Does Unarmed Strike Use STR or DEX?

The answer to whether an unarmed strike uses STR (Strength) or DEX (Dexterity) depends on the class of the character, with monks being the only class that can use Dexterity instead of Strength for unarmed strikes and monk weapons thanks to their Martial Arts class feature. Additionally, all characters are proficient with their unarmed strikes, and the damage is calculated as 1 + the character’s Strength or Dexterity modifier, if applicable.

Understanding Unarmed Strikes

To delve deeper into the specifics of unarmed strikes, let’s explore some frequently asked questions that can provide clarity on how unarmed strikes work in different scenarios.

FAQs About Unarmed Strikes

1. Can Unarmed Strike Use DEX?

• Yes, a monk can use Dexterity instead of Strength for unarmed strikes thanks to their Martial Arts class feature.

1. Do You Add DEX to Unarmed Strike Damage?

• On a hit, an unarmed strike deals bludgeoning damage equal to 1 + your Strength or Dexterity modifier.

1. Is Unarmed Strike a Finesse Weapon?

• No, unarmed attacks are not finesse.

1. Does Sneak Attack Apply to Unarmed Strike 5e?

• The Sneak Attack feature works with a weapon that has the finesse or ranged property. An unarmed strike isn’t a weapon, so it doesn’t qualify.

1. Does Unarmed Strike Add Proficiency?

• Indeed, everyone is proficient in Unarmed Strikes.

1. Does Sneak Attack Only Apply to the First Attack?

• Sneak Attack can only be used on one attack in a turn, but it’s not limited to the first attack of the turn.

1. What is the Strongest Unarmed Strike 5e?

• For a regular PC, the highest possible Unarmed strike damage, unaltered by damage buffs, spells, etc., is 11, requiring a STR score of 30.

1. What is the Unarmed Strike Rule in 5e?

• Instead of using a weapon to make a melee weapon attack, you can use an unarmed strike.

1. Are Monk Fists Finesse Weapons?

• They’re not weapons and so they can’t have the finesse property.

1. Does Rage Work with Unarmed Strikes?

   • According to the rules, DnD barbarians can add rage modifier to unarmed and off-hand attacks.

2. Do Monk Weapons Count as Unarmed Strikes?

   • Monk Weapons ≠ Unarmed Strikes; using a Monk Weapon would disqualify you from making an unarmed strike outside of the one allowed by your bonus move.

3. Does Unarmed Strike Work with Two-Weapon Fighting?

   • The unarmed fighting style in no way changes that unarmed strikes are not made with weapons, and two-weapon fighting requires strikes with weapons that have the light property.

4. Can You Do 0 Damage with an Unarmed Strike?

   • The rule doesn’t say “(minimum of 1 damage)”, so rules as written, you can absolutely do 0 damage with an unarmed strike.

5. Does Strength Affect Unarmed?

   • For most classes, strength does affect unarmed damage, as the damage is calculated based on the character’s Strength modifier.

6. Can Unarmed Strikes Use Stunning Strike?

   • Yes, Stunning Strike works with melee weapon attacks, and an unarmed strike is a special type of melee weapon attack.

Conclusion

In conclusion, understanding whether an unarmed strike uses STR or DEX is crucial for optimizing character builds, especially for monks. By clarifying the rules surrounding unarmed strikes and addressing common questions, players can make informed decisions that enhance their gameplay experience. Remember, the key to mastering unarmed strikes lies in understanding the nuances of the Martial Arts feature and how proficiency and modifiers apply to these unique attacks.