Best Ranger build in Baldur’s Gate 3: Race, skills, subclass & more
Larian StudiosThe Ranger is often labeled as one of the weaker classes in Dungeons & Dragons, but it can pack a punch in Baldur’s Gate 3 – as long as you use the right build. So, here’s the best Ranger build in Baldur’s Gate 3.
The Ranger can be a tricky class to get right in a game like Baldur’s Gate 3. You need to be prepared for any scenario, select the right spells, and make sure you line yourself up carefully in battle to get the right distance and avoid being hit.
So, if you want to make a powerful Ranger akin to Robin Hood or The Legend of Vox Machina’s Vex’ahlia, here’s the best Ranger build in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Contents
- Best race to choose for a Ranger in Baldur’s Gate 3
- Best subclass for a Ranger in Baldur’s Gate 3
- Best background for a Ranger in Baldur’s Gate 3
- Best Ability Score spread for a Ranger
- Best spells for a Ranger in Baldur’s Gate 3
- Best multiclass options for the Ranger
- Best build for a Ranger in Baldur’s Gate 3
Larian StudiosBest race to choose for a Ranger in Baldur’s Gate 3
The Ranger can be pretty powerful in the game, but choosing the right race is imperative. There are two that work well for this class:
- Wood Elf
- Strongheart Halfling
It’s up to you which one you choose, but we recommend using the Wood Elf for the bonuses to saving throws against Charmed, Fey Ancestry, and Darkvision.
Best subclass for a Ranger in Baldur’s Gate 3
Currently, as of the early access, the best Subclass to choose is the Hunter.
This is due to the higher damage, mobility, and therefore easier kills. The subclass comes with some great spells and allows you to mark enemies so you can deal damage over time, it’s also the Subclass that grants you an extra attack later on.
Best background for a Ranger in Baldur’s Gate 3
The best background for your Ranger Build is Urchin. This is primarily due to the proficiency in Stealth and Sleight of Hand the background grants you.
Once you’ve chosen this background, choose from these selections for your other skills, as they’ll be imperative:
- Acrobatics
- Survival
- Perception
- Insight
Best Ability Score spread for a Ranger
When creating your Ranger, you can always go for the recommended Ability Score spread, alternatively, if you want to optimize in every aspect, these are the scores to choose:
- Strength: 12
- Dexterity: 17
- Constitution: 14
- Wisdom: 14
- Intelligence: 8
- Charisma: 10
The Ranger’s main focus is Dexterity, but Constitution is always worth a focus too, thanks to the extra health it will give you. On top of these, Wisdom saves are pretty important in BG3 so a higher Wisdom will aid you and it’ll increase those skill proficiencies, as the Ranger is usually proficient in a lot of Wisdom skills.
Best spells for a Ranger in Baldur’s Gate 3
Larian StudiosSpellcasting isn’t the key element for a Ranger, but it can alter the way you play. Here are some of the best to choose from:
- Level 1: Ensnaring Strike
- Level 1: Hunter’s Mark
- Level 1: Hail of Thorns
- Level 1: Cure Wounds
- Level 2: Spike Growth
- Level 2: Lesser Restoration
- Level 2: Pass Without Trace
- Level 3: Lightning Arrow
- Level 3: Conjure Barrage
Best multiclass options for the Ranger
Ranger and Rogue
Who says Rogues have to be strictly melee classes? They have an equally as powerful ranged sneak attack that can let you deal some fantastic damage from far away. Combine this with the class that’s literally designed for ranged attacks, and you’ve got a match made in heaven.
However, we recommend only leveling your Ranger to level 3 for Beast Master, just to grab that companion.
Ranger and Paladin
The Ranger isn’t exactly the most powerful class in Baldur’s Gate 3, but it usually works well when complimenting another class. So, you could combine the Ranger with the Paladin, to grab a few more spells and the ability to deal with close combat.
Combining the Ranger and Paladin essentially fills any weaknesses you can have, making it an ideal multiclass if you want to be a jack-of-all-trades.
Best build for a Ranger in Baldur’s Gate 3
Race: Wood Elf
Background: Folk Hero (Animal Handling & Survival)
Skills: Perception, Insight
Ability order from highest to lowest: Dexterity, Constitution, Wisdom, Charisma, Intelligence, Strength
Build layout:
| Level | Feature |
|---|---|
| 1 | Favored Enemy: Bounty Hunter — Natural Explorer: Beast Tamer |
| 2 | Fighting Style: Archery — Spells: Hunter’s Mark, Ensnaring Strike |
| 3 | Subclass choice: Hunter — Hunter’s Pray: Colossus Slayer — Spells: Cure Wounds |
| 4 | Ability Improvement: Dexterity +2 |
| 5 | Extra Attack — Spell: Lesser Restoration |
| 6 | Favored Enemy: Sanctified Stalker or Mage Breaker — Natural Explorer: Wasteland Wanderer |
| 7 | Spell: Pass Without Trace |
| 8 | Land’s Strice: Difficult Terrain — Ability Improvement: |
| 9 | Spell: Lightning Arrow |
| 10 | Hide in Plain Sight — Favored Enemy: Sanctified Stalker or Mage Breaker — Natural Explorer: Wasteland Wanderer |
| 11 | Spell: Conjure Barrage |
| 12 | Feat: Sharpshooter |
So, there you have it, that’s how to build the best Ranger in Baldur’s Gate 3. While waiting for the full game to release, take a look at some of our other handy Baldur’s Gate 3 guides and content:
Best Sorcerer build | Best Bard build | Best Rogue build | Best Fighter build | Best Barbarian build | Best Druid build | Best Warlock build | Best Wizard build | Baldur’s Gate 3: What’s the max level cap? | Best Baldur’s Gate 3 classes tier list | How to revive characters in Baldur’s Gate 3 | Can you multiclass in Baldur’s Gate 3 | Baldur’s Gate 3 Soul Coins: How to get them & what they are | Baldur’s Gate 3: Fastest ways to get XP & level up | Baldur’s Gate 3: How to respec your character | Baldur’s Gate 3 Karmic Dice: What are they? | How to unlock Displacer Beast in Baldur’s Gate 3