Is Flurry of Blows Two Attacks? A Deep Dive into the Monk’s Signature Ability
Yes, Flurry of Blows is indeed two attacks. Specifically, it allows a monk to make two unarmed strikes as a bonus action after they have taken the Attack action on their turn. This core feature of the Monk class is crucial to their combat prowess, allowing them to deliver a flurry of strikes in quick succession. However, understanding how it fits into the broader action economy of D&D 5e is vital to using it effectively. Let’s delve deeper into the mechanics and related intricacies of this iconic ability.
Understanding Flurry of Blows
The Basic Mechanics
At its core, Flurry of Blows is a Ki-powered ability that monks gain at 2nd level. It is not an action in itself but rather a modification of a character’s action. After a monk takes the Attack action on their turn, they can choose to spend 1 ki point to perform two additional unarmed strikes as a bonus action. This action occurs after the monk has already used their action for at least one attack.
Not a Full Attack Action
It’s important to note that Flurry of Blows is not a full attack action. Instead, it is a bonus action that is triggered by using the Attack Action. While it grants additional attacks, these attacks are separate from any attacks you make with your Attack action or through features such as Extra Attack.
How it Interacts with Other Features
To fully grasp the utility of Flurry of Blows, it’s necessary to understand how it interacts with the other monk features. For example, at 5th level, a monk gains the Extra Attack feature, allowing them to make two attacks when they take the Attack action. This means that, in conjunction with Flurry of Blows, a 5th level Monk can make a maximum of four attacks on their turn (two attacks with the action, followed by two more with the bonus action).
Rolling For Flurry Of Blows
Each of the two attacks that come from Flurry of Blows require their own attack roll (1d20 + Strength/Dexterity modifier + Proficiency bonus). You do not just roll once and apply it to both attacks. Similarly, each successful hit deals damage based on the Monk’s unarmed strike damage (modified by Strength or Dexterity).
Flurry of Blows: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions to further clarify the complexities of Flurry of Blows:
1. How Many Attacks Does a Monk Get With Flurry of Blows?
A monk gets two additional attacks with Flurry of Blows, provided they have already used their Attack action. When combined with the attacks made with their Action, they can make a total of three attacks at early levels or four attacks at 5th level or higher.
2. Can You Split Flurry of Blows Across Different Targets?
Yes, the attacks made using Flurry of Blows do not have to target the same enemy. You can split the two attacks across multiple foes. For example, if you take down one foe with your first attacks, you can strike at a different enemy using Flurry of Blows.
3. Can You Use Flurry of Blows and Two-Weapon Fighting?
No, you cannot use two-weapon fighting, martial arts bonus attack or Flurry of Blows on the same turn. They all use the same bonus action. You must choose one.
4. Does Flurry of Blows Have to Hit the Same Target?
No, each of the attacks from your Attack action and the two attacks from your Flurry of Blows can target different enemies. There is no restriction on the target of these attacks.
5. Does Flurry of Blows Stack with Martial Arts?
No, Flurry of Blows and the Martial Arts bonus attack are both bonus actions. They cannot be used in the same round. You can only choose one or the other bonus action.
6. Can You Use Flurry of Blows With a Weapon?
Yes, a Monk can use Flurry of Blows with any Monk Weapon if they have the Monastic Weaponry ability. This feature allows monk abilities that normally require unarmed strikes to be used with monk weapons.
7. Do You Automatically Hit with Flurry of Blows?
No. Each attack from Flurry of Blows requires its own attack roll, meaning each attack can miss. These are not automatically successful attacks.
8. Do You Have to Roll Twice for Flurry of Blows?
Yes, you need to roll separately for each of the two attacks that come from Flurry of Blows. Each attack is its own separate instance.
9. How Do You Calculate Flurry of Blows Damage?
Each attack from Flurry of Blows deals damage as if it was an unarmed strike. The damage die is dependent on the Monk’s level, and the attack bonus is your Strength or Dexterity modifier plus your proficiency bonus.
10. Is Flurry of Blows a Full Attack Action?
No, Flurry of Blows is a bonus action, not a full attack action. The Attack action is required to trigger Flurry of Blows but it is not considered the same.
11. Does Flurry of Blows Stack with Rapid Shot?
No, Rapid Shot does not exist in D&D 5e. If you are thinking about other features from other editions, those would be under a new analysis of D&D 5e.
12. Can You Rage and Use Flurry of Blows?
Yes, you can Rage and use Flurry of Blows. However, there are specific Barbarian Monk subclasses that synergize with rage, and you would need to spend an additional Ki point to gain the advantage while raging.
13. Can You use Hands of Harm with Flurry of Blows?
Yes, if you are a Way of Mercy Monk, you can replace each of the unarmed strikes in a flurry of blows with hands of healing and also use hands of harm with a flurry of blows without expending a ki point.
14. Does Flurry of Blows Count for Agile Parry?
No, Agile Parry requires an unarmed strike as part of the attack action. The bonus action attacks from Flurry of Blows does not qualify for Agile Parry.
15. What is the Astral Monk Flurry of Blows?
An Astral Self monk can use their Arms of the Astral Self to make the unarmed strikes from Flurry of Blows, using their Wisdom modifier instead of Dexterity or Strength.
Maximizing the Potential of Flurry of Blows
Flurry of Blows is a powerful tool in a monk’s arsenal. It allows for a high number of attacks in a single turn, making monks some of the most potent single target damage dealers. However, its effectiveness can be further enhanced through smart strategic planning, choosing the right subclass and by using the mechanics of the ability effectively. Understanding how Flurry of Blows works is paramount to playing a monk effectively, and mastering its nuances can help players take full advantage of this versatile ability. Always remember that every attack requires a roll, it costs a ki point, and that you have other bonus actions to chose from each round.