Human Warrior of Shadow Monk Build Guide
Why Warrior of Shadow?
The Human Warrior of Shadow Monk combines Human's racial traits with the Warrior of Shadow's specialized features. As a Striker, this build excels in combat with a unique twist from the Warrior of Shadow archetype.
Key features include Shadow Arts, Shadow Step, Improved Shadow Step. With DEX and WIS as the primary ability at 15, this build maximizes the Monk's core strengths.
Warrior of Shadow Features
Shadow Arts
Level 3When you finish a Short or Long Rest, you can pick one leveled spell from the Wizard spell list that has a casting time of an action and is of a rank you can cast (see the Monk Spellcasting table for the ranks of spells you can cast). You can cast this spell without expending Focus Points. You can cast this spell in this way until you finish a Short or Long Rest, at which point you choose a different spell. When you cast this spell, you can use Wisdom as your spellcasting ability instead of Intelligence. You can spend 1 Focus Point when you cast a spell in this way to increase the spell's rank by one rank (if the spell scales).
Shadow Step
Level 6When you take the Hide action in dim light or darkness, you can use a Bonus Action to take the Dash action as well. When you move at least 30 feet in one turn while in dim light or darkness, you gain the benefits of the Hide action for that turn.
Improved Shadow Step
Level 11You can move through nonmagical dim light and darkness without provoking opportunity attacks. When you end your turn in dim light or darkness, you can use a Bonus Action and spend 1 Focus Point to become Invisible until the start of your next turn.
Cloak of Shadows
Level 17When you are in dim light or darkness, you can use an action and spend 2 Focus Points to become Invisible. You remain Invisible until you make an attack, cast a spell, or until you are in bright light.
Recommended Ability Scores
Human Traits That Benefit Warrior of Shadow Monk
Versatile
A free Origin feat provides a meaningful boost to any Monk build right from level 1.
Resourceful
Free Heroic Inspiration each long rest gives a reliable reroll for critical moments.
Skillful
An extra skill proficiency expands the Monk's out-of-combat versatility.
Combat Effectiveness
| Level | HP | Melee DPR | Ranged DPR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 | 33 | 7.8 | 7.8 |
| Level 11 | 69 | 7.15 | 7.15 |
| Level 17 | 105 | 7.15 | 7.15 |
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
- ♦ Warrior of Shadow grants Shadow Arts at level 3
- ♦ Good armor class and initiative
- ♦ Flexible build with room for customization
Weaknesses
- ♦ Low Charisma limits social interactions
- ♦ Limited ranged and magical options without multiclassing
- ♦ No Darkvision — may need light sources in dungeons
Ready to build your Human Warrior of Shadow Monk?
Use our free character builder to bring this build to life.
Create This Character →Other Monk Subclasses for Human
Other Races for Warrior of Shadow Monk
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Warrior of Shadow a good subclass for Human Monk?
What makes Warrior of Shadow different from other Monk subclasses?
Create Your Human Warrior of Shadow Monk
Use Dice Will Decide's free character builder with optimized stats and equipment.
Create This Character →