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.

 

[DEFCON 1]

Easiest way to be somewhat good at melee is to get the rest of the players to play characters who are bad it at. That way it doesn't matter what sort of numbers you do, you'll outshine everyone else regardless.

 

[TigerDude]

Beast Master does fine with damage.

 

[jmartkdr2]

Honestly all rangers are decent at doing damage, IME. Even in melee.

They generally fail (when they fail) at feeling ranger-y, rather than being underpowered or whatever.

 

[Minigiant]

Depends if you Encounters per Long rest

Short Adventure Days: Gloomstalker
Long Adventure Days: Hunter
Variable days: Winter Walker
Defensive: UA Hollow Warden

 

[WilliamCQ]

[...]
Long Adventure Days: Hunter
[...]
Defensive: UA Hollow Warden

I prefer Defensive than offensive and in-between; although an even higher priority for me is having my characters prepared for Long Adventure Days. With that in mind, what do you suggest?

 

[ECMO3]

All Rangers are decent at melee, they just are not good at it.

I don't think a single class Ranger will ever be good at most levels past level 4 compared to other classes that get extra attack. I think if you want them to be good you need to multiclass them. Dipping Paladin, taking lots of Rogue levels or taking 8 levels of Cleric after getting extra attack can make them good.

 

[Minigiant]

I prefer Defensive than offensive and in-between; although an even higher priority for me is having my characters prepared for Long Adventure Days. With that in mind, what do you suggest?

UA Hollow Warden is the best Defensively with a bonus to AC and eventual Con saves. But it is the worse offensively as it doesn't get a low level damage bonus from subclass.

Hunter is best if you are going long days as it's damage bonus and defense bonuses are both resourceless.

If you want nova too, Winter Walker lets to burn extra spells on damage and opens up Cold feats.