How Many Attacks Can a Monk Have in D&D?
A monk in Dungeons and Dragons 5th Edition (D&D 5e) can potentially make up to four attacks in a single turn. This is achieved through a combination of the Attack action, the Extra Attack feature, and the Martial Arts feature, specifically the Flurry of Blows option. The exact number depends on their level and chosen actions within a turn.
Understanding the Monk’s Attack Capabilities
Monks are martial arts masters, utilizing their bodies as weapons. Their attack capabilities are intrinsically tied to their class features, especially Martial Arts and Extra Attack. Let’s break down the mechanics:
- Attack Action: Like all classes, monks can use their action to make an attack.
- Martial Arts: At 1st level, this feature grants several benefits, including using Dexterity for attack and damage rolls with monk weapons and unarmed strikes, using a d4 for unarmed strike damage (increasing as they level up), and making an unarmed strike as a bonus action after taking the Attack action on their turn if they attacked with a monk weapon.
- Extra Attack: At 5th level, monks gain the Extra Attack feature, allowing them to make two attacks instead of one when taking the Attack action on their turn.
- Flurry of Blows: A key component of the monk’s attack potential. By spending 1 ki point, the monk can make two unarmed strikes as a bonus action. This is in addition to the unarmed strike granted by the Martial Arts feature after taking the attack action.
Therefore, at 5th level or higher, a monk can:
- Take the Attack action and make two attacks due to Extra Attack.
- Use their bonus action to make an additional unarmed strike due to the Martial Arts feature.
- Alternatively, use their bonus action and spend 1 ki point for Flurry of Blows, granting them two additional unarmed strikes.
This allows a monk to potentially make four attacks in a single turn: two from Extra Attack and two from Flurry of Blows.
FAQs About Monk Attacks
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the monk’s attack capabilities and related mechanics:
1. What constitutes a Monk Weapon?
Monk weapons are shortswords and any simple melee weapons that don’t have the two-handed or heavy property. The dagger is a common and easily accessible monk weapon.
2. Can a Monk Use Weapons and Unarmed Strikes in the Same Attack Action?
Yes, the monk can mix and match monk weapons and unarmed strikes within their Attack action. They are not restricted to using only one or the other.
3. Does Flurry of Blows Replace the Martial Arts Bonus Action Attack?
No, Flurry of Blows is a separate use of a bonus action. If you use Flurry of Blows, you do not also get the single unarmed strike from the standard Martial Arts bonus action. You’re trading one unarmed strike for two, at the cost of a ki point.
4. Does Haste Affect a Monk’s Number of Attacks?
Yes, the Haste spell grants an additional action that can be used to Attack (one weapon attack only), Dash, Disengage, Hide, or Use an Object. If a monk is hasted, they could use their Action to attack (making two attacks thanks to Extra Attack), use the hasted action to make one additional attack, and then use a bonus action for Flurry of Blows (two more attacks). This results in a theoretical maximum of five attacks in a single round.
5. What Happens to the Monk’s Attacks if They Are Surprised?
If a monk is surprised, they cannot take actions or reactions until the end of their first turn in combat. This means they cannot make any attacks during the surprise round.
6. Can a Monk Use a Shield and Still Benefit from Martial Arts?
Using a shield negates the benefits of the Martial Arts feature, specifically the ability to make an unarmed strike as a bonus action after taking the attack action using a monk weapon. Monks generally forego shields to maximize their offensive capabilities and mobility.
7. How Does Stunning Strike Interact with Monk Attacks?
Stunning Strike is a powerful monk ability. After hitting a creature with a melee weapon attack, the monk can spend 1 ki point to attempt to stun the creature. If successful, the creature is stunned until the end of the monk’s next turn. The monk can potentially attempt Stunning Strike with each of their four attacks.
8. Does the Mobile Feat Affect the Monk’s Attack Potential?
The Mobile feat grants several benefits, including increased movement speed and the ability to avoid opportunity attacks after making an attack against a creature. While it doesn’t directly increase the number of attacks, it enhances the monk’s ability to position themselves effectively and make their attacks count, enabling hit-and-run tactics.
9. How Does Multi-Classing Affect Monk Attacks?
Multi-classing can affect the number of attacks a monk can make. Dipping into a class that grants Extra Attack (such as Fighter or Ranger) does not stack with the monk’s Extra Attack. You only get one instance of Extra Attack (or the Thirsting Blade warlock invocation that serves the same function) unless a class feature specifically says it stacks with Extra Attack. Multi-classing can also limit Ki point progression, reducing the frequency that a monk may use Flurry of Blows. However, some multiclass combinations, such as with Rogue for Sneak Attack damage, can be synergistic.
10. Can a Monk Use Two-Weapon Fighting Instead of Martial Arts?
While a monk can use two-weapon fighting, it’s generally suboptimal. The Martial Arts bonus action attack is often superior, especially with the later addition of Flurry of Blows. Two-weapon fighting also requires wielding two light weapons, potentially restricting weapon choice and damage output compared to the monk’s unarmed strikes or versatile monk weapons.
11. How Do Magic Items Affect the Monk’s Attack Abilities?
Magic items can significantly enhance a monk’s attacks. Items that increase attack and damage rolls (such as a weapon of warning or a belt of giant strength) are beneficial. Furthermore, magical weapons that count as monk weapons can provide additional damage dice or magical effects, improving the monk’s overall damage output.
12. What is the Difference Between an “Attack Action” and an “Attack”?
The Attack action is a specific action a character can take during their turn. When you take the Attack action, you can make one attack, or, if you have the Extra Attack feature, you can make multiple attacks. An attack is the individual roll you make to try and hit a target.
13. Does a Monk’s Unarmed Strike Count as a Weapon Attack for Features Like Divine Smite?
No, a monk’s unarmed strike is not considered a weapon for the purpose of features like Divine Smite (from the Paladin class). Divine Smite specifically requires a melee weapon attack.
14. How Does the Drunken Master Monk Subclass Influence Attacks?
The Drunken Master subclass doesn’t directly increase the number of attacks, but it enhances mobility and survivability. The Drunken Technique feature allows the monk to Disengage after a Flurry of Blows, making it easier to avoid retaliation and maintain positioning.
15. What is the theoretical maximum number of attacks a monk could possibly achieve in one turn?
While incredibly situational and likely unrealistic in a standard campaign, the theoretical maximum is quite high. Assume the monk has the Haste spell cast on them (1 extra attack). Assume they have a potion of speed granting them another action surge, and that they have the action surge class feature (a 2 level dip into Fighter). This gives them 3 actions. Each action lets them attack twice with Extra Attack. Flurry of Blows is also available to them.
That means the monk could achieve a theoretical maximum of: (3 actions x 2 attacks per action) + 2 attacks with flurry of blows = 8 attacks. This does not account for feats or specific items that grant additional actions or attacks, as those can become too variable.