Because people haaaated Beast Master
This month’s Unearthed Arcana (new, possibly volatile rules) brings some changes to the Ranger class in Dungeons & Dragons. When the Fifth Edition hit shelves, many players agreed that the Ranger class and specifically the Beast master subclass was underwhelming. I’m just about to start a campaign as an Aarakocra Ranger so I can’t comment myself, but go ahead and google “do 5e rangers suck.” Just kidding, I did that for you here.
Mike Mearls, current lead designer, is aware of the widespread disappointment. His stated goal with this Unearthed Arcana is to “make the ranger feel distinct and interesting while still remaining true to its identity within the game.” The basic gist of the change is that Rangers can now have Spirit Companions that can watch their back and even become corporeal once per day to assist them directly. You can choose between three paths: Guardian, Seeker, and Stalker, which each offer different companions and abilities.
There’s also a focus on differentiating Rangers from other classes, since their once unique survival abilities have become a more generalized skill. They’re here described as “the paladins of the forest,” which seems a little silly since there are Nature Paladins, but I understand what they’re trying to say. I might implement this into my upcoming character to try it out. What do you guys think? Where my Rangers at?
Unearthed Arcana: Ranger [Dungeons & Dragons]
