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Not quite a Rogue, and without the casting powers of a Druid, the Ranger’s current half-caster and half-combat setup are much improved from previous versions of the class. The Ranger class ofDungeons & Dragonshas evolved from a support class to a versatile and complex party member.
Rangers in the present version ofD&Dcan be built as an equivalent to the party’s Fighter or Rogue, or in some cases, they can even be both thanks to the Ranger’s ability to cast spells and be a force in melee combat, depending on the build. Newer additions brought byXanathar’s Guide to Everythingand variousUnearthed Arcanashould give players a better incentive to try playing a Ranger.
Updated June 04, 2025 by Kristy Ambrose:There’s more motivation now than ever before for choosing a Ranger in a D&D game. The Ranger class offers players the opportunity to be proficient as both a scout, a melee fighter, and a ranged striker.
There are many important factors to consider when creating the best possible Ranger build, starting with the Ability Scores, filling them out with details like Feats and Backstory, and then finally giving them the best equipment possible depending on their level and specific skills.
Rangers can be bound to a strict moral code or act as more of a mercenary, be bound to a deity, or be dedicated to cold hard facts. Their lives tend to be difficult and isolated, constantly grappling with their chosen enemies and safeguarding the innocent denizens of the wilderness. Their mysterious backgrounds make for some of the best role-playing options in the game.
The Best Races For Rangers
Focus On Dexterity, Constitution, And Wisdom
Remember that the most important ability scores for this class areWisdomandDexterity. Other ability scores will vary depending on your character’s role in the party.
Description
Aarakocra
A +2 to Dexterity is a good start for a Ranger of any build or party role, and this elusive race also gets a +1 to Wisdom, the Ranger’s secondary stat.
Centaur
A species fromMythic Odysseys of Theros, they get a +2 to Strength and +1 to Wisdom, which are two important stats for Rangers, especially of the melee variety.
Bugbear
Bonuses to Dexterity and Strength make this an ideal choice for a Ranger that leans towards melee damage.
Drow
+1 Dexterity. Also known as a Dark Elf, celebrityD&Dcharacter Drizzt Do’Urden is of this lineage and is a multiclass Fighter-Ranger.
Kenku
When it comes to RP and abilities that overlap nicely with the secretive Ranger, the Kenku is a great choice already, and bonuses to Dexterity and Wisdom make it even better.
Glasya Teifling
Get a +1 to Dexterity, a vital Ranger stat, and ideal for a ranged build. Another advantage is the innate ability Legacy of Malbolge, the ability to cast the Minor Illusion cantrip.
Githyanki
Added withMordenkainen’s Tome of Foesand popularized inBaldur’s Gate 3,theGithyanki have improved Jump and Mage Hand along with boosts to Strength and Agility, making for a nimble and versatile Ranger.
Hill Dwarf
Ideal to start a melee build, Dwarves get a +2 to Constitution along with a +1 to Wisdom for the Hill Dwarf variant, along with the advantages of Darkvision and Toughness.
Human
The bonuses to every ability score, plus an extra language ability, make a Human Ranger one of the most versatile options.
Forest Gnome
As the most elusive Gnome subrace, this could be the most compelling option for a Ranger that specializes in Stealth, and the Dexterity bonus is also helpful.
Halflings
With their +2 Dexterity and their innate Lucky ability, combined with Brave and Halfling nimbleness, a Halfling Ranger won’t frighten easily.
Harengon
A new race fromWild Beyond the Witchlight, has unique abilities like Hare-Trigger and Leporine Senses as opposed to ability scores for the best Ranger build.
Half-Orc
Good for a Strength-based Ranger with bonuses to Strength and Constitution. They also get Darkvision, Savage Attacks, and Relentless Endurance.
Variant Humans
This race is designed to work with anything with a few choices with floating ability scores, so it’s not hard to customize the character to suit this class,even for healing.
Wood Elf
Their +1 Wisdom and +2 Dexterity bonus are perfect for a Ranger, especially combined with Fleet of Foot and the Mask of the Wild ability.
Ability Scores
Dexterous And Wise
Some buildscan be widely differentfrom others when it comes to Rangers. Dexterity is the most important stat for most builds, followed by Wisdom.
Conclaves - The Ranger Subclasses
A Variety Of Choices For A Versatile Build
Rangers also get to specialize in a Fighting Style at level 2, and some of those are better in combination with some Conclaves than others.
Hunter
The Player’s Handbook
Fighting against threats like marauding orcs, roving gangs of thieves, or rampaging dragons.
An animal companion
Blind Fighting; ideal for fighting in close quarters or dimly lit spaces.
Befriending and commanding animals.
An animal companion that also helps in combat.
Archery or Thrown-Weapon Fighting, so you can attack from a distance while your pet takes the melee route.
Drakewarden
Fizban’s Treasury of Dragons
A former or current member of a secret order of Rangers with connections to dragons; powers include Thaumaturgy and Tongue of Dragons.
These Rangers can take on the form of a draconic spirit, which can also manifest as a drake companion.
Melee or ranged magical damage. From level three, the Ranger can summon their drake companion and choose the type of elemental damage it will wield.
Gloom Stalker
Xanathar’s Guide to Everything
Optimized for doing the most in the first round of battle. This Conclave also has abilities that dip into the Rogue’s skillset and magic like Fear and Greater Invisibility.
Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything
A steward of both the real and mystical Fey realm.
These Rangers can infuse their weapon with Fey magic for extra damage.
Horizon Walker
Oriented more towards mobility. This conclave has some of the best bonus spells a Ranger can get, including Misty Step and Haste.
Monster Slayer
Trained in supernatural techniques to overcome vampires, dragons, evil fey, fiends, and other magical threats.
Swarmkeeper
The ability to command a swarm, which can act as protection or as a companion.
Learn the magic of the Swarmkeeper from the 3rd level and get a Mage cantrip from the 1st level.
Acrobatics
Dexterity
The Ranger can traverse difficult terrain and has a better chance of making long jumps or climbing ropes.
Animal Handling
Wisdom
This skill determines the user’s intuitive ability to discern an animal’s mood or intentions, from common housecats to wild beasts.
Athletics
Strength
If the build is more Strength than Dexterity-based, this Skill is recommended instead of Acrobatics.
Insight
Use this to determine the true intentions of any creature, be they friend or foe.
Perception
This is the most commonly rolled ability inD&D,and also makes sense for Rangers of any build.
Sleight of Hand
The Ranger can act Rogue of the party if needed, picking locks, sneaking around, and disarming traps.
Stealth
The Ranger rolls according to their Dexterity to determine whether they can pass unseen.
Survival
Focuses on skills to aid in wilderness survival, like tracking, which is an obvious choice for a Ranger.
Alert
+5 to Initiative rolls and can’t be surprised. Creatures you don’t see don’t gain Advantage on attack rolls.
Crossbow Expert
Ignore the loading property of crossbows. No Disadvantage when in contact with a creature when you shoot.
Dual Wielder
Take advantage of the Ranger’s ability to use virtually any weapon.
Fey Touched
+1 to either Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma and the ability to cast Misty Step. Most Rangers will choose the Wisdom buff.
Great Weapon Master
Extra attack after a melee critical hit. Choose to take -5 to attack roll to add +10 to damage with a heavy weapon.
Mobile
Dash through Difficult Terrain, get another 10ft of movement speed per turn and don’t provoke Opportunity Attacks within melee range.
Polearm Mastery
Make an extra attack with a polearm weapon. Make an Opportunity Attack (OA) if a creature enters your reach.
Resilient
+1 in one ability. Gain proficiency in saving throws when using this ability.
Sentinel
When the Ranger is in melee range of an enemy moving past them or attacking an ally, they get an Attack of Opportunity.
Sharpshooter
Ranged attacks ignore some cover and do not carry Disadvantage at long range. Chance to take -5 to hit for +10 on ranged damage.
War Caster
Advantage on saving throws to maintain Concentration. Cast some spells as part of an OA by spending a Reaction.
The Best Gear For Rangers
Choices Can Vary
Another benefit to Rangers is their aptitude with weapons of any and all kinds. Life in the harsh wilderness has given the Ranger a weapon proficiency with a wide and impressive range, usually limited only by an individual character’s Strength score.
Moon Touched Sword
When drawn in a dark area, it radiates light up to 15 feet away from the wielder.
Oathbow
Player’s Handbook
Use a special ability to mark a foe as a sworn enemy, and they take an extra 3d6 damage if hit.
Scimitar of Speed
D&D Free Rules (2024)
+2 bonus to all attack rolls and an extra attack as a Bonus Action if the wielder has proficiency.
Boots of Elvenkind
Bonuses to Stealth and Dexterity checks are completely quiet regardless of the surface.
Nature’s Mantle
Can only be attuned by a Druid or Ranger, allows the wearer to hide in even a slightly obscured area.
Backgrounds
Roleplay Details For The Player And DM
Players can top off their best Ranger build with a well-suited Background. There’s a lot for a Ranger to work withdepending on the adventuring moduleand the campaign the Dungeon Master is trying to create, so don’t feel confined to the following suggestions.
Criminal
Deception is based on Charisma, which might be a miss depending on the build, but the Thieves Tools and stealth, a Dexterity-based ability, are worth it.
Far Traveler
Sword Coast Adveturer’s Guide
They are as the name suggests and often come from a distant, even mythical country. These Rangers are explorers, storytellers, and mercenaries.
Folk Hero
A natural choice for a Ranger that depends on a high Wisdom score and also includes Animal Handling and Survival along with a good backstory.
Outlander
The character’s Athletic and Survival skills have been developed after years in the harsh wilderness. Includes guides, nomads, trappers, exiles, and outcasts.
Marine
Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Proficiency with land and sea vehicles along with a Hardship Endured trait, which is chosen by a 1d6 roll. Possible examples include Nearly Drowned, Sacrifice, or Stowaway.
Sailor
These Rangers are Athletic and Perceptive denizens of marine vessels. They are pirates, privateers, and whalers.
Shipwright
A Ranger of the open seas, this one builds and patches their vessels as much as they navigate and haul sail.
Urban Bounty Hunter
Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide
A hunter of cities and other civilized locations, a Ranger from this Background would likely choose Stealth (Dexterity) and Insight (Wisdom) for their bonuses. They also get a gaming set, a musical instrument, and a set of Thieves' Tools.
Uthgardt Tribe Member
An interesting choice for a Ranger who’s looking for a backstory rooted in Shamanism or Folk Heroes.
Urchin
A wise choice for the best build if the character is a Dexterity-based Ranger; includes stealth and Sleight of Hand along with some handy Thieves Tools.
Wildspacer
Spelljammer: Adventures in Space
Exclusive to theSpelljammermodule, these are explorers of the Astral Plane and are experts in Athletics and Survival.
