Ranger 5e
Wilderness warriors who track enemies and protect civilization's borders using martial skill and nature magic. Rangers excel at focused damage and exploration utility.
At a Glance
Hit Die
d10
Primary Ability
Dexterity, Wisdom
Saving Throws
Strength, Dexterity
Armor
Light armor, medium armor, shields
Weapons
Simple weapons, martial weapons
Spellcasting
Half caster (Wisdom)
Key Features
| Feature | Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Favored Enemy | 1st | Advantage on tracking and recalling info about chosen creature types. (Tasha's replacement: Favored Foe adds 1d4 damage) |
| Natural Explorer | 1st | Benefits in favored terrain (ignore difficult terrain, advantage on initiative, bonuses on exploration). (Tasha's replacement: Deft Explorer) |
| Fighting Style | 2nd | Choose Archery, Defense, Dueling, Two-Weapon Fighting, or Druidic Warrior (Tasha's for cantrips). |
| Spellcasting | 2nd | Know ranger spells with limited slots as half caster. Strong picks: Hunter's Mark, Pass Without Trace, Conjure Animals. |
| Ranger Conclave | 3rd | Choose subclass granting companion, combat style, or magic focus. |
| Extra Attack | 5th | Attack twice when taking the Attack action. |
Subclasses
| Subclass | Source | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Hunter | Player's Handbook | Versatile combat with choices at each tier (Colossus Slayer, Multiattack Defense, etc) |
| Beast Master | Player's Handbook | Animal companion (PHB version weak, Tasha's revised version much better) |
| Gloom Stalker | Xanathar's Guide to Everything | Darkvision ambusher with extra attack on first turn and invisibility to darkvision |
| Horizon Walker | Xanathar's Guide to Everything | Planar warrior with teleportation and force damage |
| Monster Slayer | Xanathar's Guide to Everything | Anti-magic hunter with Slayer's Prey and protective spells |
| Fey Wanderer | Tasha's Cauldron of Everything | Fey magic and Charisma skills with psychic damage boost |
| Swarmkeeper | Tasha's Cauldron of Everything | Swarm of spirits granting movement, damage, or control |
| Drakewarden | Fizban's Treasury of Dragons | Dragon companion that grows rideable at 7th level |
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Using PHB Beast Master without Tasha's revisions (original is very weak)
Common Mistake
Concentrating on Hunter's Mark every fight when Pass Without Trace or Entangle may be better
Common Mistake
Forgetting Natural Explorer benefits only apply in favored terrains (unless using Tasha's Deft Explorer)
Common Mistake
Not preparing situational spells - rangers can change spells on long rest
DM Tips
DM Tip
Rangers were weak in PHB but Tasha's optional features fixed most problems
DM Tip
Gloom Stalker is extremely powerful, especially in dark dungeons
DM Tip
Pass Without Trace makes entire party stealthy (+10 to Stealth)
DM Tip
Conjure Animals can slow combat - consider using average stats for swarms
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & Further Reading
- Ranger — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full SRD class text
- Ranger — D&D Beyond — Official class reference
- Ranger Guide — RPGBOT — Class optimization guide