Is a Light Crossbow a Monk Weapon? Unraveling the Rules

The question of whether a light crossbow qualifies as a monk weapon in Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (5e) is a common point of confusion. The simple answer is: no, a light crossbow is generally not considered a monk weapon. While monks have certain weapon proficiencies, the specific criteria for what qualifies as a monk weapon are more nuanced than simple proficiency. This article will dive into the details, exploring why the light crossbow doesn’t make the cut, and answering common questions about monk weapons.

Understanding Monk Weapon Rules

What Defines a Monk Weapon?

The monk class in 5e has unique rules regarding the weapons they can effectively utilize with their Martial Arts feature. A monk weapon, for the purposes of Martial Arts, must meet specific criteria:

• Proficiency: The monk must be proficient with the weapon. This is not the sole defining factor, but a prerequisite. Monks are automatically proficient in simple weapons and shortswords.
• Type: The weapon must be a simple melee weapon or a shortsword. This explicitly excludes ranged simple weapons like crossbows.
• Properties: The weapon cannot have the heavy or two-handed property.

Why the Light Crossbow Fails the Monk Weapon Test

Although a monk is proficient in light crossbows due to the simple weapons proficiency, the light crossbow fails the “type” test. It is a ranged weapon, not a melee weapon. This disqualifies it from being considered a monk weapon under the core rules of Martial Arts.

The Importance of Martial Arts

The Martial Arts feature is a core component of the monk class. It allows them to use their Dexterity instead of Strength for melee attack rolls and damage, and enables their unarmed strikes and monk weapons to deal higher damage than normal. It is important to understand these rules, because a monk will frequently rely on these abilities. If a weapon does not qualify as a monk weapon, these key features will not apply.

Related FAQs: Diving Deeper into Monk Weaponry

1. Can Monks Use Crossbows at All?

Yes, monks are proficient with light crossbows and can use them effectively, provided they haven’t chosen to forgo weapons with a class feature. However, when using a light crossbow, the monk is not using it as a monk weapon so they cannot use the Martial Arts die or use Dexterity for attack and damage rolls.

2. What About Other Ranged Weapons?

Monks are proficient with slings and can use them as monk weapons. Similar to the crossbow, shortbows are ranged weapons that are not considered monk weapons. Darts are ranged simple weapons, and therefore would be considered monk weapons.

3. Can a Monk Make a Crossbow a Monk Weapon Through Feats?

While certain feats like Weapon Master can grant proficiency in weapons, they don’t alter the weapon type to make it count as a monk weapon for Martial Arts. A feat would need to explicitly say it changes a weapon’s type and properties to work with Martial Arts.

4. Can Monks Use Hand Crossbows?

Like the light crossbow, the hand crossbow is a ranged weapon, and thus does not qualify as a monk weapon. A Monk can still use a hand crossbow as a weapon if they choose, they just will not get to use their Martial Arts features with it.

5. Are Shortswords Monk Weapons?

Yes, shortswords are considered monk weapons as long as they are not heavy or two handed. This is one of the few weapons that are not simple melee weapons that is on the list of monk weapons.

6. Are Daggers Monk Weapons?

Daggers are both simple weapons and melee weapons, and are therefore considered monk weapons. They are an excellent choice for a monk, as they also are finesse weapons.

7. Is a Quarterstaff a Monk Weapon?

A quarterstaff is a classic choice for monks. It’s a simple melee weapon that is not heavy or two-handed, making it eligible as a monk weapon. This allows the monk to use their Martial Arts dice when attacking with it.

8. Are Spears Monk Weapons?

Yes, spears are simple melee weapons that are not heavy or two handed. This makes them an option to be used with Martial Arts, as well as giving the monk the ability to throw their weapon as a ranged attack.

9. What About Handaxes?

Handaxes are another excellent choice, as they are simple melee weapons that are not heavy or two handed. They also have the added benefit of being throwable.

10. Does Weapon Versatility Affect Monk Weapon Rules?

No, weapons with the Versatile property can still be monk weapons. They simply get an increased damage dice while being used in two hands. This does not qualify them as “two handed” for the monk weapon rule. For example, a monk can use a spear with one or two hands, and either way it qualifies as a monk weapon.

11. Can Kensei Monks Use Light Crossbows?

The Way of the Kensei monk subclass allows monks to designate a number of weapons to be considered Kensei weapons, and they gain extra benefits when used. However, Kensei weapons do not directly change the core Monk weapon rules and still need to qualify as a monk weapon. A Kensei monk still cannot use their Martial Arts features with a light crossbow, even if they choose the light crossbow as a Kensei weapon.

12. Can a Monk Use a Greatsword?

No. Greatswords are martial weapons and they also have the two-handed property. They would not count as monk weapons, and a monk would not be proficient in them, unless another class or feat grants that ability. Even then, the two-handed property would prevent them from qualifying for martial arts.

13. Is a Longsword a Monk Weapon?

Longswords are martial weapons and require proficiency through another means. Some races grant proficiencies with longswords, such as Elves. If a monk is proficient in longswords, they can use it as a monk weapon, as long as it is not a two handed version.

14. Do Unarmed Strikes Count as Monk Weapons?

No, unarmed strikes are not weapons. They work with the martial arts feature, but are not a weapon that can be equipped.

15. What Happens if a Monk Uses a Weapon That Isn’t a Monk Weapon?

A monk can use a non-monk weapon as a weapon, as long as they have proficiency, but they cannot use their martial arts features with the weapon. They would simply roll a normal attack and damage roll.

Conclusion

While the light crossbow might be a simple weapon that monks are proficient with, it does not qualify as a monk weapon under the specific rules of the Martial Arts feature in D&D 5e. Monk weapons are melee weapons that the monk can use with their unique abilities. They allow the monk to use dexterity for attack rolls and damage rolls, and use their martial arts dice to determine damage dealt. A monk can still choose to use a light crossbow, but will not be using the weapon as a martial weapon. It’s crucial to understand the nuances of these rules to effectively play a monk and make the most out of the class’s unique features. Understanding these rules will allow you to more fully enjoy your monk class.