Waazraath
2018-03-04, 05:05 AM
Hey playground, question. I'm experimenting a bit with a melee build that includes 5 levels of ranger. Idea is a two handed weapon, with hunter's mark, with a large number of attacks (for 3d6 + stat modifier).
Two Ranger sub classes give extra attacks, beyond the usual "extra attack". There's the Hunter's Horde Breaker, that gives an extra attack when to foes are standing next to each other. And there's Xanathar's Gloom Stalker, whose Dread Ambusher ability gives an extra attack in the first round of combat.
By itself, I'm doubting which of the two is better. Dread Ambusher is more reliable (each combat has a first round), while Horde Breaker is situational and won't occur every combat. But in certain combats (against a horde of weaker monsters), it can shine and can be used 5 times in a single combat, or more often.
How would you folks choose?
A side note: disregarding what's 'best' DPR wise, I can't help notice that the Hunter and Gloom Stalker both get an ability that give a situational extra attack. But: the Gloom Stalker gives further:
- a free spell known (of each spell level)
- wis to initiative
- 10 ft extra move first round of combat
- (increased) darkvision
- darkvsion of foes doesn't work against the Gloom Stalker.
What's up with that? I know the Ranger was supposed to be one of the weaker brothers and sisters in the PHB, and XGtE is supposed to compensate, but this is a bit much, aint it?
Two Ranger sub classes give extra attacks, beyond the usual "extra attack". There's the Hunter's Horde Breaker, that gives an extra attack when to foes are standing next to each other. And there's Xanathar's Gloom Stalker, whose Dread Ambusher ability gives an extra attack in the first round of combat.
By itself, I'm doubting which of the two is better. Dread Ambusher is more reliable (each combat has a first round), while Horde Breaker is situational and won't occur every combat. But in certain combats (against a horde of weaker monsters), it can shine and can be used 5 times in a single combat, or more often.
How would you folks choose?
A side note: disregarding what's 'best' DPR wise, I can't help notice that the Hunter and Gloom Stalker both get an ability that give a situational extra attack. But: the Gloom Stalker gives further:
- a free spell known (of each spell level)
- wis to initiative
- 10 ft extra move first round of combat
- (increased) darkvision
- darkvsion of foes doesn't work against the Gloom Stalker.
What's up with that? I know the Ranger was supposed to be one of the weaker brothers and sisters in the PHB, and XGtE is supposed to compensate, but this is a bit much, aint it?