The Ultimate Guide to Dominating as a Ranger in Baldur's Gate 3

In Baldur's Gate 3, Rangers have two available builds in Early Access: Hunter and Beast Master. However, having more party members with diverse abilities in combat is generally more advantageous than relying solely on a Ranger's high damage against specific targets. Therefore, the Beast Master build is likely the preferred choice for most players until the full game is released.

The Beast Master Rangers possess the ability to summon a powerful and useful companion, surpassing the capabilities of the Find Familiar spell accessible to other classes. The Summon Companion skill is the essential foundation of this exceptional Ranger build in BG3. Players can effectively control a Bear companion, keeping enemies at bay while effortlessly shooting arrows from a safe distance.

Best Ranger Build Overview

This build has been specifically crafted for the Early Access edition of Baldur's Gate 3. Once the game reaches its complete release on August 3, 2023, make sure to revisit this guide for refreshed guidance on constructing the most optimal BG3 Ranger build.

"Beast Masters bind themselves to an animal companion, sharing an intelligent bond that flourishes in and out of combat."

The Beast Master Ranger is a versatile character that excels in both ranged support and close combat. With the Summon Companion ability, they can unleash devastating damage and control enemy attacks. In Baldur's Gate 3, the Beast Master Ranger is considered the top choice as it provides a powerful companion – a Bear – to join the party.

In battle, Beast Master Rangers are capable of taking turns for both themselves and their summoned animal. The Bear's Goading Roar and immense HP pool make it an ideal distraction for melee adversaries, allowing the Ranger to rain down arrows and other ranged attacks from a safe distance.

Beast Mastery Ranger Character Creation

Best Ranger Race: Forest Gnome or Wood Elf

The Forest Gnome is the ideal choice for Beast Master Rangers due to their unique ability: Talk With Animals. Unlike other Rangers who have to wait until Level 2 to have access to this spell, Forest Gnomes can cast it freely from Level 1. This spell is incredibly useful when communicating with your animal companion or interacting with wildlife in Baldur's Gate 3. Additionally, Forest Gnomes also possess the Gnome Cunning passive, which grants them an advantage on Saving Throws related to Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma.

The Wood Elf is an excellent alternative Race option for Beast Master Rangers who prefer not to play as a gnome. With one of the longest movement distances among all Races and a free proficiency in Stealth, they are just as capable as a Forest Gnome. Additionally, the Wood Elf also possesses Keen Senses and Fey Ancestry, making them a highly viable choice. Moreover, the cantrip Talk With Animals adds a convenient ability to their repertoire.

In the upcoming full release of Baldur's Gate 3, Ability Scores will be tied to Class rather than Race. Regardless of which Race players select for their character, they will be able to allocate +2/+1 to two desired Ability Scores.

Best Ranger Favoured Enemy: Bounty Hunter

The Ranger's Favored Enemy selection presents a challenging decision, functioning differently from its tabletop counterpart in Dungeons and Dragons. Out of the five options currently accessible during Early Access, the Bounty Hunter stands out as the most advantageous Favored Enemy when combined with Summon Companion. By Ensnaring an enemy, the Bounty Hunter Ranger imposes Disadvantage on their Saving Throw against being rooted, resulting in heightened discomfort and immobilization. All that's left is to dispatch your loyal Bear to complete the task at hand.

Best Natural Explorer Trait: Beast Tamer

The Natural Explorer traits for Rangers in BG3 have undergone changes compared to Fifth Edition D&D. The revised version now offers three variations of Wasteland Wanderer, each providing distinct resistances. Another option is Urban Tracker, which grants proficiency in Sleight of Hand. Additionally, there is the Beast Tamer trait that bestows the Find Familiar ability. While having an extra companion during combat can prove highly advantageous, it is worth noting that the summons available through Find Familiar lack significant strength. It would be wise to select a familiar creature with utility, such as the Raven or the Cat, as they can inflict status effects on enemies or serve as distractions, rather than engaging in direct combat.

Best Ranger Subclass: Beast Master

The Ranger's subclass is chosen at Level 3, allowing players to select either Hunter or Beast Master. Opting for the Hunter subclass empowers players with Hunter's Prey, enhancing their attacks against specific target types. On the other hand, Beast Masters acquire companions, making them more versatile than Hunters as they provide both damage and support to the entire party through their companion and Ranger spells. Although Hunters potentially deal more damage, it is dependent on encountering their preferred enemy types, while Beast Master Rangers excel in allaying various needs.

Best Ranger Proficiencies and Background: Folk Hero

The Folk Hero background provides proficiency in Animal Handling and Survival, both of which are also options for Ranger proficiencies. By choosing the Folk Hero background as a Ranger, you have the opportunity to select from Athletics, Insight, Investigation, Nature, Perception, and Stealth (although Wood Elves already have proficiency in Perception and Stealth). It is essential to prioritize acquiring proficiency in Perception, regardless of whether or not you are a Wood Elf, as it is a valuable skill to possess. Proficiencies in Nature, Investigation, and Insight are also highly advantageous during role-playing situations and can facilitate new dialogue options.

Best Beast Master Fighting Style

Among the four Fighting Styles accessible to Rangers at Level 2, Archery proves to be the optimal choice for the Beast Master build. This particular BG3 build flourishes when the Ranger maintains a safe distance from the skirmish, launching arrows and occasionally utilizing spells, while their loyal Bear companion distracts adversaries in close combat. By adopting this style, you significantly enhance the accuracy and effectiveness of your ranged attacks.

Best Beast Master Spells

Level 2: Ensnaring Strike, Cure Wounds (replace with Speak with Animals if not playing a Forest Gnome)

Level 3: Hunter's Mark

Level 4: Jump

Level 5: Spike Growth, Silence (replace Jump)

Best Companions for a Beast Master Ranger

In the Beast Master build, Rangers have a range of large animals to choose from, but only the Bear possesses an ability that compels enemies to focus on it. The companion Bear starts with a base HP of 19, which increases to 39 at Level 5. It also has the Goading Roar (Taunt) and Claws, which can inflict Cleave damage over a short distance. While other companion animals may be more powerful or situationally useful, the Bear generally offers the most utility to a Beast Master Ranger, particularly if they prefer ranged combat.

Baldur's Gate 3 is currently available in Early Access and will have a full release on August 3, 2023, for PC. The PlayStation 5 version will be released on September 6, 2023, while a version for Xbox Series X/S is currently under development.