D&D 5E (2024) Ranged Builds Thread

[Zardnaar]

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.

Mostly on point.

A couple of maybes Dragon Sorcerer built around hex, scorching ray. Metamagic and Chromatic orb/fireball/lightning bolt.

Wizard CME+ Scorching ray. Even nerfed CME. Takes a while.

Valor bard ones goofy and to much theorycraft.

 

[Mistwell]

D4 Deep Dive had a good Paladin dual-wielding hand crossbow build today (The Sheriff / Bowslinger). Seemed pretty good. Very cowboy themed. Apparently he's never heard of the show Have Gun Will Travel though, or likely would have referenced that Paladin character.

 

[Zardnaar]

D4 Deep Dive had a good Paladin dual-wielding hand crossbow build today (The Sheriff / Bowslinger). Seemed pretty good. Very cowboy themed. Apparently he's never heard of the show Have Gun Will Travel though, or likely would have referenced that Paladin character.

Haven't watched that one yet.

 

[FrogReaver]

D4 Deep Dive had a good Paladin dual-wielding hand crossbow build today (The Sheriff / Bowslinger). Seemed pretty good. Very cowboy themed. Apparently he's never heard of the show Have Gun Will Travel though, or likely would have referenced that Paladin character.

If dude would add some numbers to his videos id be much happier. Though he is okay to listen to otherwise.

Key takeaways -
Limited range. 30ft before disadvantage.

Relies on elven accuracy which is not 2024 core and thus may not be available (like at my table).

Multiclasses out of Paladin for another non-2024 core subclass. (Though similar effect could probably be achieved with rogue levels).

IMO. Battlemaster Fighter still makes for the best and most scalable dual crossbow character. Range issue can be fixed at level 6. Action surge and superiority dice add damage similar to divine favor along with additional effects and no bonus action issues.