Hunter has some interesting melee Ranger combinations that can be really good for Action Economy or a specific loadout - let me give you my favourites!
1) The Tank: This one focuses on standing in the front lines taking blows, sometimes better than their Fighter counterparts.
Loadout: Horde Breaker, Multi-Attack Defense, Whirlwind Attack (Action), Uncanny Dodge (Reaction). Pair with Two Weapon Fighting Fighting Style to get a Bonus Action. Ideally, take Heavily Armored Feat as well at some point, for the extra defense, or Duel Wielder for some heavier weapons.
Gameplay: Always crush the minions first. With Horde Breaker, Whirlwind Attack and TWF you can absolutely cut a swath through the little guys. Once those are dealt with, you take on the BBEG with a combination of Uncanny Dodge on the first attack that hits, reducing it to half, then relying on Multi-Attack Defense to keep out of the way of all other attacks the BBEG may make.
2) Skirmisher/Guerrilla Warfare: This one is all about running in and using the enemy's actions against themselves.
Loadout: Colossus Slayer, Escape the Horde, Stand Against the Tide (Reaction), Sword and Board (for max AC potential),
Gameplay: This is a risky one! The goal of this one is to purposefully incur Opp Attacks at Disadvantage (Escape the Horde) from the BBEG (or other heavy hitter) and use it's own weapons against its allies (Stand Against the Tide). On your turn, always find the biggest opponent you can that has allies nearby and start wreaking havoc. Colossus Slayer for when you're down to just the BBEG.
3) Giant Slayer: This one is all about taking on Dragons or other Large baddies.
Loadout: Giant Killer (Reaction), Steel Will (or Stand Against the Tide if you have good Wisdom), Evasion. High Str and Con. Defense Fighting Style and Absorb Elements Spell. Hit up Great Weapon Master for some more damage.
Gameplay: This is all about pressing the battle - Steel will, Evasion and Absorb Elements will protect you from the Dragon Breath and Dragon Fear - two things that can nullify lots of PCs in the all-important first rounds of a Dragon fight. If the Dragon Misses, get those free shots in with Giant Killer and go to town with your heavy weapon damage.
If multiclassing is "turned on" for a specific campaign, one of my favorite thing about the ranger (any subclass, but a great one is hunter) is how just a level or two in another class can drive a build home. The ranger/rogue thing is well known for the damage/sneaky thing, of course. But hunter multiclasses SO WELL with cleric, druid, barbarian, or fighter.
If I want to play more of a Skirmisher: Giant Killer, Escape the Hoard, Whirlwind Attack, & Uncanny Dodge
If I want to play more of a Sniper: Colossus Slayer(Single Target) or Hoard Breaker(Mobs), Multiattack Defence, Volly, Evasion
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Check out my Disabled & Dragons Youtube Channel for 5e Monster and Player Tactics. Helping the Disabled Community and Players and DM’s (both new and experienced) get into D&D. Plus there is a talking Dragon named Quill.
Hunter has some interesting melee Ranger combinations that can be really good for Action Economy or a specific loadout - let me give you my favourites!
1) The Tank: This one focuses on standing in the front lines taking blows, sometimes better than their Fighter counterparts.
Loadout: Horde Breaker, Multi-Attack Defense, Whirlwind Attack (Action), Uncanny Dodge (Reaction). Pair with Two Weapon Fighting Fighting Style to get a Bonus Action. Ideally, take Heavily Armored Feat as well at some point, for the extra defense, or Duel Wielder for some heavier weapons.
Gameplay: Always crush the minions first. With Horde Breaker, Whirlwind Attack and TWF you can absolutely cut a swath through the little guys. Once those are dealt with, you take on the BBEG with a combination of Uncanny Dodge on the first attack that hits, reducing it to half, then relying on Multi-Attack Defense to keep out of the way of all other attacks the BBEG may make.
2) Skirmisher/Guerrilla Warfare: This one is all about running in and using the enemy's actions against themselves.
Loadout: Colossus Slayer, Escape the Horde, Stand Against the Tide (Reaction), Sword and Board (for max AC potential),
Gameplay: This is a risky one! The goal of this one is to purposefully incur Opp Attacks at Disadvantage (Escape the Horde) from the BBEG (or other heavy hitter) and use it's own weapons against its allies (Stand Against the Tide). On your turn, always find the biggest opponent you can that has allies nearby and start wreaking havoc. Colossus Slayer for when you're down to just the BBEG.
3) Giant Slayer: This one is all about taking on Dragons or other Large baddies.
Loadout: Giant Killer (Reaction), Steel Will (or Stand Against the Tide if you have good Wisdom), Evasion. High Str and Con. Defense Fighting Style and Absorb Elements Spell. Hit up Great Weapon Master for some more damage.
Gameplay: This is all about pressing the battle - Steel will, Evasion and Absorb Elements will protect you from the Dragon Breath and Dragon Fear - two things that can nullify lots of PCs in the all-important first rounds of a Dragon fight. If the Dragon Misses, get those free shots in with Giant Killer and go to town with your heavy weapon damage.
Nice. I love the PHB ranger. I love the hunter.
If multiclassing is "turned on" for a specific campaign, one of my favorite thing about the ranger (any subclass, but a great one is hunter) is how just a level or two in another class can drive a build home. The ranger/rogue thing is well known for the damage/sneaky thing, of course. But hunter multiclasses SO WELL with cleric, druid, barbarian, or fighter.
If I want to play more of a Skirmisher: Giant Killer, Escape the Hoard, Whirlwind Attack, & Uncanny Dodge
If I want to play more of a Sniper: Colossus Slayer(Single Target) or Hoard Breaker(Mobs), Multiattack Defence, Volly, Evasion
Check out my Disabled & Dragons Youtube Channel for 5e Monster and Player Tactics. Helping the Disabled Community and Players and DM’s (both new and experienced) get into D&D. Plus there is a talking Dragon named Quill.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPPmyTI0tZ6nM-bzY0IG3ww