DND –> D&D Classes –> Ranger 5e
On this page, I will go over everything you need to know for playing a 5e ranger in D&D.
Ranger 5e Overview
The ranger character class in Dungeons & Dragons is the ultimate wilderness warrior, combating vile creatures that dwell in the dark, desolate places of the world. The class emphasizes tactical combat skills, with the ability to strike with precision from a distance, set ambushes, and excel at following tracks and picking up signs of danger.
Over the years, the ranger class has gone through many changes (small and large) from original D&D to today with Fifth Edition. Luckily, the class had maintained a number of its core concepts, such as versatility and the ability to strike from a distance. Playing a ranger of any race in D&D can be an enjoyable experience, with your character becoming a living embodiment of the untamed wilderness.
You should play a ranger in D&D if you enjoy playing a versatile warrior that can master any situation, fight in both melee and ranged combat, and excel at traversing the wilderness. Overall, this D&D character class is great for players who like to be in the thick of the action.
Ranger 5e Class Features
As a ranger, you gain the following class features.
Hit Points
Hit Dice: 1d10 per ranger level
Hit Points at 1st Level: 10 + your Constitution modifier
Hit Points at Higher Levels: 1d10 (or 6) + your Constitution modifier per ranger level after 1st
Ranger Proficiencies
Here’s some more information on playing a ranger in D&D 5e.
Armor:
Light armor, medium armor, shields
Weapons:
Simple weapons, martial weapons
Saving Throws:
Savings throws for rangers are based on Strength and Dexterity.
Ranger Skills:
Pick 3 of the following:
- Animal Handling
- Athletics, Insight
- Investigation
- Nature
- Perception
- Stealth
- Survival
Does Ranger and fighter fighting style stack?
Basically, while a good idea, it’s not possible to stack the same ability, even if you’re gaining it from a different character class. There’s more specifics involved, but for most cases, it is NOT possible to stack ranger and fighter fighting styles. Again, as a DM, I like the way you’re thinking outside of the box. Just don’t think too far outside of the box, or I might just make the box a mimic! Small smile.
Can Rangers change fighting style?
Basically, yes, thanks to a massive Unearthed Arcana drop back in 2019. You’ll want to read all the nuts and bolts and check with your DM, of course, but basically it’s likely going to be possible. This means that your ranger character can adapt and grow as you level up. This is good news for players who enjoy playing the ranger class and want it to be as powerful as possible without breaking the game.
Did Tashas fix Ranger?
This came up on an interesting thread at DND Beyond back in October 2020. The conjecture was that Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything fixed the ranger class in D&D 5e except for concentration. Yes, the fact that a lot (most?) of the ranger spells are concentration based is a downer for some, but it’s all about how you play your ranger. It’s not about brute force with this class most of the time.
