Each of Baldur's Gate 3's nine classes offers a different gameplay experience, providing the character different combat and exploration capabilities. The Ranger class specializes in navigating the wild, utilizing a mix of martial combat bonuses and divine magic similar to the magic Druids use. Rangers choose a favored enemy and terrain, gaining bonuses based on their choices and allowing them to further customize their build.
The Ranger subclasses in Baldur's Gate 3 allow the Ranger to gain additional abilities inspired by the Ranger's core concept as a Scout that hunts dangerous foes and has a deep understanding of the natural world. The Beast Master subclass allows them to acquire an Animal Companion to aid them in battle, the Hunter chooses a specialization to aid them in taking down their chosen foes, and the Gloom Stalker learns to steel their mind against mind-altering effects and strike at their foes from the shadows.
Hunter
The Hunter subclass allows the player to choose a "Hunter's Prey" ability, granting them a combat benefit which helps them against certain foes.
Hunter's Prey Ability | Effect |
Colossus Slayer | Deal an extra 1d8 damage when attacking any foe whose current HP is below their max HP, once per turn. |
Giant Killer | When a creature whose size is Large or bigger attacks the Ranger, they can use their reaction to attack in response. |
Horde Breaker | The Ranger can target two foes who are close to each other and attack each of them in succession. |
Beast Master
The Beast Master subclass gains the ability "Summon Companion," allowing them to call forth a number of different animal companions to aid them in combat. These animal companions are considerably stronger than those summoned by the "Find Familiar" spell. As of Patch 9 of early access Summon Companion and Find Familiar can both be used together, allowing Beast Masters to have two animals aiding them at once (though Familiars are substantially weaker in combat and are better suited to exploration.)
Animal Companion | Companion Ability |
Bear | Goading Roar: Roar at foes within 30ft to goad them into attacking the Bear. |
Boar | Boar Charge: Charge up to 30ft, attacking all hostile creatures in the way and potentially knocking them prone. |
Giant Spider | Poisonous Bite and Improved Jump that doesn't provoke Attacks of Opportunity. Web: Cover a target area in thick flammable webbing that can trap creatures. |
Raven | Flight. Rend Vision: Attack a Creatures eyes, blinding them for one round on hit. |
Wolf | Jumping doesn't trigger Attacks of Opportunity. Bite: Attack with a chance to knock the target prone. |
Gloom Stalker
The Gloom Stalker Class is unavailable in the Early Access Version of the game, so this information is mainly based on the D&D 5e Tabletop Rules.
Gloom Stalkers gain additional spells, such as Disguise Self, as they level up. They also gain "Dread Ambusher" boosting their initiative score with their Wisdom Bonus and allowing them to move further and potentially land an extra attack on the first turn of combat. They also gain Darkvision with a 60ft range.
As they continue to increase in level they gain proficiency in wisdom saving throws (if they already have this proficiency they gain intelligence or charisma saving throw proficiency instead) and can eventually gain an extra attack when they miss their mark.
Baldur's Gate 3 launches on the 3rd of August 2023 for PC and Mac, and on the 6th of September 2023 for PS5.