Module 3: Curse of Icewind Dale will introduce tons of new features; one of those will be the new Paragon Path for the Hunter Ranger. Pathfinder, the second paragon path, represents a Ranger’s knowledge of hunting and survival, as well as leadership. The new path brings more utility to the Hunter Ranger in both solo and group play.

Pathfinder offers a suite of new survival knowledge themed utility powers. In addition, all powers have a ranged element to them, which is especially beneficial when in melee stance. In both solo and group play, rangers receive a form of self/group healing and a way to deal extra damage without alerting foes. Furthermore, the new encounter abilities offer additional crowd control and stealth allowing for burst damage or quick escapes. Particularly useful for group content, the new encounters offer valuable CC and a way to temporarily drop threat back on to the tank.

Slasher’s Mark, the daily power, is meant to aid the player in group play rather than solo play. This power allows you to leap to your target attacking the enemy leaving behind a debuff that restores stamina or guard meter whenever you or your allies deal damage to the target.

Adding to Pathfinder’s increased utility the new At-Will abilities let the Hunter Ranger study their targets to know the best place to strike, and spot useable supplies at a distance that can restore a small amount of Action points, Stamina and Hit points.

Here’s a quick rundown of the Pathfinder Paragon Path Powers:

At-Will

Hunter’s Teamwork- Physical Damage- You spot supplies on an enemy, and shoot an arrow at them to mark their location for a long duration. Your marked enemy deals less damage, and if killed, they drop supplies that can be picked up to restore a small amount of Action Points, Stamina, and Hit Points to everyone on your team.

Careful Attack – Physical Damage- You study your target, signaling gaps in their defense to your allies. Enemies studied in this way are damaged by this power when they are Hurt. Applying this debuff does not build threat, but the damage itself does.

Encounter

Ambush- Physical Damage- Hide in tall grasses, gaining Ambush and Stealth for a short period. Ambush causes your next attack to deal bonus damage.

Bear Trap- Physical Damage- Toss a massive bear trap at target location, stunning anyone who walks over it.

Daily

Slasher’s Mark – Leap to your target with a slashing strike, leaving behind a mark. This mark fortifies you and your allies by restoring Stamina or Guard Meter whenever thy damage the marked target.

Class Features

Battlehoned – When you are attacked, gain an additional 100 Regeneration for 4 seconds.

Pathfinder’s Action – when activating a Daily power, increase your Run Speed and Deflection Chance for a brief period.

Cruel Recover – When you deal critical damage to an enemy, gain 1% of your maximum Hit Points as a special Temporary Hit Points.

Like the other Paragon paths, all the powers are optional, so it’s up to the player how much they want to change their playstyle around the new powers; although with these utility powers, it should be easy to find a place for them.

Will you be changing to the Pathfinder Paragon Path? Let us know in the official Neverwinter Forums.

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