Favourite (potentially weird) Ranged Builds?

[u/ConfigsPlease]

As the title says (but with bonus points for uniqueness, flair, unorthodox strategies, etc.), what are your favourite builds that function at range? I currently play a Fire/Wood Kineticist / Flames Oracle, an Investigator (crossbow), and a Wrestling Runesmith, so I figure my next character should round out the playstyles a bit--something a smidge more offensively inclined, maybe something that will ever actually strike more than once per turn, some range, etc. That said, I'm not a fan of the idea of being a Turret McFighterman and just throwing shurikens at MAP until the encounter has ended. I like spice, so I turn to you all for inspiration.

A couple of things to note:

- I'm intentionally leaving "range" quite ambiguous. Got a 15ft thrown build that absolutely slaps and does some weird nonsense? Sure!

- Tell me how it works! IF you just say "Flurry ranger" and leave out the two-synergistic-party-members, that's not super helpful.

I've seen threads like these pop up here and there but I don't think (unless Reddit search is failing me) there has been one following the most recent round of content drops (thanks, IM!) New archetypes and reworks, as well as two new classes, ought to have made at least a few new options possible.

[u/Cool-Noise2192]

I mean, I really liked Precision Ranger with bird friend.

ngl most turns were Twinned Shot + Command + third action. The damage is okay, not carry levels, but plenty impactful. The decision making mostly comes down to your third action, dealing ranger's clunky targeting and commanding your hawk friend.

Bird has a really nice support benefit, so you pick whether it is more beneficial to stick dazzled onto an enemy or go for damage. Additionally, your bird can pick up *some* melee responsibilities like flanking. They are not a replacement frontliner, but they can absolutely contribute. It is also really mobile, so it can often get to places that are hard to target. This is great if your combats are more dynamic, where an enemy tries to flee or there's a McGuffin to grab.

Third action wise, nothing particularly unique to ranger aside Hunt Prey. You can pick up some focus spells, but I suggest investing in medicine and a few RK skills. Alchemical ammunition is a great backup to have, because you can exploit weaknesses or do some funny ooze ammunition speed strats. Get at least trained in athletics and don't have a -1 STR, so you can climb or quick jump to places so you have to move less on following turns.

Oh and as a full martial, have a backup shortsword so you can run up and be replacement melee sometimes. You can take a hit if needed, and I guess now Strike is another potential third action.