Ranger | Character classes Sword Coast Legends Guide

Last update: 11 May 2016

Ranger is a class typical for a forest elf, which uses bow and is strengthened by the goods of the forest. This class, similarly to the rogue, is based on dealing damage. However, this time not dealing damage from close, but from far away. Ranger class can be switched with a wizard if you have a fighter controlling the battlefield. Together with the rogue, ranger can eliminate the enemies much faster by the cost of eliminating them from the battle for a limited amount of time. Below you will find few rules important when creating a ranger character:

Ranger isn't a melee fighter - Despite the fact that ranger has abilities useful in melee combat, he is much more effective when fighting from a distance. Use this aspect to create a character that is not vulnerable to enemy damage.

Cunning instead of strength - The archer is a good fighter because he has large number of dexterity points. When developing the character, try maximizing this bonus to increase the number of damage dealt.

Watch out for friendly fire - When standing in straight line to your ally, you can be sure that you will hit him instead of the enemy. Because of that, it is important to position yourself properly during the battle. You will feel most comfortable when positioned in an angle towards the center of the battle.

Character development

Ranger is most comfortable when using ranged weapons, mostly bows. Have that in mind when developing the character. Most of all, spend points on increasing the dexterity statistic. This will help you maximize the damage dealt with ranged weapons. Below you will find an example set of ranger skills that utilizes this idea.

Hunter

Favored Enemy	Passive skill that increases the damage dealt. Level four is required for maximizing the effect.
Combat Focus	Passive skill that increases the attack action during each round. Level two is required for maximizing the effect.
Hide In Plain Sight	You hide from the enemies. Your next attack will have increased chance for dealing critical damage. Level four is required for maximizing the effect.

Warden

Swift Quiver	Greatly increases character's action. Level four is required for maximizing the effect.
Lightning Arrow	An ability that deals lightning damage. Level four is required for maximizing the effect.
Splinter Armor	This ability deals damage and reduces the defense of enemies. Level four is required for maximizing the effect.

Archery

Arrow of Slaying	An ability that deals large number of damage. Level four is required for maximizing the effect.
Hunter's Mark	An ability that marks the enemy. Once marked, the enemy receives increased damage. Level three is required for maximizing the effect.
Split Shot	An ability that deals large number of damage. Level four is required for maximizing the effect.

Game style

As the ranger, you should position yourself in the corner of the center of the battle, away from the warrior, who also cannot be on the path of your arrows. At the same time, you should be near the cleric. Start the battle by hiding. Thanks to that, the next shot will have much greater chance for dealing critical damage. When fighting elite enemies and bosses, start by marking them with Hunter's Mark skill, this will increase the number of damage your party will deal. During the battle, keep using the hiding ability and Swift Quiver. This will allow you to attack much faster than without this ability.

Equipment

As the ranger, use light armors that have bonuses to dexterity. Since you're not a melee fighter, you can ignore the defense. As for the weapon, the Bow of Hungering is a perfect choice. It can be obtained relatively early in the game, in the Maferil's Lyceum. At the end of the game you will be able to obtain even better bow, but you would be using it for so short time that it is not profitable to craft it.

As for the armor, select light equipment with dexterity and charisma. Drakhar's boots are a good choice, just as any other boots that increase the movement speed. Jewelry should provide bonus to dexterity, increasing the damage you deal.