Monk Guide — D&D 5e

d8 Hit Die DEX and WIS Primary 4 Subclasses No Spellcasting Striker Role

Best Races for Monk

#1
Aasimar Monk 7/10

Flight provides incredible mobility, letting the Monk reach otherwise inaccessible positions.

 #2
Dragonborn Monk 7/10

Flight provides incredible mobility, letting the Monk reach otherwise inaccessible positions.

 #3
Tiefling Monk 6/10

Built-in damage resistance reduces incoming damage, keeping your Monk alive longer in combat.

 #4
Dwarf Monk 5/10

Built-in damage resistance reduces incoming damage, keeping your Monk alive longer in combat.

 #5
Halfling Monk 5/10

Extra saving throw advantages protect against debilitating spells and effects.
See all 10 races ranked
#6 Orc Monk 5/10 #7 Elf Monk 4/10 #8 Gnome Monk 4/10 #9 Goliath Monk 3/10 #10 Human Monk 3/10

Monk Subclasses

Warrior of Mercy

Available at level 3

Master of martial arts healing and harm. Warriors of Mercy learn to manipulate their Ki to heal wounds and inflict injuries with surgical precision, whether through combat or medical knowledge.

Warrior of Shadow

Available at level 3

Shadowy, secretive warrior. Warriors of Shadow embrace the unseen, using stealth and misdirection to confound their foes. They view the world from the margins, acting in the shadows of larger events.

Warrior of the Elements

Available at level 3

Harmonious conduit of elemental forces. Warriors of the Elements learn to manipulate the four elements, channeling them through their bodies to devastating effect in battle and beyond.

Warrior of the Open Hand

Available at level 3

Master of unarmed combat. Warriors of the Open Hand are seen as the ultimate monks, perfecting the art of unarmed combat and using their exceptional mobility to confound their enemies.

Further Reading

Best D&D Classes for Beginners D&D 2024 vs 2014 — What Changed in Character Creation D&D Character Sheet Explained

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