You Need To See These OP Monk Subclasses

Summary

Various media & entertainment have increased Monk class popularity.
10 Monk subclasses offer different playstyles and abilities for D&D players.
Each Monk subclass offers unique skills and abilities for diverse gameplay.

The Monk is a character class that’s been part of Dungeons & Dragons for decades, dating back to the game’s earliest days when it first gained popularity. It was first introduced as a playable class in the Blackmoor adventure in 1975, which might seem surprising given its recent surge in popularity.

The appeal of the Monk character could be attributed to numerous works across media and entertainment, particularly those featuring martial arts-skilled heroes in movies and video games. At present, players have ten distinct subclasses to select from when crafting their Monk, while those seeking more options can explore Unearthed Arcana or Matt Mercer’s Critical Role.

10. Way of the Four Elements

A Good Caster Choice, But Fewer Customizable Options

For those accustomed to spellcasters, shifting to the Monk class might be an effective choice. Monks adhering to the Way of the Four Elements may not necessarily need to be in close combat to inflict damage, and they can employ their elemental abilities to bolster and shield their allies.

When a Monk adopts this subclass, they concurrently opt for an elemental discipline, allowing them to cast spells using their Ki points, which in turn causes damage of the chosen element. As the Monk advances, they gain the option to select three additional disciplines at 6th, 11th, and 17th levels.

9. Way of the Kensei

Better Combat Options & Martial Weapon Proficiencies

This subclass stands out due to its proficiency in spears, swords, and various martial weapons. Unlike other classes that may rely on basic or unarmed combat, this one requires more skill and practice, making the learning process slightly more challenging for players who are not accustomed to melee fighting and have less armor protection.

Skills such as Kensei Weapons Mastery and Quick Deflect allow this Monk to skillfully dodge and evade their opponent’s attacks. The Kensei Weapons Mastery grants this Monk the flexibility to select two types of weapons, one for close combat and one for long-range engagements. Meanwhile, Quick Deflect provides the Monk with a bonus of +2 to their Armor Class whenever they land an unarmed strike.

8. Way of the Sun Soul

Use Ki to Cast Destructive & Supportive Spells

For those who have previously played a Cleric aligned with the Light Domain, the Sun Soul technique in a Monk’s repertoire might seem reminiscent, offering more area-of-effect damage and spell potency, but without the same focus on healing and buffing capabilities. Unlike spells that the Monk doesn’t actually cast, they harness their Ki energy to create formidable offensive abilities that inflict radiant damage instead.

This set of spells might seem quite potent for a class not traditionally associated with powerful magic. For instance, the Monk’s immediate access to Radiant Sun Bolt – a spell that relies on Dexterity for casting and can be amplified by Ki for additional attacks.

7. Way of The Ascendant Dragon

Great for Spellcasting, Both For Individual Targets & AoE

The Ascesdant Dragon Monk subclass seems to have an impressive image, but when it comes to evaluating its position among other subclasses, it’s somewhat average. The allure lies more in the captivating backstory that follows Bahamut, a dragon deity, who disguised himself as a Monk and journeyed through the countryside and cities of Faerun.

Originating from this subclass is a technique mastered and imparted by Bahamut during his journeys. This method features distinctive abilities, such as learning to converse in Draconic and the capacity to re-roll Charisma and Intimidation checks. Monks adhering to this subclass additionally gain a beneficial breath weapon effective in close combat.

6. Way of the Astral Self

There Is No “Self,” There Is Only The Ki

As a devotee captivated by the distinct Ki energy of the Monk, if you’re yearning for a subclass that heavily leans on this mystical force, the Way of the Astral Self should be your go-to choice. This particular Monk path allows you to harness your Ki to conjure spells reminiscent of the Mage Hand cantrip, such as Arms of the Astral Self. Furthermore, instead of relying on Strength for checks, your Wisdom becomes the guiding force in these situations.

Over time, this ability encompasses the entire body with the mastery of the Astral Self technique. Not only can this Monk manipulate their physical form using Ki, but they can also amplify their voice’s reach due to the Word of the Spirit skill. Moreover, the Astral Sight ability grants them exceptional vision that extends up to 30 feet.

5. Way of Shadow

A Monk That Uses Darkness To Their Advantage

Members of this subclass can rival a Rogue or Ranger in terms of stealth skills. They might be referred to as shadow dancers or ninjas in different scenarios, and they are usually connected with secretive groups or families who have taken a vow of silence.

These monks possess skills geared toward invisible movement. With Shadow Arts, they can manipulate their energy, or Ki, to perform spells such as Darkness, Quiet, and Invisible Passage. Concurrently, the Cloak of Shadows empowers them to vanish entirely, even in low-light conditions.

4. Way of the Long Death

A Deep Understanding Of Death & Dying

A Monk practicing the Way of the Long Death, similar to a Cleric specializing in the Death Domain or a Druid belonging to the Circle of Spores, possesses a profound bond with the boundary between the realm of the deceased and the living world. The Touch of Death ability, which these Monks acquire at level 3, not only strips life energy from the target but also restores it to the Monk in the form of health points.

This Monk exudes an imposing aura similar to when something ominous like a spirit or necromancer is around. One capability that showcases this eerieness is the Hour of Reaping, causing any creature within 30 feet to either successfully pass a Wisdom saving throw or become Frightened until the end of their turn.

3. Way of Mercy

A Combination Class That Can Also Be The Party Healer

The mystical energy known as Ki possesses the ability to both end life and revive it. These Monks, however, are not just masters of unique healing abilities; they also acquire useful skills such as Medicine and Insight, along with expertise in herbalism. A skill called “Implements of Mercy” is a tool that randomly selects a mask using a 1d6 roll.

In addition to its healing capabilities through Hands of Healing, this class can also assume an aggressive stance by inflicting Necrotic damage on targets using Hands of Harm. The damage is equivalent to the Monk’s Dexterity score modification.

2. Way of the Open Hand

The Ultimate Pure Martial Arts Subclass

If you’re a fan of action films showcasing martial arts and fighting video games, The Open Hand Way is the subclass that harnesses the authentic martial arts style synonymous with these genres. They are proficient in wielding weapons as skillfully as they execute unarmed techniques, resulting in a versatile DPS (Damage Per Second) subclass.

In this martial art style known as The Open Hand Technique, it enhances the Flurry of Blows skill that all Monks possess. When a Monk employs this ability to attack an opponent, they can potentially knock them over if the opponent fails a Dexterity roll, forcefully push them back if they fail a Strength roll, or prevent the opponent from reacting until their next turn.

1. Way of the Drunken Master

Use An Enemy’s Power Against Them

In combat, the Drunken Master subclass matches the Way of the Open Hand in raw, unarmed power, but it goes beyond that by being able to defeat an adversary without any physical contact. The apparent disorganized stumbling or awkward posture is actually a strategic maneuver, which gives this subclass both a jester-like and fighter-like quality.

At the third level, the Drunken Technique merges with the Flurry of Blows skill, aiming to throw the target off balance and facilitate the Monk’s escape using Disengage. The Tipsy Sway enhances the character’s Agility for evading attacks, while the Drunkard’s Luck is analogous to the Lucky Feat, but requires the Monk to expend two Ki points to trigger it.

2025-04-07 07:34