Ranger Fighting Styles

[Yergi]

So it seems to me that TWF Rangers come out better than Archer Rangers in regards to the Fighting Style class feature. TWFers get Toughness as well as the ability to use normal 1hers in their off-hand, while Archers only get Defensive Mobility. As far as I can see, starting out as a Ranger is the only way to use non-off-hand weapons in the off-hand so I think that's a huge bonus and archers need something at least approaching equivalent.

So I've been trying to think of ways to make the Archer Fighting Style more appealing by giving it something unique similar to the TWF Fighting Style.

I've been thinking maybe something basic like +1 or +2 to attack when using a ranged weapon. I want to stay conservative at first, and I figure the main benefit of the TWF feature is that your off-hand can go up one or two die sizes in damage, so trying to get something equal in power to that. Would letting Archer rangers increase the die size of all ranged weapons by one be enough?

What ideas do you guys have?

 

[Ipissimus]

Quite a few people have been saying that the renged powers are seriously nasty, however. Particularly since you can avoid enemy defenders for the most part and are less constrained in who you target.

 

[Kzach]

I haven't had a thorough look through the ranger powers but is there anything stopping you from taking TWF at 1st-level and choosing mostly archer-based powers?

Unlike other classes, I see no powers that have extra's associated with the style chosen at 1st-level.

 

[Stalker0]

Quite a few people have been saying that the renged powers are seriously nasty, however. Particularly since you can avoid enemy defenders for the most part and are less constrained in who you target.

Archer Rangers > Melee Rangers imo. Mainly because they get dex as a primary stat, which boosts their AC, initiative, attack, damage, and reflex defense. A TWF ranger needs high str as well as decent dex if he wants AC...and that means wisdom gets less love.

However, their is no penalty for an "archer" ranger to take the TWF ranger bonus. They get a good feat, and an ability that might come up someday, instead of just a single feat they can easily take later.

 

[Donovan Morningfire]

I haven't had a thorough look through the ranger powers but is there anything stopping you from taking TWF at 1st-level and choosing mostly archer-based powers?

Nothing at all.

Talking over character ideas with a few of the guys at the FLGS while poring through a copy of the PHB, and we all came to that same analysis. Heck, you can just as easily spend your 1st level feat to get Defensive Mobility and have the benefit of both styles if you so choose. Legolas anyone?

Over on the d20radio forums, there's one chap that is planning on rolling a ranger and doing a mix'n'match of melee and ranged powers.

 

[Destil]

That works at heroic level.

But when you hit 11th and are locked out of the archery paragon paths you may regret this decision...

Personally, I don't think it's an issue. Archery rangers seem to be the king of raw damage (aside from a few abuses like cascade of blades). And they can be 20+ squares away. If anything just limit prime shot to archery only.