pure ranger archer vs ranger with monk splash?

[dragonhighlord1]

Whats is better, including the upcoming capstone for rangers(not sure what this is, just heard that it is good for archers) for best archer, stay pure ranger or mix in monk for the ac? Here are my stats at level 4(all ranger) st 14, dex 20, con 12, int 14,wis 14 cha 8(no enchantments) This is not a the archer is not as good as melee post. I just want to build the best archer possible. Thank you for your input.

[Visty]

too high int, boost your str abit :)

also, youre an archer, you wont get hit much, no need for ac
go pure ranger

[Blazer]

Pure ranger if you're going for a pure archer. Also, as Visty pointed out, starting with max DEX is unnecessary for a ranged ranger. If you don't mind a quick reroll since you're only lvl 4, 18 DEX will be more than sufficient. Put your level ups into STR as well. With 18 DEX you'll be hitting 30 DEX or more by the time you hit lvl 16 (tome/gear dependent), which is more than enough to reliably hit things with a bow. The more STR will help with your damage output.

[Aerendil]

Whats is better, including the upcoming capstone for rangers(not sure what this is, just heard that it is good for archers) for best archer, stay pure ranger or mix in monk for the ac? Here are my stats at level 4(all ranger) st 14, dex 20, con 12, int 14,wis 14 cha 8(no enchantments) This is not a the archer is not as good as melee post. I just want to build the best archer possible. Thank you for your input.

The Ranger capstone is an "alacrity bonus" of 25% when using a ranged weapon. As this is only available at level 20, it forces you to stay pure if you want to make the best archer possible. So forget the Monk splash - that's for the melee characters who want a high AC and some other goodies.

The stats look reasonable, although I would consider lowering INT and WIS and perhaps upping your STR a little. But you can stick with that - it's not horribly gimped by any means. Just not 100% optimal. But that's up to you. Some people like to min/max things.

I'd put all remaining level up points into STR, as that will help things out as an archer. Being able to get to 30+ STR, and apply an extra 10 damage to every arrow you shoot, is a huge bonus. Other than that, be sure to keep your Spot skill maxed, don't forget that you get free two-weapon fighting feats (i.e. don't *always* use a bow - there are times when melee is preferable), and work on getting the best bows and weapons you can find.