D&D 5E (2024) Ranged Builds Thread

[FrogReaver]

Broadly speaking I see 4 paths to ranged damage that scales well into t3 and t4.

1. Be a fighter

2. Be a rogue

3. Use summons and cantrips (warlock/wizard with summon fey/undead and EB)

4. Use a concentration aoe damage spell and cantrips (moonbeam or conjure animals comes to mind)

Rangers do well in t1 and t2.

Berserker/Zealot barbarians throwing javelins is solid, though runs a bit into long term scaling issues as well.

Paladin can be okay. Haste or Sacred weapon are nice. But also has long term scaling issues.

And that’s pretty much it as far as I can tell outside multiclass combos with these ideas.

 

[mellored]

Broadly speaking I see 4 paths to ranged damage that scales well into t3 and t4.

1. Be a fighter

2. Be a rogue

3. Use summons and cantrips (warlock/wizard with summon fey/undead and EB)

4. Use a concentration aoe damage spell and cantrips (moonbeam or conjure animals comes to mind)

5: sorlock. Quicken Eldritch Blast
Possibly combined with a zone or summon.

Even after the nerf, and fixing Bladesinger from casting EB, i expect the highest possible DPR is still Conjure Minor Elemental + EB spam. Though i wouldn't count that as ranged attacks.

 

[FrogReaver]

5: sorlock. Quicken Eldritch Blast
Possibly combined with a zone or summon.

Even after the nerf, and fixing Bladesinger from casting EB, i expect the highest possible DPR is still Conjure Minor Elemental + EB spam. Though i wouldn't count that as ranged attacks.

Sorlock is a good call. It starts slow but scales really well.

Maybe. Though CME is still like 10ft range. Hardly ranged damage IMO.

 

[mellored]

Sorlock is a good call. It starts slow but scales really well.

Maybe. Though CME is still like 10ft range. Hardly ranged damage IMO.

Haste + Valor Bard still works for more EB, at range.

So 12 beams max (8 on turn 1).

 

[FrogReaver]

Haste + Valor Bard still works for more EB, at range.

So 12 beams max (8 on turn 1).

But slow slow to get started doing anything.

 

[mellored]

But slow slow to get started doing anything.

Yes.

Though EB+ hex+familiar+Repelling Blast isn't exactly bad at low levels. Warlock 2 is enough for that.

Valor 6 next, getting 1 weapon+2 beams+3d6 hex + 4d8 bardic inspiration damage per short rest. Still at 18 Cha, but 3 attacks should be decent.

Then the rest in Sorcerer. Using slots for more Quicken, and Haste at 5. Not sure what subclass.

 

[ECMO3]

Broadly speaking I see 4 paths to ranged damage that scales well into t3 and t4.

1. Be a fighter

2. Be a rogue

3. Use summons and cantrips (warlock/wizard with summon fey/undead and EB)

4. Use a concentration aoe damage spell and cantrips (moonbeam or conjure animals comes to mind)

#3 does not scale well vs a fighter into tier 4 in terms of damage, in part because of the action to cast it and in part because of the weakness of the summoned allies and concentration requirement. I don't think #4 will scale well either, although I have not seen this used as often.

Ironically Summon (mirthful) Fey works best on a Fey Wanderer Ranger. It still isn't top tier damage, but it is top tier control.

 

[ECMO3]

Even after the nerf, and fixing Bladesinger from casting EB, i expect the highest possible DPR is still Conjure Minor Elemental + EB spam. Though i wouldn't count that as ranged attacks.

I have not seen anyone try to regularly spam this yet, despite multiple games played through level 20 using 2024 rules, so I can't speak from experience on it. I have seen it tried a couple times and it was not very effective those couple of times. Once the enemy died before the caster's second turn.

Mathematically it is a ton of damage in a white room, but in play I don't think this will generally keep up with a Champion fighter in tier 4 with appropriate for the level very rare or legendary weapons. The action tax and concentration requirement are going to really limit effectiveness at that level.

It could be a lot better with multiple support casters specifically and purposely facilitating it, but then the caster is not really doing that in the same fashion a fighter

 

[ECMO3]

Yes.

Though EB+ hex+familiar+Repelling Blast isn't exactly bad at low levels. Warlock 2 is enough for that.

In terms of DPR it is ok, it is not great because you need to give up your action to let your familiar attack.

Valor 6 next, getting 1 weapon+2 beams+3d6 hex + 4d8 bardic inspiration damage per short rest.

You can't use Bardic Inspiration on yourself, but yes it is still ok damage. You are not keeping up with a Fighter or Paladin though or generally a single class Valor Bard or Bladelock.

 

[mellored]

In terms of DPR it is ok, it is not great because you need to give up your action to let your familiar attack.

right, I was thinking warlock 5. I have one of those in my game.

You can't use Bardic Inspiration on yourself,

no, but it's still damage your adding. Just indirectly. (Or more likely being used for AC boost)

but yes it is still ok damage. You are not keeping up with a Fighter or Paladin though or generally a single class Valor Bard or Bladelock.

You can always go bladelock 6 first if that's better at low levels.
Then warlock 2 will be at 2 beams when you get it.
Or go sorcerer first. Get Con saves, shoot Chromatic Orb's and Web to stat.

Oh, and the new Spellfire sorcerer might be the best subclass. Your going to be using lots of Sorcery points.
Bonus if you can get an ally to circle cast Haste on you, to have it last an hour.

Still, i agree this is better in tier 3/4.