Baldur’s Gate 3 is finally here, meaning players are able to take on the game’s world and learn all about those in it. One of the most appealing things about the game is that you can be whoever you want to be within the world.

One aspect that truly lets you dig deep into who you want to be is the ability to pick a Class. If you want to go a step further, you will eventually be able to pick a Subclass. These Subclasses are specializations within your Class. The Ranger Class has three Subclasses, and here they are.

Updated by Erin Rice on December 24, 2023: This update includes information regarding each of the Subclasses since the game has seen several different patches and updates.

3 Hunter

The Stereotypical Ranger

Important Things To Consider:

• This Subclass focuses on using strong attacks with bows
• You will obtain a Hunter’s Prey Ability

The Hunter Subclass is the basic Subclass you would think of when you think about Rangers. Their description reads “Hunters seek the most dangerous prey in Faerun, from ancient dragons to massive hordes of undead, and excel at slaying them all.” The Hunter Subclass focuses on taking down their prey with strong attacks. They are given a Hunter’s Prey Ability to pick from. The first one is Colossus Slayer whose description reads “Once per turn, your weapon attack deals an extra 1d8 damage if the target is below its hit point maximum.” The next one, Giant Killer, has the description “If a Large or bigger creature attacks you, you can use your reaction to make a melee attack.” The final Hunter’s Prey ability is Horde Breaker, and its description reads “Target two creatures standing close to each other, attacking them in quick succession.” Out of the three, the best one is probably the Colossus Slayer. This will easily increase your damage.

These Hunter’s Prey Abilities make this a solid choice for anyone who wants to play a simple Ranger without anything extra. This is for players looking for the regular Ranger Class where you spend your time attacking from afar and avoiding enemies. If you pick this Subclass, you will want to go with either a Wood Elf, Human, or Strongheart Halfling. These choices will give you either Dexterity (for hunting prey easily) or Strength (for dealing more damage). If you want a Background that goes with this Subclass, you can go with something such as a Hermit or Outlander. These are the standard Rangers Backgrounds you would expect to see from this Class and Subclass.

2 Gloom Stalker

The Ranger Mixed With Some Rogue

Important Things To Consider:

• Focuses heavily on stealth
• Very similar to the Assassin Rogue Subclass

The Gloom Stalker wasn’t available in the Early Access of Baldur’s Gate 3; however, it can be found in the full version of the game. This Subclass’s description reads “Gloom stalkers are at home in the darkest places: deep under the earth, in gloomy alleyways, in primeval forests, and wherever else the light dims. Most folks enter such places with trepidation, but a gloom stalker ventures boldly into the darkness, seeking to ambush threats before they can reach the broader world. Such rangers are often found in the Underdark, but they will go any place where evil lurks in the shadows.” The Gloom Stalker Subclass is an interesting case. This Subclass allows players to play as a Ranger that uses mainly stealth. While all Rangers will use stealth to an extent, this Subclass goes above and beyond when it comes to how often they use it. By the time you reach the maximum level with this Subclass, you will basically be an Assassin (a Rogue Subclass).

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They are one of the best Ranger Subclasses in the Dungeons and Dragons universe entirely. They are certainly the one you want to go for if you’re considering being a mixture of a Ranger and a Rogue but with an emphasis on the Ranger. Their abilities in the Baldur’s Gate 3 game just show how much potential this class has. Like with other Rangers, your best bet when it comes to Races is either the Wood Elf, Strongheart Halfling, or Human. All these Races are good bets when it comes to the abilities that you will need to truly excel at this class. For Backgrounds, you can consider standard Ranger Backgrounds such as Hermit and Outlander. However, since the Gloom Stalker relies on stealth, you could go for a Background that fits that such as the Urchin, Criminal, or even Charlatan Backgrounds. These will help you with your stealth.

1 Beast Master

The Ranger With Companions

Important Things To Consider:

• Can summon animals (some can be DPS animals, some tanks, etc)
• You can focus on bows or daggers

Surprisingly for some long-time players of D&D, the Beast Master Subclass truly shines in Baldur’s Gate 3. The Subclass’s description reads “Beast Masters bind themselves to an animal companion, sharing an intelligent bond that flourishes in and out of combat.” What makes this Subclass stand out is its ability to summon animals. The Subclass’s main ability is Summon Companion, which can then summon a whole multitude of animals to pick from. They are even better than the familiars that the Summon Familiar spell allows.

This means that if you want to fight with an animal at your side, this is the best way to do that. Interestingly, the two spells do work together, meaning you can have multiple summons at once. If you do go with this Subclass, you can choose one of the following animals as a companion: Bear, Boar, Giant Spider, Raven, or Wolf. Each of the animals has their own unique abilities and reasons for using them. Depending on the animal you pick, you can have a tank or dps for your party. For Races with this Subclass, you will certainly want to go with a Wood Elf or Forest Gnome. If you want a Background that goes well with the Subclass, you may consider the standard Ranger Backgrounds of Hermit or Outlander.

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