D&D 5E (2024) The Versatile STR Fighter: Melee with a Real Ranged Option

[Minigiant]

I'm not convinced the ranger is best archer.

I didnt say that ranger is the best archer.

I said Ranger is the best Shock Trooper with Range

 

[sevenbastard]

you have an idea for who you think is the best contender for that title then?

 

[FrogReaver]

Does this give up too much in the party total? Splitting between Dex and Str to be ok with both means that you are not great with one until you can add more at higher levels. Does the party now lack a front line fighter or a ranged option if the fighter is straddling the river so to speak.

It likely does not matter much with 5e since the PCs are more powerful and versatile. I also feel that the players can take whatever they want and the party can work, but a more traditional group or a group with only a few PCs might run into problems. Maybe this works better in a low number group where each PC needs more roles.

I never raise dex past the 14 I start with, I am advocating a STR Fighter with a ranged bow attack. Archery style smooths the attack roll. GWM smooths the Damage.

 

[aco175]

I never raise dex past the 14 I start with, I am advocating a STR Fighter with a ranged bow attack. Archery style smooths the attack roll. GWM smooths the Damage.

I was thinking if you take the archery style for the sometimes you might need to shoot, then you are not taking another style for when you melee. It's a trade-off. Is it worth it for most groups?

 

[FrogReaver]

I was thinking if you take the archery style for the sometimes you might need to shoot, then you are not taking another style for when you melee. It's a trade-off. Is it worth it for most groups?

Right, it’s about tradeoffs - but on a high level conceptual basis, I think it’s worth it.

You’re covering a known weakness of STR based Fighters - ranged combat - while giving up relatively little in return.

Having a strong ranged option isn’t just about edge cases like flying enemies or distant starts. It fundamentally increases your tactical flexibility:

• You don’t have to rush forward and take unnecessary hits just to contribute
• You can kite or reposition with the party instead of committing immediately
• You can soften enemies before they reach you
• You can pressure priority targets earlier in the fight

So it’s less about “sometimes I can shoot” and more about always having meaningful options.

Flexibility in 5e is often stronger than specialization in practice, because fights rarely happen under ideal conditions.