While the Ranger was originally considered one of Dungeons and Dragons' weakest classes, a lot has changed in the good year 2024. The 2024 Ranger is still a spell-slinging survival expert who's as adept with archery as they are with animal handling. However, the newer woodland warrior has seen some quality-of-life tweaks that make them more consistent overall. This guide explains these changes.
If you want to build a Ranger from scratch, STOP reading here. Our Ranger 5e guide has all the information you need - this is simply a changelog of changes between the two versions of fifth edition. Or, if you're after DnD classes with a different feel, head to our full guide for a thorough explainer.
2024 Ranger rules changes:
Level one
- Core Ranger traits - Multiclassing into Ranger no longer has proficiency in simple weapons.
- Spellcasting - Can now swap a single spell on long rests rather than on level ups.
- Spellcasting - Rangers now have spell slots from level one.
- Spellcasting - New to the Ranger spell list: Dispel Magic, Steel Wind Strike.
- Favored Enemy - Has been reworked so it's essentially a new feature.
- Weapon Mastery - An entirely new feature.
Level three
- Ranger subclass (Beast Master) - Primal Companion's armor class adds your Wisdom modifier rather than proficiency bonus.
- Ranger subclass (Beast Master) - Beat of the Land option has Beast's Strike attack rather than Charge and Maul.
- Ranger subclass (Beast Master) - Beast of the Sea and Beast of the Sky add your Wisdom modifier rather than proficiency bonus to attack damage.
- Ranger subclass (Fey Wanderer) - Fey Wanderer Spells swaps Dispel Magic for Summon Fey.
- Ranger subclass (Gloom Stalker) - Dread Ambusher now deals 2d6 psychic damage rather than 1d8 weapon damage.
- Ranger subclass (Hunter) - Hunter's Lore is a brand-new feature.
- Ranger subclass (Hunter) - Hunter's Prey no longer has the 'Giant Killer' option, and Horde Breaker can no longer target a creature you've already attacked this turn.
Level six
- Roving - Now gives you +10ft speed while not in heavy armor rather than a general 5ft increase.
Level seven
- Ranger subclass (Beast Master) - Exceptional Training is now a bonus action that can be taken at any time, and your Primal Companions deal Force damage rather than magical damage.
- Ranger subclass (Hunter) - Defensive Tactics' 'Multiattack Defense' option gives disadvantage to attackers rather than an armor class bonus to you.
Level 10
- Tireless - Number of uses now tied to your Wisdom modifier rather than proficiency bonus.
Level 11
- Ranger subclass (Beast Master) - Bestial Fury now lets your Primal Companion deal extra Force Damage the first time it hits a creature affected by your Hunter's Mark on a turn.
- Ranger subclass (Gloom Stalker) - Stalker's Flurry has been reworked so it's essentially a new feature.
- Ranger subclass (Hunter) - Superior Hunter's Prey is an entirely new feature.
Level 13
- Relentless Hunter - An entirely new feature.
Level 14
- Nature's Veil - Now lasts until the end of your next turn rather than the start, and can be used a number of times equal to your Wisdom modifier rather than your proficiency bonus.
Level 15
- Ranger subclass (Gloom Stalker) - Shadowy Dodge now works even if an attack roll has advantage, and it lets you teleport.
- Ranger subclass (Hunter) - Superior Hunter's Defense has been reworked so it's essentially a new feature.
Level 17
- Precise Hunter - An entirely new feature.
Level 18
- Feral Senses - Gives 30ft of blindsight rather than no disadvantage on attacks against creatures you can't see and the ability to sense invisible creatures when not blinded or deafened.
Level 19
- Epic Boon - A brand-new feature.
Level 20
- Foe Slayer - Reworked so it's essentially a new feature.
For more character options, here's all you need to know about DnD races and DnD 2024 backgrounds. Or, for the latest books, here's this year's DnD release schedule.