work with Ranged weapons.

Thrown weapons are much too short of range imo.

Also I think the ranged at will push is as good as wrathful smite, but it’s certainly a trade. Wrathful still requires a hit and a failed save to cause the fear.

I’d suggest considering thrown weapons as the backup for when you really want wrathful. Otherwise use your devotion paladin buffed heavy crossbow.

Even with thrown weapons variations you can go dex, so I don’t get the true strike instead of 2x attacks for the crossbow suggestion.

 

[FrogReaver]

I was under the impression, that you can craft magic items if you got enough money.
You only need arcana proficiency and enough money.
Give him DEX 17 and then straight champion till level 8 with the feats CE, Sharpshooter and elven accuracy. That brings the crit chance up to 27.1%.
Normally crits would suck but if you deal 3D6 damage you have very good damage. And superior accuracy with super advantage.
Maybe take one level of ranger for the hunters mark or rogue for expertise.

Any suggestions?

1. I dont assume elven accuracy is an allowed feat with 2024 options. It certainly isn’t at my table.

2. At actual tables there’s usually not a great chance you can craft or acquire specific magic items.

The ranger MC is good but it’s hard to find the dead levels on the fighter to slow the fighter progression for IMO.