I think your suggestion might be a bit drastic. After all, someone playing a Ranger might not want an animal companion. However, I would like to see the Hunter have access to the "Find Familiar" spell. If there was a class that screams "Falconer Ranger" it would be the Hunter.
I had a similar idea, but just take the base class and mash the hunter into it. So at any lvl you would gain something from the hunter subclass treat it as a core class feature. Second skullduggery I've plotted, when the hunter class offer you 1 of 3 options. Change it to to 2 of 3, if you believe that makes them too strong halve the damage on those bonus features like colossus slayer, horde breaker and whirlwind attack.
I made a Hunter character for my dad flavored as a golfer so his ranged attacks are hitting golf balls at the targets(bludgeoning dmg instead of piercing) and in melee hitting with the golf clubs
Fun idea for homebrewing Hunter to bring it up to date - variable extra spell lists. Ex - run 4 different archetypes / extra spell lists that players can spec into when taking hunter - wilderness survivalist, master tracker, big game slayer, and elemental archer. Once an archetype of Hunter is chosen, you can't take spells from the other lists, but you get a choice between one of two spells at each of 3rd, 5th, 9th, 13th, and 17th levels. Otherwise these function the same as the other extra spell lists For example, at Level 3 - Wilderness Survivalist - choice between Entangle and Longstrider Master Tracker - choice between hunter's mark and detect magic Big game slayer - choice between protection from evil and good and zephyr strike Elementa Archer - choice between Absorb Elements and Fog Cloud and so on and so forth
The first character I played in 5e was a Hunter Ranger. And I am still very happy with him. The only problem with the subclass as I see it, is that there are more wild and crazy subclasses out there and the lack of spellcasting buffs. I feel like between Beast Master and Hunter, with a special emphasis on Hunter, people had a more compelling reason to justify the "Fighter is a better Ranger than the Ranger" concept. Which I don't really agree with (though I do think dipping into Fighter with Ranger is like putting Bacon on a Burger). But I will never not love Hunter as a Subclass because I love how Volley feels when hasted and having two levels in fighter for the Action Surge.
If the hunter ranger got spells it would be cool if you had to choose what spell you get at each level, just for fun i've found 5 spells i think could fit a hunter. 3rd level: Longstrider. 5th level: Find Traps. 9th level: Daylight. 13th level: Arcane Eye. 17th level: Tree Stride. They do heavily lean towards the utility side of things, but as pointed out, the hunter has combat covered as is.
@@ChristnThms Oh i was strictly thinking in case of the Hunter. I didn't try to optimise the spell list, i just went through spell lists of all the casters and picked the ones i thought fit the Hunter the best.
A Volley Hunter is a total beast against large groups of mooks. I have dropped half a dozen low-level enemies in a single round with it. This is the first time I've found your channel so have a Sub!
As far as steel will goes. If you have ever played a campaign that festures undead or dragon creature type. There could be lots of fear effects. One problem is, frightening effects are usually a Wisdom save, cant think of a single one that isn't. And at that lv, I believe the Ranger already acquired their Wisdom save proficiency from their class. And if they haven't, they will soon. I imagine at a minimum that would mean the Ranger now has a +6 to their save againat fear. So i doubt they would need the advantage.
actually, I think the spell casting for Hunter is the best part. I have purely focus on combat AND choose the spells that don't require WIS. I know ppl believe Arcane Trickster is great but its only effective if you have good INT, DEX, and CON
Another hunter idea for a character is one who does it for the thrill of The Hunt and it could explain why they don't take spells. Spells ruin the hunt for them they want all skill involved in their hunting
My friend did a hunter ranger and the hardest part for him was remembering all the buffs to damage: colossal slayer, hunter's mark, piercer feat, sharpshooter. I even gave him some special/magical ammunition, and he was a beast in combat. (Note: don't give tier 1 characters heavy arrows. It's homebrew and too powerful for those levels. Basically, it doubles damage and allows you to roll to retrieve them. Big mistake.)
Hunter is secretly very strong. I like mixing it with.... Fighter 3 (Samurai) - Bonus action to gain adv for the turn then action + action surge for volley Rogue 5[7] (Phantom) - Reaction to half damage, sneak attack, and 1.5 sneak attacks [Evasion] Cleric 1 (Peace or War) - Increase accuracy or Increase Attacks per turn Monk 5 (Astral or Mercy) - More total attacks and either wisdom focused damage or bonus action healing [Edit to add: In case it needs to be stated, also better AC calculation]
Combos: Horde breaker + Volley = Most attacks Multi Attack Defense + Uncanny Dodge = Resist the damage on the first attack and +4 AC against the other attacks Multi Attack Defense + Shield Spell = +5 against first attack and +9 against subsequent attacks Blind Fighting Style + Find Familiar Spell = Arial drone to snipe with Nature's Vail + Volley = Advantage on all the Volley attacks (If not going samurai) [This is because as the Rules document state the multi attack features are single attacks with multiple attack rolls so it applies once.]
Ranger is my favorite class in D&D always has been cuz I first started playing and in 5e when I play a hunter subclass I love to iron will creature because I always end up fighting stuff with fear facts so I always take it. I have never taken anything else
I'll do you one further. Rangers need only two things. First is, ability to prepare spells daily, like their equivalent half caster Paladin, and their Parent spell caster the Druid. That's the first one. Second, they need a constant outlet for spell slots. Like the Paladin smite, not saying they need to consume a slot to spike damage, just something for them to do when they consume a spell slot. As of right now, that feature belongs to the Beast master, they use the slot to summon their pet if it dies. If Ranger got those features. I think it would be perfect.
none of those are hunter ranger specific. all of that comes from ranger as a base class, which is not what he is scoring. he is scoring specifically what the hunter subclass gives you. as it does not give anything in regards to spells or spell like utility. it got that 0.
I love youe vids by the way im about start new campaign and im playing a ranger beast master can you do vid please bext on just that sub class and how to build it best. Im not sure i want multi class with it because yhe beast does so well being all ranger. But i also like the id of 3 lvl rogue/scout with it. Im using a bow and the campaign land based as well
What's your opinion about letting a hunter have access to all the choices each level? If we look at them compared to other modern subclasses it kind of sucks for a whole subclass feature to just add a hunters mark damage on a foe. Or he'll get evasion at lvl 15.
Barely even a problem. Maybe allow them to switch out an option during a short rest if it gets too powerful for your campaign if it becomes a problem. Otherwise, I'd probably say to go for it.
I want to like Hunter. Really, I do. It's just a really weak selection compared to some other Ranger subclasses (even discounting Gloom Stalker), much less Fighter, if combat options are what you're after. Is it workable? Sure... but it just lacks oomph.
I disagree. Horizon walker requires your bonus action every round to get 1d8 bonus damage. Colossal slayer doesn't for the same amount of damage. At 7th, HW gets one ROUND of etherealness per rest. Now, gaining haste at level 9 and distant strike at 11 are awesome, but the hunter abilities are going to get used more up until that point. And they don't have this once per rest mechanic. You can volley every round if you want to. Haste is great, but you'll have to focus on your concentration checks (prof on con saves, warcaster feat, etc) or lose a turn. Then there is Monster Hunter. Hunter's sense is limited to Wis mod times per long rest. Slayer's Prey is only a d6 bonus and requires a bonus action to use or switch to a new target. I won't lie, supernatural defense is pretty sweet. Unfortunately, it is restricted to the target of your Slayer's Prey. This restricts your combat options. You have to make sure to select the enemy most likely to cast spells or grapple you. Sometimes this is the optimal play and sometimes you are doing clean-up while the fighter or paladin engages the huge monster. And where are these super awesome spells that make these subclasses better than the PHB Hunter? Magic circle? Protection from good/evil? (HW getting misty step is pretty good, until you realize most of their abilities use bonus actions) These bonus spells are either concentration or having a longer casting time, thus making them more challenging to use. Gloom Stalker is superior, but these others are, at best, equal to or substandard to the Hunter ranger from the PHB.
Wronged him? Like how? Broke his heart? Slept with his brother? Stole his gold and left him in the middle of the wilderness? That word wronged implies a broken relationship and a betrayal of some sort. Did he steal his prey every day for a month so the hunter (and his village) had to survive on nuts and berries? Maybe it was a year of harassment, not a month. I could see the whole village going vegetarian as a response and putting the hunter out of business. Losing your job because a dragon liked to mess with you? Truly, that dragon wronged you.
Live out your Hunting Sim fantasy. Just a dude that goes out on the weekends to tag a Buck. Come back to the village, portion out the meat for your people. Hand the bones over to the old woman that makes bobbles. Another pelt for your bed as well. Ya that sounds like a fun Folk Hero character man.
@@LoreFoundry while existence on the internet has left me unable to tell if a reply is sarcastic a lot of the time I’ll give it the benefit of the doubt. Whenever I watch the Alien movies I’m always struck by the fact that there isn’t some Texan coded redneck that just wants to hunt the xenomorph. Same goes for this, “why do I hunt displacer beasts/hobgoblins/otyughs? Because they’re there. If I can help someone or make a few gp. All the better.”
I thought of that. Make him a noble background. Treat the game as a sport. Give him a British accent. Or go the other route and make him a redneck Hunter. Just a good ol' boy out in the woods for some fun. Both would be fun.
I always thought that the easiest way to fix hunter ranger and beastmaster ranger is to combine them into one class. Almost like a WOW hunter
I think your suggestion might be a bit drastic. After all, someone playing a Ranger might not want an animal companion.
However, I would like to see the Hunter have access to the "Find Familiar" spell. If there was a class that screams "Falconer Ranger" it would be the Hunter.
I had a similar idea, but just take the base class and mash the hunter into it. So at any lvl you would gain something from the hunter subclass treat it as a core class feature. Second skullduggery I've plotted, when the hunter class offer you 1 of 3 options. Change it to to 2 of 3, if you believe that makes them too strong halve the damage on those bonus features like colossus slayer, horde breaker and whirlwind attack.
I made a Hunter character for my dad flavored as a golfer so his ranged attacks are hitting golf balls at the targets(bludgeoning dmg instead of piercing) and in melee hitting with the golf clubs
Incredibly based
S TIER
I was so excited to see a new video out in the series that I dropped everything. Really looking forward to seeing more of these.
Fun idea for homebrewing Hunter to bring it up to date - variable extra spell lists. Ex - run 4 different archetypes / extra spell lists that players can spec into when taking hunter - wilderness survivalist, master tracker, big game slayer, and elemental archer. Once an archetype of Hunter is chosen, you can't take spells from the other lists, but you get a choice between one of two spells at each of 3rd, 5th, 9th, 13th, and 17th levels. Otherwise these function the same as the other extra spell lists
For example, at Level 3 -
Wilderness Survivalist - choice between Entangle and Longstrider
Master Tracker - choice between hunter's mark and detect magic
Big game slayer - choice between protection from evil and good and zephyr strike
Elementa Archer - choice between Absorb Elements and Fog Cloud
and so on and so forth
This was literally the first Ranger subclass I've ever played
Same
This was my first subclass ever lol. Quite fun
The first character I played in 5e was a Hunter Ranger. And I am still very happy with him. The only problem with the subclass as I see it, is that there are more wild and crazy subclasses out there and the lack of spellcasting buffs. I feel like between Beast Master and Hunter, with a special emphasis on Hunter, people had a more compelling reason to justify the "Fighter is a better Ranger than the Ranger" concept. Which I don't really agree with (though I do think dipping into Fighter with Ranger is like putting Bacon on a Burger).
But I will never not love Hunter as a Subclass because I love how Volley feels when hasted and having two levels in fighter for the Action Surge.
If the hunter ranger got spells it would be cool if you had to choose what spell you get at each level, just for fun i've found 5 spells i think could fit a hunter.
3rd level: Longstrider.
5th level: Find Traps.
9th level: Daylight.
13th level: Arcane Eye.
17th level: Tree Stride.
They do heavily lean towards the utility side of things, but as pointed out, the hunter has combat covered as is.
@@ChristnThms Really? I haven't used Find Trap before, but if it does need a replacement then i guess Enhance Ability is a good substitute.
@@ChristnThms I do agree that it sounds bad, but do you think Enhance Ability fits with the theme? That is honestly more important if you ask me.
@@ChristnThms Oh i was strictly thinking in case of the Hunter. I didn't try to optimise the spell list, i just went through spell lists of all the casters and picked the ones i thought fit the Hunter the best.
The last time I was this early I became a father 10 months later.
Best comment of 2024
A Volley Hunter is a total beast against large groups of mooks. I have dropped half a dozen low-level enemies in a single round with it.
This is the first time I've found your channel so have a Sub!
As far as steel will goes. If you have ever played a campaign that festures undead or dragon creature type. There could be lots of fear effects.
One problem is, frightening effects are usually a Wisdom save, cant think of a single one that isn't. And at that lv, I believe the Ranger already acquired their Wisdom save proficiency from their class. And if they haven't, they will soon. I imagine at a minimum that would mean the Ranger now has a +6 to their save againat fear. So i doubt they would need the advantage.
actually, I think the spell casting for Hunter is the best part. I have purely focus on combat AND choose the spells that don't require WIS. I know ppl believe Arcane Trickster is great but its only effective if you have good INT, DEX, and CON
Another hunter idea for a character is one who does it for the thrill of The Hunt and it could explain why they don't take spells. Spells ruin the hunt for them they want all skill involved in their hunting
YESSSSS i loved the ranger video and have been SO excited to see your videos on my fave class eeeee
I love your channel, keep up the good work!
My friend did a hunter ranger and the hardest part for him was remembering all the buffs to damage: colossal slayer, hunter's mark, piercer feat, sharpshooter. I even gave him some special/magical ammunition, and he was a beast in combat. (Note: don't give tier 1 characters heavy arrows. It's homebrew and too powerful for those levels. Basically, it doubles damage and allows you to roll to retrieve them. Big mistake.)
Love your videos! When the Drakewarden one? Keep up the good content !
Steel Will would be handy if your concept was dragon hunter and you were in a campaign centered around dragons.
7:18 I find I give most successes an expanded thematic spells at those levels
Hunter is secretly very strong. I like mixing it with....
Fighter 3 (Samurai) - Bonus action to gain adv for the turn then action + action surge for volley
Rogue 5[7] (Phantom) - Reaction to half damage, sneak attack, and 1.5 sneak attacks [Evasion]
Cleric 1 (Peace or War) - Increase accuracy or Increase Attacks per turn
Monk 5 (Astral or Mercy) - More total attacks and either wisdom focused damage or bonus action healing [Edit to add: In case it needs to be stated, also better AC calculation]
Combos:
Horde breaker + Volley = Most attacks
Multi Attack Defense + Uncanny Dodge = Resist the damage on the first attack and +4 AC against the other attacks
Multi Attack Defense + Shield Spell = +5 against first attack and +9 against subsequent attacks
Blind Fighting Style + Find Familiar Spell = Arial drone to snipe with
Nature's Vail + Volley = Advantage on all the Volley attacks (If not going samurai) [This is because as the Rules document state the multi attack features are single attacks with multiple attack rolls so it applies once.]
Ranger is my favorite class in D&D always has been cuz I first started playing and in 5e when I play a hunter subclass I love to iron will creature because I always end up fighting stuff with fear facts so I always take it. I have never taken anything else
WOOOOO! SEASON 3 LET'S GO!
THESE VIDS ARE BACK, LETS GO
Ranger’s deserve the Paladin treatment for bonus subclass spells imo
I'll do you one further. Rangers need only two things. First is, ability to prepare spells daily, like their equivalent half caster Paladin, and their Parent spell caster the Druid. That's the first one.
Second, they need a constant outlet for spell slots. Like the Paladin smite, not saying they need to consume a slot to spike damage, just something for them to do when they consume a spell slot.
As of right now, that feature belongs to the Beast master, they use the slot to summon their pet if it dies.
If Ranger got those features. I think it would be perfect.
long strider? pass without trace? stone meld? find familiar?non detection? really? a zero?
none of those are hunter ranger specific. all of that comes from ranger as a base class, which is not what he is scoring. he is scoring specifically what the hunter subclass gives you. as it does not give anything in regards to spells or spell like utility. it got that 0.
I love youe vids by the way im about start new campaign and im playing a ranger beast master can you do vid please bext on just that sub class and how to build it best. Im not sure i want multi class with it because yhe beast does so well being all ranger. But i also like the id of 3 lvl rogue/scout with it. Im using a bow and the campaign land based as well
I been playing for couple years and im a dm as well so i been playing for while always wanted to play beast master now i can i never had chance.
What's your opinion about letting a hunter have access to all the choices each level? If we look at them compared to other modern subclasses it kind of sucks for a whole subclass feature to just add a hunters mark damage on a foe. Or he'll get evasion at lvl 15.
Barely even a problem. Maybe allow them to switch out an option during a short rest if it gets too powerful for your campaign if it becomes a problem. Otherwise, I'd probably say to go for it.
I want to like Hunter. Really, I do. It's just a really weak selection compared to some other Ranger subclasses (even discounting Gloom Stalker), much less Fighter, if combat options are what you're after. Is it workable? Sure... but it just lacks oomph.
I disagree. Horizon walker requires your bonus action every round to get 1d8 bonus damage. Colossal slayer doesn't for the same amount of damage. At 7th, HW gets one ROUND of etherealness per rest. Now, gaining haste at level 9 and distant strike at 11 are awesome, but the hunter abilities are going to get used more up until that point. And they don't have this once per rest mechanic. You can volley every round if you want to. Haste is great, but you'll have to focus on your concentration checks (prof on con saves, warcaster feat, etc) or lose a turn. Then there is Monster Hunter. Hunter's sense is limited to Wis mod times per long rest. Slayer's Prey is only a d6 bonus and requires a bonus action to use or switch to a new target. I won't lie, supernatural defense is pretty sweet. Unfortunately, it is restricted to the target of your Slayer's Prey. This restricts your combat options. You have to make sure to select the enemy most likely to cast spells or grapple you. Sometimes this is the optimal play and sometimes you are doing clean-up while the fighter or paladin engages the huge monster. And where are these super awesome spells that make these subclasses better than the PHB Hunter? Magic circle? Protection from good/evil? (HW getting misty step is pretty good, until you realize most of their abilities use bonus actions) These bonus spells are either concentration or having a longer casting time, thus making them more challenging to use. Gloom Stalker is superior, but these others are, at best, equal to or substandard to the Hunter ranger from the PHB.
SHREDDER me chasse.
I've played over 6 different rangers and have yet to play hunter🤣😭 I do wanna change that though.
How about my sister is a half orc!
SIMBAROUM s'impose.
I want to play a Hunter who's based around hunting a dragon who wronged him.
Wronged him? Like how? Broke his heart? Slept with his brother? Stole his gold and left him in the middle of the wilderness? That word wronged implies a broken relationship and a betrayal of some sort. Did he steal his prey every day for a month so the hunter (and his village) had to survive on nuts and berries? Maybe it was a year of harassment, not a month. I could see the whole village going vegetarian as a response and putting the hunter out of business. Losing your job because a dragon liked to mess with you? Truly, that dragon wronged you.
KRAM the Hunter is Hunted
KRAVEN.Charm.
CHARM-PERSON
Or…hear me out here. You just like hunting. Have you seen humans? We seem to love just hunting and killing things.
Live out your Hunting Sim fantasy. Just a dude that goes out on the weekends to tag a Buck. Come back to the village, portion out the meat for your people. Hand the bones over to the old woman that makes bobbles. Another pelt for your bed as well.
Ya that sounds like a fun Folk Hero character man.
@@LoreFoundry while existence on the internet has left me unable to tell if a reply is sarcastic a lot of the time I’ll give it the benefit of the doubt.
Whenever I watch the Alien movies I’m always struck by the fact that there isn’t some Texan coded redneck that just wants to hunt the xenomorph. Same goes for this, “why do I hunt displacer beasts/hobgoblins/otyughs? Because they’re there. If I can help someone or make a few gp. All the better.”
I thought of that. Make him a noble background. Treat the game as a sport. Give him a British accent. Or go the other route and make him a redneck Hunter. Just a good ol' boy out in the woods for some fun. Both would be fun.
I played a Hunter/arcane trickster and loved it.