D&D 2024 Class GuideRanger Guide: Build, Spells and Ratings

Overview

The ranger is a skilled warrior with nature magic. You fight with a bow or two blades, and Hunter's MarkHunter's Mark1st-level DivinationConcentrationCastingBonus ActionRange90 feetDuration1 hourDamage1d6 ForceYou magically mark one creature you can see within range as your quarry. Until the spell ends, you deal an extra 1d6 Force damage to the target whenever you hit it with an attack roll. You also have Advantage on any Wisdom (Perception or Survival) check you make to find it. sits at the center of the class: Favored EnemyFavored EnemyLevel 1 featureYou always have the Hunter's Mark spell prepared. You can cast it twice without expending a spell slot, and you regain all expended uses of this ability when you finish a Long Rest. lets you cast it without a slot several times a day, and later features make it stronger and harder to lose. Outside combat you are the party's scout, with Expertise, extra speed and spells like Pass without TracePass without Trace2nd-level AbjurationConcentrationCastingActionRangeSelfDuration1 hourYou radiate a concealing aura in a 30-foot Emanation for the duration. While in the aura, you and each creature you choose have a +10 bonus to Dexterity (Stealth) checks and leave no tracks..

The 2024 ranger is far more consistent than the old one. Favored Enemy no longer asks you to guess which monsters you will meet, and Weapon MasteryWeapon MasteryLevel 1 featureYour training with weapons allows you to use the mastery properties of two kinds of weapons of your choice with which you have proficiency, such as Longbows and Shortswords. Whenever you finish a Long Rest, you can change the kinds of weapons you chose. gives your attacks real effects from level 1.

Ability Scores

Dexterity, then Wisdom, then Constitution. Dexterity drives your attacks and AC. Wisdom sets your spell save DC, your Tireless Temporary Hit Points and your Perception and Survival checks. Constitution keeps Hunter's Mark up when you take hits. Intelligence can be your lowest score.

In the 2024 rules your ability score increases come from your background, not your species. With the standard array and the Criminal background (+2 Dex, +1 Con), assign 15 Dex, 14 Wis, 13 Con, 12 Cha, 10 Str and 8 Int, and you start with:

Take the Ability Score Improvement feat at level 4 for Dexterity 19 (or Sharpshooter from the Player's Handbook, which adds +1 Dexterity), and reach 20 at 8. Raise Wisdom after that.

Best Species for a Ranger

Elf (Wood Elf)

35-foot speed, LongstriderLongstrider1st-level TransmutationCastingActionRangeTouchDuration1 hourYou touch a creature. The target's Speed increases by 10 feet until the spell ends. at level 3 and a free Pass without TracePass without Trace2nd-level AbjurationConcentrationCastingActionRangeSelfDuration1 hourYou radiate a concealing aura in a 30-foot Emanation for the duration. While in the aura, you and each creature you choose have a +10 bonus to Dexterity (Stealth) checks and leave no tracks. at level 5, which saves you a slot. Perception or Survival from Keen Senses.

Legendary

Human

Versatile adds a second Origin feat. AlertAlertOrigin featWhen you roll Initiative, you can add your Proficiency Bonus to the roll. plus Heroic Inspiration every day gives you a strong opening shot.

Epic

Goliath

35-foot speed and a giant ancestry boon several times a day. Cloud Giant teleports and Storm Giant punishes anyone who hits you.

Epic

Halfling

Luck rerolls 1s on attacks and Concentration saves. Naturally Stealthy lets you hide behind your larger friends.

Epic

Orc

120-foot Darkvision for a scout, Adrenaline Rush for repositioning, and Relentless Endurance.

Rare

Dwarf

Extra hit points, 120-foot Darkvision and Tremorsense from Stonecunning. A tough scout underground.

Rare

Gnome

Advantage on Intelligence, Wisdom and Charisma saves. Forest Gnome adds Minor IllusionMinor IllusionIllusion cantripCastingActionRange30 feetDuration1 minuteYou create a sound or an image of an object within range that lasts for the duration. See the descriptions below for the effects of each. The illusion ends if you cast this spell again. for hiding.

Rare

Tiefling

Free spells and a resistance. Some of the spells compete with Hunter's Mark for Concentration.

Uncommon

Dragonborn

The breath weapon replaces one attack, which is fine. Flight at level 5 is good for an archer.

Uncommon

Best Backgrounds

From the full Player's Handbook, Guide (Dex, Con, Wis, with Magic Initiate from the druid list) is the perfect ranger background. Wayfarer (Dex, Wis, Cha, with Lucky) is also strong.

Best Feats

Origin feats (level 1)

A

Alert

Add your Proficiency Bonus to initiative. Acting first lets you mark the target and shoot before it closes in.

Legendary

M

Magic Initiate

Two cantrips and a 1st-level spell. The druid list gives you GuidanceGuidanceDivination cantripConcentrationCastingActionRangeTouchDuration1 minuteDamage1d4You touch a willing creature and choose a skill. Until the spell ends, the creature adds 1d4 to any ability check using the chosen skill. and Healing WordHealing Word1st-level AbjurationCastingBonus ActionRange60 feetDurationInstantaneousDamage2d4A creature of your choice that you can see within range regains Hit Points equal to 2d4 plus your spellcasting ability modifier..

Epic

S

Savage Attacker

Reroll weapon damage once per turn and take the better roll.

Rare

Later feats

Epic boons (level 19)

Subclass: Hunter

The Hunter is the ranger subclass in the free 2024 rules. It adds steady damage and defense, and each choice can be swapped on a Short or Long Rest, so you can adapt to the next fight.

Hunter's LoreLEVEL 3

While a creature is marked by your Hunter's Mark, you know its Immunities, Resistances and Vulnerabilities.

Hunter's PreyLEVEL 3

Colossus Slayer: once per turn, extra damage against a creature that is missing hit points. Horde Breaker: once per turn, an extra attack against a second enemy next to your target.

Defensive TacticsLEVEL 7

Escape the Horde: Opportunity Attacks against you have Disadvantage. Multiattack Defense: after a creature hits you, its other attacks against you that turn have Disadvantage.

Superior Hunter's PreyLEVEL 11

Once per turn, Hunter's Mark damage also hits a second creature within 30 feet of your target.

Superior Hunter's DefenseLEVEL 15

When you take damage, use your Reaction to gain Resistance to that damage type until the end of the turn.

Weapons and Fighting Styles

Fighting Style (level 2)

A

Archery

+2 to ranged attack rolls. The best choice for a bow ranger.

Legendary

T

Two-Weapon Fighting

Adds your Dexterity to the off-hand attack. Core for a dual-wield ranger.

Epic

D

Druidic Warrior

Two druid cantrips, cast with Wisdom. GuidanceGuidanceDivination cantripConcentrationCastingActionRangeTouchDuration1 minuteDamage1d4You touch a willing creature and choose a skill. Until the spell ends, the creature adds 1d4 to any ability check using the chosen skill. and Starry WispStarry WispEvocation cantripCastingActionRange60 feetDurationInstantaneousDamage1d8 RadiantYou launch a mote of light at one creature or object within range. Make a ranged spell attack against the target. are good picks.

Rare

D

Defense

+1 AC in armor. Fine for a melee ranger in Medium armor.

Rare

Weapon Mastery lets you use the mastery property of two weapon kinds, and you can swap them after a Long Rest.

• Archer: Longbow (Slow) and Shortsword (Vex). Slow cuts the target's speed, so it cannot reach you. The shortsword is your backup when something does.
• Dual-wielder: Scimitar (Nick) and Shortsword (Vex). Nick makes the off-hand attack part of your Attack action, so your Bonus Action stays free for Hunter's Mark. Vex gives you Advantage on your next attack.
• Longsword (Sap) with a shield suits a melee ranger in Medium armor who skips two-weapon fighting.

Best Ranger Spells

Ratings assume a Hunter in a party of three to five. Hunter's Mark is always prepared and is not counted. Hover or tap a spell for its details.

Hunter's Mark1st-level DivinationConcentrationCastingBonus ActionRange90 feetDuration1 hourDamage1d6 ForceYou magically mark one creature you can see within range as your quarry. Until the spell ends, you deal an extra 1d6 Force damage to the target whenever you hit it with an attack roll. You also have Advantage on any Wisdom (Perception or Survival) check you make to find it.

Hunter's MarkHunter's Mark1st-level DivinationConcentrationCastingBonus ActionRange90 feetDuration1 hourDamage1d6 ForceYou magically mark one creature you can see within range as your quarry. Until the spell ends, you deal an extra 1d6 Force damage to the target whenever you hit it with an attack roll. You also have Advantage on any Wisdom (Perception or Survival) check you make to find it. Always prepared, free casts each day

Goodberry1st-level ConjurationCastingActionRangeSelfDuration24 hoursTen berries appear in your hand and are infused with magic for the duration. A creature can take a Bonus Action to eat one berry. Eating a berry restores 1 Hit Point, and the berry provides enough nourishment to sustain a creature for one day.

GoodberryGoodberry1st-level ConjurationCastingActionRangeSelfDuration24 hoursTen berries appear in your hand and are infused with magic for the duration. A creature can take a Bonus Action to eat one berry. Eating a berry restores 1 Hit Point, and the berry provides enough nourishment to sustain a creature for one day. Ten berries, cheap healing

Entangle1st-level ConjurationConcentrationCastingActionRange90 feetDuration1 minuteSaveStrengthGrasping plants sprout from the ground in a 20-foot square within range. For the duration, these plants turn the ground in the area into Difficult Terrain. They disappear when the spell ends.

EntangleEntangle1st-level ConjurationConcentrationCastingActionRange90 feetDuration1 minuteSaveStrengthGrasping plants sprout from the ground in a 20-foot square within range. For the duration, these plants turn the ground in the area into Difficult Terrain. They disappear when the spell ends. Restrains a group, but costs Concentration

Cure Wounds1st-level AbjurationCastingActionRangeTouchDurationInstantaneousDamage2d8A creature you touch regains a number of Hit Points equal to 2d8 plus your spellcasting ability modifier.

Cure WoundsCure Wounds1st-level AbjurationCastingActionRangeTouchDurationInstantaneousDamage2d8A creature you touch regains a number of Hit Points equal to 2d8 plus your spellcasting ability modifier. Backup healing

Ensnaring Strike1st-level ConjurationConcentrationCastingBonus ActionRangeSelfDuration1 minuteSaveStrengthDamage1d6 PiercingAs you hit the target, grasping vines appear on it, and it makes a Strength saving throw. A Large or larger creature has Advantage on this save. On a failed save, the target has the Restrained condition until the spell ends.

Ensnaring StrikeEnsnaring Strike1st-level ConjurationConcentrationCastingBonus ActionRangeSelfDuration1 minuteSaveStrengthDamage1d6 PiercingAs you hit the target, grasping vines appear on it, and it makes a Strength saving throw. A Large or larger creature has Advantage on this save. On a failed save, the target has the Restrained condition until the spell ends. Competes with Hunter's Mark

Fog Cloud1st-level ConjurationConcentrationCastingActionRange120 feetDuration1 hourYou create a 20-foot-radius Sphere of fog centered on a point within range. The Sphere is Heavily Obscured. It lasts for the duration or until a strong wind (such as one created by Gust of Wind) disperses it.

Fog CloudFog Cloud1st-level ConjurationConcentrationCastingActionRange120 feetDuration1 hourYou create a 20-foot-radius Sphere of fog centered on a point within range. The Sphere is Heavily Obscured. It lasts for the duration or until a strong wind (such as one created by Gust of Wind) disperses it. Escape or block archers

Pass without Trace2nd-level AbjurationConcentrationCastingActionRangeSelfDuration1 hourYou radiate a concealing aura in a 30-foot Emanation for the duration. While in the aura, you and each creature you choose have a +10 bonus to Dexterity (Stealth) checks and leave no tracks.

Pass without TracePass without Trace2nd-level AbjurationConcentrationCastingActionRangeSelfDuration1 hourYou radiate a concealing aura in a 30-foot Emanation for the duration. While in the aura, you and each creature you choose have a +10 bonus to Dexterity (Stealth) checks and leave no tracks. +10 Stealth for the party

Spike Growth2nd-level TransmutationConcentrationCastingActionRange150 feetDuration10 minutesDamage2d4 PiercingThe ground in a 20-foot-radius Sphere centered on a point within range sprouts hard spikes and thorns. The area becomes Difficult Terrain for the duration. When a creature moves into or within the area, it takes 2d4 Piercing damage for every 5 feet it travels.

Spike GrowthSpike Growth2nd-level TransmutationConcentrationCastingActionRange150 feetDuration10 minutesDamage2d4 PiercingThe ground in a 20-foot-radius Sphere centered on a point within range sprouts hard spikes and thorns. The area becomes Difficult Terrain for the duration. When a creature moves into or within the area, it takes 2d4 Piercing damage for every 5 feet it travels. Every step costs them damage

Barkskin2nd-level TransmutationCastingBonus ActionRangeTouchDuration1 hourYou touch a willing creature. Until the spell ends, the target's skin assumes a bark-like appearance, and the target has an Armor Class of 17 if its AC is lower than that.

BarkskinBarkskin2nd-level TransmutationCastingBonus ActionRangeTouchDuration1 hourYou touch a willing creature. Until the spell ends, the target's skin assumes a bark-like appearance, and the target has an Armor Class of 17 if its AC is lower than that. AC 17 without Concentration

Lesser Restoration2nd-level AbjurationCastingBonus ActionRangeTouchDurationInstantaneousYou touch a creature and end one condition on it: Blinded, Deafened, Paralyzed, or Poisoned.

Lesser RestorationLesser Restoration2nd-level AbjurationCastingBonus ActionRangeTouchDurationInstantaneousYou touch a creature and end one condition on it: Blinded, Deafened, Paralyzed, or Poisoned. Ends poison, blindness, paralysis

Conjure Animals3rd-level ConjurationConcentrationCastingActionRange60 feetDuration10 minutesSaveStrengthDamage3d10 SlashingYou conjure nature spirits that appear as a Large pack of spectral, intangible animals in an unoccupied space you can see within range. The pack lasts for the duration, and you choose the spirits' animal form, such as wolves, serpents, or birds.

Conjure AnimalsConjure Animals3rd-level ConjurationConcentrationCastingActionRange60 feetDuration10 minutesSaveStrengthDamage3d10 SlashingYou conjure nature spirits that appear as a Large pack of spectral, intangible animals in an unoccupied space you can see within range. The pack lasts for the duration, and you choose the spirits' animal form, such as wolves, serpents, or birds. Swap Hunter's Mark for it on big fights

Revivify3rd-level NecromancyCastingActionRangeTouchDurationInstantaneousYou touch a creature that has died within the last minute. That creature revives with 1 Hit Point. This spell can't revive a creature that has died of old age, nor does it restore any missing body parts.

RevivifyRevivify3rd-level NecromancyCastingActionRangeTouchDurationInstantaneousYou touch a creature that has died within the last minute. That creature revives with 1 Hit Point. This spell can't revive a creature that has died of old age, nor does it restore any missing body parts. A second way to raise the dead

Plant Growth3rd-level TransmutationCastingHourRange150 feetDurationInstantaneousThis spell channels vitality into plants. The casting time you use determines whether the spell has the Overgrowth or the Enrichment effect below. Overgrowth. Choose a point within range.

Plant GrowthPlant Growth3rd-level TransmutationCastingHourRange150 feetDurationInstantaneousThis spell channels vitality into plants. The casting time you use determines whether the spell has the Overgrowth or the Enrichment effect below. Overgrowth. Choose a point within range. Slows a whole area, no Concentration

Dispel Magic3rd-level AbjurationCastingActionRange120 feetDurationInstantaneousChoose one creature, object, or magical effect within range. Any ongoing spell of level 3 or lower on the target ends. For each ongoing spell of level 4 or higher on the target, make an ability check using your spellcasting ability (DC 10 plus that spell's level).

Dispel MagicDispel Magic3rd-level AbjurationCastingActionRange120 feetDurationInstantaneousChoose one creature, object, or magical effect within range. Any ongoing spell of level 3 or lower on the target ends. For each ongoing spell of level 4 or higher on the target, make an ability check using your spellcasting ability (DC 10 plus that spell's level). Ends enemy spells

Ranger Builds

Beginner friendlyThe Longbow Hunter

Species

Elf (Wood Elf)

Background

Criminal (AlertAlertOrigin featWhen you roll Initiative, you can add your Proficiency Bonus to the roll.)

Fighting Style

ArcheryArcheryFighting Style featYou gain a +2 bonus to attack rolls you make with Ranged weapons.

Weapons

Longbow (Slow), Shortsword (Vex)

Subclass

Hunter (Colossus Slayer)

10STR

17DEX

14CON

8INT

14WIS

12CHA

Acts first, marks the target and shoots it from range while Slow keeps it from closing in. A free Pass without Trace every day makes you the best scout at the table.

Build this ranger

Free to start. No card needed.

MeleeThe Twin-Blade Skirmisher

Species

Human (Versatile: AlertAlertOrigin featWhen you roll Initiative, you can add your Proficiency Bonus to the roll.)

Background

Soldier (Savage AttackerSavage AttackerOrigin featYou've trained to deal particularly damaging strikes. Once per turn when you hit a target with a weapon, you can roll the weapon's damage dice twice and use either roll against the target.)

Fighting Style

Two-Weapon FightingTwo-Weapon FightingFighting Style featWhen you make an extra attack as a result of using a weapon that has the Light property, you can add your ability modifier to the damage of that attack if you aren't already adding it to the damage.

Weapons

Scimitar (Nick), Shortsword (Vex)

Subclass

Hunter (Horde Breaker)

10STR

17DEX

14CON

8INT

14WIS

12CHA

Nick puts the off-hand attack into your Attack action, so Hunter's Mark still fits your Bonus Action. Horde Breaker adds a swing at a second enemy.

Build this ranger

Free to start. No card needed.

Ranger Features by Level

Lvl	PB	Features	Favored Enemy	Prepared Spells	1	2	3	4	5
1	+2	Favored EnemyFavored EnemyLevel 1 featureYou always have the Hunter's Mark spell prepared. You can cast it twice without expending a spell slot, and you regain all expended uses of this ability when you finish a Long Rest. SpellcastingSpellcastingLevel 1 featureYou have learned to channel the magical essence of nature to cast spells. See "Spells" for the rules on spellcasting. The information below details how you use those rules with Ranger spells, which appear in the Ranger spell list later in the class's description. Spell Slots. Weapon MasteryWeapon MasteryLevel 1 featureYour training with weapons allows you to use the mastery properties of two kinds of weapons of your choice with which you have proficiency, such as Longbows and Shortswords. Whenever you finish a Long Rest, you can change the kinds of weapons you chose.	2	2	2	–	–	–	–
2	+2	Deft ExplorerDeft ExplorerLevel 2 featureThanks to your travels, you gain the following benefits. Expertise. Choose one of your skill proficiencies with which you lack Expertise. You gain Expertise in that skill. Languages. You know two languages of your choice from the language tables in "Character Creation." Fighting StyleFighting StyleLevel 2 featureYou gain a Fighting Style feat of your choice (see "Feats"). Instead of choosing one of those feats, you can choose the option below. Druidic Warrior. You learn two Druid cantrips of your choice (see the Druid class's section for a list of Druid spells).	2	3	2	–	–	–	–
3	+2	Ranger SubclassRanger SubclassLevel 3 featureYou gain a Ranger subclass of your choice. The Hunter subclass is detailed after this class's description. A subclass is a specialization that grants you features at certain Ranger levels. Hunter's LoreHunter's LoreLevel 3 featureYou can call on the forces of nature to reveal certain strengths and weaknesses of your prey. While a creature is marked by your Hunter's Mark, you know whether that creature has any Immunities, Resistances, or Vulnerabilities, and if the creature has any, you know what they are. Hunter's PreyHunter's PreyLevel 3 featureYou gain one of the following feature options of your choice. Whenever you finish a Short or Long Rest, you can replace the chosen option with the other one. Colossus Slayer. Your tenacity can wear down even the most resilient foes.	2	4	3	–	–	–	–
4	+2	Ability Score ImprovementAbility Score ImprovementLevel 4 featureYou gain the Ability Score Improvement feat (see "Feats") or another feat of your choice for which you qualify. You gain this feature again at Ranger levels 8, 12, and 16.	2	5	3	–	–	–	–
5	+3	Extra AttackExtra AttackLevel 5 featureYou can attack twice instead of once whenever you take the Attack action on your turn.	3	6	4	2	–	–	–
6	+3	RovingRovingLevel 6 featureYour Speed increases by 10 feet while you aren't wearing Heavy armor. You also have a Climb Speed and a Swim Speed equal to your Speed.	3	6	4	2	–	–	–
7	+3	Defensive TacticsDefensive TacticsLevel 7 featureYou gain one of the following feature options of your choice. Whenever you finish a Short or Long Rest, you can replace the chosen option with the other one. Escape the Horde. Opportunity Attacks have Disadvantage against you. Multiattack Defense.	3	7	4	3	–	–	–
8	+3	Ability Score ImprovementAbility Score ImprovementLevel 4 featureYou gain the Ability Score Improvement feat (see "Feats") or another feat of your choice for which you qualify. You gain this feature again at Ranger levels 8, 12, and 16.	3	7	4	3	–	–	–
9	+4	ExpertiseExpertiseLevel 9 featureChoose two of your skill proficiencies with which you lack Expertise. You gain Expertise in those skills.	4	9	4	3	2	–	–
10	+4	TirelessTirelessLevel 10 featurePrimal forces now help fuel you on your journeys, granting you the following benefits. Temporary Hit Points. As a Magic action, you can give yourself a number of Temporary Hit Points equal to 1d8 plus your Wisdom modifier (minimum of 1).	4	9	4	3	2	–	–
11	+4	Superior Hunter's PreySuperior Hunter's PreyLevel 11 featureOnce per turn when you deal damage to a creature marked by your Hunter's Mark, you can also deal that spell's extra damage to a different creature that you can see within 30 feet of the first creature.	4	10	4	3	3	–	–
12	+4	Ability Score ImprovementAbility Score ImprovementLevel 4 featureYou gain the Ability Score Improvement feat (see "Feats") or another feat of your choice for which you qualify. You gain this feature again at Ranger levels 8, 12, and 16.	4	10	4	3	3	–	–
13	+5	Relentless HunterRelentless HunterLevel 13 featureTaking damage can't break your Concentration on Hunter's Mark.	5	11	4	3	3	1	–
14	+5	Nature's VeilNature's VeilLevel 14 featureYou invoke spirits of nature to magically hide yourself. As a Bonus Action, you can give yourself the Invisible condition until the end of your next turn.	5	11	4	3	3	1	–
15	+5	Superior Hunter's DefenseSuperior Hunter's DefenseLevel 15 featureWhen you take damage, you can take a Reaction to give yourself Resistance to that damage and any other damage of the same type until the end of the current turn.	5	12	4	3	3	2	–
16	+5	Ability Score ImprovementAbility Score ImprovementLevel 4 featureYou gain the Ability Score Improvement feat (see "Feats") or another feat of your choice for which you qualify. You gain this feature again at Ranger levels 8, 12, and 16.	5	12	4	3	3	2	–
17	+6	Precise HunterPrecise HunterLevel 17 featureYou have Advantage on attack rolls against the creature currently marked by your Hunter's Mark.	6	14	4	3	3	3	1
18	+6	Feral SensesFeral SensesLevel 18 featureYour connection to the forces of nature grants you Blindsight with a range of 30 feet.	6	14	4	3	3	3	1
19	+6	Epic BoonEpic BoonLevel 19 featureYou gain an Epic Boon feat (see "Feats") or another feat of your choice for which you qualify. Boon of Dimensional Travel is recommended.	6	15	4	3	3	3	2
20	+6	Foe SlayerFoe SlayerLevel 20 featureThe damage die of your Hunter's Mark is a d10 rather than a d6.	6	15	4	3	3	3	2

Leveling Your Ranger, 1 to 20

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