Can Monks Use Halberds? A Deep Dive into Monk Weaponry

The short answer is: generally, no, a standard monk cannot effectively use a halberd without special circumstances. In the core rules of Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e), monks have specific weapon proficiencies and limitations that typically exclude halberds. Halberds are martial weapons with the heavy and two-handed properties, which directly conflict with the monk’s class features. However, there are always exceptions and nuances that can allow a monk to wield this iconic polearm, which we’ll explore in detail.

Understanding Monk Weapon Proficiencies

To understand why halberds are problematic for monks, we need to look at what weapons monks can use. Monks gain proficiency with simple weapons and shortswords. More importantly, their Martial Arts feature stipulates that they can use Dexterity instead of Strength for attack and damage rolls with monk weapons. But what exactly are monk weapons? The rules define monk weapons as:

• Shortswords
• Any simple melee weapon that doesn’t have the two-handed or heavy property.

Halberds fail this definition on two counts: they are martial weapons (not simple weapons), and they possess both the heavy and two-handed properties. Therefore, out of the box, a monk cannot use a halberd as a monk weapon and therefore cannot leverage their Dexterity for attack rolls.

How Could a Monk Use a Halberd?

Despite the restrictions, there are a few ways a monk character could become proficient with and effectively use a halberd:

• Multiclassing: This is the most common and straightforward approach. Taking even one level in a class like fighter, barbarian, or paladin grants proficiency with martial weapons. A fighter’s first level, for instance, grants all armor and shields proficiency, plus all martial weapons. Multiclassing, however, impacts the overall progression of the monk class. The synergy is not always a given.

• Feats: The Weapon Master feat allows a character to gain proficiency with four weapons of their choice. Choosing the halberd is an option here. The Weapon Master feat grants proficiency, but it doesn’t turn the halberd into a monk weapon. You’d still be using Strength for attack rolls and missing out on other monk features.

• Race: Some races grant proficiencies that can circumvent the usual restrictions. For example, the Githyanki race grants proficiency with light and medium armor, plus shortswords, longswords, and greatswords, and halberds. This allows the character to get proficiency.

• Magic Items or Blessings: Certain magic items or divine blessings bestowed by a deity could grant proficiency with martial weapons. This is less common and relies on the Dungeon Master’s discretion.

• DM Discretion & Homebrew: This is the least conventional, but perhaps the most flexible. A DM could choose to house rule that certain subclasses or specific feats allow a monk to treat a halberd as a monk weapon. However, this would need to be carefully balanced to avoid unbalancing the game.

The Impact of Proficiency

It’s important to understand what happens if a monk isn’t proficient with a halberd. Without proficiency, the monk cannot add their proficiency bonus to attack rolls made with the weapon. This significantly reduces their accuracy and makes it very difficult to hit targets.

Furthermore, the monk’s Martial Arts feature is key to making the class effective. Without being able to use Dexterity for attack rolls, the monk would be forced to rely on Strength, which is usually a lower stat for the class. The entire build would be ineffective.

The Build Considerations

Even if a monk gains proficiency with a halberd, there are important build considerations. The monk’s primary stats are Dexterity and Wisdom. Strength is usually a tertiary or even lower priority. Building a monk who relies on a halberd necessitates a very different stat distribution, potentially sacrificing key monk abilities.

Subclass Synergies

Certain monk subclasses might benefit more from using a halberd than others, even with the inherent challenges. For example:

• Kensei Monk: The Kensei subclass allows the monk to designate certain weapons as kensei weapons, which grants certain benefits. While it doesn’t automatically grant proficiency, it could be combined with a method of gaining proficiency to make a halberd-wielding Kensei monk more viable, if the DM allowed for it.

FAQs: Monk Weapons and Halberds

Here are some common questions about monks, their weapon proficiencies, and the possibility of using a halberd:

1. Can a monk use a glaive? Similar to halberds, glaives are martial weapons with the heavy and two-handed properties, so the same restrictions apply. A standard monk cannot effectively use a glaive unless they gain proficiency through multiclassing, a feat, or other means.

2. Can a monk use a spear two-handed? Yes, spears are simple weapons and do not have the heavy or two-handed properties. Therefore, they are monk weapons. A monk can use a spear with two hands for the versatile damage die (1d8) and still benefit from their Martial Arts feature.

3. Do fists count as monk weapons? No, a monk’s fists are not considered weapons. Unarmed strikes are distinct from weapon attacks, though they benefit from the Martial Arts feature.

4. Can a monk use a longsword? Elf monks can use longswords if their race grants proficiency. Without racial proficiency or a feat, a standard monk would not be proficient.

5. What weapons are considered monk weapons in BG3? In Baldur’s Gate 3, the definition of monk weapons is more fluid. Any weapon a monk is proficient with can be used in conjunction with their monk abilities. This differs slightly from the tabletop rules.

6. Should I use a weapon as a monk? There are advantages to using a weapon, especially early on. A quarterstaff, for example, offers a higher damage die than an unarmed strike at lower levels. However, as a monk progresses, their unarmed strikes often become more potent.

7. Can a monk dual wield? While all characters can technically dual wield, it is often not optimal for a monk. Monks typically have better uses for their bonus action, such as making an additional unarmed strike.

8. Can monk weapons be two handed? Yes, a monk can use a quarterstaff with two hands, since the important distinction is that it does not have a two handed property.

9. What is the best weapon for monk in BG3? In BG3, some of the best options are ones that enhance unarmed strikes, like the Gloves of Soul Catching. Specific magic weapons can also be very powerful.

10. Can a monk carry a shield? Monks can carry shields. However, they do not gain proficiency with shields by default. Raising a shield might be a viable tactical choice but doesn’t necessarily enhance their core class features.

11. Are throwing daggers still monk weapons? Daggers are simple weapons, making them monk weapons. A monk can throw them using Dexterity.

12. Do monks need strength or Dex? Monks primarily need Dexterity, as it governs their attack rolls with monk weapons, Armor Class (since they don’t wear armor), and many skills. Wisdom is also crucial for their class features. Strength is typically a lower priority.

13. Can a monk use strength instead of Dex? A monk can use Strength for attacks, but it’s generally not optimal. Dexterity offers more benefits to the class.

14. Why are monks so strong? Monks are strong due to their combination of mobility, unarmed combat prowess, and Ki-powered abilities. They can control the battlefield, stun enemies, and deal significant damage.

15. Can a monk use axes? A monk can use a hand axe, a simple weapon, as a monk weapon.

Conclusion: A Niche Build

While a monk wielding a halberd might sound cool in theory, it’s generally an inefficient and suboptimal build in D&D 5e. The class features of the monk are specifically designed around unarmed strikes and simple melee weapons, and the Martial Arts feature requires the use of monk weapons to function effectively.

However, through clever multiclassing, racial choices, or DM allowances, it is possible to create a functional halberd-wielding monk. Just be prepared for the trade-offs and the challenges of deviating from the class’s intended design. Remember, D&D is all about creativity and having fun, so if a halberd-wielding monk is what you envision, explore the possibilities and make it your own! And for more on gaming and its educational benefits, consider visiting GamesLearningSociety.org. They promote research and best practices in game-based learning.