Zero's QOL Ranger (Homebrew)

The idea of a Ranger has always been my favorite in a lot of RPG games -- a jack-of-all trades, master of none survivalist.

The Ranger is essentially part Rogue, part Fighter & part Druid. While it's not better than any of those classes at what they're good at (being a skill monkey for Rogues, being a martial for a Fighter, being a nature based caster for a Druid), the fact that a Ranger can be a solid substitute for any of those roles holds a ton of value, providing flexibility for what your party needs.

At least, in theory.

In reality, the 2014 5e Ranger (which BG3 is based on) fails to make that a reality. Favored Enemy is, IMO, an amazing feature if your DM allows it to be. If > 50% of your campaign features your favored enemy/s, that's a massive boon for you and your party.

The same can be said for Natural Explorer - if your campaign happens, mostly, in your favored terrain/s, you become a beast of a off-battle PC for your party.

Sadly, the way Larian implemented both leaves a lot to be desired, especially because both features don't really translate well into a video game.

I've taken inspiration from the first Ranger mod I ever installed: Ranger Revised at Baldur's Gate 3 Nexus - Mods and community. That mod diversified the Favored Enemy and Favored Explorer to become more relevant for a video game.

In addition, the 2024 PHB focus on HM being a core class feature, feels thematic. I, however, don't like how its being shoved down your throat (3 of your late stage class features are related to HM). The Ranger is about flexibility. With this mod, I attempt to hit all those marks.

• []make HM a strong feature, but not mandatory.

  []Favored Enemy and Natural Explorer are now more diverse and relevant

  []late game features increase the Ranger's flexibility

  Ranger's Mark

  Ranger's Mark, which is just Hunter's Mark with possible upgrades, is unlocked as a cantrip at Level 2. I've made it so you can't have Ranger's Mark and Hunter's Mark at the same time (let me know if it happens, i might have missed something). This Ranger's Mark works with Prey's Scent (BM & SK). I've disabled it working with base HM.

  Favored Foe

  []Bounty Hunter - unchanged. 

  []Keeper of the Veil - you gain Arcana Proficiency and advantage on attacks vs Aberrations, Celestials, Elementals, Fey, Fiends & Undead

  []Magebreaker - you gain Arcana Proficiency and Wisdom Saving Throw Proficiency

  []Ranger Knight - you gain History Proficiency and Constitution Saving Throw Proficiency

  []Monster Hunter (available at L6) - you gain Expertise in Athletics and gain advantage on attacks vs Beasts, Giants, Oozes, Monstrosities and Dragons.

  [*]Focused Warrior (available at