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Crafting a Wizard-Ranger Hybrid in Avowed
Developing a hybrid character that combines the skills of both Wizard and Ranger in Avowed can pose some challenges, but it’s a highly rewarding experience. There are multiple strategies to tackle gameplay effectively, yet certain elements prove to be more advantageous than others. To optimize your character’s potential in this hybrid build, focusing on specific abilities and weapon choices is essential.
With Avowed hitting significant milestones leading up to its official release, many fans are already exploring its vast world. The game is packed with engaging RPG elements and a wide range of weapon options, offering a complexity level that feels just right. Even with a specialized build like the Wizard-Ranger, players enjoy remarkable flexibility in gameplay style.
Ideal Abilities for a Wizard-Ranger Multiclass Build
Timing Your Ability Choices
As you progress through Avowed, you will earn about 29 Ability Points to customize your character’s skill tree, allowing for respec whenever you gather enough gold. While you have access to numerous abilities and the option to enhance some of them, keep in mind that not all choices are available; for instance, the Godlike Abilities remain predetermined.
For my character, I opted not to focus heavily on the Wizard’s spell line. You can obtain many desired spells through Grimoires, although I did prioritize Minor Missiles due to its uniqueness as a separate ability. Make it a goal to unlock Grimoire Mastery early on and aim to acquire all four ranks when possible. Below are the key Wizard abilities I recommend:
| Wizard Ability | Level Unlock | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minor Missiles | Immediately | An active power that launches seeking projectiles at enemies. Essential and worth ranking up. |
| Armored Essence | Immediately | Reduces Essence penalties from lighter armor, allowing for agility. No need to max out. |
| Grimoire Mastery | Player Level 5 | Enables the usage of higher-level Grimoires. Crucial for the build; max this as soon as possible. |
| Wand Mastery | Immediately | Enhances wand damage. Essential if you favor wands over firearms. |
| Harvest Essence | Player Level 10 | Grants additional Essence from defeated foes. Useful if you often find yourself low on resources. |
| Elemental "Spirit of X" | Player Level 15 | Buffs elemental damage. Choose based on Grimoire type and elemental preference. |
On the Ranger side, your ability choice depends on your combat approach. For example, the Tanglefoot ability is quite helpful for immobilizing enemies, though your companion can also take the reins on this.
I recommend obtaining Constant Recovery from the Fighter tree, particularly early in the game for survival, although you can swap it out later. This ability allows for passive health recovery during combat, which is vital in tough scenarios.
Evasive Action is particularly advantageous in the early stages since many bosses utilize lunging attacks. Pairing it with Scavenger can be beneficial, but consider replacing it once you’re past the crucial weapon upgrade phases.
| Ranger Ability | Level Unlock | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tanglefoot | Immediately | Roots an enemy in place; beneficial if you prefer immobilization over direct combat. |
| Evasive | Immediately | Decreases the stamina cost for dodging attacks. Recommended to rank up early on. |
| Scavenger | Player Level 5 | Provides extra crafting materials for upgrades. Play this if you prefer an easier time enhancing gear. |
| Finesse/Marksmanship | Immediately | Increases melee/ranged attack effectiveness as per your preference. |
| Bear Ally | Player Level 15 | Summons an additional ally to the battlefield temporarily. Useful for increasing attack power. |
| Sniper | Player Level 15 | Buffs all ranged weapons, including wands. Prioritize leveling as soon as you unlock. |
| Critical Strike | Player Level 15 | Great for enhancing damage, especially if sniping becomes a preferred tactic. |
| Flurry of Blows | Player Level 20 | Boosts several stats as a separate active ability, can swap in for another Ranger power. |
| Staggering Shot | Player Level 20 | Useful if relying heavily on firearms, can replace Marksmanship if preferred. |
The direction you take after unlocking these skills should align with your desired damage source. I found a combination of a solid Grimoire, a one-handed sword, and a two-handed firearm like an arquebus worked best, but you’re free to mix and match as you see fit.
Optimal Attributes for a Ranger-Wizard Multiclass Build
Choosing Your Stats Wisely
Given that you’re primarily a ranged attacker, prioritize attributes that enhance your distance and damage output. Intelligence will help maintain your Essence levels, while Dexterity keeps you agile. You can also selectively allocate points to bolster persuasive abilities.
Although Might is typically associated with Fighter stats in Avowed, it significantly impacts all damage output, including magical attacks. Allocate points here to boost your combat effectiveness. Keep in mind that while it’s advantageous to resolve conflicts peacefully, encounters will occur, especially while traversing the world.
Top Weapons, Armor, & Items for Ranger-Wizard Multiclass
Combat Strategies and Equipment Choices
There are countless ways to approach combat, so decide on your weapon of choice early—be it a wand, gun, melee weapon, or a Grimoire. I found success early on with a combination of a Grimoire and a melee weapon, complemented by a two-handed weapon like an arquebus. As I progressed, I adjusted my arsenal based on the unique weapons I discovered.
Here’s an example of my equipment before taking on the Emerald Stairs:
-
Weapons:
- Last Light Of Day
- Boethel’s Grimoire
- Secondary Weapons:
- Caeroc’s Pride
- Common Grimoire of Greater Elements
For later stages, Whisper of Exiles, Eilara’s Grimoire, or Heavenstrike are exceptional substitutes. Choice of two-handed weapons versus pistols depends on your playstyle—while I found longer-range arquebus satisfying, the pistol’s extra spells were undeniably enticing.
Both skill trees focus on ranged attacks, yet I also found having a one-handed sword handy. This provides a magical melee option through Boethel’s Grimoire while conserving Essence for spells. If you maintain quick dodging and movement, a solely ranged setup can also work well. As for armor, prioritize light gear that enhances your relevant stats for optimal performance.
Navigating Playstyle with a Ranger-Wizard Multiclass Build
Quick Tips for Handling Challenges
Flexibility is crucial. Navigate your surroundings carefully, as being unshielded can make you vulnerable to enemy swarming. Companions like Kai can help by taunting foes, while skills like Tanglefoot are beneficial for immobilization while you blast enemies with spells or projectiles.
Certain boss fights, such as against Thalla, can be particularly challenging without upgraded gear. Create distance using frost abilities and Tanglefoot to immobilize strong opponents, striking critically when necessary.
I equipped accessories that boosted Critical Hit damage, alongside a ring that inflicted Poison on critical hits. This combined with elemental damage enhances your impact against foes. If direct assault isn’t viable, switch to the Sword-Grimoire setup, or rely on your ranged options based on equipped gear.
In scenarios involving swarms of enemies, especially those marked with multiple skulls, prioritizing strategic positioning can be beneficial. For example, I found it effective to use structures for cover, allowing me to eliminate threats one by one with the arquebus.
The primary vulnerability of this hybrid build lies in the risk of being overwhelmed. If you cannot position yourself for long-range attacks, focus on maintaining mobility while continuously attacking with spells or projectiles. Abilities like Arcane Veil and Bristling Frost can provide valuable advantages against enemies.
In essence, the Ranged/Wizard concoction in Avowed offers an exhilarating spell-slinging experience, combining powerful magical abilities with agile combat strategies designed to keep you one step ahead of your foes. Enjoy the adventure!





