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.
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