Archer Build

[D1PST1CK]

Hey there!

I am looking for advice for an archer build.

To get this out of the way first: Due to roleplaying reasons i don't want to multiclass (too much) and I don't want to dual-wield crossbows.

I just want to build a not too fancy but still effective archer who uses bows.

Like in Pathfinder: Kingmaker I chose the fighter class (mistake?). Now at level 3 I think I should choose the Champion subclass but correct me if I'm wrong.

Any general advices or even complete builds?

Thanks! :)

[Humpenstilzchen]

Fighter is a really good choice. I would recommend choosing the battlemaster subclass, they can get special attacks like disarming attack or menacing attack that frightens targets ect

[berrako]

You should choose battle master, because most battle maniobres apply to shooting too

Other that that, yes if you don't want multiclass that is the strong ranged build

If you change your mind about at least one multiclass you can go with fighter/sword bard (5+ bards level to have inspiration recharge on short resf. Basically making two shots for each normal attack

[D1PST1CK]

* already answered

[Humpenstilzchen]

Originally posted by D1PST1CK:

In case of battlemaster I was asking myself if all these maneuveres that you can choose there are restricted to melee combat!?

No they are usable for both melee and ranged

[Mike Garrison]

I thought Ranger was actually supposed to be the specialized archer class. Maybe that's wrong, though.

[berrako]

Originally posted by D1PST1CK:

In case of battlemaster I was asking myself if all these maneuveres that you can choose there are restricted to melee combat!?

No, most of them can be used with ranged. Disarm, shove, prone. I think all that add a status to the enemy can be used

[Reflex18]

Why not play as beastmaster subclass with the ranger?
Sure you don't get the 3rd attack that fighter gets but instead you get a very strong pet that levels up with you with stronger abilities as you get stronger. Your pet options are also amazing as each allow you to pick between tank, damage, crowd control.

Just all around a fun and enjoyable class.

[Humpenstilzchen]

Originally posted by Mike Garrison:

I thought Ranger was actually supposed to be the specialized archer class. Maybe that's wrong, though.

Ranger is also good for archery but I think fighter is better since he gets action surge that enables you to attack more often.

Ranger has the advantage that he gets some nice spells like spike growth for example which is really good and oc a pet which can be very useful as well. The bear for example can disarm foes, the raven can blind them ect

[D1PST1CK]

Originally posted by berrako:

You should choose battle master, because most battle maniobres apply to shooting too

Other that that, yes if you don't want multiclass that is the strong ranged build

If you change your mind about at least one multiclass you can go with fighter/sword bard (5+ bards level to have inspiration recharge on short resf. Basically making two shots for each normal attack

Thanks!

I wouldn't say multiclassing is completely out of the question but I really have a problem with bards... Is there another class that would have benefits?

[D1PST1CK]

Originally posted by Reflex18:

Why not play as beastmaster subclass with the ranger?
Sure you don't get the 3rd attack that fighter gets but instead you get a very strong pet that levels up with you with stronger abilities as you get stronger. Your pet options are also amazing as each allow you to pick between tank, damage, crowd control.

Just all around a fun and enjoyable class.

Was thinking about that. In Pathfinder: Kingmaker I just enjoyed my 5 attacks per round and the massive damage in RTwP-combat. But in BGIII it may be too boring...

[Reflex18]

Originally posted by D1PST1CK:

Originally posted by Reflex18:

Why not play as beastmaster subclass with the ranger?
Sure you don't get the 3rd attack that fighter gets but instead you get a very strong pet that levels up with you with stronger abilities as you get stronger. Your pet options are also amazing as each allow you to pick between tank, damage, crowd control.

Just all around a fun and enjoyable class.

Was thinking about that. In Pathfinder: Kingmaker I just enjoyed my 5 attacks per round and the massive damage in RTwP-combat. But in BGIII it may be too boring...

The main benefit that turn based has over real time is that every unit that you control has the feeling that they are powerful in their own way. I found that when playing real time with pause I would tend to just focus on one unit at a time and just setup the ai to work on the others.

With trying to tempt you over to the beastmaster ranger setup I would say it has major role playing potential over the fighter. Being able to have a cool companion animal that sticks with you as you adventure around is neat and really brings alot to playing as a Wood elf for example.

Just an idea and if your still close to the start of the game don't feel bad about respecting to another class as it is a low gold cost and can be done an infinite amount of times.

[AL]

Originally posted by D1PST1CK:

I wouldn't say multiclassing is completely out of the question but I really have a problem with bards... Is there another class that would have benefits?

If you exclude bard but are open to multiclass then you could start as rogue/thief until lv3 to be able to use your double bonus action to hide then use sneak attack special move (adds up to +6 damage scaling with your level and you strike with extra accuracy from advantage) then level up to lv5 ranger/gloomstalker ( you get x2 main attacks, a free attack at battle start that doesn't count as an action or bonus and access to ranger spells like hunter mark, spikes and silence) then lv3 fighter/battlemaster (access to surge for extra action and manouvers like push attack, ranged disarm and riposte) the last level then can be spent on rogue to get the lv4 feat or up to your preference.

[D1PST1CK]

Thanks!

By the way: Where do you respec?

[wendigo211]

Ultimately, the power of an Archer comes down to attacks per action, due to the ease at which you can gain extra actions (Haste spell, Bloodlust elixir, Action Surge [Fighter level 2 ability]), the power of enchants on bows and the damage contribution of the Sharpshooter feat. For attacks per action the best are Fighter (3 attacks per action at level 11) and Sword Bard (4 attacks per action at level 6, but those attacks are tied to Bardic Inspiration points, which recharge on a short rest).

Due to the power of Tavern Brawler, thrown weapons are stronger than bows/x-bows. In which case, throwing Fighter is the strongest ranged combatant.

[Humpenstilzchen]

Originally posted by D1PST1CK:

Thanks!

By the way: Where do you respec?

Withers.

He will come to your camp once you have done the overgrown ruins in the starting area.
He is sleeping in a sarcophag at the end of the the tomb.