Monk 5e
Martial artists who channel ki energy for supernatural speed and strikes. Monks are mobile skirmishers with flurry of blows, stunning strikes, and incredible mobility.
At a Glance
Hit Die
d8
Primary Ability
Dexterity, Wisdom
Saving Throws
Strength, Dexterity
Armor
None
Weapons
Simple weapons, shortswords
Key Features
| Feature | Level | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Unarmored Defense | 1st | AC equals 10 + DEX modifier + WIS modifier when wearing no armor and not using shield. |
| Martial Arts | 1st | Unarmed strikes and monk weapons use martial arts die (d4 scaling to d10). Bonus action unarmed strike after attack action. |
| Ki | 2nd | Pool of ki points equal to monk level for Flurry of Blows, Patient Defense, Step of the Wind, and later abilities. |
| Unarmored Movement | 2nd | Gain bonus speed (+10 ft scaling to +30 ft). At 9th level, run on walls and water. |
| Stunning Strike | 5th | Spend 1 ki when you hit to force CON save or stun until end of your next turn. |
| Evasion | 7th | Take no damage on successful DEX save (half on failure) for effects that deal half damage on save. |
Subclasses
| Subclass | Source | Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Way of the Open Hand | Player's Handbook | Classic monk with enhanced Flurry effects (<a href="/rules/conditions/prone-condition-5e/">prone</a>, push, no reactions) |
| Way of Shadow | Player's Handbook | Ninja with darkness/stealth spells and teleportation |
| Way of the Four Elements | Player's Handbook | Elemental spells via ki (considered underpowered) |
| Way of the Drunken Master | Xanathar's Guide to Everything | Evasive fighting with disengage on Flurry and redirect attacks |
| Way of the Kensei | Xanathar's Guide to Everything | Weapon specialist using longswords, longbows as monk weapons |
| Way of the Sun Soul | Xanathar's Guide to Everything | Ranged radiant blast attacks |
| Way of Mercy | Tasha's Cauldron of Everything | Healing and necrotic touch using ki |
| Way of the Astral Self | Tasha's Cauldron of Everything | Summoning spectral arms for reach and WIS-based attacks |
Common Mistakes
Common Mistake
Forgetting bonus action unarmed strike is free, but Flurry of Blows costs 1 ki for two strikes
Common Mistake
Wearing armor which disables Unarmored Defense and Martial Arts
Common Mistake
Not tracking ki points (equal to monk level, refresh on short rest)
Common Mistake
Missing that Stunning Strike can be used multiple times per turn if you have ki
DM Tips
DM Tip
Monks are highly mobile - prepare vertical terrain and obstacles
DM Tip
Stunning Strike can trivialize single boss fights - have legendary resistances ready
DM Tip
They're ki-dependent and shine with short rests between encounters
DM Tip
Relatively low damage compared to other martials but excellent control with stuns
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources & Further Reading
- Monk — D&D 5e Wikidot — Full SRD class text
- Monk — D&D Beyond — Official class reference
- Monk Guide — RPGBOT — Class optimization guide