The latest Unearthed Arcana didn't give us much that's specific to Rangers (though they still got more than Paladins and Clerics,) but it did give the Ranger access to a new 3rd-level spell: Flame Stride. You can read it here:
It's yet another concentration tax for the Ranger, but it has some really good uses. It's a buffed up Zephyr Strike/Longstrider combo that also deals fire damage.
Ranger 3rd-level spellcasting isn't bad, but it's definitely a step below their 1st and 2nd level options (Conjure Animals notwithstanding.) Personally, I welcome the addition of this spell.
I'm wondering how viable it will be on a Ranger. One thing worth noting is that it synergizes with Share Spells, so I'd say it's almost a must-have for Beast Masters.
The bright side is that, with a 50ft movement speed and not being slowed down my difficult terrain (Land's Stride), you can pretty much get in and out of danger with impunity. Flame Stride makes you immune to Opportunity Attacks, so it works really well for a skirmishing build. If you have other ways to increase your speed (Deft Explorer: Roving, Longstrider, Mobile,) it becomes even better.
75 with Deft Explorer, Mobile, and Longstrider all working together. That's 150 ft of movement if you decide to Dash, and you're still doing damage as you go.
It's a really neat spell, but I'm not sure it's worth a 3rd level slot when compared to how well Zephyr Strike enables a similar need with only a 1st level slot. Running around the battlefield trying to tag as many critters with the fire damage does seem exceedingly fun though.
I think it's just supposed to be an AoE type utility spell for melee Rangers. I was also looking at Ranger's other 3rd level spells and didn't see any other spell that a melee type could truly benefit from.
Yes, there aren't any other self buffs at third level for Rangers. But there are plenty of other spells a melee ranger can concentrate on that are quite effective. I definitely think it's intriguing and has potential. I'm just skeptical is all.
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The latest Unearthed Arcana didn't give us much that's specific to Rangers (though they still got more than Paladins and Clerics,) but it did give the Ranger access to a new 3rd-level spell: Flame Stride. You can read it here:
https://dnd.wizards.com/articles/unearthed-arcana/draconic-options
It's yet another concentration tax for the Ranger, but it has some really good uses. It's a buffed up Zephyr Strike/Longstrider combo that also deals fire damage.
Ranger 3rd-level spellcasting isn't bad, but it's definitely a step below their 1st and 2nd level options (Conjure Animals notwithstanding.) Personally, I welcome the addition of this spell.
I'm wondering how viable it will be on a Ranger. One thing worth noting is that it synergizes with Share Spells, so I'd say it's almost a must-have for Beast Masters.
I think it looks fantastic. Especially for melee Ranger builds. With this, I'd try making a strength based ranger for the first time.
Looking from the outside, my only worry for melee rangers is holding onto concentration.
The bright side is that, with a 50ft movement speed and not being slowed down my difficult terrain (Land's Stride), you can pretty much get in and out of danger with impunity. Flame Stride makes you immune to Opportunity Attacks, so it works really well for a skirmishing build. If you have other ways to increase your speed (Deft Explorer: Roving, Longstrider, Mobile,) it becomes even better.
Good call in regards to a skirmish style. Also 55 feet with deft explorer.
Rangers casually doing Monk things. xD
75 with Deft Explorer, Mobile, and Longstrider all working together. That's 150 ft of movement if you decide to Dash, and you're still doing damage as you go.
xD Definitely a bit excessive.
Maybe replace mobile with Con resilience and we're closer to a workable build.
It's a really neat spell, but I'm not sure it's worth a 3rd level slot when compared to how well Zephyr Strike enables a similar need with only a 1st level slot. Running around the battlefield trying to tag as many critters with the fire damage does seem exceedingly fun though.
I think it's just supposed to be an AoE type utility spell for melee Rangers.
I was also looking at Ranger's other 3rd level spells and didn't see any other spell that a melee type could truly benefit from.
Yes, there aren't any other self buffs at third level for Rangers. But there are plenty of other spells a melee ranger can concentrate on that are quite effective. I definitely think it's intriguing and has potential. I'm just skeptical is all.