Ranger Subclass Striker Advanced

Gloom Stalker Ranger Guide

Ranger of shadow and darkness. Gloom Stalkers are at home in the deepest darkness, able to see in absolute darkness and strike from the shadows with deadly precision.

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Best Races for Gloom Stalker Ranger

All 10 races ranked by synergy with the Gloom Stalker. Click any to see the full build.

Gloom Stalker Features

Dread Ambusher

Level 3

You 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 3

You 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 3

You 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 7

You gain proficiency in Wisdom saves. If you're already proficient in Wisdom saves, you gain proficiency in Intelligence saves instead.

Stalker's Flurry

Level 11

You 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 15

Starting 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.

Is Gloom Stalker Right for You?

Pick the Gloom Stalker if you want a Ranger focused on dealing heavy single-target damage. Compare it with the other Ranger subclasses to make sure it fits your party, then build the Aasimar version for the strongest start.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best race for a Gloom Stalker Ranger?
Aasimar rates highest (6/10) for the Gloom Stalker Ranger. Flight provides incredible mobility, letting the Ranger reach otherwise inaccessible positions. Dragonborn (6/10) and Elf (6/10) are also strong picks.
What does the Gloom Stalker specialize in?
The Gloom Stalker fills the Striker role — dealing heavy single-target damage. Its features unlock at levels 3, 7, 11, 15.

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