Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Ranger Hunter Build

This guide focuses on the best Ranger build in Baldur’s Gate 3, the Hunter subclass, and includes all components to build a powerful character.

Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Ranger Hunter Build
Image Source: Larian Studios

This build has been updated for the Patch 7 version of Baldur’s Gate 3.

Everything About the Hunter Ranger Build

The Ranger build in Baldur’s Gate 3 is combines range damage, spellcasting, and high mobility to be one of the most powerful classes in the game. In this guide, we use the Hunter subclass which helps the Ranger thematically, and in combat. Players should play a Ranger if they enjoy ranged combat with bows, medium armour, and limited spellcasting.

The downside of the Ranger is, you don’t have heavy armour proficiency or many spell slots. Moreover, your main ability score is Dexerity, so charisma and influencing dialogue won’t be your strengths. Outside of that, the Ranger has everything you need to excel in combat. The Hunter subclass is unique because Hunter’s Prey allows your target to pick a unique ability. This class blends high mobility with ranged damage and some spell casting. 

Ranger Class ProsRanger Class Cons
High MobilityNo Heavy Armour Proficiency
Good at Disarming and Lock PickingNot strong in Dialogue choices
Allows Some SpellcastingLow on Spell Slots

Hunter Ranger Class Features and Mechanics

Baldur's Gate 3 Ranged Attack

The following list presents mechanics for Baldur’s Gate 3 Ranger Hunter Build:

  • Primary Ability: Dexterity
  • Weapon Proficiencies: Simple Weapons, Martial Weapons
  • Extra Attack:  Can make an additional free attack after making an unarmed or weapon attack.  This can be acquired at level 5.
  • Spell Casting: The Ranger gets some limited spells to cast but can combine that with powerful ranged damage.
  • Favored Enemy: The Ranger chooses a favored enemy, such as humanoids, beasts, or aberrations. They gain an advantage on Wisdom (Survival) checks to track their favored enemy, and they deal an extra 1d6 damage to their favored enemy.
  • Colossus Slayer: Once per turn, your weapon attack deals an extra 1d8 damage if the target is below its hit point maximum. One of the three Features available to choose from for Hunter’s Prey.

Ranger Spell Mechanics

  • Cantrips: are like spells, but you can cast them infinitely, and they don’t take your spell slots.  For Ranger, you will have access to a Cantrip (True Strike) and can use it for your action.
  • Prepared Spells: will use your spell slots, which is a limited resource during combat. Unlike other games, to replenish your spells, you will need to have a long rest at camp.  This isn’t very intensive and just requires food and resources. But it’s important to fill up on spells before an engagement or after an intensive fight.  You can also change and swap prepared spells in your spell book after combat so make sure to have the appropriate loadout before an engagement.
  • Concentration: is a spell mechanic in Baldur’s Gate 3 that some Spells require to maintain and keep their magic active. You only want a limited number of spells that require concentration and one active spell at a time.

The Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Ranger Hunter Build allows you to excel in ranged combat, control the battlefield, and adapt to various situations. It offers a versatile and exciting playstyle that can be highly rewarding, particularly for players who enjoy strategic combat and wilderness exploration.

Character Creation

Ranger Best Subclass – Hunter

BG3 Hunter Subclass

The Best Subclass for the Ranger is Hunter, focusing on high damage, mobility, and survivability. In Baldur’s Gate 3, the Ranger class offers various subclasses, each with its unique abilities and strengths. At level three, you can make your decision on which to pick. Here’s a brief description of the ranger’s subclasses and their strengths:

  • Hunter: The Hunter subclass is a specialization that focuses on dealing damage to enemies. Strengths: High damage output, versatile combat options, effective against a variety of enemies, good at tracking and surviving in the wild.
  • Beastmaster: The Beastmaster subclass is a specialization that allows the Ranger to bond with a beast companion. Strengths: Beast companion provides additional damage and utility, and can be a fun and flavorful option.
  • Gloom Stalker: The Gloom Stalker subclass is a specialization that focuses on fighting in dark and shadowy places. Strengths: stealthier and More resilient in dark conditions, can surprise and take down enemies, has several thematic abilities.

This Ranger Build will focus on range damage; thus the Hunter subclass makes a perfect selection. 

Hunter Subclass Features

The Hunter subclass features Prey Form, Defensive tactics, and two skills unlocked at level 11. Below are all the specific Hunter subclass features.

  • Hunter’s Prey (level 3) – You specialize in fighting specific threats.
    • Colossus Slayer – Once per turn, your weapon attack deals an extra 1d8 damage if the target is below its Hit Point maximum.
    • Giant Killer – If a Large or bigger creature attacks you, you can use your Reaction to make a melee attack.
    • Horde Breaker – Target two creatures standing close to each other, attacking them in quick succession.
  • Defensive Tactics (level 7) – Advanced skills to help with defensive capabilities.
    • Escape the Horde – Opportunity Attacks against you have a Disadvantage.
    • Steel Will – Advantage on Saving throws against being Frightened.
    • Multiattack Defense – When an enemy attacks you, they suffer a -4 penalty to additional Attack rolls against you until the start of their next turn.
  • Volley (level 11) – Fire a cascade of arrows upon nearby enemies, making separate ranged attack rolls against each target.
  • Whirlwind Attack (level 11) – Strike out at all nearby foes, making separate attack rolls against each target.
BG3 Urchin Background

The best Background for a Hunter Ranger is Urchin because you gain Sleight of Hand and Stealth proficiency, both Dexterity skills. In Baldur’s Gate 3, the choice of background can provide additional skills, proficiencies, and role-playing opportunities for your character. Below are additional background choices for the best Baldur’s Gate 3 Ranger Hunter Build:

  1. Urchin: Proficiency in Sleight of Hand (dexterity) and Stealth (dexterity). After surviving a poor and bleak childhood, you know how to make the most out of very little.
  2. Folk Hero: Proficiency in Animal Handing (wisdom) and Survival (wisdom). You’re the champion of the common people, challenging tyrants and monsters to protect the helpless.  Folk Hero companions in BG3 are Minsc and Wyll.
  3. Soldier: Proficiency in Athletics (strength) and Intimidation (charisma). You are trained in battlefield tactics and combat, having served in a militia, mercenary company, or officer corps. Soldier companions in BG3 are Jaheira and Lae’zel.

Race Choice for Baldur’s Gate 3 Hunter Ranger Build

BG3 Ranger Race Choice

Wood Half-Elf is the best race choice for the Hunter Ranger because you gain the highest movement, stealth proficiency, Fey Ancestry, and Darkvision. Wood Half-Elf gives you a well-balanced race that aids in movement and protection against crowd control effects. However, the second best racial choice is Githyanki due to increased movement abilities, skill proficiency, and free Misty Step spell at level 5.

Wood Half-ElfGithyanki
Highest MovementAstral Knowledge
Stealth ProficiencyMisty Step
Fey AncestryMartial Prodigy
Best Hunter Ranger Racial Choice

The Ranger’s racial choice will not influence ability score, but everyone should get a +2 and +1 to spend regardless. This frees your race choice up to not completely hinder yourself based on ability score, but race features. Each of these races offers unique advantages that can enhance your combat prowess, survivability, or utility. Additionally, consider the roleplaying opportunities and character concepts that resonate with you.

BG3 Gloom Stalker Ranger Skills

Animal HandlingPerception, and Survival are the best skills for the Hunter Ranger in Baldur’s Gate 3 because they complement your class abilities and enhance your effectiveness in various situations. In Baldur’s Gate 3, skills represent the abilities and proficiencies of your character that allow them to perform various actions and interact with the game world. Skills are associated with specific attributes and are used to determine the success or effectiveness of certain actions or abilities. Skills can be edited during character creation or with companions, during respec or reroll screen.

Here are the best skills for the Hunter Ranger in Baldur’s Gate 3:

  1. Animal Handlingis a Wisdom skill that helps with animal dialogue.
  2. Perception: Wisdom skill that spots hidden containers, mechanisms, traps, and creatures.
  3. Survival: Wisdom skill that aids in hunting in the wilderness.

Best Ranger Ability Scores

Best Ranger Ability Score - Baldur’s Gate 3
Ranger Ability Score

The best ability score for a Ranger Build in Baldur’s Gate 3 is an ability score is one that prioritizes Dexterity, Wisdom, and Constitution.

Ability ScorePoints Goal
Strength10
Dexterity16
Constitution16
Intelligence 8
Wisdom14
Charisma10

The best Ranger ability score is 16 Dexterity with 16 Constitution and 14 Wisdom. This ability score setup ensures you can do good damage, cast spells effectively, and have a high health pool. After you choose the class, subclass, race, and background, the game will automatically distribute your abilities in the character creation abilities tab. You will need to reprioritize the stats for the chart for the Best Ranger build. Simply use the plus-minus in the character creator and make sure you have the suggested race, or the numbers will be off.

Best Companions for Ranger Build

The best companion for a Hunter Ranger Build in Baldur’s Gate 3 is Lae’zeal because she’s a melee-focused damage dealer.  She will engage enemies and take the pressure off your ranged-focused build, allowing you to free-cast spells and ranged attacks.  Having a heavy focus on melee will keep you in the distance while applying pressure, snaring, and debuffing the opposition. 

It’s important to note that party composition and synergy play a significant role in determining the effectiveness of your companions. Consider the strengths and weaknesses of each companion and how they align with your main character’s abilities and playstyle.  

Illithid Powers

BG3 Illithid Powers

Illithid Powers are unlocked later in the game when you learn more about the Mind Flayers and Tadpoles. You can gain jars of Mind Flayer Parasite Specimens, and consume them to gain one point. If you decide to advance this skill line, these are the choices we suggest.

Here are the best Illithid Powers for the Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Ranger Hunter Build:

  • Luck of the Far Realms: When you make a successful Attack Roll against a foe, you can change that hit into a Critical Hit.
  • Cull of the Weak: When you bring a creature down to fewer hit points than your number of evolved Illithid powers, it dies and all nearby creatures take 1-4 Psychic damage.
  • Psionic Backlash: When an enemy within 9m casts a spell, you can use your reaction to inflict ld4 Psychic damage to the caster per the spell’s level.
  • Blackhole: Area-based suck-in that slows targets.
  • Repulsor: Massive area knockback that can hit friendlies.
  • Charm: Channel the dark allure of the tadpole to Charm an enemy that attacks you, preventing them from attacking you until their next turn.  This is the priority power you want to obtain because you can force enemies to attack something else. 

Ranger Spell Slots

Here’s a chart that shows the levels and spell slots the Ranger Unlocks:

Ranger Level1st2nd3rd
Level 1000
Level 2200
Level 3300
Level 4300
Level 5420
Level 6420
Level 7430
Level 8430
Level 9432
Level 10432
Level 11433
Level 12433

Ranger Level Progression

Level 1

BG3 Gloom Stalker Ranger Character Creation

At level one, not much happens with your class and you pick a subclass at level 3.  You will have access to Find Familiar. Follow our character creator to pick all correct background, race, skills, and ability score distributions focusing on Dexterity and Wisdom.

Favoured Enemy is a unique class feature allowing you to choose a specific Favor. We suggest Bounty Hunter: Gain Proficiency in Investigation and learn the Thieves’ Cant passive. Creatures you Restrain have a harder time escaping.

Natural Explorer is a unique class feature that allows you to choose a specific benefit. We suggest Beast Tamer: you have cultivated a strong bond with animals. You can cast Find Familiar as a ritual. Find Familiar is a level 1 conjuration spell. Gain the service of a familiar, fey spirit that takes an animal form of your choice. 

Find Familiar: you can select one of 6 animals to aid you. These don’t help much in combat but can access small holes and other areas you cannot explore. Cast outside of combat and bring to aid you – there’s no downside.

Hunter Ranger Gameplay & Priorities

As you start in BG3, the Ranger should equip a Heavy Crossbow, and Medium Armour and start the game focused on ranged damage. Lae’zel has both of these items, which you can take from her in the Prologue if you don’t intend to use her as a companion. Also, you must use ammunition (special arrows) and spell scrolls. Your class won’t have a lot of crowd control, but Ice Arrow, Sleep, Hold Person, etc. can be obtained through the use of ammunition and scrolls. Fill in the gaps of your build, especially early, with these consumable items.

Your overall priority with the Hunter Ranger build is the following:

Following these steps ensures a strong foundation for her especially if you plan on playing solo or on Honour Mode difficulty.

Level 2

Baldur’s Gate 3 Ranger Level 2 Progression
Baldur's Gate 3 Archery Fighting Style

At level two you get access to a Fighting Style and two spells. Below are our recommendations.

Archery gives you a +2 bonus to attack rolls you make with ranged weapons.  This fits our ranged damage build perfectly.  You will want to take Archery to get a +2 to-hit chance when using Bows and Crossbows.

Level two will give you two level 1 spell slots and two level 2 spell slots.  Here are the two you should take:

  • Hunter’s Mark: Mark a creature as your quarry to deal an additional 1d6 Slashing Damage whenever you hit it with a weapon attack.  If the target dies before the spell ends, you can mark a new creature without expanding a Spell Slot.  This can be cast with a bonus action rather than an action.
  • Cure Wounds: a simple melee-based heal that can be used on yourself or others. I prefer this over Goodberries because someone has to consume it vs just applying the heal directly.

Other spells at this point cost actions and bonus actions or concentration which we will use for Hunter’s Mark.

Level 3

Baldur’s Gate 3 Ranger Level 3 Subclass Choice
Baldur's Gate 3 Hunter's Prey and Colossus Slayer

At level three you unlock a subclass, and we select Hunter.  You will then need to pick one spell to add to your arsenal and a Hunter-specific focus.

Hunter subclass is unlocked and should be taken for the Range Hunter build.  The Hunter subclass will allow you to pick a subclass passive feature.

  • Colossus Slayer which grants You 1d8 extra damage to an opponent that is not at its maximum health and does stack with Hunters Mark.  This will allow you to focus on one target specifically and do a massive amount of damage to them.
  • Ensnaring Strike (ranged): this spell is a “lockdown” ability when you are getting pressured. It uses an action and bonus action so it’s VERY costly, along with requiring concentration. This is a panic button when you are going to get pressured by a one-shot melee build. Swap to Hail of Thorns if you want a non-concentration spell.

Prepared Spells: Find Familiar, Cure Wounds, Hunter’s Mark, Ensnaring Strike (Range)

Level 4

BG3 Sharpshooter Feat
BG3 Sharpshooter Toogle

At level four, you get to pick a “feat” or increase of ability score and you can replace a spell.  The most damaged setup with range setup is a feat called Sharpshooter.

  • Shapershooter Feat: This ignores High Ground rules, essentially allowing you to maintain higher damage. Similar to Great Weapon Master for melee builds, you will also get a +10 to damage, but -5 to attack roll.

This essentially means less chance to hit, but a greater chance of damage. Spells like Bless will help augment the lower percentage, but expect massive damage!

Gameplay at this level remains starting from stealth, opening up as the attacker, using Hunter’s Mark and your main bow attack. You can use Ensnaring Strike when needed a crowd control CC that is helpful.

Level 5

Gloom Stalker level 5 - Baldur's Gate 3
Baldur’s Gate 3 Ranger Level 5 Extra Attack

At level five you get an Extra Attack, allowing you to strike twice, one additional level 1 spell slot, and another level 2 spell slot.  We suggest picking up Spiked Growth.

  • Spiked Growth is the spell you should select. This spell has an 18m range, a radius of 6 meters, and requires concentration. A creature walking on the spikes takes 2d4 Piercing damage for every 1.5m it moves. The spikes are difficult terrain, halving a creature’s Movement Speed. Your primary means of survival is battlefield mobility and ensnaring opponents and this decent-size area skill is a great option.
  • Misty Step: you get a free spell Misty Step which is important for mobility both in and out of combat. Use this as a bonus action when you need to escape or close the distance.

Gameplay at this level becomes about applying Hunter’s Mark with your bonus action and then striking for two turns due to Extra Attack. You can also use various elemental arrows for stuns, damage overtimes, and more.  Cast additional spells when you need to prevent a target from reaching you.

Multiclass Options

The Ranger and Hunter subclass combat performance fades beyond level 5. Almost all of your power comes from levels 1-5, with Extra Attack unlocked at 5, then diminishes substantially. If you’re playing on higher difficulty, consider multiclassing this build to Rogue or Fight. We have two versions, a simple multiclass Ranger and an ultra-high-performance version (complex) Ranger/Rogue for Honour Mode difficulty.

If combat performance isn’t your build focus, and you don’t mind losing out on some benefits, continue below with relatively the same gear options at the end game.

Level 6

Baldur's Gate 3 Favored Enemy Bounty Hunger Ranger Knight

At level 6 you receive Favoured Enemy and Natural Explorer.  These aren’t that important, and mainly add skill proficiency or a cantrip you are most likely not to use. One adds heavy armor, which won’t be an effective build combination but might look good for screenshots.  You also get Natural Explorer which helps with resistance. The most lethal to you is cold because it can knock you prone giving a stun.

  • Favoured Enemy: Take Ranger Knight: Gain history and heavy armour proficiency.
  • Natural Explorer: Take Wasteland Wanderer cold – gain cold resistance.

You can also replace a spell if you made a bad pick originally but should remain the same at this point.

Gameplay and spells remain the same at this level.

Prepared Spells: Find Familiar, Cure Wounds, Hunter’s Mark, Ensnaring Strike (Range), Spiked Growth.

Ending Act 1 with the Hunter Ranger

By about Level 6, you should be close to wrapping up Act 1 content. Be sure to check with vendors and stock up on camp and alchemy supplies. Additionally, make sure you’ve collected the best Act 1 items. There are also permanent bonuses you don’t want to miss in Act 1. Lastly, Grymforge has powerful armor and weapons (Adamantine) that can aid you well into Act 3. Consider taking the time to craft there before transitioning to Act 2, where you won’t be able to return.

Prepared Spells: Find Familiar, Cure Wounds, Hunter’s Mark, Ensnaring Strike (Range), Spiked Growth.

Level 7

bg3 gloom stalker level 7 spell - Baldur's Gate 3
Baldur's Gate 3 Defensive Tactics Multiattack Defence

Level 7 you will gain another level 2 spell slot.  These spells aren’t that effective at this level. Pass Without Trace is good for stealth groups, Protection from Poison is helpful when poison is an issue and Silence can be a great crowd control spell but it requires concentration. Thus, we recommend going with Lesser Restoration.

  • Lesser Restoration: Cure a creature from disease, poison, paralysis, or blindness.

You can pick a defensive tactic at this level as well.

  • Multiattack Defensive: enemies have a -4 penalty to additional Attack Rolls against you until the start of their next turn. This can help to avoid being hit and is a useful tactic.

Prepared Spells: Find Familiar, Cure Wounds, Hunter’s Mark, Ensnaring Strike (Range), Spiked Growth, Lesser Restoration.

Level 8

BG3 Dexteriy 18 Feat - Baldur's Gate 3

At level 8 you will get to choose another feat and Land’s Stride.

  • Feat: Take the Ability Improvement and put +2 into Dexterity getting you to 18 with the Sharpshooter feat.
  • Land’s Stride: helps move through difficult terrain and no longer slows you down.

The gameplay remains unchanged, use multi-attack, hunter’s mark and cast spells to crowd control targets.

Prepared Spells: Find Familiar, Cure Wounds, Hunter’s Mark, Ensnaring Strike (Range), Spiked Growth, Lesser Restoration.

Level 9

Baldur's Gate 3 Fighting Style Archery and Defence
Baldur's Gate 3 Beast Master Ranger Multi Class Fighter

From levels 9 to 12 the Hunter Ranger diminishes in performance. The only thing that would help is level 11 which gives two melee attacks. Those attacks (Volley and Whirlwind) aren’t going to do much for us in terms of performance with a range build. Moreover, you get one additional favoured enemy and natural explorer, which aren’t that impactful. 

What the Fighter Multi-class will do is help with what we lack, crowd control, and additional actions. You will also get another feat at level 12 so there will be no difference there. We can use the Battle Master subclass and gain maneuver which will help us crowd control targets without the need for arrows.

If you wish to disregard this choice, the only remaining choices for the Ranger are at level 10, where you can choose another Favoured Enemy and Natural Explorer. Mage Breaker will allow you to wear heavy armor while Urban Tracker will help with Sleight of Hand proficiency. Both of which, I do not believe outweigh the raw power of four levels in Fighter. Your choice, but will deviate after hours of play testing this subclass (I love disarming attacks).

Fighter Level 1

  • Defence Fighting Style: While you are wearing armor, you gain a +1 bonus to AC. This is a passive benefit at level 1 Fighter and will help with survival.
  • Second Wind: this skill is unlocked at level one Fighter and is a mediocre heal that is useful during the start of the game. You can use a bonus action, though most potions outperform it.

If you multi-class, this level will feel uneventful, but trust me it’ll be worth it. Prepared Spells remain unchanged from here on out.

Level 10

Baldur's Gate 3 Beast Master Ranger Level 10 Multi Class

With two levels into Fighter, you get access to the awe-inspiring Action Surge. You get an extra action, but the biggest strength is, it doesn’t require any resources to use it. Action Surge is a once-per-fight usage, but it allows you to cast another spell, attack, dash, etc. It gives you that extra oomph that no other class has in the Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Ranger Hunter Build.

At this level, you want to use Action Surge when you just have to get out another attack and not always the first turn.

Level 11

Baldur's Gate 3 Beast Master Ranger Level 11 Multi Class
Baldur's Gate 3 Beast Master Ranger Level 11 Manoeuvre
BG3 Battle Master Subclass

At level 11, with 3 levels into Fighter, you get a subclass. Battle Master is a perfect fit for the build because it lets us select Battle Manoeuvre and gives us a new resource Superiority Dice. Each of these new attacks will consume one of 4 dice which recharge on short rest. You will get four, so for each fight you have a lot of options, and don’t be afraid to spend them if you need a crowd control ability or knockback.  Below are the maneuvers you want to select:

Disarming Attack: Spend a superiority die to make an attack that deals an additional 1d8 damage and possibly forces the target to drop the weapons they are holding. This essentially shuts down completely weapon-based damage dealer if you drop their weapon. You can use this at melee or range and is super effective against Barbarians, Fighters, and Longbow users.  You can disarm and even pick up the weapon immediately following preventing the enemy from using it. This doesn’t work on casters, but amazing skill for the entirety of the game.

Trip Attack: Spend a superiority die to make an attack that deals an additional 1d8 damage and possibly knocks the target Prone. The target must be Large or smaller. This attack is used for a stun in melee or at range. Prone is a status effect and this can be used on casters or non-weapon-based enemies. 

Pushing Attack: Spend a superiority die to deal damage type depending on the weapon used and possibly push the target back 4.5m. Usage: this is a simple knockback that can be used in melee or ranged. You can get many kills from knocking enemies off ledges and this gives you more battlefield crowd control.

Level 12

Baldur's Gate 3 Beast Master Ranger Level 12
BG3 level 12 gloom stalker ability improvement - Baldur's Gate 3

You’ve reached the maximum level in Baldur’s Gate 3. You will gain another level in the Fighter, which earns you a feat. You want to select +2 in Dexterity getting your main ability to 20. At this stage your Ranger will have a lot of utility both inside and outside of the battlefield so enjoy!

Best Gear for Baldur’s Gate 3 Ranger Build

In Games like Baldur’s Gate 3, you’ll explore the world, loot chests and your enemies’ dead bodies, and complete quests and all those activities can reward you with useful items, potions, armour, weapons, scrolls, and much more. There are three Acts in BG3, and this guide includes suggested sets and alternatives for Act 1 and Act 3.

Beginner: Act 1

Here’s the best beginner gear for Ranger Hunter Build in Baldur’s Gate 3:

Gear SlotBest Gear ItemEffect
HeadShadow of MenzoberranzanInvisibility skill
Cape
ChestAdamantine Scale Mail16 AC & Crit Immunity
GlovesGloves of Archery+2 Ranged Damage
BootsDisintegrating Night WalkersFree Misty Step
NecklaceMoondrop PendantNo Opportunity Attacks
RingCaustic Band+2 Acid Damage
RingFetish of Callarduran SmoothhandsFree Invisibility Spell
Weapon 1 Main HandClub of Hill Giant Strength19 Strength
Weapon 2 Off-HandAdamantine Shield+2 AC
Weapon 2 RangerTitanstring BowAdd STR modifier
Best Beginner Hunter Ranger Build Weapons and Armour

Below is the best Act 1 Armor, Weapons, and Equipment for Hunter Ranger in BG3:

Advanced: Acts 3

The following table presents the best advanced and end-game gear for Ranger Hunter Build in Baldur’s Gate 3:

Gear SlotBest Gear ItemEffect
HeadHelm of BalduranCannot be Stunned
CapeCloak of Protection+1 AC and Saving Throws
ChestHelldusk Armour21 AC
GlovesLegacy of the Masters+2 Attack Roll
BootsHelldusk BootsCannot be Moved
NecklaceSurgeon’s Subjugation AmuletStun on Crit
RingKiller’s SweetheartAuto Critical
RingRing of RegenerationSelf-healing
Weapon 1 BowBlood of LathanderAutomatic Revive
Weapon 2 MaceViconia’s Walking Fortress+3 AC
Weapon 2 ShieldGontr MaelBest Bow
Best Hunter Ranger Build, Items, Gear, Weapons and Armour

Below is the best Act 3 Armor, Weapons, and Equipment for Hunter Ranger in BG3:

Best Consumables, Potions, Ammunition, and Items

Elixir of Bloodlust - Baldur's Gate 3
Baldur's Gate 3 Potion of Speed
BG3 Drow Poison

The following list represents the best individual use consumable items that will aid in our Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Ranger Hunter Build:

Ammunition

Baldur's Gate 3 Arrow of Many Targets
Baldur's Gate 3 Arrow of Ice
Baldur's Gate 3 Arrow of Dragonslaying

The best Ammunition for the Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Ranger Hunter Build is listed below:

  • Arrow of Ice: Deals weapon damage + 2d4 Cold and creates ice surface for 2 turns in a 2m radius.
  • Arrow of Roaring Thunder: deals weapon damage, knocks back 5 meters if failed strength throw.
  • Arrow of Many Targets: Deals weapon damage and an additional half of that damage to three other targets in range.
  • Arrow of Dragon/Aberration/Humanoid: Deals weapon damage, and double damage against Dragon, Aberration, or Humanoid.
  • Arrow of Salving: Cures a target of poisoned, paralyzed, and blinded conditions.
  • Arrow of Transposition: teleports the shooter wherever this arrow is fired.

Ranger Gameplay Tips and Tricks

  • Mobility: Rangers are very mobile, so use this to your advantage in combat. Use high movement offensively and defensively to position for better attacks and to get out of danger. 
  • Stealth: is a very useful skill for rangers, as it allows you to sneak up on enemies and get the drop on them. This can be especially useful in boss fights, as it can allow you to deal a lot of damage before the enemy even knows you’re there.
  • Spell Timing: Rangers have a variety of spells that can be very useful in combat. Use them wisely to buff your allies, debuff your enemies, and deal damage but know they are limited and should be used when needed most.
  • Prepare: Baldur’s Gate 3 is a very challenging game, so it’s important to be prepared for anything. Make sure to recharge spells with long rest, always have potions, elemental arrows, and speed potions ready.
  • Environment: Use the environment to your advantage. If you’re overwhelmed, Dash to create more movement, line of sight of the enemy, and get in stealth.  This will allow you to lose aggro and hopefully open with a damage ability or heal.
  • Exploit vulnerabilities: Rangers have access to a variety of ammunition types. Use different arrows to exploit enemy weaknesses. For example, fire arrows can be effective against enemies vulnerable to fire damage, while acid arrows can be useful against foes with high armor.

Remember, this build guide serves as a foundation, and you can always adapt it to suit your preferences and the needs of your campaign. Enjoy playing as a formidable Hunter Ranger!

Hunter Ranger Changes in Patch 7 of BG3

Baldur's Gate Patch 7 Notes
Baldur’s Gate Patch 7 (Image via Larian Studios)

The Hunter subclass and Ranger class received zero changes to combat and gameplay with the release of Patch 7 for Baldur’s Gate 3. Moreover, the overall focus of Patch 7 was adding mods and new endings with more honour mode boss actions.

Consequently, the game now features a modding toolkit and an in-game mod manager. This allows players to create and install mods directly within the game. This update is intended to hand over creative control to the community, enabling players to produce unique content and continue the story in new ways. This best Hunter Ranger Build Guide remains unchanged, mainly in Baldur’s Gate 3 Patch 7.

Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Ranger Hunter Build Guide Summary

Subclass – Hunter

Armor – Medium

Weapons – Longbow

RaceWood Half-Elf

Ability Score

  • Strength 10
  • Dexterity 16
  • Constitution 16
  • Intelligence 8
  • Wisdom 14
  • Charisma 10

Hunter Level Progression

  • Level 1 – Favoured Enemy: Bounty Hunter
  • Level 2 – Archery Fighting Style
  • Level 3 – Hunter Subclass
  • Level 4 – Sharpshooter Feat
  • Level 5 – Extra Attack
  • Level 6 – Favoured Enemy: Ranger Knight
  • Level 7 – Multiattack Defence
  • Level 8 – Feat +2 Dexterity
  • Level 9 – Multiclass to Fighter
  • Level 10 – Action Surge
  • Level 11 – Battlemaster Subclass
  • Level 12 – Feat +2 Dexterity

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