Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition class
Monk
Monk is a class in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition: Martial artists who harness ki for supernatural abilities.
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Key facts
- Hit Die
- d8
- Primary Ability
- DEX and WIS
- Saving Throws
- STR, DEX
Overview
Monks are masters of martial arts, harnessing the energy of ki to perform superhuman feats. They are exceptionally mobile, striking quickly and dodging attacks with supernatural grace. Monks need no weapons or armor, relying on their trained bodies as deadly instruments. Monk characters excel at mobility and single-target damage. With the fastest base movement in the game and abilities like Stunning Strike, they can reach and disable key targets. The Way of the Open Hand (SRD) enhances unarmed strikes with knockback, prone, and reaction-denial effects.
How it works
Hit Die: d8 Primary Ability: Dexterity and Wisdom Saving Throws: Strength, Dexterity Martial Arts: Use DEX for unarmed strikes and monk weapons. Bonus action unarmed strike when you Attack. Martial arts die scales (d4 to d10). Ki: Points equal to Monk level, recharge on short rest. Spend for: Flurry of Blows (2 bonus unarmed strikes), Patient Defense (Dodge as bonus action), Step of the Wind (Disengage or Dash as bonus action + double jump). Unarmored Defense: AC = 10 + DEX + WIS (no armor, no shield). Way of the Open Hand (SRD): Open Hand Technique (knock prone, push 15 feet, or prevent reactions on Flurry hits), Wholeness of Body (heal 3x Monk level), Quivering Palm (potentially instant kill at level 17).
Tips and playstyle
Character Concepts: Temple student, street brawler, wandering ascetic, bodyguard, escaped gladiator, traveling hermit. Playstyle: Monks are hit-and-run fighters. Use Step of the Wind to reach backline targets, Stunning Strike to disable them, then Flurry of Blows for damage. Patient Defense helps when you're focused. Synergies: Both DEX and WIS need to be high, making Monks MAD (multiple ability dependent). Stunning Strike is your best ki use. Mobile feat is excellent for avoiding opportunity attacks.
Frequently asked questions
How does Stunning Strike work?
When you hit with a melee weapon attack, spend 1 ki point. The target must make a CON save (DC = 8 + proficiency + WIS mod) or be stunned until the end of your next turn. This is incredibly powerful as stunned creatures auto-fail STR/DEX saves and attacks against them have advantage.
Why do Monks need both DEX and WIS?
DEX fuels your attack rolls, damage, AC (Unarmored Defense), and DEX saves. WIS powers your AC (Unarmored Defense), ki save DC, and WIS-based abilities. This 'MAD' (multiple ability dependent) requirement is the Monk's main weakness.