In Dungeons and Dragons Online: Eberron Unlimited (DDO), which is developed by Turbine, Inc., players have the ability to choose between eleven unique classes that fill a variety of roles. Every class has its own purpose and excels in different situations, so no class should be thought of as "worthless".
The Ranger Class of Dungeons and Dragons Online
Specialist classes are those which excel at specific activities. They can tide the turn of battle with their unique abilities and can also access areas of dungeons that other classes cannot access. If a player wants to play a class that can adapt to every situation with their skills, but not play in a group, these classes are not for them. The ranger is one of these classes.
Rangers are described by DDO as "Rangers are extremely versatile combatants. They can act as scouts, can wield two weapons at once, and are lethal with a bow."
While this description makes a ranger sound much like the fighter or other similar classes, it is very different. Rangers excel with the bow, as it says, and can shoot enemies from a distance. Then, as they level up, they can learn special techniques that allow them to fire through multiple enemies, shoot multiple arrows at once, and even create their own arrows.
As it states, rangers can wield dual weapons. They will learn this ability at level 2 automatically. This feat effectively allows ranger to dual wield without penalties. This is great for dealing out large amount of damage. Dual wielding is more effective if a smaller weapon, like a dagger, is held in the off hand.
What the description by DDO doesn't mention is that at level four the ranger can learn spells to help themselves and the party. Also, rangers have the ability to pick a favored enemy when they level up. This favored enemy is a type of enemy, such as human. What this does, is when the ranger is fighting a creature of their favored enemy type, the damage the ranger does is raised.
Rangers can excel at both ranged and close combat, but it depends on the feats and enhancements the player chooses. The uniqueness of the ranger class allows it to be highly customizable to player's playing styles. A complete list of skills, feats, and enhancements can be found here: http://compendium.ddo.com/wiki/Class:Ranger
Basic Stat Points of a Ranger
(Please note that these stats are based on the recommended path for the class, by DDO. Depending on which path the player picks, or if they customize their path, the stats will change.)
A level 1 ranger's stats are as follows:
- 14 STR (Strength measures the ability to hit and how much damage the attack does.)
- 16 DEX (Dexterity affects armor class, reflex saves, and the ability to hit with a range weapon. If a player doesn't want to use ranged weapons, this stat should be thought of as lesser.)
- 14 CON (Constitution affects how many health points a character has and also affects fortitude saves.)
- 8 INT (Intelligence is not important for a ranger, unless it is on a multi-class ability.)
- 14 WIS (Wisdom affects what spells a ranger has access to, their spell power, and how many spell points the ranger will have. It also affects will saves.)
- 8 CHA (Charisma is not important for rangers.)
Is the Ranger a Good Class?
Overall, the Ranger is a good class and definitely has its uses in a party, depending on what the other members are. If the party already has melee fighters and anyone that fights with a ranged attack, including magics, then it is up to the party leader to decide which character will better fit the situation.
Rangers have the ability to be excellent solo characters in a party, as they have access to summoning spells and healing magic, while still being good a combat. For a player who wants to be a scout, hide in the shadows, and then pick of their targets, the ranger would be an excellent choice. The ranger is also a good choice for a player who wishes to effectively dual class weapons and still have access to spells.
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