Starting a Ranger

Overview
Every Ranger gets free training to be effective both with a bow, and with paired melee weapons, although most choose to concentrate on one of the two specialties using one of the two powerful Ranger enhancements.

The Ranger Tempest's training in using two weapons at once, progressively reduces the normal handicaps for this style, and eventually ensures that the off hand is attacking 100% of the time. The Arcane Archer learns dedicated archery skills, and in particular the ability to generate magically imbued arrows.

However, even an Arcane Archer knows when to pull out a pair of swords when when their enemies are too close, while the meanest Ranger Tempest can still be relied on to target a distant boss or enemy casters with some well placed arrows when required.

Minimum recommended stats
Rangers get all of their class feats, even if they don't meet the Dexterity requirements. However, there are optional feats (and enhancements requiring feats) that do have minimum requirements. The only way to meet these requirements are by starting with the required characteristics or by increasing them with Tomes and level up bonuses to increase characteristics. Items, spells and enchantments NEVER count for satisfying Feat prerequisites.


 * Strength: No minimum requirement but Strength increases melee damage and ranged damage (because of the Ranger Feat: Bow Strength) so it's always good to have more Strength. Str 13 is required for Power Attack; most rangers will want to start with more than that. Many rangers put their level up points into Strength.
 * Dexterity: 13 is required for the Tempest prestige class. This is because Tempest requires Spring Attack, Mobility and Dodge; and Dodge requires a Dexterity of 13. Some rangers start with a higher DEX for more armor class and for attacking with ranged weapons (and some melee weapons with Weapon Finesse feat).
 * Constitution: 14 is a recommended minimum.
 * Wisdom: No minimum requirement; however wisdom is required to cast ranger spells. Total wisdom of 10 + 1 per level of spell is required; however, this can be achieved using items. Rangers get 4 spell levels, so 14 is the maximum required. New players can start with 10 or 11 to be safe, experienced players can start with 8 and use items and tomes. It's possible to equip a WIS item, buff up, and then switch it out for something more useful.  It's also possible to cast Owl's Wisdom, even from a clickie, to achieve the requisite WIS.
 * Intelligence: No minimum requirement but you will need to increase your INT if you want to take feats that have Combat Expertise as a requisite (Improved Trip, for example). INT also increases your skill points.
 * Charisma: No minimum requirement but important for Use Magic Device skill if one chooses to use it.

Race

 * Dwarf: Dwarf rangers are hard to kill thanks to their high Constitution, racial toughness enhancements, and improved saves vs. magic. Their racial weapon feats and enhancements to axe combat do synergize well with Tempest builds.
 * Elf: Elves have great Dexterity but comparatively few hit points due to low Constitution and fewer racial toughness enhancements. Racial bonuses to bows are great for archer builds. Racial bonuses to longswords, rapiers and scimitars are okay.
 * Halfling: Save and AC bonus, great if you are built for defensive purposes. Strength penalty, not so.
 * Human: Good fit to any class.
 * Drow: Drow is a poor fit to many many classes. I don't recommend you to roll a drow ranger just because you are excited with your 400 favor reward.
 * Half-Elf: Good fit, especially for archer build.
 * Half-Orc: Their racial enhancements do not synergize with ranger, which is a two-weapon fighting oriented class. However, the bonus to Strength is nice and increases the damage with their bows and melee weapons.
 * Warforged: Warforged have natural resistances, good constitution and increased hitpoints. Similar to half-orc, their melee enhancements are more suitable for two-handed fighting.

Skills
Skills can vary greatly for a ranger as they are a very flexible class capable of specializing in a number of different directions.

Important Skills
In alphabetical order, these should be maxed out when possible:
 * Balance: How embarrassing if a ranger keeps getting tripped by a dog and getting his ass eaten.
 * Use Magic Device: Reaching as high as 20 makes most restricted items usable. With 30+, raising people from the dead is possible! Keep in mind that you can (temporarily) boost this score with Ranger Skill Boost enhancements or Human Versatility Skill Boost Enhancement.
 * Spot: Even melee rangers are better with a bow than any non-ranger. Make sure you can drop those hidden mobs.  Also critical if you have a level in rogue to find those traps.

It should be noted that ranger has great synergy with rogue. Tempest rangers are strongly encouraged to start with a level of rogue, then fit in a level of fighter or monk, or even a deeper splash with only 12-15 levels of ranger. This opens up a few more skills:


 * Search: A ranger class skill. Easy to crank up
 * Disable Device: With +5 Thieves tools and maxed disable item, this isn't quite as critical as search
 * Open Lock: although it really belongs below with the "other skills", it is always great to open those extra chests.

Secondary Skills
In alphabetical order, improve these skills when you can:
 * Jump: Don't invest too much on this. You can cast Jump spell buff.
 * Hide and Move Silently: Allows you to move through lots of enemies undetected.
 * Search: Allows you to find hidden doors when a rogue isn't available (and also traps, for easier avoidance).
 * Spot: Allows you to spot hidden creatures, and also lets you know when a trap is nearby when a rogue isn't available.
 * Tumble: Allows you to make agile movements during combat.

Favored Enemies
Possible Favored Enemy choices; you get to choose one at level 1 and an additional one at levels 5, 10, 15, and 20 for five total. Rarely taken are: Animal, Chaotic Outsider, Dwarf, Elf, Gnoll, Halfling, Human, Lawful Outsider, Magical Beast, Monstrous Humanoid, Ooze, Orc, Plant, Reptilian, Vermin
 * Aberration (useful at higher levels - you may choose to drop say Undead or Giant to switch to it then)
 * Construct (occasionally useful at mid and high levels)
 * Dragon (but you're not going to face that many dragons)
 * Elemental (useful at mid and high levels)
 * Evil Outsider (essential at high level)
 * Giant (useful at mid level)
 * Goblinoid (early)
 * Undead (useful at low level)

Spells
This section lists only a subset of ranger spells. The full list is available here.
 * Level 1
 * Camouflage: Good for when you're feeling all sneaky.
 * Jump: Reach high places more easily!
 * Longstrider: Gets you where you want to go faster.
 * Ram's Might: +2 STR and damage (effectively +3 damage), and stacks with Bull's Strength/+STR items!
 * Resist Energy: Protection from 10-30 points of energy damage per hit
 * Level 2
 * Barkskin: Increases your AC, up to +5 (natural armor bonus).
 * Camouflage, Mass: One person is good; everyone is better.
 * Cure Light Wounds: Primarily for self-healing when a cleric isn't available.
 * Protection from Energy: See: Resist Energy, although it directly absorbs it instead (up to 120 points of damage).
 * Level 3
 * Cure Moderate Wounds: See: Cure Light Wounds, but better.
 * Neutralize Poison: Obviously enough.
 * Remove Disease: Ditto.
 * Level 4
 * Freedom of Movement: A great spell to counter Hold Person (earth elemental's Earthgrab is not included since update 11).
 * Cure Serious Wounds: The best healing you can cast yourself.

Multiclassing
Rangers don't have a flashy capstone and they are a rather front-loaded class, thus they are suitable for multiclassing. Other classes might decide to dip in ranger. Rangers offer decent chassis: average HP, two good saves, full BAB and lot of skills. Useful break points are:
 * Rogue: 1 or more levels for trap skills, UMD, sneak attack, haste enhancements (also evasion if ranger levels are below 9)
 * Fighter: 1 or more levels for feats, enhancements
 * Monk: usually 1 or 2 levels for feats, and AC (also evasion if ranger levels are below 9)
 * See also: Exploiter
 * 1-2 for favored enemy, two ranged feats, TWF feat, and access to cure wands without UMD
 * 4-6 for early spells, prestige enhancements, manyshot, improved TWF
 * 11 for full TWF line, Improved Precise Shot without meeting dex requirement, third level spell
 * 15 can hardly be considered a "dip" but has all the spells and favored enemies of 18 with 3 more level slots open.

Tempest Ranger (Pure Class)
Race
 * Human - The human race gives an extra feat and it is a solid choice for a new ranger.

Stats (28 pb)
 * Strength: 17 -- Put level increases here.
 * Dexterity: 13 -- Enough to satisfy all the dexterity requirements of the feats Dodge, Mobility, Spring Attack.
 * Constitution: 15 -- Hit points are important.
 * Intelligence: 8 -- Should be enough to cover your skill points needs.
 * Wisdom: 10 -- You should be able to find a +1 wisdom item until level 4.
 * Charisma: 8 -- This is a dump stat unless you are pursuing Use Magic Device.

Feats
 * Toughness
 * Dodge
 * Mobility
 * Spring Attack
 * Improved Critical
 * Power Attack
 * Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Khopesh
 * one free

Enhancements
 * Toughness enhancements
 * Ranger Sprint Boost
 * Ranger Favored Enemy Attack & Damage
 * Human Adaptability: Strength
 * Human Greater Adaptability: Constitution
 * Human Versatility

Tempest Ranger (Multiclass)
The following content has just been revised but could easily be wrong.

The multiclassed tempest understands that the capstone is for archers, and there are better ways to spend those last two (or more, Tempest III is underpowered as of update 12) levels. This build emphasizes ranger utility and flexibility, giving the player even more options then usual.

Tempests need high Strength for melee attacks, but also need Dexterity for the Ranger Tempest prestige enhancement line. This is because Tempest requires Spring Attack, Mobility and Dodge; and dodge requires a Dexterity of 13. Rounding up to 14 might make sense (you only get benefits on the even numbers, and long term it is usually easier to wind up with an even value if you start with one) but new players are often tempted to increase dexterity for AC, archery, or even more foolishly the finesse feat. A human, dwarf, half-elf, or even half-orc or warforged has to pay 2 points each point of dexterity beyond 14. You need those points to keep your strength and constitution up.

No ranger should use a crossbow because the free Bow Strength feat applies the ranger's strength bonus to their damage rolls with a longbow or shortbow, and negates the crossbow's higher damage class.

Note, this is not a pure ranger build.


 * Level Progression
 * Level 1 - Rogue
 * Level 2-5 - Ranger
 * Level 6 - Fighter (or Monk if the player has it)
 * Level 7-20 - Ranger


 * Race
 * Human:


 * Stats
 * Strength: 16 Strength makes your blades bite often and bite deep. Put all level up points here.
 * Dexterity: 14 Enough to satisfy all the dexterity requirements of the feats Dodge, Mobility, Spring Attack.
 * Constitution: 16 Rangers should be in the thick of things.  You have two swords, go use them.
 * Intelligence: 8 Note that Use Magic Device, Search, disable device, and spot can easily use up your skills.  Try to have some open lock as well.
 * Wisdom: 10 Players using a monk level (or half-elf dilettante feat) may want more, players confident in obtaining reasonably powerful wisdom gear may prefer to put the points in intelligence.
 * Charisma: 8 Since Use Magic Device is a rogue class skill, this build can put it up to 20 ranks. Expect to want a charisma boosting magic item since you really can't afford to put points here.


 * Feats
 * Dodge Needed by Tempest
 * Toughness All characters should have toughness
 * Exotic Weapon Proficiency: Khopesh Can be re-arranged. Khopeshes don't shine until 9th level.
 * Mobility Required for Tempest
 * Spring Attack: Required for Tempest, it means that you can run around without to-hit penalty while anything attacking you will find you harder to hit.
 * Improved Critical - Slashing: Combined with a Khopesh, this will allow your damage to take off.
 * Power Attack: This gets taken much later by characters wielding two weapons than the big two handed cleavers. Note the positions of power attack and improved critical: ranged can be switched if the player has *any* issues hitting mobs, or simply likes the bow.
 * Improved Critical - Ranged: While a tempest is primarily a melee combatant, he never forgets his bow. By this point he should be firing 4 arrows on multishot, and have improved precise shot.  Consider trying to find a silver bow when taking this feat.
 * Oversized Two-Weapon Fighting: One of several feats that allow the last level of tempest to be taken. Wielding two khopeshs without penalty is typically the preferred one.

Final Comments
The build previously place here claimed to be defensive in nature. This rarely works well for non-solo builds, and has been replaced with a more modern build that works well solo as with a party. Also the rogue skills allow your party to run certain quests and difficulties that may be otherwise impossible without dying in traps.

I hope you will enjoy playing a melee ranger in the future, as well as dissolving the stereotype image of a ranger as an archery specialist. The majority of the warriors I have partied with are often shocked at how quick my character can mow through hordes of mobs taking little to no damage, and spellcasters are often thankful when I leap over monsters to their rescue.

Archer Fighting Tips
Other fighting classes can hide behind their heavy armor and extra hit points but Archers need to play smart.

The point of using arrows is not usually damage, which over time is usually less than melee damage, but the enormous advantage of being able to hit enemies who cannot hit back at you because you are out of reach. Pick off vulnerable foes one by one to minimize damage from return fire, unless you are using a paralyzing bow, in which case spread the affect around.

Remember though--as a Ranger--your bow damage comes from three different factors: your strength (through Bow Strength), your bow's attributes (various pluses and effects), and your arrows. By selecting an appropriate bow and appropriate ammunition, you can often better match your damage with what's required for an enemy. For example, if you are fighting an enemy using the Stoneskin spell, switch to a Metalline bow to overcome the damage reduction. If you are hunting fire elementals, you can switch to frost arrows for double damage. Unlike melee weapons, a bow and arrow combination let's you use up to 6 different prefixes, suffixes, and/or pluses at once toward an enemy. (Highest plus between bow or arrow, bow prefix/suffix/material, arrow material/suffix).

There are also explicit situations where the ability to hit the enemy from a distance means more than safety. The most obvious is in returning fire to ranged mobs standing out of reach, but even more useful is the ability to grab the 'aggro' of enemy casters or the boss from a distance. You may be able to destroy them from afar with manyshot, but if not, have a good plan for how to deal with them afterward.

The combination of Improved Precise Shot with Manyshot can be like a machine gun on a group of vulnerable foes. The technique needs practice, as you have to get the timing right, have them nicely lined up, and target the one at the back.

Lastly, don't forget those Two Weapon Fighting feats that you get for free. Consider leaping over the frontline fighters to attack high priority targets like casters, or the enemy archers standing at the back.

Kite wisely!
Kiting is getting a monster to chase you, while you run backwards firing at it. This is a common tactic for solo archers, and can work well in groups if you can kite them through a firewall, a blade barrier or a waiting group of your fellows. But careless kiting in a group will anger your fellow players since they will typically not be able to hit a monster while running after it and you. Tell them what you are planning, and if you are in trouble, run towards your friends, not away from them.

How to Keep the Arrows Flowing
Dedicate one inventory slot to Arrows. Put your equiped Quiver on Auto Gather. As you shoot the arrows will fill your quiver. I also keep 10 Quivers 250 arrows. This gives 25 X 100 Arrows + 250 Per Quiver (add Magic Arrows to fill up even more).

Additionally, if you have a high-plus bow and the money to do so, you can get additional general use arrows by buying and carrying base arrows, +1 arrows, and masterwork arrows in the same quiver. With a +1 or higher bow, these arrows are functionally the same and will allow you to have 1200 arrows in a regular thin quiver that will sequentially load for general use. This way, for specialized arrows like "Undead Bane" or "Arrows of Lesser Dwarf Bane", you can slot those into a wide quiver and switch them out during lulls in battles when you need that something special. Carrying 4 thin quivers filled this way and two wide quivers allows you 4800 general purpose "spamming" arrows and up to 200 each of 12 specialized types.

For specialized arrow types and quivers, seek favor with House Deneith or indulge in crafting. By Deconstructing items you find, you can accumulate essences and use them--via the shard creation machines--to create elemental or bane arrows in stacks of 100.

Building an Archer
The Archer is an agile and skilled scout with minor spellcasting abilities. With his keen senses he can detect traps, secret doors or enemies before anyone else. Once combat starts the archer usually stays behind to support the party with his bow, but even in melee he has learned to wield two weapons with deadly precision. The archer wears only light armor but is quick in his movement and can sneak past enemies when necessary.

This specialization is recommended to those players who prefer smiting enemies from a distance rather than close up. Even so, any ranger can fight effectively with two weapons, so melee fighting is always an alternative when your enemies are within striking distance. Once Manyshot has run out, Rangers often do more damage with two weapon fighting than using a bow, even if they have gained the Point Blank Shot feat.

Archers need high Dexterity to hit with ranged attacks, and might be tempted to take the Weapon Finesse feat to enable attacks with rapiers and shortswords to enjoy the same bonus. However, well-built rangers should keep their strength up as well, because it improves the damage; making Weapon Finesse a bad choice.

The Arcane Archer has dedicated archery skills, and in particular the ability to generate arrows with special effects.

No ranger should use a crossbow because the free Bow Strength feat applies the ranger's strength bonus to their damage rolls with a longbow or shortbow, and negates the crossbow's higher damage class.

Recommended enhancements
 * Ranger Favored Attack/Damage
 * Ranger Dexterity
 * Ranger Devotion (if self-healing)
 * Ranger Sprint Boost (first level is enough)
 * Arcane Archer enhancements
 * Racial enhancements

Feats
 * Weapon Focus: Ranged Weapon
 * Point Blank Shot
 * Toughness
 * Improved Critical: Ranged
 * Shot on the Run feat chain provides a marginal benefit and is not recommended

Archer sample build
See also - I would like to create an Archer. Should I pick a Ranger or a Fighter?

Human Ranger (28 pb)
 * 16 str
 * 16 dex
 * 15 con
 * 8 wis
 * 8 int
 * 8 cha

Bonus ability points into strength. Use class enhancements to increase dexterity.

Feats:
 * 1 Weapon Focus: Ranged
 * 1 Toughness (Human bonus feat)
 * 3 Point Blank Shot
 * 6 Mental Toughness
 * 9 Improved Critical: Ranged
 * 12 Improved Critical: Slashing or Piercing
 * 15 Power Attack
 * 18 Maximize Spell (for self-healing via CSW)

Skills:
 * Balance, Concentration, Spot, UMD, ...