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.

[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.

[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?

[Monty405]

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]

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.

[Lamil]

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

[Itap]

I see more rangers in guild than pallys, so that has to say something lol

[Ele]

Call of the Predator baby.

Rogues become your best buds.

[khanable]

I now /who ranger and /who paladin on raids

shits crazy

I actually get sad when no paladin or ranger :3

[Feanol]

200 Tracking

Having a character around who can instantly know the distance, relative level, and direction of mobs as far as the other side of the map is an invaluable tool for any raid/loot camp/mob cycle.

Sneak pulling a target from incredible distances with a bow is very satisfying and makes you popular among your Monk/SK pals doing the primary pulls.

And besides, this game is about friends. As mentioned, being a dependable competent player will get you further than simply being an ideal class.

[Gustoo]

Except how tracking is broken here?

But when tracking is working rangers are an essential part of a good gang.

[Rooj]

Everyone's too busy playing the popular classes to appreciate things like Rangers, Paladins, Wizards, and Necromancers, despite them being just as useful as any other class. One thing I've noticed about Ranger is that it's the class that a lot of bad players play - you'll see this in every MMO. For WoW it was Hunters. In FFXI it was Thief. In FFXIV it's Dragoon, etc etc... Ranger, Shaman, and Bard are the 3 most versatile classes in the game which means they are the hardest to play well. Jack of all trades classes typically have to do a lot more work to do to reach their full potential. I have tanked on my Ranger from the start, but how many other Rangers can say that? The idea of a Ranger tanking is pretty baffling to many people. While I was leveling, I met a lot of people who didn't want anyone else to tank for them and chose me over the "real" tank classes because they trusted me more. That is the difference being a good player makes (sorry not trying to sound arrogant here).

So yes, people will not invite you to groups because of your EXP penalty, because you "suck", because you "bring nothing to the group", because your "DPS is bad", or for whatever reason. It's something you will definitely deal with - less so in this expansion however. Call of the Predator is amazing, Velious zones are HUGE making Tracking more vital than ever, the hybrid EXP penalty will be removed, and there are more Ranger buffs and QOL changes coming. As always, play what you want to play. Find friends and a guild that aren't dumb and who are just here to enjoy Everquest with some cool pals, and you'll quickly find that your choice of class never mattered to begin with.

[JurisDictum]

TBH, a lot of people overstate this whole aspect of not being invited because of their class. I think a lot of people assume that is going on when it isn't. Once the exp penalty goes away in velious (it will prob take you awhile to get to the higher levels where it is most noticeable anyway), then any discrimination like this will virtually disappear.

Rangers are so underplayed right now compared to monks, I would sooner roll ranger. That being said, I think the big problem with ranger is that monks outshine them. They are tanky with a lot more dps and pull utility. Basically monks were overpowered during velious era (and kunark to a lesser degree) and it took AAs on other classes to bring them back in line. I don't think rangers would be looked down on as much if monks didn't exist.

The bottomline though is Rangers have utility to offer raid guilds and they will want a few. Since there aren't a lot and exp penalty is going away, now is a good time to start one.

[Fanguru]

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.

[mystang89]

playing a ranger it's great fun. I've been invited to a group which consisted of only a monk and was told that I needed to tank, heal, pull and cc which is what I did then entire time and even after the group had been completely put together. Well except for heal, the shm did that thankfully.

people who say Rangers offer nothing or that they are completely useless or that they would rather have some other class have you been never played a ranger before or don't know how to play a ranger.

Just don't put me in an indoor zone.

[Swish]

I'd take a ranger that knows how to pull over one of the legion of monks who try to worm out of pulling anyday.

[Sirban]

Flame Lick is the ranger snap aggro spell

[Charlievox]

Flame Lick is the ranger snap aggro spell

HUGE Agro/Mana ratio!
Just don't ever accidently sell your Fire Beetle Eye!

[webrunner5]

Flame Lick is the ranger snap aggro spell

It works TOO well!! :D

I say go for it on a Ranger. Try to be the best damn Ranger here on P1999, and play it like you stole it. It will make you happy. :cool: They are a great class in Velious era.

[Kutsumo]

Very enjoyable class to play. All the tools make it fun just about anywhere as long as you learn to use them. Rockstar at pulling in outdoor zones.

Until hybrid patch hits, you may still find some groups that don't want your XP penalty. After the patch, you'll probably still run into the occasional leetist who feels it's less optimal than monk/rogue for a DPS role... but who wants to group with those guys anyway?

As others have mentioned Call of the Predator gives them a unique role in raids that, while limited, means you do want a few rangers on any raid force. The long range tracking and weaponshield can be situationally useful too.

[Morlaeth]

Weaponshield is the best 'speedbump' in Velious for when your tank suddenly dies.

[Issar]

I've never shunned a ranger from my group. As long as we have a healer and any other necessary roles, I'll gladly fill an empty slot with ranger. Like most classes, good rangers can be very effective. As someone above said, I'd gladly take a ranger that knows how to pull over a lazy monk. There is a lot of hyperbole about rangers and min/max on the forums, but in-game is often a different story.

The best groups that I've ever played in are the ones that didn't have the standard group comp. Playing with others who maximize their toolbox make for the most fun groups.

[am0n]

The wonder of rangers is the versatility. You can tank if needed, dps, pull, ghetto-CC (root, let the others save their mana), snare, supplement buffs, etc. If you have a fully optimized team comp, you are going to shine much less (this is mostly fixed in Luclin, but sadly we won't see that on this server), but in any other group you do a great job of filling in where the rest of the party can't or would be better off not doing.

[Ranndom]

The wonder of rangers is the versatility. You can tank if needed, dps, pull, ghetto-CC (root, let the others save their mana), snare, supplement buffs, etc. If you have a fully optimized team comp, you are going to shine much less (this is mostly fixed in Luclin, but sadly we won't see that on this server), but in any other group you do a great job of filling in where the rest of the party can't or would be better off not doing.

Pretty much, rangers are just a crappy version of every class smashed into one

[am0n]

Pretty much, rangers are just a crappy version of every class smashed into one

But when their powers combines...

[Lyrith]

But when their powers combines...

This quote pertains to Beastlords, not Rangers... =D

[blondeattk]

But when their powers combines...

reality is reangers were badly designed. they get their spells far too late in lvl, and their dps from melee is low to ave. Almost impossible for them to solo summoning mobs, unless decked in raid gear. (guess epic slows help)

Their tracking is great and they have nice mix of utility spells, but mostly at a late lvl. Fun class for farming green mobs and light blues, but mostly they are just frustrating. IF you have some close friends to grp with they can smooth over the many cracks in the class.

most useful for farming tradeskill drops.

[Lorian]

Rangers are probably more relevant on P2002 than on P99. They never got properly balanced until PoP. I cant wait to get headshot! :)

[webrunner5]

Yeah Rangers sort of suck till later expansions. But..They are one of the few Melee classes that really can solo well.

Tracking in Zones as large as Velious zones are is a Damned big plus. Bow Crits are uber stuff. There DPS is as good as a Warrior is without disks. Plus they have about every trick spell in the book at their disposal.

Outdoor pulling, they are top dog with Harmony. Yeah they are not going toe to toe with Dark Blues start to finish fight wise. But they can Bow them down to 60, 50% and then Melee them to 18% and Snare them and not get hit till the mob dies. :cool:

You have to be cunning to play them, smart to figure out how to approach mobs, and that is the appeal of them. Not just go in and beat on it like a Warrior till you or the mob dies. That gets old quick. :(

Are they the best class on P1999, well not sure. But they sure as heck are not the worst by far. Sure as hell a lot more fun to play than a Rogue beating on the ass of a mob all day. Or a Warrior, SK, Pally getting hit time and time again till the next mob. That gets pretty mind numbing. :eek:

I think Velious brings out the best of them on P1999. They Will be need for Quests, Loot, Raids and just as a plain old member in a group. :D

[am0n]

I think Velious brings out the best of them on P1999. They Will be need for Quests, Loot, Raids and just as a plain old member in a group. :D

Luclin did a better job, with AAs. I wish they'd consider adding that, without necessarily adding everything from Luclin.

[Rooj]

Yeah Rangers sort of suck

No class in the game sucks or "sort of sucks." Period.

[webrunner5]

No class in the game sucks or "sort of sucks." Period.

I think a lot of people on here might differ with you on that statement, me included.

There is a Reason not many people play a Ranger or a Paladin on P1999.

[Rooj]

It's not because they suck. And if you think "not many people" play Ranger, you're not paying enough attention...

Come parse your monk against my ranger. :)

[Aviann]

I think a lot of people on here might differ with you on that statement, me included.

There is a Reason not many people play a Ranger or a Paladin on P1999.

If you don't play a paladin because you think they suck, you are doing it wrong. I love playing a paladin, and would gladly prove you otherwise any day.

[DarthMartigan]

We've got a few Rangers in Omni that are super solid at a number of things. Buffs, pulling, some tanking and definitely tracking. I think when the hybrid exp changes I may roll one. Definitely better with AAs, but not useless if played well.

[Kutsumo]

Like others have said ranger is strongest when the group needs your utility. The long range tracking is just amazing. DPS should be pretty solid with the warrior skill caps and mana. Velious really opens up the animal options for fear kiting also. Of course who knows when we'll get the hybrid spells/skill/xp penalty patches.

[Swish]

No class in the game sucks or "sort of sucks." Period.

[11bangbang]

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!

rangers are awesome. my main when i started was a ranger and still is, i lvled him up, got both my epics and full planar and sky gear, then delvled him and started back over in crushbone. i will admit it can be harder to find groups. but rangers are just awesome. i think its one of those classes where u gotta love them to play them.

[azeth]

Ranger is a calling, only rangers play rangers

[Sadre Spinegnawer]

What Azeth said is so true. But the game mechanics will punish you, just how it is. Unlike bards, rangers are not ez mode eq.

[Swish]

That's a bit strong, nobody said bards were easy :p

[Sorn]

All my best friends back on live were rangers. They're awesome!

[Charlievox]

That's a bit strong, nobody said bards were easy :p

I don't know about how easy or hard they are, but they can be the most annoying people in the newbie yard.

[Thulack]

What Azeth said is so true. But the game mechanics will punish you, just how it is. Unlike bards, rangers are not ez mode eq.

a well played bard is not ez mode. Same goes for a ranger. I giggled at the comment by someone saying they dont have the same utility as most classes. Someone that takes the time and learns how to play a ranger will be rewarded in the end with the ability to do things and be useful that others that just mash buttons would not.

[JurisDictum]

BTW, disregard anyone who implies paladin is a bad class -- that is a very ignorant opinion...they're arguably the best tank in the game for groups.

[maskedmelon]

BTW, disregard anyone who implies paladin is a bad class -- that is a very ignorant opinion...they're arguably the best tank in the game for groups.

He speaks the truth! Paladins are fantastic. Having a well played paladin and ranger in the same group is simply AMAZING ^^

[curtischoy]

I pulled, CCed, and tanked on my un-twink ranger until 45 when I stopped playing on Blue. Even tanked HS north at 45 with a 48 shaman healer.

Rangers are good.

[Clasick]

Even tanked HS north at 45 with a 48 shaman healer

Don't lie
You did not ranger tank HS North duo with a non torpor Shaman at level 45

[captnamazing]

well he didn't say duo did he? hs North is EZ. slows + regen would almost be enough

[Zuranthium]

Funny thing is, Ranger was THE most popular class in 1999 and actually relatively strong in the early days, because Rangers had very nearly the same stats as Warriors (partially due to everyone wearing the same Rubicite armor), plus tracking and useful spells...although hybrids didn't have meditate back then. Hybrids got meditate in 1999 around the time Rubicite stopped dropping and Warriors started getting better armor than Rangers, so people still really liked Rangers at that point and the RPG urge to play the class lived on.

Rangers quickly went from being the most popular class to being probably the most maligned class in Kunark. Rouges/Monks/Warriors all got massive gains in comparison to the hybrid classes with that expansion, but Rangers in particular had the most difficult time because in 1999 era they were viable enough tanks for a lot of content, but then for much of the Kunark content they couldn't tank effectively enough. To make matters worse, even though they were doing less DPS than Warriors, they were still pulling aggro away from Warriors because low-delay dual-wielding inherently generated more aggro in the game code back then. After much outrage they were finally given the "Jolt" spell, a shitty fix to the problem, but they still remained sub-par tanks and sub-par at DPS. When you throw in the exp penalty in addition to that - people were increasingly disgusted by it when they learned it was "shared" in groups, especially because of how long it took to level post 50 - it left Rangers in a very bad place.

At the end of Velious era, after all of the improvements to the hybrids are put into place (including the boost to 2-handed weapon damage, which is a large benefit for SK's and Paladins), the hybrids will usually outshine Warriors in most situations except for the handful of raid targets Warriors are still needed to tank. Annoyingly, Monks get a large DPS boost at the same time as the final round of hybrid buffs, so they just become even more OP in comparison. I really hope that final round of melee class buffs is skipped on p99 and considered "Luclin era", since it happened right before Luclin was released and is pointless power creep. The removal of exp penalty + first round of Velious hybrid buffs is what feels most classic and that's enough to put the hybrids in a solid place (along with the 2-hander damage boost, which is something the devs back then talked about for a long time before finally coding correctly and getting into the game).

[Charlievox]

Mommy. Why does it rain so much on Norrath?

Because every time a Ranger dies, Tunare sheds a tear.