D&D 5E (2024) Ranger sub-class that make somewhat decent melee?

[WilliamCQ]

On D&D 5e, is there a ranger sub-class that make somewhat decent melee? Perhaps some option that give 1-3 melee buffing per short rest, or a good spell to increase AC that doesn't require concentration, or anything else? It's for Rules As Written and I don't multi-class.

I never played a 5e 2024 game, ; if your reply for the above is different than for 5e 2014 I'd appreciate if you'd let me know what the difference was, eg X is better and Y worse.

 

[Zardnaar]

Hunter was gery good level 1-4. Basically you dual wield. Taking the feat however the bonus action is conflicting with hunters quarry.

Theres also the shillagh version and be the fae wanderer.

I would be tempted to just dual wield, short and dagger piercer feat at 4th level.

You could also use a great weapon its a bit anemic later tbh.

 

[Horwath]

unfortunately, they double and triple down on wisdom for ranger and frequency of ability usage and power, so best option is stick-and-board, shillelagh build and since now whole class is around hunters mark, best thing is to lean into it if you do not want to house rule to buff the class out of HM straitjacket.

so, gloomstalker or winterwalker, or UA hollow warden.

1st level feat: magic inititate druid: shillelagh, starry wisp(or produce flame if no darkvision). Healing word or faerie fire
4th level feat, warcaster(wis to 18),
8th level polearm master. or +2 wisdom. if need for Bonus action is great then +2 wisdom is better.