Wizards of the Coast has unveiled the redesigned Ranger class for the upcoming Dungeons and Dragons 2024 Player’s Handbook. This revelation marks a substantial overhaul of one of the game’s most iconic yet often criticized classes, promising to breathe new life into the Ranger’s role in adventuring parties.
Key Changes to the Ranger Class
The updated Ranger class introduces several pivotal changes that aim to enhance its versatility & effectiveness both in & out of combat. One of the most notable modifications is the early access to spellcasting, with Rangers now able to cast spells from the first level. This change addresses a long-standing concern about the class’s early-game utility & brings it more in line with other spellcasting classes.
Hunter’s Mark: A Core Feature
Central to the Ranger’s new design is the increased emphasis on Hunter’s Mark, the class’s signature spell. Rangers now gain several free castings of this spell without expending spell slots, solidifying its role as a cornerstone of the class’s abilities. This change not only boosts the Ranger’s combat effectiveness but also frees up spell slots for other tactical options.
Enhanced Abilities & Features
The redesign introduces new abilities that synergize with Hunter’s Mark:
- Relentless Hunter (10th level): Allows Rangers to ignore concentration saving throws for Hunter’s Mark
- Precise Hunter (17th level): Grants advantage on attacks against the target of Hunter’s Mark
These additions create a more cohesive & thematic progression for the class, rewarding players for utilizing their signature ability.
Streamlining & Replacement of Abilities
In an effort to streamline the class & remove less impactful abilities, several features from the 2014 version have been replaced or removed entirely:
- Natural Explorer replaced by Deft Explorer
- Primeval Awareness removed
- Land’s Stride replaced with a new Expertise ability
- Hide in Plain Sight replaced by Tireless
These changes aim to provide more meaningful & versatile options for players, enhancing the Ranger’s utility in various situations.
Subclass Updates
The 2024 Player’s Handbook will feature four Ranger subclasses:
- Beast Master (overhauled)
- Hunter (with new abilities)
- Gloom Stalker (enhanced damage output)
- Fey Wanderer (largely unchanged)
The Beast Master subclass, which has been a point of contention among players, receives a significant overhaul similar to the improvements seen in Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything. The Hunter subclass gains a new ability that reveals target vulnerabilities, immunities, & resistances when using Hunter’s Mark, adding a tactical edge to combat encounters.
Potential Impact & Reception
While the changes to the Ranger class appear promising, the true test of its effectiveness will lie in its spell list & how well these spells complement the class’s new features. If the spell options remain heavily concentration-based, it could limit the Ranger’s versatility. However, an improved & diverse spell list could elevate the Ranger to a highly functional & adaptable class.
Check out our previous coverage of the 2024 Player Handbook Below
The Dungeons & Dragons community is likely to scrutinize these changes closely in the coming months. Players & Dungeon Masters alike will be eager to test the new Ranger in various campaign settings to assess its balance & enjoyment factor. The redesign represents Wizards of the Coast’s commitment to evolving the game & addressing long-standing player feedback. Whether these changes will satisfy the community & breathe new life into the Ranger remains to be seen, but they undoubtedly mark an exciting chapter in the game’s storied history.
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