Of all the classes overhauled for Dungeons and Dragons in 2024, Ranger arguably had the best glow-up. In the original 2014 incarnation, Ranger had a reputation for disappointment, often seen as underwhelming when compared to the classes power gamers favored. Still, the Ranger had dedicated players, and these same players celebrated at the changes brought by the 2024 ruleset. Speaking of disappointing hunters, Dek of Predator: Badlands is coincidentally underestimated for his so-called weakness.
With this D&D 2024 Ranger build, you can turn Dek into a beast master badass for your next campaign.
Spoilers for Predator: Badlands ahead!
The Basics
- Species: Orc
- Skills: Athletics, Acrobatics (Expertise)
- Background: Outcast (Custom)
- Ability Scores: Dexterity +1, Wisdom +2
- Tool Proficiency: Herbalism Kit
- Origin Feat: Tavern Brawler
- Fighting Style: Archery
- Class: War Cleric 3, Beast Master Ranger 17
Starting Stats
- Strength - 12
- Dexterity - 14
- Constitution - 14
- Intelligence - 10
- Wisdom - 17
- Charisma - 8
After the brutal death of his brother, Dek has become an outcast from his clan. But even before that, he was already rejected for being a "runt." Smaller than most Yautja, Dek must use other means to prove himself as a hunter. During DnD character creation, use Orcs as a stand-in for lore and mechanics. Their devotion to Gruumsh, honor, and tradition are similar to Yautja culture. Feature-wise, you get Adrenaline Rush and Relentless Endurance for a nice bit of early game survivability, on top of enhanced Darkvision.
That said, Dek rarely confronts threats with brute force alone. Archery is a solid fighting style choice for this reason. Herbalism Kit showcases Dek's quick education on local fauna, while Tavern Brawler represents his scrappy nature. Everything can and will be a weapon for survival.
Finally, Dexterity and especially Wisdom should be the focus stats for this War Cleric/Beast Master Ranger build.
Much like in the film, Dek doesn't start as a Beast Master. Roleplay-wise, War Cleric represents Dek's dedication to the Yautja lifestyle, one of violence and strength. Spells and features gained from these Cleric (and Ranger) levels can easily be the DnD version of iconic Yautja technology. The most important gain is War Priest, which grants a finite amount of extra attacks in the early game. Once you've reached War Cleric 3, it's time to shift into Beast Master Ranger.
Dek quickly discovers that his true strength lies not in being a lone wolf, but by being a good leader. As a Beast Master, Dek can command his animal companions in battle. For roleplay purposes, a Beast of the Land in the form of Bud should be your most common summon. As you gain strength from Ranger levels, so too does your primal companion. Balancing your action economy can prove tough, but these decisions make perfect sense for the cunning Dek.
Recommended Feats
- Level 7 (War Cleric 3, Beast Master Ranger 4) - War Caster (WIS +1)
- Level 11 - Ability Score Improvement (WIS +2)
- Level 15 - Ability Score Improvement (DEX +2)
The only feat you will need is War Caster. This will allow you to maintain Concentration on key spells such as Ensnaring Strike and Entangle. For the rest of your ASI slots, just max out Wisdom then boost your Dexterity for a bit of extra damage and mobility.
Roleplay Advice
As Dek, you're a young warrior with a massive chip on your shoulder to start with. Be abrasive and temperamental, but never outright cruel. Show a soft side for friendly animals and your companions as they gain your trust. By the time you're experienced, you must be a methodical hunter in total sync with your party.
Join the Wargamer Discord clan, we promise we won't make you hunt down apex predators for our amusement. For other Wizards of the Coast news, read our DnD books guide for the latest modules.