Class Comparison · Updated August 2026
Barbarian vs Monk
Monk deals more damage, while Barbarian offers more tactical options.
Short answer
Pick Barbarian for raw melee damage and tankiness through Rage. Pick Monk for mobility, unarmed strikes, and battlefield agility.
At a Glance
| Barbarian | Monk | |
|---|---|---|
| Hit Die | d12 | d8 |
| Primary Ability | STR | DEX and WIS |
| Spellcasting | No | No |
| Party Role | Striker | Striker |
| Subclasses | 4 | 4 |
| Best Race | Goliath | Aasimar |
Combat Comparison
Using Human as baseline race for fair comparison.
| Level | Barbarian DPR | Monk DPR | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 | 7.8 | 7.8 | Tie |
| Level 11 | 7.15 | 7.15 | Tie |
| Level 17 | 7.15 | 7.15 | Tie |
When to Choose Barbarian
- ♦ High hit points for frontline durability
- ♦ Highest possible hit die (d12)
- ♦ Strong melee damage output
- ♦ Rage provides damage resistance and bonus damage
When to Choose Monk
- ♦ Good armor class and initiative
- ♦ Flexible build with room for customization
Best Builds for Each
Top Barbarian Builds
Top Monk Builds
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Barbarian or Monk better for beginners in D&D 5e?
Both work for a first character. Pick Barbarian for raw melee damage and tankiness through Rage; pick Monk for mobility, unarmed strikes, and battlefield agility.
Barbarian vs Monk: which deals more damage?
At level 11 the Barbarian deals more baseline damage (about 7.15 vs 7.15 per round before magic items), though party role usually matters more than raw damage.