Summary
TheOne DnDplaytest is still ongoing, with players noticing significant changes to the game’s base classes, like the Ranger. The first revision of this class revolved around its class group, a new gameplay element that the developers were testing. The Ranger falls under the “Expert” group, which grants them expertise in two proficiencies of their choice at level 1.
However, the sixth iteration of the playtest replaced this with the Deft Explorer feature for the Ranger, which only provides one expertise for proficiency, but offers advantages on Nature and Survival checks on two terrain types of their choice. Apart from this new feature, this class also received other big changes in the latestOne DnDplaytest versions, like:
TheDungeons & Dragons 5th EditionRanger was criticized at first for focusing too much on gimmicky out-of-combat features that focused on flavor rather than function.Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, a relatively new sourcebook, revised the class by giving it more combat options, like the Favored Foe feature, a larger catalog of spells, and additional fighting styles.One D&Dseems to echo these combat-focused revisions in the playtests, while also balancing it out with features that highlight the class’ knack for tracking and its connection to nature.
RELATED:Fighter Changes in One D&D Explained
A Look Into The One D&D Ranger’s New and Improved Features
The Ranger base class received some adjustments to make it more effective during fights. These changes more or less affect the class’ martial and spellcasting abilities.
Weapon Mastery
Rangers now get the Weapon Mastery feature at level 1, which it shares with other classes like theOne D&D Barbarian. This lets the player unlock special attributes to two types of weapons they are proficient with. For example, the longbow, one of the Ranger’s signature weapons, has the slow Mastery Property. This reduces the enemy’s speed by 10 feet on hit until the player’s next turn.
Spellcasting
Ranger players can now replace their prepared spells after a long rest, which lets them adapt to whatever combat encounters they might face. This is also great for roleplaying, as Rangers are known for their ability to prepare themselves and their arsenal to get the best possible outcome. Spellcasting is also a level 1 feature now, which gives the player more options during early combat encounters.
Foe Slayer
At the other end of the progression spectrum, the level 20 Foe Slayer received some improvements. It used to trigger automatically on favored enemies. Now, it activates on missed attack rolls on theRanger’s Hunter’s Marktargets. Marked opponents receive an extra 1d6 Force Damage when the Ranger attacks them. Players also had to choose between applying this feature on attack or damage rolls, but it now automatically applies on attacks and grants additional Wisdom modifier damage on a successful hit.
Updates to Some of the Ranger’s Subclasses in One D&D
The Beast Master’s Exceptional Training feature now lets the player’s beast ignore damage resistance on attacks and take bonus actions like dash, dodge, disengage, and help on command.Animal companions of the Beast Master Rangercan also capitalize on Hunter’s Mark with the latest update to Bestial Fury. The Gloom Stalker’s most significant update is the Dread Ambusher feature now frightens enemies, which in turn lets the player deal an extra 1d8 Psychic damage on hit. The Hunter saw big updates to its Defensive Tactics, which now includes a new option called Hunter’s Leap, a way to keep space from advancing opponents.
The latest changes to theRanger’s subclassesand features mostly deal with combat. Players who enjoy other aspects of the class, like hunting and exploration will also feel right at home with the addition of Deft Explorer. It seems thatOne DnDcould be getting the right balance of flavor and function for the Ranger, this time around.
One DnDis currently in development and will be released in 2024.
Dungeons and Dragons
Created by Gary Gygax, Dungeons & Dragons is a tabletop game in which players craft their own worlds and band together to take on adventures through mysterious realms outlined in companion materials. One of the best role-playing games ever made, it has been adapted into a variety of video games and other media.
