Summary
When exploring an open-world game, players tend to have the freedom to build their character in an assortment of ways. Killing certain enemies or finding hidden chests may contain an assortment of weaponry and armor that allows the player to transform their characterinto a certain class. While many players are likely to favor a build that sees them make the most of melee weaponry and fight up close, there is an assortment of open-world titles where the player can instead keep to a distance using a bow and arrow, to take on the role of a Ranger.
These open-world games are some of the best for players who are looking to be a Ranger, as they either allow the player to choose the class at the beginning, build them into the class through exploration, or already play as someone who is considered a Ranger in that world.
PreviousAssassin’s Creedtitles tended to focus on the Assassin side of the character, with the likes ofAssassin’s Creed OriginsandAssassin’s Creed Odysseytaking the franchise in a new direction by leaning further into its RPG elements by allowing the player to build their character’s playstyle however they wish.
Playing as either Kassandra or Alexios had the same skills to decide fromwithin their skill tree, with players being able to focus on different elements. Those who wished to turn their Ancient Greek Mercenary into more of a Ranger would focus on the Hunter skills that were available to improve how Alexios or Kassandra would use a bow from afar.
Far Cryis commonly known for its first-person shooter combat. However, with the gamereturning to the time of cavemeninFar Cry Primal,players don’t have the usual weaponry of these present-day games but instead must explore the world ofFar Cry Primalsimply with an assortment of spears and their bow.
With Rangers and Hunters being rather similar in their skill set, the main character of Takkar being controlled by the player, is likely to hide in the thick foliage of the forest while picking off enemies from afar. Not to mention the assortment of animal companions Takkar can tame, which makes him feel exactly like a Ranger fromDungeons and Dragons, making him a perfect Ranger for exploration in an open world.
In a similar theme to the prehistoric adventures of the open world inFar Cry Primal,Horizon: Zero Dawnis another great open-world game for players looking for a title where they can explore a world as a Ranger. Although set in the future, Aloy and the other tribes ofHorizon: Zero Dawnhave gone back to using primitive tools to take on the various animatronic animals that now lurk in the overgrown world they live in.
While most Rangers may only focus on nature, Aloy has the perk of having an interest in the technologies of the old world, which she uses to her advantage when taking on the likes of the Thunderjaw or Glinthawk.
As mentioned, some open-world games allow the player to build their character into a Ranger-like class. One great open-world title to experience this with isElden Ring, due to the assortment of bows, armor, and other gear that is available for the player to collect.
Although some players may consider the bows and crossbows inElden Ringto be quite weak compared to the variety of other weaponry available inElden Ring, those that are willing to experiment are sure to find theperfect overpowered bowto use against the various lethal bosses in this open-world, and craft an assortment of arrows to use too.
InMiddle-Earth: Shadow of War, the player is in control of Talion, a Ranger of Gondor. In the lore ofLord of the Rings, the Rangers of Gondor – also known as the Rangers of the Black Gate – were an elite military group that was tasked with protecting the Kingdom of Gondor, as well as some factions within Mordor and the Black Gate.
As Talion is a member of these Rangers, he has an assortment of incredible skills, such as being highly adept with not only a bow but also swords. When taking on Orcs inMiddle-Earth: Shadow of War, players will make the most of both of these weapons and be quite stealthy to keep out of the way of trouble.
Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisenis still praised for being a classic RPG set in animpressive open worldthat is only made better by the assortment of classes, better known as Vocations, for the player or their pawn to specialize in.
While players may start their adventure as the basic Vocation of Strider which uses both bows and daggers, players can later purchase the Ranger Vocation for themselves or their Pawn to have an even greater focus on fighting from a distance. This Vocation has access to daggers like Strider, but instead uses Longbows to allow the battle to start the second the player has spotted an enemy from afar, with all sorts of interesting skills to experiment with.
Open-world RPGs likeThe Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrimhave been praised by players due to them not making a player choose a single class to focus on for the rest of their role-playing experience. Part of the charm inSkyrimis exploring the world and finding or buying different equipment to specialize their Dragonborn however they wish.
Among the popular classes to create inSkyrim, one that is incredibly lethal is the Stealth Archer, which feels incredibly similar to how a player may perform as a Ranger. With an Archery skill tree to dive into, ways to improve the player’s stealth, and an assortment of spells like being able to get animals to fight on the player’s side, it’s entirely possible for players to become a Ranger inSkyrim.
