The Definitive Guide to Monk Weapons in D&D: Finding Your Best Option
The best weapon for a Dungeons & Dragons (D&D) Monk is multifaceted and depends heavily on the specific level, subclass, and combat style of your character. However, if we’re looking at pure optimization and versatility, the spear often comes out on top, especially in the early to mid-levels. It offers 1d6 piercing damage when used one-handed, or 1d8 piercing damage when used two-handed (versatile), and the ability to throw it gives Monks a much-needed ranged option before they get access to more potent Ki-based abilities. As a simple weapon, it qualifies as a monk weapon, which is defined as shortswords and any simple melee weapons that don’t have the two-handed or heavy property. This allows the Monk to use their Martial Arts feature with it.
While the spear provides a solid base, the “best” weapon isn’t always the one with the highest damage die. Many factors come into play, including magical properties, synergy with subclass features, and the overall party composition. Let’s dive deep into the intricacies of weapon choices for Monks to find what truly works best.
Understanding Monk Weapons and Martial Arts
The core of the Monk’s combat prowess comes from the Martial Arts feature. This feature, available from level 1, allows Monks to:
- Use Dexterity instead of Strength for attack and damage rolls with their unarmed strikes and monk weapons.
- Roll a martial arts die in place of the normal damage of their unarmed strike or monk weapon. This die starts at 1d4 and increases as the Monk levels.
- Make an unarmed strike as a bonus action after taking the Attack action on their turn.
This means that even if a Monk could wield a greatsword (they cannot, as it’s not a monk weapon), they would want to use a monk weapon, even if it is inferior in damage, to get that valuable bonus action attack. This is because the extra attack gives more chances to apply special effects, more overall damage output, and more use of Ki abilities.
The List of Monk Weapons
Therefore, it’s crucial to understand what weapons qualify as Monk weapons:
- Simple Melee Weapons (excluding those with the Two-Handed or Heavy property): This category includes clubs, daggers, darts (though rarely useful for melee), quarterstaffs, scythes, sickles, spears, and light hammers.
- Shortswords: These are the only martial weapons available to monks by default.
Analyzing Top Monk Weapon Choices
Now that we know what can be used, let’s analyze what should be used.
Spear: The Early Game MVP
As mentioned earlier, the spear is an excellent choice, especially in the early game. Its versatility in damage (1d6 one-handed, 1d8 two-handed) allows for tactical flexibility. It is the only way for monks to do 1d8 damage before their martial arts die improves to d8 at level 11. Furthermore, it gives the Monk a crucial ranged attack.
Quarterstaff: A Solid, Versatile Choice
The quarterstaff is a classic Monk weapon for good reason. Like the spear, it’s versatile, allowing for a more defensive fighting style when needed. The quarterstaff can be wielded with two hands for 1d8 damage. Magic quarterstaffs are also relatively common finds, offering bonuses to attack, damage, or other useful properties.
Shortsword: The Stylish Option
The shortsword provides a slightly better damage die early on (1d6 piercing compared to 1d4 for an unarmed strike). While it doesn’t offer the versatility of the spear or quarterstaff, some Monks prefer its aesthetic.
Dagger: Great with Poison
While the damage is low (1d4), daggers have the benefit of being easily concealed and used in conjunction with poisons. If your Monk is a Shadow Monk or has proficiency with poison, daggers can be surprisingly effective.
Beyond Damage: Magical Weapons and Subclass Synergies
The “best” weapon is not always defined by pure damage output. Magical weapons can drastically change the equation. A Flame Tongue shortsword, for example, would make the shortsword the best option, regardless of what other weapons you have. Similarly, a Staff of Striking outclasses most other weapons by a large margin.
Subclass features can also significantly impact weapon choice. For example:
- Kensei Monks: These Monks designate two weapons as Kensei weapons, which gain special benefits. This allows for proficiency with a normally unavailable weapon type. This expands the options for magical weapons dramatically.
- Open Hand Monks: This subclass enhances unarmed strikes, so they may favor weapons that leave a hand free to maximize the benefits of their abilities.
Unarmed Strikes vs. Weapons: The Constant Debate
It’s crucial to remember that Monks can use their Martial Arts die for attacks with their monk weapons. However, as the Monk levels up, their martial arts die will eventually outpace the damage dice of simple weapons. This means that, in some cases, using unarmed strikes becomes more optimal, especially once the Monk’s martial arts die reaches d8 (level 11) or d10 (level 17). Using the weapon becomes more about its magical effects than its damage potential.
Optimization through Equipment and Feats
Beyond the choice of the weapon itself, optimization can be achieved through other means. The Tavern Brawler feat, for example, can improve unarmed strikes. Also look for items which give bonuses to unarmed strikes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Monk Weapons
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about weapons for Monks:
1. What exactly qualifies as a Monk Weapon?
A Monk Weapon is defined as a shortsword or any simple melee weapon that does not have the heavy or two-handed property. This allows Monks to utilize their Martial Arts feature with these weapons.
2. Can Monks use a longsword?
No. Longswords are martial weapons and are not Monk weapons unless you are a Kensei Monk who designates the longsword as one of their Kensei Weapons.
3. Do magical weapons change the equation?
Absolutely. A magical weapon with powerful effects can often outweigh the benefits of a higher damage die from an unarmed strike. Consider a Flame Tongue dagger, for instance.
4. At what level do unarmed strikes become better than Monk weapons?
It depends on the weapon, but generally speaking, once the Monk’s Martial Arts die reaches d8 (level 11), unarmed strikes start to become comparable to, if not better than, most simple weapons. When it reaches d10 (level 17), they surpass most weapons for damage, unless the weapon has additional magical properties.
5. What if I want to use a weapon purely for flavor?
Flavor is important! If you enjoy the aesthetic of a particular weapon, by all means, use it! Just be aware of the potential mechanical trade-offs. A Monk who likes to wield a sickle can absolutely do so, despite it not being the mathematically best option.
6. How does the Kensei Monk subclass affect weapon choices?
The Kensei Monk can choose two weapons to be their Kensei weapons, gaining proficiency with them if they didn’t already have it. This opens up new weapon options, including martial weapons like longswords and scimitars.
7. Can a Monk use a shield?
No. Monks cannot wear armor or shields and still gain the benefits of their Martial Arts and Unarmored Defense features.
8. What about improvised weapons?
Improvised weapons can work, but are suboptimal. Your DM might allow an improvised weapon that resembles a monk weapon to count as one.
9. Does the Tavern Brawler feat affect Monk weapons?
No, the Tavern Brawler feat primarily affects unarmed strikes and improvised weapons, not standard Monk weapons.
10. Can a Monk multiclass to gain proficiency with better weapons?
Yes. Multiclassing into a class like Fighter or Ranger can grant proficiency with martial weapons, but this should be done carefully, as delaying Monk class features can weaken the character’s core abilities.
11. What if my Monk’s Strength score is higher than their Dexterity?
This is a very unusual scenario, but if it happens, you can use Strength for attack and damage rolls with Monk weapons (but still use Dexterity for your AC, if not wearing armor). However, it is almost always better to prioritize Dexterity for a Monk.
12. Are there any feats that specifically improve Monk weapon usage?
Not directly. However, feats that improve critical hits or overall damage output can indirectly benefit Monk weapon attacks.
13. How important is weapon damage type (slashing, piercing, bludgeoning)?
It depends on the enemies you are facing. Some creatures are resistant or vulnerable to certain damage types. Having a variety of weapons with different damage types can be strategically advantageous.
14. Can I use two weapons as a Monk?
Monks can only make one bonus action attack even when dual wielding, they do not benefit greatly from this ability.
15. Are Monks weak compared to other classes because of their limited weapon choices?
Not necessarily. Monks are designed to be powerful without relying heavily on weapons. Their Martial Arts feature, Ki abilities, and mobility make them formidable combatants, even with seemingly limited weapon options. The effectiveness of a Monk is in their skillful use of their Ki and abilities, not primarily on the weapon they wield. To learn more about the intersection of gaming and education, visit the Games Learning Society website at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Ultimately, the “best” weapon for a Monk is the one that best suits their individual play style, subclass, and the challenges they face in the campaign. Experimentation, creativity, and a solid understanding of the Monk’s core abilities are key to unlocking their full potential.