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In Dungeons & Dragons, monks shine by fusing combat skills with spiritual focus, making them agile and adaptable fighters. The release of the 2024 Player’s Handbook has simplified the monk class, turning it into a standout option for players seeking a formidable choice.
Monks are unparalleled in their ability to fight without weapons, relying on their focus to boost both their offense and defense. In this guide, we’ll explore how to build an effective monk using the new rules from 2024, highlighting the differences from the 2014 edition and the unique features of each subclass.
Monk Highlights
Monks are martial artists who don’t rely on gear to succeed. They can dodge threats and strike back, unleashing multiple hits on adversaries starting from level one, all while achieving the highest armor class without wearing bulky armor.
Though monks don’t need specific equipment, they do manage a resource known as focus points. These points are essential for most of a monk’s unique abilities, such as deflecting attacks or stunning opponents with an unarmed strike.
Differences From The 2024 Player’s Handbook
One noticeable difference in monk features in the 2024 edition is the change in terms: ki points are now referred to as focus points, and subclasses are termed “Warrior of” instead of “Way of the.” While this may seem minor, it enhances the role-playing experience for those wanting to depict their monk in a unique way.
The most significant update involves unarmed strikes; they now deal a D6 at level one and increase to a D12 by level 17, compared to the previous D4 and D10. This change offers a substantial boost to the monk class, allowing them to maximize the use of focus points more effectively.
Feature Overview
| Feature Name | 2014 Feature Effect | 2024 Feature Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Unarmed Strikes | D4 to D10 at max level. | D6 to D12 at max level. |
| Bonus Unarmed Strike | Performed with a standard attack. | Usable even when not using an action to attack. |
| Step of the Wind and Patient Defense | Costs one Focus Point to use. | Basic uses now available without cost, buffed at level 10 with Flurry of Blows. |
| Uncanny Metabolism | Not available. | Recover nearly all Focus Points once per long rest. |
| Deflect Attacks | Only on ranged attacks. | Works on all bludgeoning, piercing, or slashing damage; deflect all types at level 13. |
| Stunning Strike | Usable with all attacks. | Limited to once per turn. |
Starting at level 15, all monk features transform into enhanced versions, sacrificing some fun abilities for new utilities that keep monks effective at higher levels.
Monk Subclasses
The four monk subclasses in the 2024 Player’s Handbook have maintained their distinct characteristics while introducing significant changes that almost redefine them.
Warrior of Mercy
The Warrior of Mercy serves as a supportive subclass that is straightforward to use, provided you manage your focus points. You can deal additional necrotic damage or heal allies, with the amount based on your martial arts die. While the core mechanics haven’t changed much, the update to the martial arts die enhances its supportive capabilities. However, the frequency of healing has been slightly limited, now restricted to a number equal to your Wisdom modifier.
Warrior of Shadow
The tweaks to the shadow abilities might seem subtle, but they are significant. Early levels focus on effectively using focus points, and you gain continuous darkvision without needing extra points. At level three, you forgo access to Pass Without Trace and Silence, but you can cast Darkness for just one focus point, which is special because you can see normally within it and position it as needed.
By level 17, you receive an improved Cloak of Shadows, granting invisibility and the ability to perform Flurry of Blows without expending focus points.
Warrior of the Elements
Forget past notions of elemental styles from 2014; the 2024 version introduces unique effects instead of spell-like abilities. At level three, you can infuse your unarmed strikes with elemental energy for a 10 ft reach. This subclass excels when using bare hands. As you progress to level six, you acquire mini fireball capabilities and gain the ability to fly at level 11.
Warrior of the Open Hand
The Open Hand style remains the most fundamental, focusing on delivering quick, strong punches while allowing you to manipulate enemy positioning. Changes at higher levels emphasize using Step of the Wind whenever you take a bonus action, and at level 17, the Quivering Palm now inflicts 10D12 force damage on a failed save, further enhancing the class’s destructive power.
Best Species Options
There are numerous viable options for species when choosing to play a monk, so pick what resonates most with you. Options no longer dictate starting Ability Scores, allowing for a more flexible selection.
Dragonborns have a breath attack making up for the otherwise scarce area damage among monks; however, they pair exceptionally well with the Warrior of the Elements subclass. Goliaths offer better damage and the ability to knock enemies prone, although their cloud giant ancestry isn’t as useful.
If you prefer a straightforward option, wood elves provide extra speed and spells like Longstrider and Pass without Trace, making them the quickest and stealthiest monks.
Best Stat Placements
Monks should prioritize Dexterity and Wisdom to enhance their unarmored defense. Constitution is also crucial for health. You can consider Strength as a low priority; if you want to boost anything else, consider Intelligence or Charisma based on your party dynamics.
Best Starting Equipment
If you begin at level one, the standard gear provided will serve well: a spear, five daggers, artisan’s tools, and an explorer’s pack. The daggers become the primary ranged option utilizing your Dexterity.
For tools, the cook’s utensils offer utility, allowing you to create food and identify poison. If you start at higher levels with limited items, you might want to consider taking 50 gold instead to improve your range options or purchasing a quarterstaff to enhance your damage output slightly.
Best Feats And Backgrounds
The Sailor background is ideal for monks, granting the Tavern Brawler feat, which lets you reroll damage dice for unarmed strikes and push enemies away once per turn.
In terms of general feats, Grappler helps you deal damage while grappling an enemy. The Chef feat, which raises your Wisdom, is also beneficial, allowing you to craft meals that grant temporary hit points.
Best Multiclass Options
When considering multiclassing, it’s common to dabble in another class while concentrating on your monk.
Druids can be a good fit, especially if you want to focus on Wisdom for damage with the Shillelagh cantrip. Investing two levels provides the Wild Shape ability, enhancing your role-playing possibilities.
Martial classes like Fighter or Paladin offer access to weapon masteries. However, the Ranger presents a compelling choice, allowing immediate access to Hunter’s Mark with just one level, which synergizes well with a monk’s multiple attacks.
This unique setup focusing on the monk class grants many options to maximize effectiveness in gameplay while combining exciting features from different classes.