One D&D Ranger Subclass Tier List
Full Subclass Tier List
The subclass rankings are based solely on other available subclasses within the same base class, not necessarily how they would perform in a game or compared to subclasses from other base classes. For a more holistic view on the power level of each subclass, reference the Full Subclass Tier List above.
*All classes with an asterisk (*) are in the 2024 PHB*
S Tier
None
A Tier
Gloom Stalker Ranger* – Even after getting hit with a few nerfs to the class, Gloom Stalker still reigns supreme amongst the Rangers. Dread Ambusher and Umbral Sight are still excellent abilities that keep the core of the Gloom Stalker alive and well. While Stalker’s Flurry also has been hit with a bit of a nerf, the ability is still reasonable making this the best you’re going to get for Rangers.
B Tier
Swarmkeeper Ranger – While this class is pretty lacking in terms of flavor, the power here can’t be understated. Getting additional bonus effects to your attacks is very nice on top of getting a solid expanded spell list. It is unfortunate that your main ability is only usable once per turn, but it is strong enough that you aren’t going to be mad at that.
Beast Master Ranger* – Becoming a Pokemon trainer is always cool as your companion is pretty good, but it doesn’t necessarily play the best with your Ranger kit, especially the Ranger’s new reliance on Hunter’s Mark. This is still going to be better than most the other subclasses though as your companion is pretty strong!
C Tier
Horizon Walker Ranger – The flavor here is really cool as you’re this hunter of otherworldly beings which is super cool, but the abilities don’t quite line up with the cool aesthetic. A lot of the abilities are fine, but that’s about the extent of excitement you can realistically give. While this class does have a bit of a slow start, it does ramp up a bit as you get to the mid levels making this a solid option for higher level campaigns.
Fey Wanderer Ranger* – Like many other C tier subclasses, the abilities you get aren’t bad, but they are generally too niche. The Fey Wanderer embodies that whole heartedly. Beyond your 15th level ability, everything here is pretty specific and can be good in the right spots, but you may struggle to find those right spots to actually use them in.
D Tier
Monster Slayer Ranger – Rather than a true Monster Slayer, this Ranger subclass seems more focused on disrupting one tough enemy rather than dealing with multiple which is an interesting direction for the abilities, but the power level is generally a bit lacking. Nothing here is bad, just undertuned.
Hunter Ranger* – The Hunter is a bit of a sad story as it was already a weak Ranger subclass and then it even got nerfed in the new rules. I don’t really get that logic personally, but with functionally no exciting abilities and little flavor, there’s little reason to be excited for this subclass.
F Tier
None
