In playing RPGs, you can drop most things but never your build. Builds are essential because they allow you to optimize your characters for specific roles or play styles, add a layer of strategic depth to your gameplay, and enable you to personalize your characters, among others.
“Dungeons & Dragons,” one of today’s most popular RPGs, has these best builds: Barbarian, Cleric, Druid, Fighter, Paladin, Rogue, and Sorcerer, plus many more. But, there is a build that isn’t always on top of mind but is very versatile: the monk build.
The monk build flows like a river but is rigid like a stone. Very iconic, they can shake things up in “Dungeons & Dragons” uniquely. With their lightning-fast reflexes and unshakeable resolve, monks are a breath of fresh air. However, with so many options, it can be not easy to choose. So here are five of the best monk builds in the game.
Top 5 Monk Builds In ‘Dungeons & Dragons’
1. Blurred Fist: Lightning-Fast And Dominant
The Blurred Fist is that monk build that pushes its reflexes to the limit. He has intensely trained his body to achieve lightning-fast speeds that others will envy. They wander the land seeking to sharpen their skill to its fullest, thus leaving enemies that it hits wondering.
This monk build excels at:
- Battlefield presence
- Reliable damage
- Impressive role-play potential
2. Ace Of Light: A Martial Artist That’s A Gift From Heaven
The power of the Ace of Light originates from the sun, descending to the battlefield as a beacon of everlasting hope, a monument that stuns any darkness that blocks its path.
She begins by choosing the Way of the Sun Soul, a monastic tradition stemming from the Sword Coast Adventurer and Xanthar’s Guide to Everything. The Way of the Sun Soul provides this monk the capability to harness the sun’s power into its attacks.
This monk build excels at:
- Magical powers
- Damage versatility
- High damage output
3. Zen Archer: A Bow-Wielding Prodigy
The Zen Archer primarily uses a bow, which isn’t usually seen in peace-loving monks. But with such a fighting spirit, this build can slay foes even from a distance.
He starts by taking the Path of the Kensei, also a monastic tradition. It gives him a more diverse set of weapons in his arsenal, able to strike many foes from afar.
This monk build excels at:
- A harmonious mix of melee and range
- Notable defense
- Outstanding precision
4. Shadow Stalker: Darkness Is Its Middle Name
Though no longer sane, the Shadow Stalker has kneeled before the stars, listening to their whispers. Thus, darkness is its strongest ally. However, it is also the most complex of all builds on this list.
This monk build excels at:
- Guerrilla warfare
- Maintaining concentration spells
- Additional utility
5. Astral Shell: A Monk Who Has Achieved Enlightenment
The Astral Shell is probably the most stereotypical of the rest. It is capable of astral travel and is, therefore, a walking serenity fortress. But don’t underestimate this monk build, as he is for every fun and adventurous “Dungeons & Dragons” gamer.
This monk build excels at:
- Durability
- A Sage’s fist
- Holding breath for an extended period
More Tips On How To Build A Very Good ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ Monk
This edition of PVP Live’s post won’t end just presenting the best monk builds. We’ll follow things up by noting down tips on how you can build an unbelievably good monk in this game. You will learn about monks not mentioned on the list above. Read on.
- For the best monk, you must make Dexterity and Wisdom your highest attributes. Both can raise your monk’s armor class. While Dexterity upbeats your attack bonus and damage, Wisdom stuns.
- The Way of the Shadow is among the strongest choices as your monastic tradition, if not your strongest option. Its most potent ability, Shadow Step, can be used even without spending ki. This allows shadow monks to teleport up to 60 feet in dim-lit surroundings. What’s more, you will just spend two ki to cast Pass Without Trace, a spell good enough to merit fewer stun attempts.
- For “Dungeons & Dragons” gamers who prefer lots of control of the battlefield and attacks, the best choice would be the Way of the Open Hand. This gives you a better chance to knock foes from as far as 15 feet.
- If you want your monks to disengage quickly after a series of blows, use the Drunken Master tradition.
- Meanwhile, if you want your monk to use more effective weapons, use the Path of the Kensi. Otherwise, for an archer with an Asian twist, opt for a Samurai.
- The best monk feats are the Mobile, Tough, and Alert feats.
- There are various good races for the monk class. These include the Aarakocra, Aasimar, Bugbear, Firbolg, Goblin, Grung, Kenku, Kobold, Tabaxi, and Warforged
- Wood Elves are good monks, but consider Aarakocra if your campaign allows these characters.
Versatility For Every ‘Dungeons & Dragons’ Player
In the real world, monks are people who deserve the highest respect. The same is true in “Dungeons & Dragons.” They have come a long way when looking at their abilities. Some of you may think they are an underpowered class, lacking the armor and weapon-wielding prowess that others have. But don’t take them for granted. Your monk builds are versatile, entertaining, and unique.
