Are Monks Proficient in Simple Weapons? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, absolutely. Monks are proficient in all simple weapons in Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition (5e). This proficiency is a core part of their class abilities, granting them a wide array of combat options from the outset. However, while they can wield any simple weapon, the specific weapons that synergize best with their Martial Arts feature are more restricted, leading to common confusion. This article will clarify these points, delve into the details of monk weapon proficiency, and address frequently asked questions to give you a complete understanding.

Monk Weapon Proficiency: The Basics

A simple weapon is a category that includes basic, readily available arms like clubs, daggers, maces, and spears. Monks receive proficiency with simple weapons as part of their core class features, as outlined in the “Weapons and Armor Proficiency” section for the monk class. This proficiency enables a monk to use these weapons effectively, adding their proficiency bonus to attack rolls.

However, the Monk’s Martial Arts ability introduces a nuance. This feature specifically references “monk weapons,” which are defined as:

• Simple melee weapons
• Shortswords

That do not have the Heavy or Two-Handed properties.

Therefore, while a monk is proficient in all simple weapons, their monk weapons for Martial Arts purposes are more restricted, making the use of weapons a bit more complex to fully understand. It’s crucial to distinguish between general proficiency and the “monk weapon” designation.

The Core of Martial Arts

The Martial Arts feature allows monks to use Dexterity for attack and damage rolls with monk weapons instead of Strength. They can also use a special unarmed strike as a bonus action if they take the Attack action with a monk weapon. It is these powerful core features of the Monk class that define what weapons are deemed “monk weapons”. When playing a monk, you’ll find that choosing monk weapons will lead to a more optimal build since your Martial Arts feature will work with them.

The Way of the Kensei Exception

It’s essential to note that the Way of the Kensei subclass, a notable exception, significantly expands a monk’s options. Kensei monks choose two weapons and one type of artisan’s tool to master. These Kensei weapons bypass the normal limitations for monk weapons and can include weapons with properties like heavy or two-handed, and even weapons outside of the simple category, such as longswords. Kensei monks also gain the ability to use these weapons as monk weapons in many, but not all, circumstances that normally require unarmed strikes.

Ranged Weapons and Monks

While monks are proficient in all simple weapons, this proficiency also extends to simple ranged weapons like the light crossbow and sling. However, ranged weapons do not qualify as monk weapons, and hence, you cannot use the benefits of your Martial Arts with these weapons. You can still make ranged attacks as a Monk, and you get your proficiency bonus to these attack rolls, but you won’t be able to utilize your Monk damage die or use your bonus action for a Martial Arts attack.

Understanding Proficiencies

In the context of 5e, “proficiency” simply means that a character is trained and skilled in using a specific type of weapon or tool. Proficiency adds your proficiency bonus to attack rolls, making you far more accurate and deadly. Using a weapon with which you are not proficient means you cannot add your proficiency bonus to your attack roll, making your attacks far less accurate.

Why This Matters

Understanding the distinction between proficiency and monk weapons is key to maximizing a monk’s combat effectiveness. While proficiency allows you to use any simple weapon, optimizing the Martial Arts feature requires using only simple melee weapons (and shortswords) without the heavy or two-handed properties.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about monk weapon proficiency to further clarify the topic:

1. Are monks proficient with short bows?

Yes, monks are proficient with short bows because they are simple weapons. However, a short bow isn’t a monk weapon, and thus they cannot use the Martial Arts bonus with it. You will still get your proficiency bonus to your attack rolls.

2. Are monks proficient with rapiers?

No, a rapier is not a simple weapon. Therefore, monks are not proficient with rapiers unless they take it as a Kensei weapon or through another class feature.

3. Are monks proficient with daggers?

Yes, monks are proficient with daggers as daggers are a simple weapon. Daggers also qualify as a monk weapon so they get the benefits of Martial Arts as well.

4. Can monks use ranged weapons?

Yes, monks can use ranged weapons as they are proficient in all simple weapons, which include many ranged options. They do not, however, qualify as monk weapons, so you do not get the Martial Arts benefits when using them.

5. Are monks proficient with spears?

Yes, monks are proficient with spears. Spears are simple weapons, and because spears are also melee weapons without heavy or two-handed properties they do qualify as Monk weapons.

6. Can a monk use a longsword?

Standard Monks cannot use a longsword as a monk weapon as it is not a simple weapon and has the versatile property. However, an Elf Monk can use longswords, and a Kensei Monk can choose longswords as a Kensei weapon.

7. Are all monk weapons finesse?

No, not all monk weapons are finesse. While the shortsword and dagger are finesse weapons, many monk weapons like clubs and maces are not.

8. What is the monk weapon rule?

The monk weapon rule states that monk weapons are shortswords and any simple melee weapons that don’t have the two-handed or heavy property. Monks can use these weapons with their Martial Arts feature.

9. Can monks use Flurry of Blows with weapons?

Yes, with the Monastic Weaponry feature, monks can use Flurry of Blows with their monk weapons.

10. Is a quarterstaff a monk weapon?

Yes, a quarterstaff is a monk weapon as it is a simple melee weapon and doesn’t have the heavy or two-handed properties.

11. Is a spear a monk weapon?

Yes, a spear is a monk weapon because it is a simple melee weapon without the two-handed or heavy properties. It can also be used with Martial Arts.

12. What saves are monks proficient in?

Monks are initially proficient in Strength and Dexterity saving throws. However, they gain proficiency in all saving throws at level 14 with their Diamond Soul feature.

13. Are Monks the weakest class?

While some find the Monk challenging to optimize, they are not inherently weak. They excel at mobility and have excellent unarmed strikes.

14. What are Monk weaknesses?

Monk’s primary weaknesses include a lack of reliable ranged options, limited armor options, and heavy reliance on short rests.

15. What are the 4 types of monks?

The historical types of monks are coenobites, anchorites/hermits, sarabaites, and gyrovagues. However, this does not relate to the sub-classes of Monks in Dungeons and Dragons.

Conclusion

Understanding monk weapon proficiency is essential to playing a Monk effectively. While they are proficient in all simple weapons, their Martial Arts feature is designed around a more specific group of monk weapons which does not include ranged weapons. By carefully selecting appropriate weapons and fully understanding the class’s features, you can unlock the full potential of the Monk class. Remember, while any weapon might be usable, it is the monk weapons that will truly allow you to shine with the class.