Completing the Hollow Warden Ranger Subclass in DND: A Guide to Solving Its Features

Select Language:

The Hollow Warden Ranger subclass in Dungeons & Dragons revolves around absorbing the powers of ancient, eerie beings for personal gain. This subclass is ideal for horror-themed campaigns, but you can easily adapt it to fit various adventure styles.

If you’re new to playing a ranger, you may wonder if this build suits your character. To help, we’ve put together this comprehensive guide. Here’s everything you need to know about the Hollow Warden Ranger and how to create one.

Overview of the Hollow Warden Ranger Subclass

The Hollow Warden Ranger is characterized by tapping into ancient, sinister forces. These rangers take on attributes reminiscent of these entities to frighten and confront foes.

Here’s a breakdown of this subclass, detailing each ability and feature by level.

Feature or Ability	Level	Details
Hollow Warden Spells	3	Starting from level three, you gain access to a variety of spells such as Wrathful Smite, Spike Growth, and Phantom Steed.
Wrath of the Wild	3	You can wield dark, ancient powers for your own benefit, enhancing your Hunter’s Mark abilities. Upon casting Hunter’s Mark, you transform and receive bonuses to your AC while applying an effect that hinders your enemies’ actions.
Hungering Might	7	You gain a boost to your Constitution saving throws and can recover hit points while in your Wrath of the Wild form.
Rot & Violence	11	While utilizing your Wrath of the Wild transformation, creatures within your aura suffer additional damage. Additionally, you can activate a Slow or Sap weapon mastery property alongside any other weapon mastery effect.
Ancient Endurance	15	If you drop to zero hit points while transformed, you can expend a spell slot of level four or higher to restore hit points equal to five times the spell slot level. You cannot become exhausted in this form.

This subclass fits well in horror campaigns but is also suitable for players interested in crafting an evil-aligned character.

Ideal Ability Scores for Hollow Warden Rangers

For rangers, Wisdom and Dexterity are the key attributes since they impact your spell save DC and weapon attacks. Other stats also merit attention.

Ability Score	Details
Dexterity	Your weapon attacks rely on Dexterity, so prioritize this as your top stat.
Wisdom	Your spell save DC and the effectiveness of your Hungering Might depend on your Wisdom, so make this your second-highest stat.
Constitution	Since rangers excel in martial and ranged combat, a good Constitution score is essential.
Strength	As rangers can use Strength-based attacks and have proficiency in Strength saving throws, invest a moderate amount in Strength.
Charisma	Your ability to persuade or deceive isn’t crucial for a ranger, so keep Charisma as a low stat unless your character concept requires otherwise.
Intelligence	Intelligence has minimal impact on a ranger’s skills, so make this your lowest stat.

Best Species for Hollow Warden Rangers

certain species work exceptionally well with the Hollow Warden Ranger.

Species	Details
Dragonborn	Dragonborn synergize well with rangers as their breath weapon and resistances bolster martial prowess. Moreover, gaining temporary flight at level five adds to your mobility, enhancing ranged attack options.
Elf	Elves possess various innate spellcasting abilities, expanding your ranger spell repertoire. Opt for a wood elf to enjoy increased speed and spells like Druidcraft, Longstrider, or Pass Without Trace, which are excellent choices for rangers.
Harengon	Harengons, as nimble rabbit-like beings, provide impressive agility and movement during combat. You also gain advantage on Initiative rolls, making you a proactive combat participant.

Species

Details

Dragonborn

Dragonborn synergize well with rangers as their breath weapon and resistances bolster martial prowess.

Moreover, gaining temporary flight at level five adds to your mobility, enhancing ranged attack options.

Elf

Elves possess various innate spellcasting abilities, expanding your ranger spell repertoire.

Opt for a wood elf to enjoy increased speed and spells like Druidcraft, Longstrider, or Pass Without Trace, which are excellent choices for rangers.

Harengon

Harengons, as nimble rabbit-like beings, provide impressive agility and movement during combat.

You also gain advantage on Initiative rolls, making you a proactive combat participant.

When selecting a species, remember that the concept for your character should take precedence over optimization. Choose what resonates with you!

Best Backgrounds for Hollow Warden Rangers

Finally, several backgrounds work well with Hollow Warden Rangers, though you aren’t limited to the following suggestions.

Background	Details
Guide	The Guide background is a fantastic fit for any ranger, as it offers ability score boosts to Dexterity, Constitution, and Wisdom, your primary attributes. You also gain additional druid spells to expand your magical abilities.
Hermit	Hermits are a strong choice for Hollow Warden Rangers, allowing you to effectively enhance your Constitution and Wisdom. With the healer feat, your ranger can transition into a more flexible support/martial class hybrid, benefiting your team.
Sailor	The Sailor background also proves advantageous with ability score increases in Strength, Dexterity, and Wisdom. This background offers the Tavern Brawler feat, which pairs nicely with ranger capabilities, and proficiency with Navigator’s Tools, useful for exploration-focused campaigns.

Background

Details

Guide

The Guide background is a fantastic fit for any ranger, as it offers ability score boosts to Dexterity, Constitution, and Wisdom, your primary attributes.

You also gain additional druid spells to expand your magical abilities.

Hermit

Hermits are a strong choice for Hollow Warden Rangers, allowing you to effectively enhance your Constitution and Wisdom.

With the healer feat, your ranger can transition into a more flexible support/martial class hybrid, benefiting your team.

Sailor

The Sailor background also proves advantageous with ability score increases in Strength, Dexterity, and Wisdom.

This background offers the Tavern Brawler feat, which pairs nicely with ranger capabilities, and proficiency with Navigator’s Tools, useful for exploration-focused campaigns.