Return of the Ranger: Master of Wilderness and Warfare in the 2024 Player's Handbook
The Ranger class has roamed through the wilderness of design revisions and emerged more robust and versatile in the 2024 edition of Dungeons & Dragons Player’s Handbook. Now infused with both more magic and martial prowess, the Ranger is set to captivate players with newly granted Expertise, a revamped Hunter’s Mark, and a slew of both familiar and new abilities to enhance their role as nature’s guardian.
From the onset, the changes to the Ranger class aim to enhance gameplay fluidity and combat effectiveness. Starting as early as level 1, Rangers now enjoy the benefits of advanced spellcasting capabilities previously reserved for higher levels. The introduction of using a Druidic Focus and the ability to prepare a broader array of spells enriches their tactical options from the get-go. Moreover, the Ranger can now switch out one prepared spell daily, ensuring adaptability in ever-changing adventure scenarios.
Hunter’s Mark, a quintessential Ranger spell, has been woven even deeper into the class’s fabric. Now prepared indefinitely, it can be cast twice per Long Rest without expending a spell slot, with additional uses granted as the Ranger ascends in levels. This change not only emphasizes the Ranger’s role as a relentless tracker and hunter but also boosts their damage output significantly, allowing them to keep pace with their melee counterparts.
The 2024 handbook has streamlined many features and introduced new ones like Roving and Tireless, adopted from Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything. Roving, which enhances speed and mobility by granting additional movement capabilities, and Tireless, which offers temporary hit points and a means to reduce exhaustion, both reflect the Ranger’s enduring and rugged nature.
| Feature | Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Spellcasting | 1 | Introduced at Level 1 with increased number of preparable spells. Druidic Focus now usable. Can swap one spell per day. |
| Favored Enemy | 1 | Hunter’s Mark always prepared, castable twice per Long Rest without using a spell slot, increases with level. |
| Weapon Mastery | 1 | Mastery properties for two chosen weapons, swappable each Long Rest. |
| Natural Explorer | 1 | Removed. Skills and spells at Level 1 compensate for navigation and survival capabilities. |
| Deft Explorer | 2 | Expertise in one skill and proficiency in two languages. |
| Fighting Style | 2 | Now categorized as a type of feat. Druidic Warrior option available to learn two Druid cantrips. |
| Ranger Subclass | 3 | Various subclass adjustments, such as Beast Master's Primal Companion scaling with Wisdom. |
| Primeval Awareness | 3 | Removed. Enhanced sensory abilities through spells and Expertise. |
| Roving | 6 | Additional movement, Climb and Swim speeds, requires non-heavy armor. |
| Expertise | 9 | Expertise in two additional skills. |
| Tireless | 10 | Grants Temporary Hit Points, reduces Exhaustion by one level with a Short Rest. |
| Nature’s Veil | 14 | Turn Invisible until the end of your next turn as a Bonus Action. |
| Precise Hunter | 17 | Advantage on attack rolls against creatures marked by Hunter’s Mark. |
| Feral Senses | 18 | Grants Blindsight out to 30 feet. |
| Epic Boon | 19 | Choose one of twelve Epic Boons or another feat. |
| Foe Slayer | 20 | Hunter’s Mark deals additional 1d10 Force damage. |
Each Ranger subclass has received attention to ensure they remain compelling and unique. For instance, the Beast Master now sees their Primal Companion’s abilities scale with the Ranger’s wisdom, enhancing the synergy between beast and master. Similarly, the Gloom Stalker and Fey Wanderer subclasses have been fine-tuned to offer more consistent and thematic abilities that align closely with their respective lore.
Notably, the Ranger’s spellcasting overhaul at level one sets a new tone for the class, blending magical prowess with their traditional combat skills. This shift aims to balance the class’s utility, making them as competent in spellcasting as they are in tracking and combat.
As the Ranger strides forward, these enhancements from the 2024 Player’s Handbook promise a more dynamic and fulfilling play experience, ensuring that the Ranger remains a beloved choice for players who cherish a character capable of thriving in the wilds with both blade and spell.
