Range Attacking - How much dex?

[Pehtis]

Attacking with bows/crossbows are based on Dex modifiers for the to hit. My question is how much Dex does a character need to be able to hit more reliably? Is Dex range 20 - 24 (without buffs) enough?

The reason for asking is I'm toying with the idea of having certain toons (i.e. non ranger/fighter) built for range attacking instead of melee. Elven/Halfling clerics for instance seem ideal for the idea. I figure while all the melee's are in and amongst it (getting all the fun aggro), it could sit back and range in between its casting duties.

Just want to know the Dex range I need to work towards to make combat ranging more viable when all Feats are going towards casting duties.

[Dunklerlindwurm]

If you want to make a Cleric with Ranged Weapons this might interest you.

Coming with update 5. New Feat.

Zen Archery
Prerequisites: +1 Base Attack Bonus
Benefit: You can use your Wisdom bonus instead of Dexterity bonus to determine bonus to attack with ranged missile weapons (but not thrown weapons) if it is higher.
Special: This feat can be selected by fighters as a fighter bonus feat.

[dcp101]

If you want to make a Cleric with Ranged Weapons this might interest you.

Coming with update 5. New Feat.

Zen Archery
Prerequisites: +1 Base Attack Bonus
Benefit: You can use your Wisdom bonus instead of Dexterity bonus to determine bonus to attack with ranged missile weapons (but not thrown weapons) if it is higher.
Special: This feat can be selected by fighters as a fighter bonus feat.

This. Forget DEX. COntinue pumping up that WIS score.

[Dysmetria]

It is still a good question and one many would want the answer to. I'm currently working on an archer that will be 6 Rogue for Mechanic I, the free light repeater feat, and the addition of the INT mod to crossbow damage, 12 Fighter for Tempst II, and Ranger 2 for the extra feat. WIS won't help the build as much as DEX, and I'd rather raise INT for more skill points and bonus crossbow damage than DEX.

So how much DEX is good enough endgame to hit reliably?

[Talon_Moonshadow]

If you are a Cleric or FVS archer, then I'd say choose the new feat when it becomes available.


For other classes. Not easy to answer.

For a Ftr type you don't need much. But you need more at low lvls than high lvls.

For a Rog though, as much as you can afford is a good idea. The goal is to hit easily on Epic eventually.

[rimble]

This. Forget DEX. COntinue pumping up that WIS score.

Just keep in mind Improved Precise Shot requires 19 Dex (or Ranger 11), if you're going for a 'full-fledged' shooter.

[Plutocracy]

Just keep in mind Improved Precise Shot requires 19 Dex (or Ranger 11), if you're going for a 'full-fledged' shooter.

Its true.

Rapid Shot min. DEX: 13
Many Shot min. DEX: 17
Improved Precise Shot min. DEX: 19

Also, if you are going ranged build you are likely elf, as they get the bow enhancements. Elves start with +2 DEX and get a +2 DEX enhancement. So, its easy to get a high DEX anyway (just by putting 6 points in at base creation). In any build that is not fighter/ranger, you will be feat starved for archery feats, so you can't really afford one for Zen Archery probably. If you really want to go the ZEN archery route, start with miniumum DEX and take at least 6 levels of Ranger to get Manyshot for free.

Base Dex: 14+ 2 elf + 2 elf enhancement + 6 item = 24

So, its pretty easy to get 24 DEX at least, and with some buffs like Divine favor and power, you should hit alright.

If all of your feats are not going towards archery, I would take 2 levels of Ranger for Bow STR feat, and Rapid Shot. This also gives you +1 more DEX enhancement.

[sirdanile]

My Arcane Archer runs around with 32 strength and 33 Dex, i'd say 28-34 is a good goal.

[Pehtis]

I wasn't planning on taking feats or splashing archer levels for these toons. Never say never though, if the feat taken provides solid benefits to the character. Often when conserving SP you are fiddling with wands/scrolls to add combat damage during fights. If you have low strength then you are not much help in melée fights. But a bow/throwing capability with effects, on the other hand could be more useful without the need to take a feat. Enhancements could do the trick with Dex modifier requirements.

Never tested this though, and figure most likely to be ineffective anyway even if you start your toon on 16 Dex. Like you said they need feats to make combat ranging useful. Still though might roll one for a laugh to see if you can add another string to the bow of a non melée toon.