Rangers - misunderstood or actually bad?

[Tayen]

Hey everyone,

I'm going to be starting up a new main character on blue, and I was considering a number of different classes, but I keep coming back to the idea of cranking the nostalgia factor up to 11 and creating a Ranger, as that was the first character I ever created when I started up EQ for the first time.

That being said, every guide I've found on the wiki essentially warns against making a Ranger, as they're not very desirable in groups, and in fact don't really have much ability to solo either. I'm just wondering if there is truth in this, or if this may have changed slightly since Velious was released? Are Rangers still a dead end choice for a main character, or are they just misunderstood? I don't mind if I'm not the number 1 pick for groups, but I'd rather not also be a loner for my entire leveling experience either. Any Rangers out there able to give me their two copper on this?

Thanks in advance!

[Hardaek]

A twink ranger is comparable to most melee classes up until late 20s where they wont do as much dmg and not bring more utility than most other classes.

[Charlievox]

I have always had a lot of fun playing my Rangres. But they have always been Alts that I play when I need a break from my main. I love the Archery and Fletching. Also I usually play them solo but then I play mostly solo on all my toons. But i do keep all my weapon skills maxed as well as Kick and Taunt in case I do get a group, I can at least off tank or main assist if not actually MT.

I never advise anyone against playing any class or race. As always YMMV.

Play what you enjoy. If you are not in it for the fun, then what the Hell are you doing here?

[Ele]

They (and other hybrids) have been pariahs on P99 due to the knowledge of exp penalties (which should be going away in a couple of months) and the knowledge that rogues and monks are much, much better DPS classes (and their epics are easy/cheap to buy an MQ).

If you are a good player and put an effort into making leveling friends and showing off your skills. You can do pulls, CC, and DPS (albeit not as well as rogue/monk) and make yourself valuable to a group.

[Monty405]

Originally Posted by Ele [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

They (and other hybrids) have been pariahs on P99 due to the knowledge of exp penalties (which should be going away in a couple of months) and the knowledge that rogues and monks are much, much better DPS classes (and their epics are easy/cheap to buy an MQ).

It is true that the hybrid penalty has an affect on their desirability but Paladins and Shadow Knights are still sought for their aggro and tanking ability in exp group settings whereas rangers do not bring such a necessity to the table.

[Pipip]

If you're a good player, people will start inviting you to groups, regardless of class.

If you're a bad player, you'll reinforce in people's minds that rangers are terrible.

Also, if you join a good leveling guild, you shouldn't have much trouble finding groups. Personally, I just like to go somewhere, mention in guild chat that I'd be happy to have some company, and someone is usually willing to team up. Once you have two, you just tell everyone that you're LFM, and soon you've got a full group.

I was in a group with three rangers, and the group did fine. Yes, there were actually three people logged in as rangers in the same level range at the same time.

[Tayen]

I guess I'm more just concerned that after I hit level 60 I won't be able to experience a lot of the end game content - I'm sure that there will be plenty of groups while leveling, but I'm guessing the situation becomes more dire when you hit the higher levels and want to potentially start raiding.

[Charlievox]

Originally Posted by Tayen [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

I guess I'm more just concerned that after I hit level 60 I won't be able to experience a lot of the end game content - I'm sure that there will be plenty of groups while leveling, but I'm guessing the situation becomes more dire when you hit the higher levels and want to potentially start raiding.

It all depends on the guild you join.

[Fanguru]

Originally Posted by Tayen [You must be logged in to view images. Log in or Register.]

I guess I'm more just concerned that after I hit level 60 I won't be able to experience a lot of the end game content - I'm sure that there will be plenty of groups while leveling, but I'm guessing the situation becomes more dire when you hit the higher levels and want to potentially start raiding.

Quite the opposite: rangers are not desired much while leveling up, but raid guilds love them, especially in Velious.

• Call of the predator
• The dps gets much better with gear
• Tracking is important
• WS can save the day or ease a pull
• Ducking out of LOS and self healing helps on AoE heavy fights

The problem is the journey to get there: rangers are a tremendous investment. You need a lot of time or help to get to 60, a raiding guild to get epic (swiftwind mostly) and sky cloak, and money or time to get all the expensive goodies.

Soloing depends mostly on your gear, and being outside. Velious makes it easier.

This is a great time to make a ranger. New spells are coming, as well as Venril Sathir 's remains. Soon you can fear/kite and get easier access to epic.

Rangers are great to play, they just get outshined by other classes in grouping min/max situations.

[Lamil]

Guilds usually want a few rangers now that Velious is out.