Dungeons & Dragons allows players to choose from several unique classes with their own distinct abilities when creating a character. Not only do these classes provide characters with distinct flavors, but they tend to dictate their strengths, whether it be in physical combat, offensive spellcasting, or utility.
As much as some players may love to build melee-focused characters that can deal absurd amounts of damage when up close and personal, other people may prefer keeping themselves out of harm’s way, fighting from afar. So today, let’s examine the various classes that players can access in Dungeons & Dragons and see which are the most capable when it comes to ranged combat.
10 Druid
A wisdom-based spellcasting class, a Druid’s spell list offers several useful ranged options. Several key damaging spells available to Druids can be used from long range, including spells like Ice Knife and Flaming Sphere having ranges of 60 feet. Meanwhile, the likes of Moonbeam and Call Lightning can hit targets up to 120 feet away. While Druids are viable for close-quarters combat, they are effective from a distance as well.
9 Cleric
Another spellcasting class that makes use of their wisdom, while Clerics are most often associated with support through their connection to divine magic, they can also make for quite adept ranged combatants. As Clerics stick to simple weapons, a light crossbow is a good option for ranged attacks.
With access to the ever-excellent Guiding Bolt as early as level one, Clerics are able to meaningfully contribute to combat scenarios from afar whilst supplying the incredible support and healing they’re known for.
8 Blood Hunter
While not technically official content, the Blood Hunter class is a widely popular piece of homebrew content created by Matt Mercer, even available on D&D Beyond. Like fighters, Blood Hunters gain access to a large number of weapon proficiencies and fighting styles. This allows a character of the class to be built around ranged weapons such as bows.
Blood Hunters can also gain access to various additional forms of subclass-based utility as well as improved damage with any weapon type through their Crimson Rite ability.
7 Ranger
Rangers are somewhat of a halfway point between Druids and Fighters, having access to numerous attacks and a fighting style while having access to some nature-based magic.
Additionally, subclasses such as the Hunter, the Swarmkeeper, and the Horizon Walker can improve a Rangers range-combat capabilities through additional attacks, improved damage, or enhanced mobility.
6 Rogue
Rogues are, without contest, the stealthiest class available in D&D. Able to hide or dash as a bonus action thanks to Cunning Action, Rogues can reliably stay safe and out of a foe’s line of sight.
This allows them to make great use of ranged options such as crossbows, firing from afar before hiding or dashing to safety. Paired with a Rogue’s bonus Sneak Attack damage, this class can deal serious damage with ranged weapons.
5 Artificer
Recently included in Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, Artificers are magic users that serve as masters of invention. While this class has access to numerous subclasses, the Artificer’s Artillerist subclass allows a character to create a firearm called an Eldritch Cannon.
These cannons can take numerous forms such as a Force Ballista or even a Flamethrower. Not only can an Artificer make great use out of these special weapons, but they also have access to powerful ranged spells such as Fireball.
4 Wizard
As one of the most iconic spellcasting classes in Dungeons & Dragons, a selling point of playing a Wizard is their enormous spell list. Whether a player is looking to employ the use of lower-level ranged spells such as Chromatic Orb or Magic Missile, or high-level options like Chain Lightning or Circle of Death, Wizards have a notable variety of ranged options to choose from.
Players who want a ranged fighter that specializes in magic should definitely consider creating a Wizard character.
3 Warlock
Warlocks are a class that has access to one of the most consistent ranged options in the entirety of D&D: Eldritch Blast. A cantrip with phenomenal damage scaling, improving in damage output as a Warlock levels up, Eldritch Blast comes with 120 feet of range.
As if this wasn’t already good enough, for those looking to never be anywhere near a foe, this cantrip can be upgraded through a Warlock’s Eldritch Invocations. Not only can this cantrip be provided with additional damage and effects, but its range can be increased to a staggering 300 feet.
2 Fighter
As a versatile martial class capable of effectively wielding nearly any type of weapon in D&D, it should be no surprise that not only are Fighters great melee characters but great ranged options as well. With access to the archery fighting style and the Arcane Archer Subclass, Fighters are able to serve as some of the most effective bow wielders in all of D&D.
Even for those who aren’t feeling a bow-based approach, the class has access to the Echo Knight and Eldritch Knight subclasses that allow a Fighter to contribute from afar using a conjured double and magical attacks respectively.
1 Sorcerer
Sorcerers are a designated casting class that use their charisma as their spellcasting modifier. Not only do Sorcerers have access to a great pool of offensive spells that can be used from afar in a similar manner to a Wizard, but they can also augment their spells through the use of sorcery points.
One of the most noteworthy effects provided by sorcery points is the ability to double the range of spells, providing greater utility in the process.
