The Ranger class is a great choice for players who want to play a character who is skilled in the wilderness and in combat. However, the Ranger can be even more versatile and powerful when multiclassed with other classes. In this article, we will discuss the best Ranger multiclass options in Baldur’s Gate 3. We will also provide some tips on how to build and play a Ranger multiclass character.
One of the best Ranger multiclass options is the Ranger/Fighter. This multiclass gives the Ranger access to the Fighter’s martial prowess, including the ability to wear heavy armor and use martial weapons. The Ranger/Fighter is a great choice for players who want to play a character who is both skilled in ranged and melee combat. Additionally, the Fighter’s Action Surge ability can be used to great effect with the Ranger’s Hunter’s Mark spell.
Another great Ranger multiclass option is the Ranger/Rogue. This multiclass gives the Ranger access to the Rogue’s stealth and trickery abilities. The Ranger/Rogue is a great choice for players who want to play a character who is skilled in both ranged combat and stealth. Additionally, the Rogue’s Cunning Action ability can be used to great effect with the Ranger’s Pass Without Trace spell.
Exploring Synergistic Abilities: Ranger and Other Classes
Druid: A Force of Nature
Two classes inherently entwined with the natural world, the Ranger and Druid complement each other beautifully. The shared casting stat of Wisdom unlocks a vast pool of potent spells. Circle of the Moon grants wild shape, allowing a Ranger to transform into a formidable predator or enhance their versatility with the Shapeshifting feature. Additionally, the Circle of Stars grants access to the Guidance cantrip, enhancing the Ranger’s already impressive tracking and exploration capabilities.
Cleric: Divine Intervention
The Ranger’s unwavering connection to the natural world finds resonance with the Cleric’s devout faith. As both classes prioritize Wisdom, the multiclass synergizes seamlessly. Cleric subclasses offer an array of Divine Domains that enhance combat effectiveness, including the War Domain for martial prowess, the Forge Domain for heavy armor and weapon enhancements, and the Trickery Domain for added mobility and deceit.
Fighter: Martial Superiority
The Ranger and Fighter embody the essence of combat prowess. A multiclass benefits from the Fighter’s Action Surge, allowing the Ranger to unleashed multiple attacks or employ a devastating spell twice in a single turn. Battle Master maneuvers further enhance the Ranger’s tactical versatility, while the Cavalier subclass grants access to a mount for enhanced mobility and protection. Moreover, the Champion subclass bestows critical hit bonuses, maximizing the Ranger’s damage output.
Rogue: Stealth and Deception
The Ranger’s natural stealth and perception blend seamlessly with the Rogue’s cunning. A multiclass grants expertise in Stealth, enhancing the Ranger’s ability to move undetected. Sneak Attack combines with the Ranger’s archery proficiency for devastating damage on vulnerable targets. The Arcane Trickster subclass bestows spellcasting abilities, and the Mastermind subclass provides bonuses to Charisma-based skills, further enhancing the Ranger’s social interactions.
Optimizing Damage Output: Ranger Multiclass Options
Multiclassing as a Ranger can significantly enhance your damage output by combining the class’s exceptional ranged combat proficiency with the abilities of other classes. Here are some multiclass options to consider:
Fighter
Fighter levels provide Ranger builds with increased martial prowess through the Fighting Style feature and bonus attacks from the Extra Attack feature. Consider the Battle Master subclass for its maneuvers that add additional damage or control effects to your attacks.
Rogue
A few levels of Rogue can greatly augment your damage output. The Sneak Attack feature adds significant bonus damage to attacks made with advantage or against surprised targets. Additionally, the Cunning Action feature grants bonus mobility, allowing you to reposition effectively or disengage from combat.
Monk
Monk levels offer a unique combination of martial arts prowess and mobility. The Martial Arts feature allows you to use Dexterity for your unarmed strikes, potentially increasing your damage output. Additionally, the Step of the Wind feature grants improved movement speed, enabling you to quickly close the distance on enemies or escape danger.
Multiclassing Considerations:
When multiclassing, it’s important to consider the following factors:
| Factor | Considerations |
|---|---|
| Stat Allocation | Ensure you have sufficient Dexterity for ranged combat and other necessary attributes for the multiclass subclass. |
| Level Progression | Plan your level progression to optimize damage output. For example, prioritize levels in Ranger for Hunter’s Mark and Extra Attack. |
| Feats | Consider taking feats that enhance your damage output, such as Sharpshooter or Crossbow Expert. |
Mastering Survival Skills: Ranger’s Expertise in Nature
Rangers are renowned as experts in the wilderness, possessing a deep understanding of the natural world and the skills to thrive in it. Their knowledge of survival techniques and their ability to navigate treacherous terrains are key components that make them formidable adventurers.
Nature’s Wisdom
Rangers have an unparalleled understanding of the natural world. They can identify edible plants, track animals, and create shelters from the environment. This expertise allows them to sustain themselves and their companions in the wild, even in hostile conditions.
Natural Terrain Explorers
Navigating the wilderness is a second nature to rangers. They are skilled in reading maps, using compasses, and understanding geographical features. Their ability to find paths and navigate treacherous terrains makes them invaluable as guides and scouts.
Flora and Fauna Mastery
Rangers have an extensive knowledge of flora and fauna. They can identify different species, understand their behavior, and communicate with them in certain situations. This knowledge grants them advantages in hunting, foraging, and establishing connections with the natural world.
| Skill | Description |
|---|---|
| Nature’s Lore | Identifies plants, animals, and minerals. |
| Animal Handling | Interacts with and calms animals. |
| Survival | Provides techniques for living in the wilderness. |
| Herbalism | Identifies and uses herbs for medicinal purposes. |
| Tracking | Follows tracks and interprets animal behavior. |
The Unseen Ally: Ranger Multiclassing with Clerics
Combining the wilderness prowess of the Ranger with the divine power of the Cleric can create a formidable multiclass option in Baldur’s Gate 3. Clerics contribute healing spells, defensive buffs, and a surprising amount of damage output.
Multiclassing Requirements
To multiclass into Cleric, your Ranger must meet the following ability score requirement: Wisdom 13.
Ranger Subclass Selection
The best Ranger subclasses for a multiclass with Cleric are Beast Master and Gloomstalker. Beast Master’s animal companion can provide additional utility and combat support, while Gloomstalker’s ambush expertise synergizes well with the Cleric’s damage spells.
### Cleric Subclass Selection
The best Cleric subclasses for a Ranger multiclass are Life and Forge. Life Cleric’s healing spells keep allies alive, while Forge Cleric’s armor proficiency and Divine Strike feature enhance combat effectiveness.
### Ability Score Prioritization
The most important ability scores for a Ranger/Cleric multiclass are Wisdom (for spellcasting and AC), Dexterity (for initiative and ranged attacks), and Constitution (for hit points and concentration checks).
### Skill Selection
Ranger skills such as Survival, Perception, and Animal Handling complement Cleric skills like Insight, Religion, and Medicine.
### Spell Selection
Cleric spells that complement Ranger abilities include Bless, Cure Wounds, Divine Favor, and Spiritual Weapon. These spells enhance damage, healing, and utility.
### Class Level Progression
The ideal class level progression for a Ranger/Cleric multiclass is 5 levels in Ranger followed by 5 levels in Cleric. This allows for a balance between the Ranger’s combat prowess and the Cleric’s healing and support capabilities.
### Equipment and Feats
Magic items that boost Wisdom or Dexterity are beneficial. Feats such as Sharpshooter or Crossbow Expert improve ranged damage output, while War Caster or Resilient (Wisdom) enhance concentration and spellcasting.
### Role in the Party
Ranger/Cleric multiclasses are versatile characters that can excel in both combat and support roles. They are particularly effective in parties that lack a dedicated healer or tank.
| Class Level | Ranger Level | Cleric Level |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 10 | 5 | 5 |
Subsequent Steps: Enjoying Ranger’s Multiclassing Potential
Embarking on multiclassing as a Ranger unlocks a multitude of possibilities. Here are some pointers to maximize your ranger’s versatility and effectiveness in combat:
1. Rogue: High Dexterity and Cunning
Consider combining Ranger with Rogue to enhance your character’s agility. This synergy unlocks access to Cunning Action, granting additional mobility and versatility during encounters.
2. Cleric: Divine Favor and Healing
Pairing Ranger with Cleric introduces divine prowess. Gain access to healing spells and Divine Favor, boosting your attacks with radiant energy while safeguarding your allies from harm.
3. Fighter: Martial Prowess and Second Wind
Enhance your combat prowess by combining Ranger with Fighter. Utilize Second Wind for self-healing, Action Surge to unleash a flurry of attacks, and Fighting Style to specialize in various weapon types.
4. Monk: Unarmored Defense and Ki Abilities
Combine Ranger with Monk to enhance your agility and unarmed combat capabilities. Utilize Unarmored Defense for increased AC, and harness Ki Abilities for additional movement, damage, or defensive maneuvers.
5. Wizard: Arcane Versatility and Spells
Seek arcane versatility by combining Ranger with Wizard. Cast spells to enhance your ranged attacks, conjure creatures to aid in combat, and access utility spells for problem-solving.
6. Druid: Nature’s Wrath and Wild Shape
Embrace the power of nature by pairing Ranger with Druid. Summon elemental forces, transform into animal forms for stealth or combat advantage, and utilize healing spells to support your team.
7. Paladin: Divine Smite and Lay on Hands
Tap into divine might by combining Ranger with Paladin. Unleash devastating Divine Smites, heal your allies with Lay on Hands, and benefit from auras that bolster your team’s abilities.
8. Sorcerer: Bloodline Magic and Metamagic
Unleash arcane potential by pairing Ranger with Sorcerer. Access unique Bloodline abilities, manipulate spells with Metamagic, and harness spells to enhance your ranger’s capabilities.
9. Warlock: Eldritch Invocations and Pact Magic
Embrace otherworldly powers by combining Ranger with Warlock. Acquire powerful Eldritch Invocations, summon fiendish companions, and access Pact Magic for versatile spellcasting.
10. Bard: Bardic Inspiration and Spells
Enhance your team’s capabilities by combining Ranger with Bard. Grant allies bonuses with Bardic Inspiration, heal and support with spells, and utilize expertise to excel in various skills.
| Class | Benefits | Level Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Rogue | Dexterity, Cunning Action | 2-4 |
| Cleric | Healing, Divine Favor | 1-3 |
| Fighter | Martial Prowess, Second Wind | 1-3 |
| Monk | Unarmored Defense, Ki Abilities | 1-3 |
| Wizard | Arcane Versatility, Spells | 1-3 |
| Druid | Nature’s Wrath, Wild Shape | 1-3 |
| Paladin | Divine Smite, Lay on Hands | 2-4 |
| Sorcerer | Bloodline Magic, Metamagic | 1-3 |
| Warlock | Eldritch Invocations, Pact Magic | 1-3 |
| Bard | Bardic Inspiration, Spells | 1-3 |
Best Ranger Multiclass Builds for Baldur’s Gate 3
Rangers are a versatile class in Baldur’s Gate 3, and there are a number of different ways to build them. One of the most popular options is to multiclass into another class, which can give your ranger access to new abilities and spells.
Here are a few of the best ranger multiclass builds:
- **Ranger/Cleric:** This multiclass gives your ranger access to powerful healing spells, as well as the ability to use heavy armor and shields. It’s a great option for those who want to play a tanky ranger.
- **Ranger/Druid:** This multiclass gives your ranger access to a variety of nature-themed spells, as well as the ability to wild shape into animals. It’s a great option for those who want to play a ranger who is closely connected to the natural world.
- **Ranger/Fighter:** This multiclass gives your ranger access to a variety of martial abilities, as well as the ability to wear heavy armor. It’s a great option for those who want to play a ranger who is skilled in both ranged and melee combat.
