What is the Best Ranger Build in Baldur’s Gate 3?

• Game Name: Baldur's Gate 3
• Developer: Larian Studios
• Initial Release Date: October 6, 2020 / Full Release Date: August 3, 2023
• Genre: Role-Playing Game (RPG)
• Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Stadia

Rangers in Baldur's Gate 3 are versatile combatants, excelling in both melee and ranged combat, as well as spellcasting. However, to maximize their effectiveness, players should focus on a specific combat style. The Beast Master specialization, offering the Ranger’s Companion spell to summon additional combat support, is considered the best build for its versatility and strategic advantages in combat.

Ranger Build Overview

Starting Choices

• Race: Elf (Wood Elf sub-race) for bonuses in longbows, shortbows, longswords, and shortswords.
• Fighting Style: Archery or Two-Weapon Fighting, depending on your preferred combat approach.
• Subclass: Beast Master for companion-based advantages, Gloom Stalker for stealth and assassination, or Hunter for crowd control and damage.

Spells and Abilities

• Early Game Spells: Ensnaring Strike, Hunter’s Mark, Speak with Animals, Cure Wounds.
• Mid Game Spells: Lesser Restoration, Silence, Spike Growth.
• Late Game Spells: Lightning Arrow, Plant Growth, with flexibility to pick up any previously skipped spells.

Feats

• For Ranged Builds: Sharpshooter and Ability Improvement (+2 Dex or 1 Dex 1 Wis).
• For Melee Builds: Dual Wielder, Heavy Armour Master, Savage Attacker.

Favoured Enemy and Natural Explorer

• Favoured Enemy: Bounty Hunter, Sanctified Stalker, Ranger Knight, Mage Breaker.
• Natural Explorer: Urban Tracker, Wasteland Wanderer: Fire/Poison.

Tactical Playstyle

For the best results, players should adapt their tactics based on their build. Ranged rangers benefit from kiting enemies and utilizing terrain for advantage. Melee rangers should focus on positioning for maximum effect and leveraging their companions for strategic control.

Conclusion

The best Ranger build in Baldur's Gate 3 focuses on specializing in either ranged or melee combat, supported by strategic spell use and companion advantages. Adaptability and understanding your build’s strengths are key to mastering the Ranger class in this complex and engaging RPG.