Like a Rogue, Rangers are a lightly armoured offensive class which focuses more on delivering damage than tanking. In terms of combat skills they can use all types of weapons and get dual wield, double attack, and kick. They also get a number of defensive skills including dodge, parry, riposte and disarm. However, because they are Hybrids Rangers learn most of these combat skills a few levels later than pure melee classes.

Rangers have higher offensive skill caps than any other hybrid class. However, they are significantly lower in a number of defensive skill areas. They have a much lower taunt, riposte, disarm, dodge and parry. Because of this Rangers get hit a lot more, and should not be left to tank for significant periods. Unlike the Rogue they have no skill to reduce the monsters hate for them and must rely on their magical abilities or their party to reduce the damage inflicted on them.

Rangers get the highest tracking skill in the game, which helps to find people or enemies within the area. This is particularly useful in the large outdoor zones of Kunark.

Rangers are one of only two classes that can do critical blows with archery starting at level 17. However, this skill is only useful in very limited circumstances, and by no means the primary damage dealer for the class.

In terms of magic Rangers get a range of nice utility spells. They receive both Spirit of Wolf and later Wolf Form itself. They also get spells to reduce monster frenzy ranges, and this enables them to single pull out of a group. They have both healing spells, and damage shields which inflict unresistable damage. This is coupled with a solid series of HP and AC increasing buffs, as well as some minor stat buffs. Damage wise they receive both direct damage and damage over time spells. They can also snare and root mobs. You can view the full ranger spell list here.

The major challenge in the ranger class is staying alive. Rangers can die very easily because of their high damage output and low armour class, hitpoints and defense capabilities. They are slower to level because of their hybrid nature, and the limited variety in armour can also be frustrating. Also, despite their magical power they do not have the ability to bind or gate. This means that Rangers, like any other melee, may have long runs back to their corpses if they die.

If you are looking for a class with decent damage output, and a little bit of magic to spice things up this class could be the one for you. Just be warned that you will need a lot of patience before you reach Level 60. Also note that rangers have low priority on group invites due to getting overshadowed by other classes. This class is not for the faint of heart but still fun nonetheless.