spell-enhanced Beastmaster Archetype?

[Laurefindel]

In a vacuum, the beastmaster ranger archetype appear to be balanced but for players coming out of 3.x/pathfinder, the animal lacks initiative of its own, or at least a sense of independence outside the action economy of the beastmaster.

Ranger gets spells at level 2nd and a new level of spell slot at levels 5th, 9th, 13th and 17th.

It also gain an archetype at level 3rd which improves at levels 7th, 11th and 15th.

What if the ranger could "cast" its beast into action? In addition to its regular beastmaster abilities, the ranger could verbally command the action of its beast (no action required similar to animals summoned via conjure animals spell) using a 2nd level slot. This would initially take and action to attune (?) the beast and require concentration (up to 1 hour).

If cast as a 3rd level spell, it would allow the beast to attack twice.

If cast as a 4th level spell, it would allow the ranger to share (non-concentration) spells

As a 5th level spell, it could also grant some temp hp, compensation for the beast's fragility at higher level.

[archaeo]

In a vacuum, the beastmaster ranger archetype appear to be balanced but for players coming out of 3.x/pathfinder, the animal lacks initiative of its own, or at least a sense of independence outside the action economy of the beastmaster.

The problem here is that your proposed changes only really increase the degree to which the animal companion seems totally helpless and mindless. Given that you agree that the archetype is broadly balanced, my suggestion is to simply work out whatever narrative handwaving you need to do in order to avoid the "lacks initiative" issues.

However, if you do want to go forward with this house rule, might I suggest developing some new abilities rather than copying the existing abilities? While this is definitely a straight buff to Beast Master, your suggested abilities really just replicate what the BM already gets as it levels. Instead, maybe consider taking the divine strike approach, or set up a system of maneuvers that go up dice levels (d6 attack for 2nd level, d8, d10, etc.) as you spend more spell slots.