Like, I know it’s better that it was, and it’s probably quite strong mathematically. But… just getting to add extra to your attack and damage rolls doesn’t feel very cool flavor-wise or mechanics-wise. I’m a 20th level character; I want a power that makes me feel like some kind of demigod. Not something that just makes number go up.
I think it stems from a lack of class identity in the base ranger: nobody, least of all WotC, can quite decide what it should be. If your idea of the ranger is focused on having a pet, then an ability that helps with fighting monsters isn’t very good. But if you are a monster hunter, then something that boosts companion animals is useless.
So what’s the solution? Given that so much of the ranger’s identity comes from the subclass, I think the ranger should take a page from the paladin’s book (er, chapter) and make the capstone ability a subclass feature.
Biggest issue is it expects you to keep using a 1st level concentration spell at level 20. They need to get off trying to make hunters mark in it’s current state a thing
I would agree. As it stands, the ability honestly feels more like a level 5-7th ability than a 20th level. A subclass feature could work, but then you risk certain subclasses having bad abilities.
That said, high level abilities for most classes kinda suck in the first place and wotc isnt terribly great at high level stuff imo
I like the capstone being a subclass function but with the new playtest going back to the old subclass progression I doubt it.
I like the extra damage since at it’s heart a ranger is a druid who is better at fighting. It’s boring but good mechanically. It makes the ranger good at killing it’s one target but doesn’t feel splashy
