D&D 5E The 2024 Ranger is Actually Pretty Good (with numbers)

[Zardnaar]

Looking at his build, I think he's doing better than Hex. He's casting multiple spells per round, and cannot fit Hex in there which would do less damage than the second spell he casts? I dunno, maybe you need to lay out your build like he does and see if it adds up to more damage. I don't think it does. I think his is more optimized than yours.

How's he doing it ir is he just quickening cantrips?

Looking at his numbers doing it my way adds close to 50% damage.

My build can also cast two spells a round just saying.


4:23 is relevant build.

Nothing there boosts damage that much relative to what I'm suggesting. Hell you can swap 1 feat and still end up in the same place.

Spellsniper feat can be duplicated by a 400gp item and you can make that in 2024 rules. If not just don't take Inspiring leader at 12.

Did you ever play BG3 and see a fiendpact Warlock use hex+scorching ray? Ignoring builds in said game that break scorching ray.

 

[Mistwell]

How's he doing it ir is he just quickening cantrips?

Looking at his numbers doing it my way adds close to 50% damage.

My build can also cast two spells a round just saying.


4:23 is relevant build.

Nothing there boosts damage that much relative to what I'm suggesting. Hell you can swap 1 feat and still end up in the same place.

Spellsniper feat can be duplicated by a 400gp item and you can make that in 2024 rules. If not just don't take Inspiring leader at 12.

Did you ever play BG3 and see a fiendpact Warlock use hex+scorching ray? Ignoring builds in said game that break scorching ray.

I know 100% he is not allowing items in his builds, and has entire videos on how it's not legit to assume you can craft items for builds given it's a DM-only rule.

 

[Zardnaar]

I know 100% he is not allowing items in his builds, and has entire videos on how it's not legit to assume you can craft items for builds given it's a DM-only rule.

I did specify what you swap out if it's not allowed.

Only difference is one feat and the order you take them in.

 

[Lord Twig]

so, ranger very good at tier1, or even the best, or is it just a very (over)powerful 1st level ranger.

at tier2&3, ranger just takes a dive of the cliff with damage.

beserker does 60% more damage than the ranger in tier2&3.
I do not think that ranger's utility and occasional AoE will bridge that gap.

maybe point for concentration-less HM is very close to level 5, maybe level 9 at the latest when 3rd level spells come online.


right now, the best ranger is a fighter with 1 level of ranger and to call yourself a ranger.
take 3 levels if you really want a subclass, but you are delaying that 3rd attack too much for it.

I'm honestly not sure how he got his numbers, but as I showed, I was able to get substantially better numbers than him with a simple two-weapon fighting Beast Master using Hunter's Mark in Tier 2, but especially in Tier 3 when Ranger really needed a boost.

So Beast Master is the way to go if you want a Ranger to do single target damage.

And the Ranger can still do better ranged and AoE damage than the builds that beat it in single target damage, so I think it balances out pretty well.

 

[Zardnaar]

I'm honestly not sure how he got his numbers, but as I showed, I was able to get substantially better numbers than him with a simple two-weapon fighting Beast Master using Hunter's Mark in Tier 2, but especially in Tier 3 when Ranger really needed a boost.

So Beast Master is the way to go if you want a Ranger to do single target damage.

And the Ranger can still do better ranged and AoE damage than the builds that beat it in single target damage, so I think it balances out pretty well.

His builds mostly aren't very good. The big problem is some of his builds are decent and they're being compared to them. So you need to compare average build to average build or good build vs good build.

One build swapped one feat close to 50% more damage. So I didn't even have to redo his build or anything just 1 feat.

 

[Horwath]

His builds mostly aren't very good. The big problem is some of his builds are decent and they're being compared to them. So you need to compare average build to average build or good build vs good build.

One build swapped one feat close to 50% more damage. So I didn't even have to redo his build or anything just 1 feat.

Yeah, missing HM/Hex is a big thing for scorching ray build. later it's not as it competes with Bigby's for concentration, but for every combat you do not have a free 5+ level spell slot free, HM/Hex should be on.
and it lasts for 1hr so it can be pre casted, with subtle spell even so you do not have to start combat before you are ready.

 

[Zardnaar]

Yeah, missing HM/Hex is a big thing for scorching ray build. later it's not as it competes with Bigby's for concentration, but for every combat you do not have a free 5+ level spell slot free, HM/Hex should be on.
and it lasts for 1hr so it can be pre casted, with subtle spell even so you do not have to start combat before you are ready.

I'm not that goid at math but it would boost it up near the top I think.

 

[rmcoen]

having shillelagh getting more damage per swing that a sword at 5th level is an insane idea.

it just forces everyone going for damage taking Magic initiate feat.

as you said, there is only now, stick and board style.

Which is ironic, since my 2014 paladin that I played the most was already "stick and board", walking around apparently unarmed at all times (with a wooden baton snugged into a holder on the backside of his shield). [Warlock 3 for shillelagh based off Charisma... not necessary in 2024]

 

[FrogReaver]

I’m with Zard that hex is an obvious choice that should have been included for sorcerer.

I don’t think there’s any point in comparing builds damage where one focuses on damage and the other doesn’t. It’s just such a faulty comparison.

Like if damage was one small component of the overall discussion then sure, but it seems like the near complete focus of the discussion.

 

[Zardnaar]

I’m with Zard that hex is an obvious choice that should have been included for sorcerer.

I don’t think there’s any point in comparing builds damage where one focuses on damage and the other doesn’t. It’s just such a faulty comparison.

Like if damage was one small component of the overall discussion then sure, but it seems like the near complete focus of the discussion.

It's also only on feat not a complete build.

Don't think he put it on his Shillelagh EK build either. Could be wrong on that but fae touched also boosts your mental stat along with warcaster aka feats you probably consider anyway.