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The Ranger is a longstandingD&Dtradition, and it sticks to its roots (no pun intended) inAvowed. Even if just solo classing, there are a lot ofability tree options inAvowedto choose from that allow you to go in the direction of a melee or ranged build (bows and guns for the latter). From there, you have the option of a stealth playstyle, ranged control, or an active one. All are a blast, but we can only choose one.
Stealth Archer is a classic and typically overpowered build in RPGs, so that’s the focus here. With the synergy between a few key abilities and a strong bow and dagger, you should be able to take on any enemy from the shadows with ease. It’s a little hard to notice at first, but you actually have the ability to stealth kill enemies by default thanks to a Godlike power (more on that later), and that’s as good a starting point as any.
Avowed: Best Abilities For Ranger (Stealth Archer)
Throw In Some Utility For Good Measure
Unfortunately, you’relocked into usingTanglefootearly on, but this will do you fine for helping handle the first sets of enemies. Upgrading it to Rank 2 or even 3 for Poison damage and/more control might be a tempting option, as you can find yourself lacking on damage and defense in the beginning, but it shouldn’t be needed. Indeed, focusing on stealth kills and strong bow damage will serve you best in the early stages.
To get going, pick up Markmanship (Rank 1) and consider Survivalist. You’ll need the former for damage and before you get really going with stealth and your bow, you may find yourself wanting the sustain. (Prioritize Marksmanship.)Enemies inAvowedhit surprisingly hard; there have been several times in my playthrough where I went on autopilot and was swiftly reminded to pay closer attention via the death screen. As such, you may want the health recovery early on.
Scavenger is a welcome addition as you’ll be hungry for weapon upgrades immediately. Prioritize Marksmanship, buttake Scavenger earlyand ensure to pick a ton of herbs to maximize your chance of acquiring more Upgrade Materials. The Rank 2 upgrade at Level 8 is a wise choice as it lets you get to your goal sooner, and make more upgrades in general. Again, take it after damage abilities. Mind you,Avowedencourages experimentation, so you could also try skipping it in favour of faster upgrades elsewhere.
Herbs are marked on your minimap. Pick early and pick often! For other upgrade materials, break down various extra items like Bows at camp.
At Level 8,take Shadowing Beyond (Rank 2). This combines perfectly with Divine Thorn, enabling stealth melee kills, which you’ll rely on heavily until your bow damage improves. These can hit for well over 200 damage for me (plenty to one shot early game enemies), which I can’t say for the bow. Once you find you’re getting stealth kills reliably and are happy with your bow damage,respec out of Survivalistand consider dropping Scavenger. From here,take Piercing Thrusts, Finesse, and Marksmanship(all Rank 2), which should set you up pretty well for both ranged and melee damage.
Once you’re past the mid-game and hit Level 15,take Critical Strike and Sniper. Next, dip into the Fighter tree around this time forDevastating Criticalsto receive a huge buff to melee damage, which you’ll need to ensure your stealth attacks always deal a killing blow. From here,pick up Sniper. The build is effectively done now once you’ve upgraded everything, but Steady Aim and Staggering Shot are worth considering should you find yourself with spare points. By the time you’re done, your Ranger abilities list should look as follows:
3
5/8/10
5/10/15
15/18/20
2
5/8
Best Attributes for Ranger (Stealth Archer)
It’s A Matter Of Perception
Perception and Might are the key attributes for a Stealth Archer, as all you really care about is maximizing initial damage and not getting caught, both of which they enable. Beyond those attributes, it doesn’t matter a lot what you take so long as you don’t take much Resolve, which is irrelevant to this build (and somewhat of a bait stat). Dexterity has a place in allowing you to do everything faster, butIntellect is more directly irrelevant, as you may use Shadowing Beyond more often. Anyway,distribute your points in Perception and Might about evenly, favoring Might at first.
Might is great because it boosts both bow and melee damage, and as a bonus, it increases your carrying capacity. The build doesn’t need that, but it sure doesn’t mind it. Meanwhile,Perception is what makes the critical strike approach workat all, and the increased range means you do more damage while making it easier to remain hidden. You won’t fit a high crit chance bow for a while and the crit chance passive comes online at Level 15, though, so this is more of a late game thing.
Best Weapons, Armor, & Items For Ranger (Stealth Archer)
Your Choice Of Bows Or Guns
Ranger is neat in that its abilities buff bows and guns in equal measure, but since you’re trying to be stealthy,guns don’t fit the bill and so can be ignored. Fortunately, enemies inAvowedcan be dispatched efficiently with any weapon type, so you’re not really missing out. While a gun might make it easier to deal with shielded enemies, it’s not at all necessary; if needed, you’re able to just wait for enemies to lower their shield or break their poise.
The key stats you’re looking for on a bow arePhysical Damage and Critical Hit Chance. While Stun is appreciable (especially late game if you go in on Staggering Shot) and you prefer a lower Stamina cost, these aren’t priorities. To upgrade your bow, you’ll want to find branches and herbs (the former can be found by breaking down other bows, and the latter by simply traversing the world and looking for herb icons on the minimap).
As for armour, stick with Light. You won’t be up and close and personal ever if you can help it, soMedium and Heavy Armor would just weigh you down. Naturally, you’re just looking for Damage Reduction with minimal cost to Essence, and to a lesser extent, Stamina. With gloves, you’re looking to boost Critical Hit Chance; early on, look for Deerskin Gloves. When it comes to Trinkets and jewelry like rings, look for things thatregenerate Essence or interact with Critical Hits.
How To Play Ranger (Stealth Archer) in Avowed
Be Silent But Deadly For Best Results
At first you may think you should initiate combat with Shadowing Beyond, but it’s not necessarily the case thanks to your Godlike ability, Divine Thorn. Simply being crouched behind an enemy is enough to stealth kill them, assuming enough damage. So essentially,your default mode should be crouching and sneaking up on enemies for a melee kill. Shadowing Beyond then, should be used when you need the extra damage from the Rank 2 upgrade, or when things go wrong. Once it’s Rank 3 and you have sufficient Essence and/or Essence regeneration, you can try using it by default.
Yourbow should, of course, be used for distant targets. Picking them off will allow you more options for stealth melee kills, as with fewer enemies looking around, you may get away with more. Having good aim certainly helps; whether you’re on PC or Xbox, you can try adjusting sensitivity and deadzone settings to get the perfect fit, making it easier on yourself. Stick to all this, and you should be set for a smooth and classic Stealth Archer experience inAvowed. Happy hunting!
