Elf Gloom Stalker Ranger Build Guide
Why Gloom Stalker?
The Elf Gloom Stalker Ranger combines Elf's racial traits with the Gloom Stalker's specialized features. As a Striker, this build leverages spellcasting with a unique twist from the Gloom Stalker archetype.
Key features include Dread Ambusher, Gloom Stalker Spells, Umbral Sight. With DEX and WIS as the primary ability at 15, this build maximizes the Ranger's core strengths.
Gloom Stalker Features
Dread Ambusher
Level 3You excel at striking before your enemies can react. You have Advantage on attack rolls against creatures that haven't taken a turn yet in the combat. In addition, if you're hidden when you make an attack roll, you deal an extra 1d8 damage with that attack.
Gloom Stalker Spells
Level 3You gain oath spells at the ranger levels listed in the Gloom Stalker Spells table. [Gloom Stalker Spells: 3rd - Disguise Self, Invisibility; 5th - Darkness, Pass without Trace; 9th - Fear, Nondetection; 13th - Dimension Door, Greater Invisibility; 17th - Animate Objects, Mislead]
Umbral Sight
Level 3You gain Darkvision within a range of 300 feet. If you already have Darkvision from another source, it increases by 300 feet. You can see in Dim Light within this radius as if it were Bright Light, and in Darkness as if it were Dim Light. You can't discern color in Darkness, only Shades of Gray.
Iron Mind
Level 7You gain proficiency in Wisdom saves. If you're already proficient in Wisdom saves, you gain proficiency in Intelligence saves instead.
Stalker's Flurry
Level 11You can use your Bonus Action to make two weapon attacks as part of the Attack action on your turn, rather than one. This increases to three attacks when you reach 11th level.
Shadowy Dodge
Level 15Starting at 15th level, when a creature within 5 feet of you hits you with an attack while you're in Dim Light or Darkness, you can use your Reaction to impose Disadvantage on the attack roll.
Recommended Ability Scores
Elf Traits That Benefit Gloom Stalker Ranger
Darkvision
Elf Darkvision helps Rangers scout ahead and fight in darkness without needing a torch.
Fey Ancestry
Extra saving throw advantages protect against debilitating spells and effects.
Keen Senses
Free Perception proficiency is valuable for any Ranger, especially in exploration.
Trance
Trance means shorter rests and the ability to keep watch more effectively.
Combat Effectiveness
| Level | HP | Melee DPR | Spell DPR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 | 39 | 7.8 | 0 |
| Level 11 | 81 | 7.15 | 0 |
| Level 17 | 123 | 7.15 | 0 |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ♦ Gloom Stalker grants Dread Ambusher at level 3
- ♦ High hit points for frontline durability
- ♦ Darkvision for dungeon exploration
- ♦ Good armor class and initiative
Weaknesses
- ♦ Low Charisma limits social interactions
- ♦ May require careful feat selection to optimize
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Frequently Asked Questions
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