The Ranger has been a point of frustration since the 2014 DnD 5e rules launched, plagued by underwhelming subclasses and frustrating class features. While things improved when Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything released, the Ranger was still frustrating.
The 2024 Ranger makes permanent many of the Tasha’s changes, plus adds a new emphasis on the use of Hunter’s Mark. While the Hunter’s Mark thing is certainly frustrating, I encourage you to look past that at what else the updated class has to offer. Updates to the Ranger’s other features, their subclasses, and their spells all add up to a much more satisfying class, plus the additional pool of Hunter’s Mark uses means that you can use it and drop it without stressing about more important resources.
I read “[Ranger’s] subclasses, and their spells all add up to a much more satisfying class”. I sure don’t see it. I play a 5e GS ranger using all of the optional rules. A HCB with CBE + SS + Elven Accuracy means I don’t need to worry about damage (unless I’m rolling terrible), I don’t need to use HM, and i can focus on support and utility spells. I can hit hard in turn one, conjure help if needed, provide post-combat healing, and surprise enemies. And magic weapon is better than Hunter’s Mark because the +helps the SS penalty. I’ve got expertise in perception and am a great scout and guide. It’s a super fun character to play. And wotc completely killed it in the 2024 rules.
They nerfed or removed almost all of Tasha’s ranger features. They removed combat hide (which I liked to have as an option). They removed the GS extra attack and replaced it with something that has no impact. They completely removed the damage rider from SS (unlike GWM). The conjure spells no longer bring help. Sure they removed concentration from MW, but it has little impact without the SS penalty. Ranged weapon damage is terrible. I can’t find any way to get anything even respectable. And why did they remove land stride?
I feel sick that they killed my character. Fortunately my table isn’t moving to the new rules, but it’ll probably be the last time I’ll be able to play him. I’ve been doing Dpr math for months trying to find some way to salvage my character, but feel like my only options are to take 15 levels of rogue (trickster?) or druid (to exploit CME). Otherwise I’m probably going to sit out the 2024 rules, which is a real bummer
If you’ve read this far, thanks!
Ryan