A Hunter/Ranger type character is something I'm interested in playing

AGamerCalledDaz

Hello all,

Its been awhile (took a break from MMO's) since I last played ESO. Last night I was watching a couple of streams and thought about giving the game a try again as a new character. Is it possible to build/play a Hunter/Ranger type character? One that would use ranged attacks with a bow and maybe a sword/axe for up close combat? Is this possible? I've also played as a Sorcerer in the past, but would like to try out the other class.

While searching online I discovered that a Bosmer (Wood Elf) race has a passive ability called Archery Expertise, which grants XP gain with the Bow skill line by 15%. Is this still the case? Now, which of the classes might suit the role the "best" I'm kinda stuck on this one because I lack the knowledge of playing all the classes in the game.

Would anyone be able to throw me some ideas as to which class might suit the role and why? I have no problem trying out a few classes and builds. Oh! And is duel wield weapons possible while using a bow/ranged weapon?

This will be for PvE gameplay.

Many thanks!

dramsb14_ESO

Well yes. Any class can play as an archer, so many opinions/builds here. But if I understand what you are looking for then I would suggest two options.

An archer/sorcerer would let you have summoned pets, kind of like a WoW hunter has.
A archer/nightblade would give you a bit more "sneak" for those stealth bow shots if you are looking for more of the assassin archer/ranger play style.

As for race, I would have to say Khajiit and Bosmer are in line with what you are looking for.

AGamerCalledDaz

Thanks for the reply!

The archer/nightblade might be something worth checking out. Is a ranged weapon allowed alongside melee weapons? Can they both be equipped at the same time? I'm thinking daggers would go well with the sneak type character!

Kendaric

Yes, it's possible to play, at least for questing/world content. Changing weapons in combat becomes available at level 15, then you can go bow/dual wield.
I'd go Nightblade for a hunter/ranger, because of stealth and it also meshes quite well with Bosmer.

As far as dungeons, trials or PvP go, I have no clue as to how viable you'd be.

dramsb14_ESO

daza1978 wrote: »

Thanks for the reply!

The archer/nightblade might be something worth checking out. Is a ranged weapon allowed alongside melee weapons? Can they both be equipped at the same time? I'm thinking daggers would go well with the sneak type character!

You can only have one weapon active at a time, but can "switch" weapons between two equipped sets which gives you two action bars (one for each weapon). So you could have one "bar" for bow, and one for a melee weapon (dagger, etc).

From your response, sounds like a Bosmer Nightblade is a good fit for you.

AGamerCalledDaz

Thank you all for the replies and ideas!

IrishGirlGamer

I have two Bosmer characters and neither uses a bow as a primary. I started using bows but soon discovered their skill attacks are underpowered.

For example, running some experiments with a new character this weekend, I discovered that from Level 1-20, I had a hard time making 3000 to 4000 dps with pure stamina bow character. The power just isn't there at low to mid levels (and some would say at high levels). You can survive questing, but running dungeons will be harder.

You will need to supplement bow with a class and/or a primary weapon that can do more damage. Dual Wield is a good choice to go with a bow, because it has some easy to get heals and a more powerful AOE. Also, as others have mentioned, Nightblade is a good skill choice for a "ranger" class as it has some healing power, and it has some nice, powerful low level attacks.

Both my Bosmers are nightblades, dual wielding, one with a bow as a back-up.

Just my thoughts.

Elijah_Crow

Been a Bosmer Nightblade since PC launch. Duet Weild and Bow are fantastic and viable for all content in the game including dungeons and trials.

I recommend starting with Duel Wield and focusing on your assassination skill line and not picking up a bow until level 15. At lower levels duel Weild is more powerful and your bow skill will catch up quickly after because of the racial bonus to Xp.