Swarmkeeper Ranger Build Guide – The Plague Lord – 2024 Update

For all D&D guides on Nat1gaming, they only use the main sourcebooks (Player’s Handbook, Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, Xanathar’s Guide to Everything) as well as Strixhaven: A Curriculum of Chaos (mostly for Silvery Barbs) as those tend to be the most commonly used books at tables. Always be sure that if you’re following a guide that you’re adhering to your tables rules about what sourcebooks you are allowed to follow.

Any spell, class, feature, or other game item that is linkable on this website is covered by the 5th edition Open Games License and will be in the Player’s Handbook, but not everything in the Player’s Handbook will be linked to. All other materials that aren’t linked to are from other sourcebooks or aren’t allowed to be linked to per the 5th Edition Open Games License, so please refer to the appropriate sourcebooks for that information.

For the purposes of this guide, it will be assumed that you would not be multiclassing. While multiclassing can be excellent for many of these, this is for those who want to play the build all the way through in the same class. Guides that use multiclassing will be separate from these.

For spellcasters, you may notice substantial overlap between the spell lists of builds with the same base class. This is due to each guide utilizing a generically good spell list and not considering extenuating factors that will influence how you particularly sculpt your spell list. When creating your own spell list, you should take into account the campaign setting, what spells any other party members are capable of casting, potential overlap (ritual spells tend to overlap so it’s rare you need multiple people capable of casting them), or potential shortcomings in the parties total spell list. While this guide can definitely help point you in the right direction for crafting a spell list, you should use your judgement and preferences to figure out what spells make the most sense for your character.

To that end, please refer to the Spell List and Spell Tier list for any substitutions you’d want to make to the build.

The Complete Ranger Spell List

Ranger Spell Tier List – The Best Ranger Spells

You could be a nerd just trying to roleplay as Shino from Naruto which is a perfectly acceptable reason for picking this class, but in a real sense, this is just a good subclass with stronger abilities and better utility options than functionally every other Ranger subclass (really second only to Gloom Stalker, but this subclass has more versatility while they’re stronger in combat).

If you want a powerful Ranger subclass and don’t want to play a Gloom Stalker, this is a really good pick.

Gathered Swarm (Level 3) – B Tier – A smidgen of damage, forced movement, or a small amount of free movement with a successful attack is definitely solid!

Cantrips & 1st Level Spells (Level 3) – C+ Tier – Both Mage Hand and Faerie Fire are solid spells, even if Faerie Fire is at odds with Hunter’s Mark.

2nd Level Spells (Level 5) – C- Tier – Web is a great spell, but you already have Entangle which does a very similar thing, but you have both need be.

Writhing Tide (Level 7) – B+ Tier – Any flying speed can be really good, and this is no different.

3rd Level Spells (Level 9) – D Tier – Gaseous Form is a really niche spell, but it can be helpful if you’re trying to break in or escape from somewhere.

Mighty Swarm (Level 11) – B+ Tier – Strong buffs to an already good ability.

4th Level Spells (Level 13) – B Tier – Arcane Eye is a great spell, you just won’t always have the spell slots for it. Still, probably better you casting it as you’re still useful without spells than a full caster ally.

Swarming Dispersal (Level 15) – B+ Tier – This is just a worse version of the new Gloom Stalker capstone ability, but realistically, even a worse version of that ability is pretty good!

5th Level Spells (Level 17) – D- Tier – Especially for this level, Insect Plague is just not a great spell.

2024 One D&D Subclass Tier List

DnD 2024 Class and Subclass Tier List Breakdown

Level	Class Features/Feat	Notes
1	Spellcasting, Favored Enemy, Weapon Mastery	+ Entangle + Goodberry + Hunter’s Mark (Favored Foe)
2	Deft Explorer, Fighting Style (Two Weapon Fighting)	+ Cure Wounds
3	Swarmkeeper, Gathered Swarm, Swarmkeeper Magic	+ Mage Hand (Swarmkeeper) + Absorb Elements + Faerie Fire (Swarmkeeper)
4	Feat: Dual Wielder (DEX)	+ Detect Magic
5	Extra Attack	– Detect Magic + Pass Without Trace + Spike Growth + Web (Swarmkeeper)
6	Roving	None
7	Writhing Tide	+ Aid
8	Feat: Defensive Duelist (DEX)	None
9	Expertise	+ Dispel Magic + Gaseous Form (Swarmkeeper) + Revivify
10	Tireless	None
11	Mighty Swarm	+ Lesser Restoration
12	Feat: Mage Slayer (DEX)	None
13	Relentless Hunter	+ Arcane Eye (Swarmkeeper) + Conjure Woodland Beings
14	Nature’s Veil	None
15	Swarming Dispersal	+ Stoneskin
16	Feat: War Caster (WIS)	None
17	Precise Hunter	+ Insect Plague (Swarmkeeper) + Steel Wind Strike + Swift Quiver
18	Feral Senses	None
19	Epic Boon: Boon of Combat Prowess	+ Greater Restoration
20	Foe Slayer	None

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Species: Goliath (Hill Giant)

Attributes:

	POINT BUY
STRENGTH	8
DEXTERITY	15 (+2 background) = 17
CONSTITUTION	15 (+1 background) = 16
INTELLIGENCE	8
WISDOM	15
CHARISMA	8

Class: Ranger

Class Features: Spellcasting, Favored Enemy, Weapon Mastery

Skill Proficiencies: Insight, Perception, and Stealth

Background: Criminal (Alert)

Starting Equipment: Studded Leather Armor, Scimitar, Short Sword, Longbow, 20 Arrows, Quiver, Druidic Focus, Explorer’s Pack, and 7 gp + 50 gp from background

Starting Spells:

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
1st Level Spell	Entangle*
1st Level Spell	Goodberry
1st Level Spell	Hunter’s Mark (Favored Foe)

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Species: Goliath (Hill Giant)

For any martial character, it’s hard to justify not going for Goliath as the Hill Giant topple is so incredibly good to get advantage on attacks. There are other solid options for species as well like Human for an additional origin feat or Aasimar as they are just generally strong, but Goliath is generally going to be my choice.

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Attributes

	POINT BUY
STRENGTH	8
DEXTERITY	15 (+2 background) = 17
CONSTITUTION	15 (+1 background) = 16
INTELLIGENCE	8
WISDOM	15
CHARISMA	8

Rangers are a bit MAD, so you need to prioritize DEX for damage, CON for health, and WIS for your spellcasting.

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Proficiencies: Insight, Perception, and Survival

All excellent skills on a Ranger as they’re either using Wisdom or Dexterity.

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Background: Criminal

Good skill proficiencies, good stat distribution, and an excellent origin feat.

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Starting Equipment – Studded Leather Armor, Scimitar, Short Sword, Longbow, 20 Arrows, Quiver, Druidic Focus, Explorer’s Pack, and 7 gp + 50 gp from background

Extremely standard starting equipment for a Ranger. You could take the starting gold, but I wouldn’t worry about it much.

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Class – Ranger

Rangers get three abilities to start off with in Spellcasting, Favored Enemy, and Weapon Mastery.

Spellcasting means you get spells immediately rather than level 2, but the spells themselves will be explained more in the next sections.

Favored Enemy changed from 2014 as now it gives you Hunter’s Mark permanently prepared and you can cast it twice for free (and it scales). Since you want to be casting this often anyway, this is a pretty nice feature.

Weapon Mastery gives you the Mastery property of two weapons and I would recommend Scimitars and the Longbow. To that end, make sure you are always using your Scimitar in your main hand to properly access the mastery property.

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Starting Spells

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
1st Level Spell	Entangle*
1st Level Spell	Goodberry
1st Level Spell	Hunter’s Mark* (Favored Foe)

Very common stat distribution for a Ranger as they are a bit MAD. Dexterity is your damage stat, Constitution keeps you alive, and Wisdom makes your spells better so this should almost always be what you’re aiming for unless you have a compelling reason to do something else.

Since Hunter’s Mark is a really important part of your kit, you want to be mindful of all the other spells you have that also have concentration, and will be listed with an asterisk so you never accidentally cast a spell with that requires concentration your Hunter’s Mark up.

To that end, this guide will only be using a few concentration spells and they will generally be reserved for encounters where you need to deal with a lot of enemies, you need CC, or you need a unique effect, otherwise, you’ll be looking to cast Hunter’s Mark.

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Level 2

Class Features: Deft Explorer, Fighting Style (Two Weapon Fighting)

Spell Change Log: + Cure Wounds

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
1st Level Spell	Cure Wounds
1st Level Spell	Entangle*
1st Level Spell	Goodberry
1st Level Spell	Hunter’s Mark* (Favored Foe)

Level 2 brings Deft Explorer, your Fighting Style, and another spell!

Deft Explorer gives you Expertise in one of your proficient skills (I like Stealth, but any of them can work) and you get to learn two languages (whatever seems appropriate for your campaign).

The Fighting Style you’re going to pick is Two Weapon Fighting! Getting your DEX as bonus damage with your offhand attacks is excellent and is going to really ramp up your damage potential.

For spell choice, you get to pick up Cure Wounds.

While not the healing spell of choice, Cure Wounds has gotten buffed and will effectively bring back a downed ally in a pinch. It is a bit awkward as you need to be right next to your ally to use this, but it can be pretty effective.

Level 3

Class: Swarmkeeper

Class Features: Gathered Swarm, Swarmkeeper Magic

Spell Change Log: + Mage Hand (Swarmkeeper) + Absorb Elements + Faerie Fire (Swarmkeeper)

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Mage Hand (Swarmkeeper)
1st Level Spell	Absorb Elements
1st Level Spell	Cure Wounds
1st Level Spell	Entangle*
1st Level Spell	Faerie Fire* (Swarmkeeper)
1st Level Spell	Goodberry
1st Level Spell	Hunter’s Mark* (Favored Foe)

Level 3 brings your subclass, and of course, you’re picking Swarmkeeper!

Swarmkeeper brings a few new things to the table with Gathered Swarm and Swarmkeeper Magic.

Gathered Swarm is an interesting ability that has up to 3 effects as long as you hit an enemy. The effects are additional damage, forced movement on the target, or being able to move yourself slightly. While none of these abilities are incredible themselves, being able to choose which one triggers on hit is what makes the ability so interesting. Movement options are always welcome, and when they aren’t good, extra damage is there for you.

Swarmkeeper Magic is pretty good, and interestingly, this is the only Ranger subclass that gets a cantrip with Mage Hand! Beyond Ranger’s now having a cantrip to use, the spells you get from this are relatively strong making this a nice addition. Furthermore, you also get Faerie Fire to start out with! Faerie Fire is a solid support spell that gives anyone hitting the afflicted target advantage which is obviously great for both you and your martial allies. Best yet, this spell is not on the Ranger spell list making it a really welcome addition as there’s truly nothing like it that you could get instead.

For spell choice this level, you’re going to take Absorb Elements. It is a fantastic spell, but you’re generally not going to be hit with large swaths of elemental damage until later levels so it’s much less vital early. However, if you’re hit with a boatload of elemental damage, then this will be really helpful.

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Level 4

Feat: Dual Wielder (DEX)

Class Features: None

Spell Change Log: + Detect Magic

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Mage Hand (Swarmkeeper)
1st Level Spell	Absorb Elements
1st Level Spell	Cure Wounds
1st Level Spell	Detect Magic (R)
1st Level Spell	Entangle*
1st Level Spell	Faerie Fire* (Swarmkeeper)
1st Level Spell	Goodberry
1st Level Spell	Hunter’s Mark* (Favored Foe)

Level 4 brings your first feat, and you definitely want to get to 18 Dexterity so a true feat it is. Since you’re going to be using two weapons, you have to pick up the Dual Wielder feat! In short, between this and the Nick property, you can now get three attacks a turn with your action and bonus action. Next level when you get an Extra Attack, you get four attacks and all of them get DEX in bonus damage because of Two Weapon Fighting! This is going to make your damage potential really high, just slightly less than STR users.

While you do get a spell this level, I consider this a “gap” level. Whatever you take here should be swapped out for two second level spells next level, so your choice really doesn’t matter. I pretty arbitrarily picked Detect Magic, but again, this can really be anything you think may be useful.

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Level 5

Class Features: Extra Attack

Spell Change Log: – Detect Magic / + Pass Without Trace + Spike Growth + Web (Swarmkeeper)

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Mage Hand (Swarmkeeper)
1st Level Spell	Absorb Elements
1st Level Spell	Cure Wounds
1st Level Spell	Entangle*
1st Level Spell	Faerie Fire* (Swarmkeeper)
1st Level Spell	Goodberry
1st Level Spell	Hunter’s Mark* (Favored Foe)
2nd Level Spell	Pass Without Trace*
2nd Level Spell	Spike Growth*
2nd Level Spell	Web* (Swarmkeeper)

Level 5 brings the most important feature for martial characters – Extra Attack! Double the damage output is obviously incredible for anyone!

For your Swarmkeeper Magic, you get to pick up Web! While an excellent spell, this does a very mechanically similar thing to Entangle making it a bit redundant. That said, both have slightly different use cases so having both helps to shore up the weakness of each other rather than only having Entangle to work with.

For your spells, we want the broken second level spells as fast as possible so something has to go. As mentioned before, Detect Magic is getting kicked out to make room.

For the broken spells you get, you can pick up Pass Without Trace and Spike Growth.

First off, you get the best stealth spell in the game – Pass Without Trace. Pass Without Trace grants your squad a natural PLUS TEN on all stealth checks. That is absolutely egregious and can make even the most heavy-footed companions reasonably stealthy. While you may not cast this often, this spell is unbelievably powerful when you do need it.

Your second spell is yet another incredible option – Spike Growth. This spell is truly messed up for many reasons. First off, the range on this is absolutely massive with the AOE also being quite solid. Second, enemies take 2d4 damage for every 5 feet that it travels, and considering this is difficult terrain, that can add up. Lastly (as mentioned previously), this is 5 feet traveled, not moved. If you or your allies have a way to force movement, you can stack up an unholy amount of damage extremely quickly. Even if you have literally zero other ways to make this good, it’s still such a good spell that it doesn’t matter.

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Level 6

Class Features: Roving

Spell Change Log: None

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Mage Hand (Swarmkeeper)
1st Level Spell	Absorb Elements
1st Level Spell	Cure Wounds
1st Level Spell	Entangle*
1st Level Spell	Faerie Fire* (Swarmkeeper)
1st Level Spell	Goodberry
1st Level Spell	Hunter’s Mark* (Favored Foe)
2nd Level Spell	Pass Without Trace*
2nd Level Spell	Spike Growth*
2nd Level Spell	Web* (Swarmkeeper)

Level 6 brings a new Ranger ability – Roving. As long as you aren’t wearing Heavy Armor, you have +10 feet of movement and a climb/swim speed equal to your base speed. Extra movement is always great so I’m not going to complain!

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Level 7

Class Features: Writhing Tide

Spell Change Log: + Aid

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Mage Hand (Swarmkeeper)
1st Level Spell	Absorb Elements
1st Level Spell	Cure Wounds
1st Level Spell	Entangle*
1st Level Spell	Faerie Fire* (Swarmkeeper)
1st Level Spell	Goodberry
1st Level Spell	Hunter’s Mark* (Favored Foe)
2nd Level Spell	Aid
2nd Level Spell	Pass Without Trace*
2nd Level Spell	Spike Growth*
2nd Level Spell	Web* (Swarmkeeper)

Level 7 brings your next subclass ability, Writhing Tide!

Now a few times a day, you can get a small bit of flying which can be useful for both exploration and combat against melee attackers. While it is really a very little amount of flying, any amount of flying is still quite good. This is a smidge awkward as you are a melee fighter first, but you are still really strong with a Longbow, so don’t feel too bad about using this when you get low on health or if the enemy is helpless against flying targets.

For your spell choice this level, you can pick up Aid! 15 temporary health split amongst three people is solid, and this upcasts reasonably well when you have the spell slots to do so. This is nice for your martial and squishy allies alike!

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Level 8

Feat: Defensive Duelist (DEX)

Class Features: None

Spell Change Log: None

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Mage Hand (Swarmkeeper)
1st Level Spell	Absorb Elements
1st Level Spell	Cure Wounds
1st Level Spell	Entangle*
1st Level Spell	Faerie Fire* (Swarmkeeper)
1st Level Spell	Goodberry
1st Level Spell	Hunter’s Mark* (Favored Foe)
2nd Level Spell	Aid
2nd Level Spell	Pass Without Trace*
2nd Level Spell	Spike Growth*
2nd Level Spell	Web* (Swarmkeeper)

You have a choice here between just going straight to 20 DEX for your best weapon attacks available, or grabbing two feats between now and level 12 to get to 20 DEX instead. While either are reasonable options, I like picking up the two feats. To that end, I really like grabbing Defensive Duelist as it’s an excellent feat for Two Weapon Fighters. Rangers rarely use their reaction, so being able to use it to increase your AC against any hits you may take is really strong.

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Level 9

Class Features: Expertise

Spell Change Log: + Dispel Magic + Gaseous Form (Swarmkeeper) + Revivify

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Mage Hand (Swarmkeeper)
1st Level Spell	Absorb Elements
1st Level Spell	Cure Wounds
1st Level Spell	Entangle*
1st Level Spell	Faerie Fire* (Swarmkeeper)
1st Level Spell	Goodberry
1st Level Spell	Hunter’s Mark* (Favored Foe)
2nd Level Spell	Aid
2nd Level Spell	Pass Without Trace*
2nd Level Spell	Spike Growth*
2nd Level Spell	Web* (Swarmkeeper)
3rd Level Spell	Dispel Magic
3rd Level Spell	Gaseous Form* (Swarmkeeper)
3rd Level Spell	Revivify

Level 9 brings Expertise and third level spells!

Once again, you get Expertise, but this time in two skills! Perception and Insight are really good ones, but choose whatever skills you want.

For your Swarmkeeper Magic, you get to pick up Gaseous Form. While a bit niche in application, this can be useful for infiltrations or escapes when other options just won’t cut it (like Pass Without Trace). Being able to pass through cracks can make getting in or out of caves or stone much more manageable than normal.

For spells, you get two excellent ones with Dispel Magic and Revivify.

Dispel Magic is new to Ranger and it feels oh so good. You want as many Dispel Magics on your team as possible as you never know when you’re going to be on the wrong end of a really nasty magical effect.

Revivify is just a staple spell that anyone who can take likely should. You never know who might kick the bucket, so having a way to bring them right back up and without penalty.

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Level 10

Class Features: Tireless

Spell Change Log: None

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Mage Hand (Swarmkeeper)
1st Level Spell	Absorb Elements
1st Level Spell	Cure Wounds
1st Level Spell	Entangle*
1st Level Spell	Faerie Fire* (Swarmkeeper)
1st Level Spell	Goodberry
1st Level Spell	Hunter’s Mark* (Favored Foe)
2nd Level Spell	Aid
2nd Level Spell	Pass Without Trace*
2nd Level Spell	Spike Growth*
2nd Level Spell	Web* (Swarmkeeper)
3rd Level Spell	Dispel Magic
3rd Level Spell	Gaseous Form* (Swarmkeeper)
3rd Level Spell	Revivify

Level 10 brings a new base class ability – Tireless! Now you can give yourself some temporary health a few times a day as an action, somewhat akin to a Fighter’s Second Wind. Additionally, short rests decrease your Exhaustion which is much more niche, but still helpful!

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Level 11

Class Features: Mighty Swarm

Spell Change Log: + Lesser Restoration

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Mage Hand (Swarmkeeper)
1st Level Spell	Absorb Elements
1st Level Spell	Cure Wounds
1st Level Spell	Entangle*
1st Level Spell	Faerie Fire* (Swarmkeeper)
1st Level Spell	Goodberry
1st Level Spell	Hunter’s Mark* (Favored Foe)
2nd Level Spell	Aid
2nd Level Spell	Lesser Restoration
2nd Level Spell	Pass Without Trace*
2nd Level Spell	Spike Growth*
2nd Level Spell	Web* (Swarmkeeper)
3rd Level Spell	Dispel Magic
3rd Level Spell	Gaseous Form* (Swarmkeeper)
3rd Level Spell	Revivify

Level 11 brings your subclasses penultimate ability – Mighty Swarm. These are upgrades to your Gathering Swarm abilities that add more damage, knocking the enemy prone when forcing movement, and giving you some cover when you use the movement for yourself. All solid upgrades overall.

You get a new spell this level and I like picking up Lesser Restoration. While it’s not a spell you’re going to be using particularly often, being able to cure some status conditions can be really helpful in a long adventuring day or during an encounter.

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Level 12

Feat: Mage Slayer (DEX)

Class Feature: None

Spell Change Log: None

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Mage Hand (Swarmkeeper)
1st Level Spell	Absorb Elements
1st Level Spell	Cure Wounds
1st Level Spell	Entangle*
1st Level Spell	Faerie Fire* (Swarmkeeper)
1st Level Spell	Goodberry
1st Level Spell	Hunter’s Mark* (Favored Foe)
2nd Level Spell	Aid
2nd Level Spell	Lesser Restoration
2nd Level Spell	Pass Without Trace*
2nd Level Spell	Spike Growth*
2nd Level Spell	Web* (Swarmkeeper)
3rd Level Spell	Dispel Magic
3rd Level Spell	Gaseous Form* (Swarmkeeper)
3rd Level Spell	Revivify

Level 12 brings your penultimate feat, and now you can max out your Dexterity with Mage Slayer! Getting one charge of functional Legendary Resistance is excellent and really messing up casters while you’re at it is just gravy.

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Level 13

Class Features: Relentless Hunter

Spell Change Log: + Arcane Eye (Swarmkeeper) + Conjure Woodland Beings

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Mage Hand (Swarmkeeper)
1st Level Spell	Absorb Elements
1st Level Spell	Cure Wounds
1st Level Spell	Entangle*
1st Level Spell	Faerie Fire* (Swarmkeeper)
1st Level Spell	Goodberry
1st Level Spell	Hunter’s Mark* (Favored Foe)
2nd Level Spell	Aid
2nd Level Spell	Lesser Restoration
2nd Level Spell	Pass Without Trace*
2nd Level Spell	Spike Growth*
2nd Level Spell	Web* (Swarmkeeper)
3rd Level Spell	Dispel Magic
3rd Level Spell	Gaseous Form* (Swarmkeeper)
3rd Level Spell	Revivify
4th Level Spell	Arcane Eye*
4th Level Spell	Conjure Woodland Beings*

Level 13 brings a new class feature and fourth level spells!

For your Swarmkeeper Magic, you get to pick up what may be the best information gathering spell in the game – Arcane Eye. While you won’t have many fourth level slots to utilize, being able to scout out areas ahead of time is really powerful and can save you from entering dangerous territory without a plan in mind. Information gathering is an often underappreciated yet powerful tool in D&D.

For your spell choice, it’s hard to go wrong with Conjure Woodland Beings. This is a really strong emanation that’s going to pretty effectively shred enemies in combat if there are enough of them around you.

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Level 14

Class Features: Nature’s Veil

Spell Change Log: None

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Mage Hand (Swarmkeeper)
1st Level Spell	Absorb Elements
1st Level Spell	Cure Wounds
1st Level Spell	Entangle*
1st Level Spell	Faerie Fire* (Swarmkeeper)
1st Level Spell	Goodberry
1st Level Spell	Hunter’s Mark* (Favored Foe)
2nd Level Spell	Aid
2nd Level Spell	Lesser Restoration
2nd Level Spell	Pass Without Trace*
2nd Level Spell	Spike Growth*
2nd Level Spell	Web* (Swarmkeeper)
3rd Level Spell	Dispel Magic
3rd Level Spell	Gaseous Form* (Swarmkeeper)
3rd Level Spell	Revivify
4th Level Spell	Arcane Eye*
4th Level Spell	Conjure Woodland Beings*

Level 14 brings you Nature’s Veil. Now, as a bonus action, you can gain the Invisible condition until your next turn. This can be helpful in combat in cast enemies are encroaching on you, but realistically, your bonus action is likely to be eaten up by other options.

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Level 15

Class Features: Swarming Dispersal

Spell Change Log: + Stoneskin

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Mage Hand (Swarmkeeper)
1st Level Spell	Absorb Elements
1st Level Spell	Cure Wounds
1st Level Spell	Entangle*
1st Level Spell	Faerie Fire* (Swarmkeeper)
1st Level Spell	Goodberry
1st Level Spell	Hunter’s Mark* (Favored Foe)
2nd Level Spell	Aid
2nd Level Spell	Lesser Restoration
2nd Level Spell	Pass Without Trace*
2nd Level Spell	Spike Growth*
2nd Level Spell	Web* (Swarmkeeper)
3rd Level Spell	Dispel Magic
3rd Level Spell	Gaseous Form* (Swarmkeeper)
3rd Level Spell	Revivify
4th Level Spell	Arcane Eye*
4th Level Spell	Conjure Woodland Beings*
4th Level Spell	Stoneskin*

Level 15 brings your final subclass feature – Swarming Dispersal. This is a powerful ability that uses your reaction to give you damage resistance and a Misty Step on top of it to hopefully get out of the way of subsequent attacks. While this reads like an ability that would only work every short or long rest, this actually has charges based off of your proficiency bonus which makes this way better than similar Ranger subclass capstone abilities.

To that end, I really like picking up Stoneskin for your spell. While I wouldn’t normally want to use this over Hunter’s Mark in combat, having this in case you are starting to lose a lot of health is some nice insurance.

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Level 16

Feat: War Caster (WIS)

Class Feature: None

Spell Change Log: None

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Mage Hand (Swarmkeeper)
1st Level Spell	Absorb Elements
1st Level Spell	Cure Wounds
1st Level Spell	Entangle*
1st Level Spell	Faerie Fire* (Swarmkeeper)
1st Level Spell	Goodberry
1st Level Spell	Hunter’s Mark* (Favored Foe)
2nd Level Spell	Aid
2nd Level Spell	Lesser Restoration
2nd Level Spell	Pass Without Trace*
2nd Level Spell	Spike Growth*
2nd Level Spell	Web* (Swarmkeeper)
3rd Level Spell	Dispel Magic
3rd Level Spell	Gaseous Form* (Swarmkeeper)
3rd Level Spell	Revivify
4th Level Spell	Arcane Eye*
4th Level Spell	Conjure Woodland Beings*
4th Level Spell	Stoneskin*

You get yet another feat, and since Dexterity is already maxed out, it’s time to start pumping your Wisdom! To that end, I really like picking up War Caster. Being able to spellcast without a free hand is really helpful for casting in combat considering you’re going to be holding two weapons most of the time.

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Level 17

Class Features: Precise Hunter

Spell Change Log: + Insect Plague (Swarmkeeper) + Steel Wind Strike + Swift Quiver

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Mage Hand (Swarmkeeper)
1st Level Spell	Absorb Elements
1st Level Spell	Cure Wounds
1st Level Spell	Entangle*
1st Level Spell	Faerie Fire* (Swarmkeeper)
1st Level Spell	Goodberry
1st Level Spell	Hunter’s Mark* (Favored Foe)
2nd Level Spell	Aid
2nd Level Spell	Lesser Restoration
2nd Level Spell	Pass Without Trace*
2nd Level Spell	Spike Growth*
2nd Level Spell	Web* (Swarmkeeper)
3rd Level Spell	Dispel Magic
3rd Level Spell	Gaseous Form* (Swarmkeeper)
3rd Level Spell	Revivify
4th Level Spell	Arcane Eye*
4th Level Spell	Conjure Woodland Beings*
4th Level Spell	Stoneskin*
5th Level Spell	Insect Plague* (Swarmkeeper)
5th Level Spell	Steel Wind Strike
5th Level Spell	Swift Quiver*

Level 17 brings yet another ability and your fifth level spells!

For your class ability, you pick up Precise Hunter which gives you advantage on all attacks against your Hunter’s Mark target. This is a solid ability, just obviously not as helpful for this build as you’d like.

For your final Swarmkeeper spell, you get to pick up Insect Plague. Realistically, I don’t like this spell much on full casters who get it at level 9 as the damage is pretty low then, and it does not hold up any better nearly double the levels later. Not completely unusable as this can be good for eliminating much weaker enemies or general CC, but it’s definitely not an exiting spell to cast.

For your spell choices, you should grab Steel Wind Strike and Swift Quiver.

Steel Wind Strike is a unique spell that’s an AOE blast spell and teleportation option all in one. This isn’t something I would cast often, but if you’re starting to get surrounded, this is a good way to escape while still dealing good damage.

Swift Quiver is even better in 2024 as this gives you two extra attacks with your bow per turn using your bonus action. While you aren’t going to be attacking at range often, this is really nice when you have to.

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Level 18

Class Features: Feral Senses

Spell Change Log: None

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Mage Hand (Swarmkeeper)
1st Level Spell	Absorb Elements
1st Level Spell	Cure Wounds
1st Level Spell	Entangle*
1st Level Spell	Faerie Fire* (Swarmkeeper)
1st Level Spell	Goodberry
1st Level Spell	Hunter’s Mark* (Favored Foe)
2nd Level Spell	Aid
2nd Level Spell	Lesser Restoration
2nd Level Spell	Pass Without Trace*
2nd Level Spell	Spike Growth*
2nd Level Spell	Web* (Swarmkeeper)
3rd Level Spell	Dispel Magic
3rd Level Spell	Gaseous Form* (Swarmkeeper)
3rd Level Spell	Revivify
4th Level Spell	Arcane Eye*
4th Level Spell	Conjure Woodland Beings*
4th Level Spell	Stoneskin*
5th Level Spell	Insect Plague* (Swarmkeeper)
5th Level Spell	Steel Wind Strike
5th Level Spell	Swift Quiver*

Level 18 gives you Feral Senses which is just 30 feet of Blindsight. This could be helpful or never come up, it really depends on how often you’re fighting in darkness or heavily obscured conditions.

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Level 19

Epic Boon: Boon of Combat Prowess

Class Features: None

Spell Change Log: + Greater Restoration

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Mage Hand (Swarmkeeper)
1st Level Spell	Absorb Elements
1st Level Spell	Cure Wounds
1st Level Spell	Entangle*
1st Level Spell	Faerie Fire* (Swarmkeeper)
1st Level Spell	Goodberry
1st Level Spell	Hunter’s Mark* (Favored Foe)
2nd Level Spell	Aid
2nd Level Spell	Lesser Restoration
2nd Level Spell	Pass Without Trace*
2nd Level Spell	Spike Growth*
2nd Level Spell	Web* (Swarmkeeper)
3rd Level Spell	Dispel Magic
3rd Level Spell	Gaseous Form* (Swarmkeeper)
3rd Level Spell	Revivify
4th Level Spell	Arcane Eye*
4th Level Spell	Conjure Woodland Beings*
4th Level Spell	Stoneskin*
5th Level Spell	Greater Restoration
5th Level Spell	Insect Plague* (Swarmkeeper)
5th Level Spell	Steel Wind Strike
5th Level Spell	Swift Quiver*

Level 19 brings your Epic Boon and your final prepared spell!

Your Epic Boon choice, as I will pick for every martial character, is the Boon of Combat Prowess. Converting a miss into a hit is functionally getting an Extra Attack, but better, and I will take an additional attack every day of the week.

For your final prepared spell, I like grabbing Greater Restoration. Like Lesser Restoration, you’re probably not going to use this much, but having the ability to heal nasty status conditions is well worth having on hand.

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Level 20

Class Feature: Foe Slayer

Spell Change Log: None

SPELL LEVEL	SPELL NAME
Cantrip	Mage Hand (Swarmkeeper)
1st Level Spell	Absorb Elements
1st Level Spell	Cure Wounds
1st Level Spell	Entangle*
1st Level Spell	Faerie Fire* (Swarmkeeper)
1st Level Spell	Goodberry
1st Level Spell	Hunter’s Mark* (Favored Foe)
2nd Level Spell	Aid
2nd Level Spell	Lesser Restoration
2nd Level Spell	Pass Without Trace*
2nd Level Spell	Spike Growth*
2nd Level Spell	Web* (Swarmkeeper)
3rd Level Spell	Dispel Magic
3rd Level Spell	Gaseous Form* (Swarmkeeper)
3rd Level Spell	Revivify
4th Level Spell	Arcane Eye*
4th Level Spell	Conjure Woodland Beings*
4th Level Spell	Stoneskin*
5th Level Spell	Greater Restoration
5th Level Spell	Insect Plague* (Swarmkeeper)
5th Level Spell	Steel Wind Strike
5th Level Spell	Swift Quiver

Level 20 brings your capstone ability – Foe Slayer. Unfortunately, this ability has drawn the ire of many as all it does is increase your Hunter’s Mark damage to 1d10, so an average of 2 more damage per hit. Yeah, this really could’ve been something else, but so few games go to level 20 that it realistically doesn’t matter much.