Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Ranger build: Race, subclass, background, more

Rajarshi Acharya
custom wood-elf ranger baldur's gate 3

The Ranger in Baldur’s Gate 3 is the perfect build for a stealthy playthrough. With this class, you get to take out your targets from afar while your position remains concealed. Here’s everything you need to know for a Ranger build in Baldur’s Gate 3.

The stealth archer is often the most overpowered build in most RPGs, and such is the case for Baldur’s Gate 3 as well. While the Ranger isn’t the stealthiest class in the game, it plays a useful role in almost any combat encounter.

Rangers can use nature-based spells and deal tons of damage with their bows. Their high range also makes them the perfect scouts for the party. This build also takes advantage of the multiclass feature to outweigh some of the disadvantages of the Ranger.

With that in mind, here’s the best Ranger build in Baldur’s Gate 3 along with the best race, subclass, background, and more.

Best race for Ranger in Baldur’s Gate 3

baldur's gate 3 party
Rangers can be excellent support units in Baldur’s Gate 3.

In the Dungeons & Dragons universe, certain races have bonuses to certain builds, and it’s no different in Baldur’s Gate 3. The Ranger in this game benefits from any of the following three races:

  • Wood Elf
  • Strongheart Halfling
  • Forest Gnome

While you can choose any of these three races, the Wood Elf best fits the build described here. With this race, you get bonuses to saving throws against Charmed, Darkvision, and Fey Ancestry.

Best subclass for Ranger in Baldur’s Gate 3

Each Ranger subclass has its own distinct playstyle, but you should focus on the Hunter for the best build. This is because they can move more easily and deal more damage.

With the Hunter subclass, the player can select a Hunter’s Prey ability. This gives them a combat advantage that helps them deal with particular enemies. We recommend picking Colossus Slayer.

Best background for Ranger in Baldur’s Gate 3

For the best background for the Ranger class in Baldur’s Gate 3, pick the Outlander. Out of all 13 backgrounds, this one offers you the maximum benefits as a Wood Elf Ranger.

The Urchin gains proficiencies in Survival and Athletics, which are Wisdom and Strength skills respectively. The other skills you need to choose for this background are:

  • Animal Handling
  • Nature
  • Insight
dragonborn race baldur's gate 3
Choosing the right race can make all the difference.

Best spells for Ranger in Baldur’s Gate 3

Rangers in Baldur’s Gate 3 aren’t known for being spellcasters, but they can come in handy. The following spells are what you should be getting if you’re following this build.

  • Level 1: Find Familiar
  • Level 2: Hunter’s Mark
  • Level 2: Cure Wounds
  • Level 3: Ensnaring Strike
  • Level 5: Spike Growth
  • Level 7: Lesser Restoration

Best build for Ranger in Baldur’s Gate 3

  • Race: Wood Elf
  • Background: Outlander
  • Skills: Survival, Athletics
  • Ability score: DEX: 16, CON: 16, WIS: 14, CHA: 10, STR: 10, and INT: 8.
LEVELFEATURE
Ranger 1Favored Enemy: Bounty Hunter — Natural Explorer: Beast Tamer — Spell: Find Familiar
Ranger 2Fighting Style: Archery — Spells: Hunter’s Mark, Cure Wounds
Ranger 3Subclass: Hunter — Hunter’s Pray: Colossus Slayer — Spells: Ensnaring Strike
Ranger 4Feat: Sharpshooter
Ranger 5Spell: Spike Growth
Ranger 7Spell: Lesser Restoration
Ranger 8Ability Improvement: Dexterity +2
Fighter 1Fighting Style: Defence
Fighter 3Subclass: Battle Master — Manoeuvres: Disarming Attack, Trip Attack, Pushing Attack
Fighter 4Ability Improvement: Dexterity +2

That was all about the best Ranger build in Baldur’s Gate 3. If you wish to learn more about the game, check out some of our other guides here:

Baldur’s Gate 3 Fighter build | Baldur’s Gate 3 Barbarian build | Baldur’s Gate 3 Warlock build | Baldur’s Gate 3 Druid build | Baldur’s Gate 3 best companions | Soul Coins in Baldur’s Gate 3 | How to beat the Phase Spider Matriarch in Baldur’s Gate 3 | Baldur’s Gate 3 PC system requirements | Baldur’s Gate 3 Feats list | Who are the Githyanki in Baldur’s Gate 3 | Can you multiclass in Baldur’s Gate 3

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About The Author

Rajarshi is a Writer at CharlieIntel who loves RPGs, racing games, FPS titles, and unique indie games that grab his attention. With a degree in English literature from Rabindra Bharati University, Rajarshi worked for Sportskeeda and KeenGamer before joining CharlieIntel in 2023. You can reach him at [email protected].