Arcane Archer Fighter - D&D 5e Subclass Series

[@RoyalKong54]

I play a Grung cavalier that has a Giant Toad as a mount. So much fun on land and in the water.

[@racekitty]

I do recommend upping the uses of arcane shot either gaining a additional shot when you gain a option or have a number shots equal to your proficiency bonus.

[@notorious.scoundrel]

I agree, another one could be making the Arcane Shots a number of times equal to their Intelligence mod. Now your player wants to have a good Intelligence so they can use more Arcane Shots per short rest and have better Save DCs

[@jackiepilgreen7891]

I always make it Proficiency Bonus and add a D6 to the damage every ASI or so to help this one. I also allowed crossbows and made a firearm version recently for a pirate themed campaign. It multiclassed very well with Artificer Artillerist nuked everything it saw.

[@IMXLegedaryBard]

I originally wanted to play this class.....but I did feel a little underwhelmed when I can only do two magic shots in a fight until a short rest. Like the only way to effectively build this class to be an even better range fighter is to get martial adept feat so you can add additional trick shots to the battle. I still like the class, but I wish it would've made up with being able to shoot more arcane shots like how battle master gets more maneuvers

[@stokemoran]

Yeah, there needs to be scaling of some kind where you do get more.

[@Perial51]

Make the amount of arcane shots scale with your proficiency mod. If you think it's too much make it scale on your intelligence mod. It's not that hard to balance it imo. If your table doesn't use any houserules or tweaks, then my bad.

[@Mystravian]

I mean its their only real core feature, they probably should have just balanced it to be something you can do every fight, as much as you want. Like, the barbarian effectively rages as much as it wants along with its other main features. All the bonus damage features of ranger are limited by round, monk ki points(It also could be limited like this) are big enough that if you dont Nova out, you'll be fine for a few encounters by level 5 and doing completely fine by 10. Martial stuff simply needs to be a bit more use based since what theyre used for is more limited.

[@IMXLegedaryBard]

Although I will say this, Arcane Archer is the only fighter class that automatically provides magical damage to overcome resistance. Not even Eldritch knight offers your weapon with magic, tho yes once people get magical weapons then yeah this class will be back on the bottom. But at least it offers that and a free second chance (granted on a different target but still)

[@Hon_cb1kr]

Slightly more expensive but silvered weapons will do the trick. Eldritch Knight can cast Magic Weapon at lvl 8 but either way there are cantrips that can do just fine for magic dmg e.g. booming blade or green flame blade. Besides at lvl 7-8 everyone should have 1 magic weapon and/or craft one or something.

[@Nr4747]

@@Hon_cb1kr Silvered weapons only work on *specific* enemies, they don't count as general magical weapons !

[@Hon_cb1kr]

@@Nr4747 i never said so. Most monsters who are have resistance or immunity to mudane steel weapons are susceptible to silvered weapons e.g. Demons and Devils, Undeads and Lycans etc... Silvered weapons hurt alot of monsters like in the Witcher and apparently d&d 5e is quite similar. Off course magic weapons are better but for a lvl7 class ability it's stupid for any class not just Arcane Archer

[@Nr4747]

@@Hon_cb1kr You are correct that silvered weapons work against a lot of otherwise resistant creatures. I just wanted to point out that they have their limitations, compared to magical weapons. I see this rules mistake quite often, so I wanted to clear up that silvered weapons do not simply "count as magical weapons for overcoming resistances".

[@Hon_cb1kr]

@@Nr4747 i agree a true magic weapon is always better off course. For a lvl7 ability it is redundant in my opinion. For a Monk it makes sense because one dosen't just pick up magic hands and feet in a dungeon and/or craft them on downtime.

[@FlannelFantom]

So I just had a session... the DM decided to pull out the demogorgon on us at level 4... and actually killed our cleric, I was a 7.2ft tall half orc paladin, so I used dimension door and slipped into it to escape him, the party followed behind me. Sure enough the prince of demons came into the door as well, so I slammed it shut with him inside teleporting him into the astral planes where he suffocated to death. I know it has nothing to do with the video but god I had to tell yall this great story I'm still rolling in my seat from laughter at outsmarting the tpking DM :,Dc

[@URGE]

Awesome. As a DM, sometimes I just throw a crazy scenario at the players to see how they react. Can make for some great stories! Thanks for watching!

[@Exisist5151]

What magic item gave you a duration-based dimension door?

[@BlueBolt]

I dont think you or your DM understands the rules 🤣

[@HumanKatamari]

Me: "Hey, fighter, the ranger said he's the best with a bow". Arcane Archer: "Hold my ale".

[@kalenplant2675]

I've been waiting for this video for a while. I've been thinking of playing a tabaxi arcane archer with one or two levels in rogue to try to balance out the weak spots of the arcane archer. I'm very new to actually being a player in games (I've always been the DM) and would love to hear what people think of this combo and whether or not it would work well

[@binolombardi]

The wording of the arcane shot feature limits its usage to once per turn, and also specifically requires the attack action, and specifically is required to be used with longbows or short bows. This means it can’t be used with the bonus action attack from two weapon fighting thrown daggers. Can’t be used with crossbows, or the crossbow expert feat bonus action attack. Cant be used with any reaction attacks including opportunity attacks or even “ready” attacks. None of these actually use the “attack action”. And while it can be used with action surge, it doesn’t synergize well since it’s limited to once per your turn. Then there’s the fact that it’s limited to two uses per short rest. Depending on the build you may be better served by trying battlemaster with an arcane trickster? If your keen on staying with arcane archer then I recommend grasping arrow as it does considerably more damage and requires an entire action to attempt to get rid of, even with a low DC. The arrows feel like the spells slot system of a warlock, except they don’t get better until level 15 or 18... Maybe choose bursting arrow too? Probably not goint to have high Intelligence, dex, And Con. For comparison purposes most of these “shots” are like getting to customize the spell branding smite and getting 2 uses per short rest. Hexblade 3 with branding smite is almost the exact same dip Archery fighting style is nice but that can be picked with any of the other fighter subclasses. Dip 3 levels of artificer battle smith to get int based magical weapon attacks and go arcane archer or arcane trickster? Rogue sneak attack favors high rogue level investment for damage scaling. This kind of contradicts the level requirements this fighter subclass would need to make use of the extra ability score improvements to mitigate its multiple ability score dependency. I bet 3 dip arcane archer with X+hexblade warlock feel be nice and powerful. Spells and shots are short rest dependent. Can layer Eldritch smites onto shots, and most features would benefit from hex spell and hexblade curse.

[@damongraham1398]

I play Adventures League. So I personally suck at D&D but Arcane Archer doesn't help. I typically wait till the BBG or the last few minutes of our game sessions. I choose Arcane Archer then switched to Bronze Draconic Sorcerer so.... Still looking forward to playing again after this Covid-19 stuff.

[@ericpeterson8732]

I don't know how a couple of levels of rogue are going to balance out the weak spots of the Arcane Archer. Are you going for a stealth archer and need expertise in stealth? You would be better served by investing in artificer for the infusions. A two level dip gets you two infusions for a magic bow and something else. Better armor, maybe. In fact, if you forgo the third attack, you could start at level 9 and get bracers of archery, ehlonnas quiver, flame arrows, lots of good things.

[@rileywoods45]

I myself was going to make a character that was an Arcane Archer and multiclass into an Inquisitive Rogue. ArAr may not be super strong, but things like seek shot when hidden can make for fun interactions.

[@xezzee]

So, like battle master with 2 uses less and battle master can take Evasive Footwork to get higher AC. Trip Attack if you want to slow enemy down. Pushing Attack you can shoot so hard if they fail str save they are pushed 15ft back :^) Precision Attack in case you would miss. Goading Attack long range taunt :^) Feinting Attack + crossbow expert feat = you can use your bow with advantage against someone who is next to you. Rally is generally good if you want to boost temp hp to everybody. tho my understanding it is less effective on higher levels and my fevered Disarming Attack followed by your ally turn "as part of my movement I kick the sword away from the enemy" -> D&D PHB p.190 "interacting with objects around you" -> "kick a small stone" I assume the stone is small in sense you can kick it away -> you should be able to kick the weapon away -> do this against BBEG and force them to drop their items :^) it is funny when DM realizes too late that you disarming the BBEG and letting players kick the sword around will force the BBEG to move allowing attack of opportunities and other stuff. ALSO the person next to the BBEG can as part of movement probably pick up the BBEG's weapon :^) am I wrong assuming Battle master archer is more utility with higher AC while Arcane Archer is more raw dmg?

[@TheCelticCowboy98]

Arcane archer multiclass with a swashbuckler rogue and you can make Robin hood!

[@Laughlikeagoblin]

Unfortunately swashbuckler is banned in the campaign im in because 2 players are swashbucklers and have yet to get downed

[@karatekoala4270]

Better option is battle master/gloomstalker. Take spike growth and ensnaring strike. Trip and disarm. Have fun

[@aaronabraham5029]

When would you say to take other levels from other classes as a arcane archer

[@criticalstan]

hey guys. can you tell me how arcane shot works? for each ability. do i lose my use before i even make the attack, so i have to say i use grasping arrow, and then attack, and if i miss i lose the use, or do i wait until i hit and then say i use grasping arrow? plz tell me how each ability works, before or after the attack. when i lose the uses and all that. its kinda confusing to me. my dm says before i even roll the attack i lose the use. and i think its when i hit a creature... its confusing.

[@URGE]

Good question, the wording of the level 3 ability is the key here: “Once per turn when you fire an arrow from a shortbow or longbow as part of the Attack action, you can apply one of your Arcane Shot options to that arrow. You decide to use the option WHEN THE ARROW HITS A CREATURE, unless the option doesn’t involve an attack roll.” This would imply that when the attack hits, you then can add the effect to it magically. For each arrow, just read the text and see how it is worded. For example, the Piercing Arrow doesn’t make an attack roll, so the arcane arrow use is used before the Dex Save is made by the targets. Hope that clears it up. Thanks for watching!

[@Anazuraion1]

This class saddened me a little when it came out, as it was a Prestige Class so they don't translate well into this addition. In old additions at level 12 a Arcane Archer was only 1 level behind the Barbarian, Fighter, Ranger.... In bae attack modifiers, and attacks per turn. However, it had a familiar, and the ability to cast spells as a 5th level Wizard each day, plus the prestige class abilities. So this comes off as very weak IMO.

[@doms.6701]

This is basically hawkeye with his changeable arrow tips. Some are crazy. A 1 by 30 foot ethereal arrow that ignores cover.

[@penguinpirate8779]

Sharpshooter and arcane archer is basically “it’s high noon”

[@ericpeterson8732]

You are focusing on the riders, not the abilities. Shadow and Beguiling shots give you a bonus 2d6 psychic damage AND a rider effect that won't take effect because your Int is too low. But an extra 2d6 is nothing to slouch at. And because it doesn't go off unless you hit the target, you never waste it. Unlike Banishing, piercing, or seeking, the others do not get a savings throw on the damage. I would like an extra Arcane shot per short rest, or for the effects to boost earlier (18 is so late), but only the Arcane Archer gives you a Hawkeye/Green Arrow feel.

[@danieljames7629]

I’m multiclassing into this archetype with my ranger hunter, I feel like this archetype is best when multiclassed into and only 3 levels

[@BossTripp1]

The arrow damage is added damage right? And you don’t have to use it unless you hit? So, when you crit it is 4 dice extra or at lvl 18 it is 8 dice extra damage. This subclass is limited though, which is a shame.

[@wirtspegleg6305]

The damage made by Arcane Shot adds extra damage related to what magic you are shooting. So if someone shoots a longbow and normally hits a creature; Arrow deals 1d8, as well as whatever damage dice the Arcane Shot arrow deals. So if someone is shooting an Enfeebling Arrow from a longbow, they take 1d8 piercing damage (from longbow), and 2d6 necrotic damage from Enfeebling Arrow. Also the Arcane Shots get replenished on a short or long rest.

[@hostagegrenade743]

Lets be real. You are all here for. ARCHER WITH HEAVY ARMOR

[@Hon_cb1kr]

Heavy armor still has strength requirements. With a point buy system you are screwed. Max out dex and leather gives ac17 and heavy full plate gives ac18 but also requires 15 str... Arcane archers are just about useless.

[@hopefulmayhem5744]

@@Hon_cb1kr you can were the armor. The penalty is very minor. Especially for an archer.

[@mattheweagle3580]

All these people complaining only play to have Superman tier characters. Not everyone wants to one shot all the enemies.

[@brandonk8948]

I'm playing a goblin trickster cleric who has a crossbow...would this be a good subclass to consider, open to advice and suggestions by others in this comment section.

[@rileywoods45]

Arcane Shots need a short bow or long bow to use, unfortunately. :/

[@ericpeterson8732]

Did you really compare gwf to archery? Of course you are going to do more damage with a greatsword. That's obvious. But you also are going to be attacked more often in melee. The real comparison is Battlemaster vs. Arcane Archer. And while you get more shots with BM, the damage is not as great and you don't get an AOE like bursting shot.

[@stokemoran]

I find it a little underwhelming as you don't get anymore arcane shots.

[@Stromdiddy18]

why is this a fighter ability. it should be a ranger skill. at some level after 5. maybe 7. remove it from fighter all together.

[@Mariwend]

nobody cares at all about rangers huh?

[@Hon_cb1kr]

The worst fighter class ever created.

[@marcellcropper651]

I think you mean Ssmurai is the worst fighter class created

[@Hon_cb1kr]

@@marcellcropper651 Samurai is not great. However, It is still better than Fighter Champion.