Quick Links
Have you ever wanted to kill your enemies with jellyfish?
Well, inBaldur’s Gate 3, that’s now possible with Patch 8’s Swarmkeeper Ranger.
With versatility in mobility and damage, theSwarmkeeperis a highly mobile threat on any field.
Honour Mode makes some brutal changes to the boss fights you’ll take on in Baldur’s Gate 3.
Here’s every change - let’s hope it’s possible for you to prepare for them.
This build seeks to put the jellyfish on top.
Mobility isn’t as important with access to free teleportation and Fly.
Land Druid
Land druids will primarily focus on spells.
Dexterity should become a second-fiddle to Wisdom.
You’ll be using your spells more than your crossbows.
Star Druid
Star druids will change the outcomes of rolls.
Of the possible Druid subclasses,Spore Druids appear to have the most dangerous synergywith Swarmkeepers.
For this particular crossbow-based build,investment into Fighter can also be beneficial.
If you’re investing in Fighter, yourprimary benefits are from Extra Attack and Action Surge.
With no requirement for Invisibility, one can trade theShifting Corpus Ringfor something like theCaustic Band.
As a Ranger, you’ll also be given several choices for your Natural Explorer and Favoured Enemy types.
We recommend the following:
Naturally, your Fighting Style should be Archery.
Best Swarmkeeper Ranger Swarm key in Choice: Bees, Jellyfish, Or Moths?
As a Swarmkeeper,your most important choice will be your swarm key in.
Most Psychic-resistant enemies are bosses.
Sold by Arajat Moonrise Towers.
Armor
Sharpened Snare Cuirass
Add your full Dexterity to your AC.
When restraining creatures with your attacks and spells, enemies have disadvantage against you.
Sold by Roah Moonglow at Moonrise Towers.
Gauntlets
Legacy of the Masters
3
Gain +2 to your Hit and Damage with weapon attacks.
Additionally, your Strength saving throws are increased by +1.
Sold by Dammon at Forge of the Nine.
Boots
Disintegrating Night Walkers
1
Gain free cast of Misty Step and cannot slip.
Wearer cannot be Enwebbed, Ensnared, or Entangled.
Drop bydefeating Nere in Grymforge.
Cape
Cindermoth Cloak
Creatures that damage the wearer are inflicted with Burning.
Dropped by Aelis Siryasius in the Lower City Sewers; he is amidst the grease mephits and blobs.
Ring #1
Shifting Corpus Ring
Allows you to castInvisibilityandBluronce per Long Rest.
Dropped by Fist Marcusat Last Light Inn.
Ring #2
Strange Conduit Ring
Deal +1d4 Psychic damage with weapon attacks while concentrating on a spell.
Inside a chest in the Inquisitor’s Chamber in Rosymorn Monastery Creche.
Dropped by Kaghain the Druid’s Grove.
+1 is added to your Performance checks.
Pulled from a stonein the Underdark besides the Selunite Outpost.
Off-Hand Shield
Justiciar’s Greatshield
Gain the ability to cast Darkness Cloak (Invisibility) as a bonus action.
Dropped or given by Lyrthindorin the Gauntlet of Shar.
Ranged Weapon
Firestoker(Left Hand)
Deal an additional 1d4 Slashing damage to Burning targets.
Found inside a chest in Grymforgeguarded by hellsboar and a merregon.
Hellfire Hand Crossbow (Right Hand)
Inflict Burning while hiding or Invisible.
Scorching Ray can be cast once per short rest.
Dropped by Yurgirin the Gauntlet of Shar.
There is an alternate build potential with using the Duelist’s Prerogative rapier.
As this gives you an additional reaction, you’ll be able to use your swarm attacks more often.
We recommend using either their special feature or an attack, depending on your circumstance.
This will require an attack, which is where Crossbow Expert comes into play.
Thankfully,Web will prevent your enemies from chasing youeasily.
With your Nightwalkers, it won’t slow you down at all.
In conclusion: the Swarmkeeper is all aboutkeeping on the pressureand making the most of any situation.
From the right spells to the best equipment, here’s how to best build an archfey warlock.
