Ranger Builds for Update 28

[ValariusK]

Human Ranger-20, Halfling would also be a decent option if you want to go dex base as the save bonuses on a halfling may mitigate some of your saving throw weaknesses.

If strength based
Strength-18, Dex-14, Con-16, Wis-12 Int-8 Cha-8
Feats
Level-1 Power attack (swap for precision at level 12 when your improved crit profile starts activating)
Level-1 human (Khopesh) or completionist
Level-3 Khopesh or Completionist or Dodge
Level-6 Free choice
Level-9 Imp Crit Slash (or pierce if you have a deathnip waiting for you)
Level-12 Imp crit ranged
Level-15 Free choice, quicken is a good choice here looking forward to epics and cocoon
Level-18 Empower heal
Level-21 Overwhelming crit
Level-24 choose
Level-26 destiny---perfect TWF
Level-27 epic reflexes probably
Level-28 choose
Enhancements: 41 tempest, 31 DWS, 8 to use as you like (I'd suggest grabbing human damage boost, strength, heal amp for 5 and putting the last 3 in harper)
Destiny: Divine Crusader
Why? Seriously mitigates your inherent squishiness. Improves your crit profile yet further. Doesn't lock you into wading in recklessly to sustain your blitz like LD.
Notes
TF khopesh is going to be 40%/4x in divine crusader. Chaotic good is a good alignment for epics since you can cheaply assign both of them to your weapon with blessed blades. You're a fully capable ranged combatant with Multishot/IPS also. Quick draw may be a good choice for one of your elective feats to speed up action boosts and weapon swapping to support a mixed style. Strength based means that your bow will hit hard too. Pinion is 40%/4x in your hands also. Ballizarde is 50%/4x if you can get it, Deathnips goes from 20%/4x to 40%/5x in your hands making it a really good choice also.

[ValariusK]

Halfling ranger 20
Note---rapier/scimitar with your bonuses and DC champion is 50%/3x, vs Khopesh which would be at 40%/4x. This build is therefore trading off some damage for improved durability. If you can manage a Ballizarde, you can do 50%/4x in either strength or dex configuration.
dex based
Strength-12, Dex-20 Con-16, Wis-12 Int-8 Cha-8
Feats
Level-1 Weapon finesse (needed for rapier to be using to hit/damage under dex, you can substitute if this isn't a consideration)
Level-3 Completionist
Level-6 Precision
Level-9 Imp Crit Slash or pierce, depending on rapier/scimitar choices
Level-12 Imp crit ranged
Level-15 Free choice, quicken is a good choice here looking forward to epics and cocoon
Level-18 Empower heal
Level-21 Overwhelming crit
Level-24 choose
Level-26 destiny---perfect TWF
Level-27 epic reflexes probably
Level-28 choose
Enhancements: 41 tempest, 31 DWS, 8 to use as you like (7 in the halfling cores probably for +3 saves and +2 dex) You want improved weapon finesse in dws definitely on this build.
Destiny: Divine Crusader
Why? Seriously mitigates your inherent squishiness. Improves your crit profile yet further. Doesn't lock you into wading in recklessly to sustain your blitz like LD.
Notes

[Saekee]

12 ranger/3 monk/5 rogue thrower build

[ValariusK]

Human Ranger-18/FvS-1/Rogue-1
Strength-16/Dex-14/Con-14/Charisma-14, Wis-10, Int-14
Take 4 points in warpriest for Divine might, adds trapping. You lose: Tempest capstone, you gain, divine might for more strength, rogue skills. Stripped a few points from strength to give a good charisma and good int for skills. FVS-1 also gives some nice saving throws.

[CrackedIce]

12 Ranger 7 cleric 1X in DC destiny

35 Tempest (offhand damage and DOD)

23 Deepwood (core 4 and Killer 2 pts)

22 Warpriest

[slarden]

Nice ideas.

1 fvs for a strength build is a very compelling option, but giving up 25% doublestrike, 10 melee power and 10 PRR is a big trade-off also.

I am going human 20 pure ranger strength build with TOEE and Thunderforged Khopeshes- using a lesser +20 on my human druid to get there without re-leveling..

When I get enough ingredients I make a TOEE rapier and a tier 2 thunderforged rapier and give full dex build a try. I suspect dex-based rapier build will be better overall, but both will be fun to try out :)

I would go halfling or even elf, but there are so many good AP options all I could fit in was 1 pt for human damage boost in the racial tree.

[ValariusK]

Nice ideas.

1 fvs for a strength build is a very compelling option, but giving up 25% doublestrike, 10 melee power and 10 PRR is a big trade-off also.

I am going human 20 pure ranger strength build with TOEE and Thunderforged Khopeshes- using a lesser +20 on my human druid to get there without re-leveling..

When I get enough ingredients I make a TOEE rapier and a tier 2 thunderforged rapier and give full dex build a try. I suspect dex-based rapier build will be better overall, but both will be fun to try out :)

I would go halfling or even elf, but there are so many good AP options all I could fit in was 1 pt for human damage boost in the racial tree.


It is offhand doublestrike, so its effectively like 12.5 DS, but yeah it is a trade off. Good class design means neither option is a no-brainer.

[lifestaker]

Halfling ranger 20
*snip*
Enhancements: 41 tempest, 31 DWS, 8 to use as you like (I'd suggest grabbing human damage boost, strength, heal amp for 5 and putting the last 3 in harper)
*snip*

Nice, I always try to use human enhancements on my halflings as well.

[CThruTheEgo]

I just posted The Divine Cuisinart (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/465697-The-Divine-Cuisinart-A-dual-khopesh-wielding-pure-tempest-ranger-in-divine-crusader). That's what I'll be LRing my tempest into.

[ValariusK]

Nice, I always try to use human enhancements on my halflings as well.


Yeah, for a halfling you can use 7 as the +3 saves and +2 to dex,.

[Runerock]

I am actually thinking of doing another "Tempest Trapmonkey for new players" except on my toon with gear, tomes and pastlives.

1 Rogue/18 Ranger/ 1 Fighter (or maybe 1 Paladin for the KotC core 1 as I am not sure I need the feat or haste boost from FTR)

I like to get a feel for a class by going near pure. 12 ranger looks to be the sweet spot.

[unbongwah]

As is my wont, I immediately turn my attention to the flavor builds. Because minmax DPS is for lazier minds. :p

First concept: INT-based repeater-wielding ranger, based on what Tilomere did (and deleted (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/456590-69-basic-repeater-ranger)), but with good melee backup.
Stats: max INT, enough DEX+tome for Combat Archery, rest in CON
Feats: Rapid Reload (1), hvy repeater prof (1), PBS (3), Precision (6), IC:Ranged (9), IC:Pierce (12), Emp Heal (15), Quicken (18), OC (21), CA (24), PTWF (26), Blinding Speed (27), Doubleshot (28)
Enhancements: 41 APs DWS (capstone, T5s), 26 APs Tempest (Deflect Arrows, Storm Tempest, Growing Storm), 12 APs Harper (INT-to-dmg), 1 AP human (Dmg Boost)

Would also work as half-elf with artificer dilly feat; but need to free 3 APs from Tempest for HE Dmg Boost. Upside is having both repeater profs without having to drop one of my other feats.

DWS gets me +25 Melee / Ranged Power, +20% Doubleshot, +10% Doublestrike, Killer, max PBS range, +1 crit range, etc. Tempest gets me 90% offhand, +1 crit multiplier, etc. Plan is to use heavy picks (17-20/x5) or rapiers (13-20/x3) for melee.

Probable combat rotation: Manyshot (20 secs) -> melee (50 secs) until Doubleshot penalty expires -> repeater pew-pew for 50 secs -> back to MS

[Inspire]

Halfling ranger 20*snip*
Strength-12*snip*

Why 12 starting strength? Did I miss something?

[Hobgoblin]

Why 12 starting strength? Did I miss something?

power attack?

i think?

or for not getting encumbered?

[Inspire]

power attack?

i think?

or for not getting encumbered?

Looks like he didn't go that route, its 6 points wasted for encumbrance if that is the reason.

[daniel7]

I just did an iTR last night. Here's what I went with below.

Sun Elf 18rgr/1ftr/1clr

Stats from memory are something like this below.

17str
14dex
10int
12con
16cha

1. clr - empower heal
3. rgr - quicken
6. rgr - power attack
9. rgr - cleave
12. ftr - improve crit bludgeon - improve crit range
15. rgr - great cleave

Maxed out Spot, Hide, Move Silently, Heal, UMD, a few points in Jump, 1 Tumble

Plan on taking.

18. Point Blank Shot (any other suggestions?)
21. Overwhelming Critical
24. Perfect TWF
27. Blinding Speed

I picked Morninglord for a few reasons; Morninglord PL, Divine Might, Racial Weapon enhancements. Turns out I probably won't have enough AP to spend into the Racial Enhancements and if that's the case I'll probably get my next ranger life as a PDK.

Edit: I'll be dual wielding Mornh is why I'm not doing Human with Khopesh. I need to level up LD and Mornh should work great for that.

[Saekee]

As is my wont, I immediately turn my attention to the flavor builds. Because minmax DPS is for lazier minds. :p

First concept: INT-based repeater-wielding ranger, based on what Tilomere did (and deleted (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/456590-69-basic-repeater-ranger)), but with good melee backup.
Stats: max INT, enough DEX+tome for Combat Archery, rest in CON
Feats: Rapid Reload (1), hvy repeater prof (1), PBS (3), Precision (6), IC:Ranged (9), IC:Pierce (12), Emp Heal (15), Quicken (18), OC (21), CA (24), PTWF (26), Blinding Speed (27), Doubleshot (28)
Enhancements: 41 APs DWS (capstone, T5s), 26 APs Tempest (Deflect Arrows, Storm Tempest, Growing Storm), 12 APs Harper (INT-to-dmg), 1 AP human (Dmg Boost)

Would also work as half-elf with artificer dilly feat; but need to free 3 APs from Tempest for HE Dmg Boost. Upside is having both repeater profs without having to drop one of my other feats.

DWS gets me +25 Melee / Ranged Power, +20% Doubleshot, +10% Doublestrike, Killer, max PBS range, +1 crit range, etc. Tempest gets me 90% offhand, +1 crit multiplier, etc. Plan is to use heavy picks (17-20/x5) or rapiers (13-20/x3) for melee.

Probable combat rotation: Manyshot (20 secs) -> melee (50 secs) until Doubleshot penalty expires -> repeater pew-pew for 50 secs -> back to MS

You will need to manually swap out the bolts to arrows and back again, which for QoL is no fun. The one ranged option though that can do this without issue is the thrower/manyshot, since the arrows can stay in their place while the throwing weapon is used. That is why I suggested 12 ranger/3 monk/5 rogue, any race (since expanded crit should not stack with halfling and anyway there is not enough AP to go up racial). Thoughts?

[unbongwah]

You will need to manually swap out the bolts to arrows and back again, which for QoL is no fun.
I think if you don't use a quiver (or leave it empty), you can put arrows & bolts in your main inventory and they will auto-swap when you switch weapons. I'll have to test to be sure, though.

Basically I was trying to come up with a build which took advantage of Horizon Shot's sweet +20 Melee & Ranged Power which wasn't just an archer. It's just theory-crafting at this point, though.

The one ranged option though that can do this without issue is the thrower/manyshot, since the arrows can stay in their place while the throwing weapon is used. That is why I suggested 12 ranger/3 monk/5 rogue, any race (since expanded crit should not stack with halfling and anyway there is not enough AP to go up racial). Thoughts?
What AP spread were you thinking? My first thought was: 37-39 Mechanic, 24 DWS, 6 Ninja, leaving 11-13 APs to tweak things. As you say, DWS crit range bonus won't stack with Master Thrower; so drow is a viable option again. EDIT: or just do human for all the usual reasons.

[Saekee]

I was thinking maybe dex-based 12 ranger/6 monk/2 wizard elf shortswords/star chucker. You give up the doublestrike but get back 15 from grandmaster of forms; you also gain ninja incorp and offhand deft strikes (if melee focused). Elf for displacement dragonmarks which are then extended with wizard bonus feat extend spell. Use manyshot and shurikens for ranged combat, EK for spellsword and Improved shield. This will give a nice miss chance at the cost of PRR although one could dump the wind stance if preferring melee over stars. Not sure about AP and feats; need an updated planner:

AP: elf, 12 for dragonmarks
EK: 6 AP for improved shield (a few more here gets wand and scroll mastery if desired)
Ninja: 13 for shadow veil, dodge and sneak attack bonus, Sting
Deepwood: Tier 5 38 AP including dex-to-damage with bows
Tempest: 11 AP for improved parry and improved dodge

edit: you need 21 Ap in tempest if you want the expanded crit there, so that means dropping ninja sting, EK and some of Deepwood. Not ideal, unfortunately.

feats: will need to do monk early so as to take grandmaster of forms
1 PBS
3 quickdraw
monk bonus: precision, zen archery, shuriken expertise
wizard bonus: extend
6 deflect arrows
9 dodge
12 master of forms
15 IC : piercing
18 grandmaster of forms
21 OC
24: IC ranged or thrown (the shadow star is bugged with double keen and expanded profile. Even though it is a level 2 star, can be used all through heroics and epics with its insane crit profile and hence IC thrown could be ignored)

[unbongwah]

AP: elf, 12 for dragonmarks
EK: 6 AP for improved shield (a few more here gets wand and scroll mastery if desired)
Ninja: 13 for shadow veil, dodge and sneak attack bonus, Sting
Deepwood: Tier 5 38 AP including dex-to-damage with bows
Tempest: 11 AP for improved parry and improved dodge
I don't know if you noticed, but Turbine moved the second +10% offhand from lvl 12 Tempest to lvl 18; so you may want to pick up Deft Strikes from Shintao. You're also missing the +1 crit multiplier from lvl 12 Tempest; that's a pretty significant hit to your melee DPS too.



DWS only: 19-20/x2 (SS base) -> 18-20/x2 (DWS bonus) -> 15-20/x2 IC:Pierce = 25 effective hits
DWS+Tempest: 19-20/x2 (SS base) -> 18-20/x2 (DWS bonus) -> 18-20/x3 (Tempest) -> 15-20/x3 IC:Pierce = 31 effective hits


So the second combo is (31 - 25) / 25 = +24% DPS. That gap gets wider is you use SSs with expanded crit ranges, like Razorend or Smallblade.

[Saekee]

I don't know if you noticed, but Turbine moved the second +10% offhand from lvl 12 Tempest to lvl 18; so you may want to pick up Deft Strikes from Shintao. You're also missing the +1 crit multiplier from lvl 12 Tempest; that's a pretty significant hit to your melee DPS too.



DWS only: 19-20/x2 (SS base) -> 18-20/x2 (DWS bonus) -> 15-20/x2 IC:Pierce = 25 effective hits
DWS+Tempest: 19-20/x2 (SS base) -> 18-20/x2 (DWS bonus) -> 18-20/x3 (Tempest) -> 15-20/x3 IC:Pierce = 31 effective hits


So the second combo is (31 - 25) / 25 = +24% DPS. That gap gets wider is you use SSs with expanded crit ranges, like Razorend or Smallblade.
gahh good catch. So it is an AP change there. The tempest crit mod is just for melee weapons, though? I imagine my proposal mainly for ranged with some melee splashing but the 4th core tempest is a must. Until the wiki is updated I have trouble figuring these things out.

[unbongwah]

The tempest crit mod is just for melee weapons, though?
From the Release Notes (https://www.ddo.com/en/update-28-release-notes): the description reads "+1 Competence Bonus to Critical Damage Multiplier while dual wielding weapons." [emphasis mine] Whereas DWS crit bonus applies to any equipped weapon, it seems.

[Propane]

I am planning on dusting off my old 12ranger8bard...

https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthrea...ight=acetylene

This build is dated - but should have a few good nuggets to find (several other threads listed - linked).

I am planning on updating this one soon - just haven't gotten there yet...

Tempest / Warchanter was first thought... at least until AA come out...

An Spell Singer AA could be nice support with burst DPS as well...

[daniel7]

12 Ranger 7 cleric 1X in DC destiny

35 Tempest (offhand damage and DOD)

23 Deepwood (core 4 and Killer 2 pts)

22 Warpriest

I almost did 12rgr/7clr/1ftr but decided to do more ranger cause I just did a heavy multiclass ranger build. I'm going for three ranger PLs so I'll do it next life as a PDK.

[JasonJi72]

I am going with the build I had planned on before I knew about the pass.
14 ranger, 3 monk, 3 fighter.
Elf
On my phone, so I can't go into details ATM.

[mezzorco]

I think I'll go pure, STR based dwarf.
Uncertain if going (18 16 18 8 8 6) or (18 14 18 8 12 6).
31 DWS, rest Tempest.
Axe of Adaxus in main hand and Frostbite/Balizarde in off hand, in Fury of the Wild.

Why dwarf?
I love 'em.

Why FotW?
Because with Axe of Adaxus I'll be doing 17-18/x5, 19-20/x6.
Activating both Adrenaline and Exposing Strike, it will be 2-18/x6, 19-20/x7 at +400% damage. This means 30 to 35 times regular damage, now add Overwhelming Force and Sense Weakness for 55 to 65 times regular damage unless I roll 1.
This, coupled with Dance of Death, will be a lot of AoE fun I think.
I also have to find out if Merciful Strike 500 damage works with Adrenaline.
Also, I'll be doing about 2.5 hits per swing, thus regaining 1 Adrenaline use in about 24 swings, or 1 in about 6 while DoD.
Last but not least, FotW has several +damage that synergize with TWF.

Why those weapons?
20x4 main hand is for big adrenalines, scimi/rapier offhand is because it benefits more from +1 threat range and multiplier, and Adrenaline doesn't proc offhand attacks.

Suggestions?
I don't think that +1 ref, +1 AC and +1 balance and tumble are better than +2 will, +58 spell points and +2 heal and spot.
Maybe I should go (18 14 18 8 12 6), mainly for will saves, but I appreciate any help.
Anything else I should reconsider?

[Raiderone]

Before U28, the plan was 8 Figther/6Pally/6Ranger and going Heavy Armor build for better PRR/MRR. But now that has changed.
Now thinking 12 Ranger/ 6 Pally/ 2 Fighter. Currently at 6Ranger/6Pally/4 Fighter (gonna need to LR out). One build Human and another dwarf.

Probably 35 points in Tempest and 23 in Darkwood. And then other points in Pally Trees 16 (KOTC) for Remove Disease Regen, Divine Might and 6 points Pally Sacred Defender for PRR/MRR.
Starting Stats Str:14, Dex:14, Con:16, Int:10, Wis:8, Cha:16(all build ups).

[nsromanzo]

[QUOTE=Raiderone;5695104
Now thinking 12 Ranger/ 6 Pally/ 2 Fighter. Currently at 6Ranger/6Pally/4 Fighter (gonna need to LR out). One build Human and another dwarf.

Probably 35 points in Tempest and 23 in Darkwood. And then other points in Pally Trees 16 (KOTC) for Remove Disease Regen, Divine Might and 6 points Pally Sacred Defender for PRR/MRR.
Starting Stats Str:14, Dex:14, Con:16, Int:10, Wis:8, Cha:16(all build ups).[/QUOTE]

This sounds like a fun solid build, would be much obliged if you went into more detail on the build. Thanks!

[unbongwah]

12 Ranger 5 Barb 3 Bard

Critical Rage + 2 Rage Critical Range
Swashbuckling + 1 Critical Multiplier Kukris or Rapiers
Advanced Sneak Attack +1 Competence Range to Any Weapon
What would you change when Turbine changes Crit Rage (https://www.ddo.com/forums/showthread.php/465357-Ranger-Tempest-Changes/page32?p=5692753#post5692753) to a Competence bonus and it no longer stacks w/DWS Adv Sneak Atk? Seems to me you could drop rgr down to 6 for Called Shot and take more barb lvls for better Blood Str.

IC:Piercing > Feat Swap Shield Mastery
I'm not sure why you drop IC:P; but you can't take OC if you don't have at least one Imp Crit feat.