What is the best subclass for a monk 5e?
The best subclass for a monk in Dungeons and Dragons 5th edition (5e) ultimately depends on your playstyle and personal preferences. Each subclass offers unique abilities and features that enhance the monk’s abilities in different ways. However, there are a few subclasses that are frequently considered among the best.
1. Open Hand: The Open Hand subclass focuses on unarmed combat and disabling opponents. It offers powerful abilities like the ability to knock enemies prone, push them away, or prevent them from taking reactions. This subclass excels in crowd control and maintaining battlefield control.
2. Shadow: The Shadow subclass focuses on stealth and surprise attacks. It grants access to abilities like teleporting through shadows, becoming invisible in dim light or darkness, and casting spells like darkness. This subclass is perfect for players who enjoy a more sneaky and elusive playstyle.
3. Kensei: The Kensei subclass emphasizes weapon mastery and versatility. It allows the monk to specialize in certain weapons, gaining bonuses to attack rolls and damage. They can also use their weapons as focus points to enhance their unarmed strikes, making them formidable in both ranged and melee combat.
4. Drunken Master: The Drunken Master subclass embraces an unorthodox and unpredictable fighting style. It grants increased mobility, the ability to redirect attacks, and bonuses to AC and saving throws. This subclass is great for players who want to bring a sense of chaos and unpredictability to their monk.
5. Astral Self: The Astral Self subclass taps into the monk’s inner spiritual power, manifesting an astral form that enhances their abilities. They gain the ability to summon spectral arms, gain temporary hit points, and deal extra damage. This subclass combines versatility and added defense, making it a solid choice for players who like to mix offense and defense.
It’s important to note that these rankings are subjective and can vary depending on personal preference and playstyle. Each subclass brings its own unique flavor and playstyle to the table, so it’s essential to choose the one that resonates with you.
Now, let’s address some frequently asked questions about monks in 5e:
FAQs:
1. Are monks good in combat?
Monks excel in combat, particularly in melee combat. Their martial arts skills and unique abilities make them deadly in close-quarters fights.
2. Can monks use weapons?
Monks are proficient in simple weapons and shortswords. However, their Martial Arts feature allows them to use unarmed strikes and monk weapons, which include shortswords, quarterstaffs, and certain exotic weapons like the kensei’s chosen weapons.
3. Are monks viable for solo play?
Monks can be viable for solo play due to their high mobility, evasion abilities, and ability to deal significant damage. However, their survivability may depend on the player’s strategy and decision-making.
4. Are monks effective at higher levels?
Monks can become even more powerful at higher levels, gaining abilities like Stunning Strike, Diamond Soul, and Empty Body. Their increased ki points and access to powerful features make them formidable opponents.
5. Can monks wear armor?
Monks have the Unarmored Defense feature, which allows them to calculate their AC using their Dexterity and Wisdom modifiers, even if they are not wearing armor. However, they can wear light armor if they choose.
6. Can monks heal themselves or others?
Monks have access to the Healing Hands feature, which allows them to spend ki points to regain hit points. Additionally, some subclasses, like the Way of Tranquility, have additional healing abilities.
7. Can monks use magic?
Monks have limited access to magical abilities. At higher levels, they can use their ki points to cast spells like spells of the Shadow Arts for the Way of Shadow subclass or the spells granted by the Way of the Four Elements’ Elemental Attunement feature.
8. Can monks resurrect characters?
Monks do not have resurrection abilities unless they multiclass into a class that grants those abilities, such as a Cleric or Druid. However, they can potentially stabilize dying characters with their Spare the Dying cantrip.
9. Are monks restricted by alignment?
Monks do not have any alignment restrictions. They can follow any alignment, as their discipline and focus transcend moral alignments.
10. Are monks difficult to play?
Monks can be challenging to master due to their unique mechanics and multiple ability score dependencies. However, with dedication and practice, they can be rewarding and exciting to play.
Remember, the best subclass for a monk in 5e ultimately depends on your personal preferences and playstyle. Consider the strengths and abilities of each subclass and choose the one that resonates with you the most.