Character class
Monk
A Dexterity 
D&D Portal - Dexterity Agility, reflexes, and coordination Dexterity measures agility, reflexes, balance,
and precise physical coordination. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/dexterity/- and Wisdom 
D&D Portal - Wisdom Awareness, intuition, and insight Wisdom measures awareness, intuition,
perception, and the ability to understand people and surroundings. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/wisdom/-based mobile martial artist who spends ki for extra attacks, defense, control, healing, and supernatural movement.
Mechanically, the Monk is built around Dexterity D&D Portal - Dexterity Agility, reflexes, and coordination Dexterity measures agility, reflexes, balance,
and precise physical coordination. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/dexterity/ and Wisdom D&D Portal - Wisdom Awareness, intuition, and insight Wisdom measures awareness, intuition,
perception, and the ability to understand people and surroundings. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/wisdom/, uses a d8 Hit Die, and follows the progression table below for proficiency bonus, class features, and class-specific resources.
This page collects the Monk core traits, starting equipment, level progression, class feature summaries, and published subclasses in one place. Use the linked rules terms for quick hover context without leaving the class page.
Implementation Identity
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Primary ability | Dexterity D&D Portal - Dexterity Agility, reflexes, and coordination Dexterity measures agility, reflexes, balance,
and precise physical coordination. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/dexterity/ and Wisdom D&D Portal - Wisdom Awareness, intuition, and insight Wisdom measures awareness, intuition,
perception, and the ability to understand people and surroundings. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/wisdom/ |
| Multiclass prerequisite | Dexterity D&D Portal - Dexterity Agility, reflexes, and coordination Dexterity measures agility, reflexes, balance,
and precise physical coordination. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/dexterity/ 13 and Wisdom D&D Portal - Wisdom Awareness, intuition, and insight Wisdom measures awareness, intuition,
perception, and the ability to understand people and surroundings. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/wisdom/ 13 |
| Spellcasting | None by default; some traditions spend ki to reproduce spell  D&D Portal - Spells Spellcasting rule Spells is a spellcasting rule used by spells,
class features, and magical effects. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/spellcasting/spells/-like effects. |
| Suggested tags | melee, mobility, control, skirmisher, ki |
Core Class Traits
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Hit Die | d8 |
| Armor | None |
| Weapons | Simple weapons  D&D Portal - Simple Weapons Equipment reference Simple Weapons is an equipment reference used by
character options and rules. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/equipment/simple-weapons/, shortswords |
| Tools | One artisan’s tool or musical instrument |
| Saving Throws | Strength  D&D Portal - Strength Physical power and athletic ability Strength measures physical power, athletic
ability, and a character's capacity to exert force. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/strength/, Dexterity D&D Portal - Dexterity Agility, reflexes, and coordination Dexterity measures agility, reflexes, balance,
and precise physical coordination. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/dexterity/ |
| Skills | Choose two: Acrobatics  D&D Portal - Acrobatics Skill reference Acrobatics is a skill used for ability checks
in relevant situations. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/skills/acrobatics/, Athletics  D&D Portal - Athletics Skill reference Athletics is a skill used for ability checks
in relevant situations. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/skills/athletics/, History  D&D Portal - History Skill reference History is a skill used for ability checks
in relevant situations. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/skills/history/, Insight  D&D Portal - Insight Skill reference Insight is a skill used for ability checks
in relevant situations. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/skills/insight/, Religion  D&D Portal - Religion Skill reference Religion is a skill used for ability checks
in relevant situations. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/skills/religion/, Stealth  D&D Portal - Stealth Skill reference Stealth is a skill used for ability checks
in relevant situations. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/skills/stealth/ |
Starting Equipment
Choose one
Option 1
Shortsword orsimple weapon .
Choose one
Option 2
Dungeoneer’s pack orexplorer’s pack .
10 darts
10 darts .
Monk Progression
| Level | Prof.  D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/ | Features | Martial Arts | Ki | Movement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| +2 | 1d4 | — | — | ||
| +2 |
| 1d4 | 2 | +10 ft. | |
| +2 | 1d4 | 3 | +10 ft. | ||
| +2 |
| 1d4 | 4 | +10 ft. | |
| +3 |
| 1d6 | 5 | +10 ft. | |
| +3 |
| 1d6 | 6 | +15 ft. | |
| +3 | 1d6 | 7 | +15 ft. | ||
| +3 |
| 1d6 | 8 | +15 ft. | |
| +4 |
| 1d6 | 9 | +15 ft. | |
| +4 | 1d6 | 10 | +20 ft. | ||
| +4 |
| 1d8 | 11 | +20 ft. | |
| +4 |
| 1d8 | 12 | +20 ft. | |
| +5 | 1d8 | 13 | +20 ft. | ||
| +5 | 1d8 | 14 | +25 ft. | ||
| +5 | 1d8 | 15 | +25 ft. | ||
| +5 |
| 1d8 | 16 | +25 ft. | |
| +6 |
| 1d10 | 17 | +25 ft. | |
| +6 | 1d10 | 18 | +30 ft. | ||
| +6 |
| 1d10 | 19 | +30 ft. | |
| +6 | 1d10 | 20 | +30 ft. |
Level 1 2 features gained Unarmored Defense | Martial Arts +2 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +2
- Features
- Martial Arts
- 1d4
- Ki
- —
- Movement
- —
Level 2 3 features gained Ki | Unarmored Movement | Dedicated Weapon +2 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +2
- Features
- Ki
- Unarmored Movement
- Dedicated Weapon Optional
- Martial Arts
- 1d4
- Ki
- 2
- Movement
- +10 ft.
Level 3 3 features gained Monastic Tradition | Deflect Missiles | Ki-Fueled Attack +2 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +2
- Features
- Martial Arts
- 1d4
- Ki
- 3
- Movement
- +10 ft.
Level 4 3 features gained Ability Score Improvement | Slow Fall | Quickened Healing +2 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +2
- Features
- Ability Score Improvement
- Slow Fall
- Quickened Healing Optional
- Martial Arts
- 1d4
- Ki
- 4
- Movement
- +10 ft.
Level 5 3 features gained Extra Attack | Stunning Strike | Focused Aim +3 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +3
- Features
- Extra Attack
- Stunning Strike
- Focused Aim Optional
- Martial Arts
- 1d6
- Ki
- 5
- Movement
- +10 ft.
Level 6 2 features gained Ki-Empowered Strikes | Tradition feature +3 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +3
- Features
- Ki-Empowered Strikes
- Tradition feature
- Martial Arts
- 1d6
- Ki
- 6
- Movement
- +15 ft.
Level 7 2 features gained Evasion | Stillness of Mind +3 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +3
- Features
- Martial Arts
- 1d6
- Ki
- 7
- Movement
- +15 ft.
Level 8 1 feature gained Ability Score Improvement +3 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +3
- Features
- Ability Score Improvement
- Martial Arts
- 1d6
- Ki
- 8
- Movement
- +15 ft.
Level 9 1 feature gained Unarmored Movement improvement +4 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +4
- Features
- Unarmored Movement improvement
- Martial Arts
- 1d6
- Ki
- 9
- Movement
- +15 ft.
Level 10 1 feature gained Purity of Body +4 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +4
- Features
- Martial Arts
- 1d6
- Ki
- 10
- Movement
- +20 ft.
Level 11 1 feature gained Tradition feature +4 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +4
- Features
- Tradition feature
- Martial Arts
- 1d8
- Ki
- 11
- Movement
- +20 ft.
Level 12 1 feature gained Ability Score Improvement +4 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +4
- Features
- Ability Score Improvement
- Martial Arts
- 1d8
- Ki
- 12
- Movement
- +20 ft.
Level 13 1 feature gained Tongue of the Sun and Moon +5 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +5
- Features
- Martial Arts
- 1d8
- Ki
- 13
- Movement
- +20 ft.
Level 14 1 feature gained Diamond Soul +5 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +5
- Features
- Martial Arts
- 1d8
- Ki
- 14
- Movement
- +25 ft.
Level 15 1 feature gained Timeless Body +5 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +5
- Features
- Martial Arts
- 1d8
- Ki
- 15
- Movement
- +25 ft.
Level 16 1 feature gained Ability Score Improvement +5 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +5
- Features
- Ability Score Improvement
- Martial Arts
- 1d8
- Ki
- 16
- Movement
- +25 ft.
Level 17 1 feature gained Tradition feature +6 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +6
- Features
- Tradition feature
- Martial Arts
- 1d10
- Ki
- 17
- Movement
- +25 ft.
Level 18 1 feature gained Empty Body +6 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +6
- Features
- Martial Arts
- 1d10
- Ki
- 18
- Movement
- +30 ft.
Level 19 1 feature gained Ability Score Improvement +6 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +6
- Features
- Ability Score Improvement
- Martial Arts
- 1d10
- Ki
- 19
- Movement
- +30 ft.
Level 20 1 feature gained Perfect Self +6 Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- Prof. D&D Portal - PB Shortened rule term PB means Proficiency Bonus. Add PB to rolls where you are proficient, and to rules that explicitly scale with proficiency bonus. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/abbreviations/pb/
- +6
- Features
- Martial Arts
- 1d10
- Ki
- 20
- Movement
- +30 ft.
Class Features
As a monk, you gain the following class features.
Unarmored Defense
Level 1
While unarmored and without a shield 
D&D Portal - Shields Equipment reference Shields is an equipment reference used by
character options and rules. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/equipment/shields/, AC D&D Portal - Armor Class Combat rule Armor Class is a combat rule used by attacks,
damage, defenses, or turn order. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/combat/armor-class/ equals 10 + Dexterity D&D Portal - Dexterity Agility, reflexes, and coordination Dexterity measures agility, reflexes, balance,
and precise physical coordination. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/dexterity/ modifier + Wisdom D&D Portal - Wisdom Awareness, intuition, and insight Wisdom measures awareness, intuition,
perception, and the ability to understand people and surroundings. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/wisdom/ modifier.
Martial Arts
Level 1
Use Dexterity D&D Portal - Dexterity Agility, reflexes, and coordination Dexterity measures agility, reflexes, balance,
and precise physical coordination. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/dexterity/ for monk weapons and unarmed strikes, scale damage with the Martial Arts die, and make a bonus unarmed strike after attacking.
Ki
Level 2
Spend ki points, recovered on a short or long rest 
D&D Portal - Long Rest Rest rule Long Rest is a rest rule used to recover
resources, hit points, and class features. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/rests/long-rest/, on Flurry of Blows, Patient Defense, Step of the Wind, and later features.
Unarmored Movement
Levels 2, improves through 18
Gain speed 
D&D Portal - Speed Movement rule Speed is a movement rule used during
exploration, encounters, and combat. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/movement/speed/ while unarmored; at 9th level move across vertical surfaces and liquids during the turn.
Dedicated Weapon (Optional)
Level 2
Designate a proficient non-heavy, non-special weapon as a monk weapon after a rest.
Monastic Tradition
Levels 3, 6, 11, 17
Choose a subclass that defines the monk’s ki techniques.
Deflect Missiles
Level 3
Use a reaction 
D&D Portal - Reaction Action rule Reaction is an action economy rule used to
describe what a creature can do on its turn. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/actions/reaction/ to reduce ranged weapon damage and potentially throw the missile back.
Ki-Fueled Attack (Optional)
Level 3
After spending ki during the action, make a bonus unarmed or monk-weapon attack.
Slow Fall
Level 4
Use a reaction D&D Portal - Reaction Action rule Reaction is an action economy rule used to
describe what a creature can do on its turn. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/actions/reaction/ to reduce falling 
D&D Portal - Falling Movement rule Falling is a movement rule used during
exploration, encounters, and combat. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/movement/falling/ damage by five times monk level.
Quickened Healing (Optional)
Level 4
Spend ki and an action to recover hit points 
D&D Portal - Hit Points Combat rule Hit Points is a combat rule used by attacks,
damage, defenses, or turn order. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/combat/hit-points/.
Extra Attack
Level 5
Attack twice with the Attack action 
D&D Portal - Attack Action Action rule Attack Action is an action economy rule used to
describe what a creature can do on its turn. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/actions/attack-action/.
Stunning Strike
Level 5
Spend ki after a melee hit to force 
D&D Portal - Force Damage type Force is a damage type used by attacks,
spells, class features, resistance, immunity, and vulnerability. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/damage-types/force/ a Constitution 
D&D Portal - Constitution Health, stamina, and endurance Constitution measures health, stamina, endurance,
and a character's resistance to physical hardship. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/constitution/ save or stun the target.
Focused Aim (Optional)
Level 5
Spend ki after missing to increase the attack roll 
D&D Portal - Attack Roll Combat rule Attack Roll is a combat rule used by attacks,
damage, defenses, or turn order. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/combat/attack-roll/.
Ki-Empowered Strikes
Level 6
Unarmed strikes count as magical for resistance and immunity.
Evasion
Level 7
Take no damage on successful Dexterity D&D Portal - Dexterity Agility, reflexes, and coordination Dexterity measures agility, reflexes, balance,
and precise physical coordination. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/ability-scores/dexterity/ saves for half damage, and half on failure.
Stillness of Mind
Level 7
Use an action to end charm or fear on yourself.
Purity of Body
Level 10
Become immune to disease and poison 
D&D Portal - Poison Damage type Poison is a damage type used by attacks,
spells, class features, resistance, immunity, and vulnerability. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/damage-types/poison/.
Tongue of the Sun and Moon
Level 13
Understand all spoken languages and be understood by language-using creatures.
Diamond Soul
Level 14
Gain proficiency in all saving throws D&D Portal - Saving Throw D20 test rule Saving Throw is a d20 test rule used to resolve
uncertain outcomes during play. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/d20-tests/saving-throw/ and spend ki to reroll failures.
Timeless Body
Level 15
Avoid frailty from age and no longer require food or water.
Empty Body
Level 18
Spend ki for invisibility and broad damage resistance, or later cast Astral Projection on yourself.
Perfect Self
Level 20
Regain 4 ki when initiative 
D&D Portal - Initiative Roll Combat rule Initiative Roll is a combat rule used by attacks,
damage, defenses, or turn order. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/rules/combat/initiative-roll/ is rolled with none remaining.
Published Subclasses
Published Subclasses
Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything
Astral Self
Manifest spectral arms, body, and visage powered by Wisdom.
- monk
- subclass
- astral-self
Fizban’s Treasury of Dragons
Ascendant Dragon
Elemental breath, wings, fear, and draconic resilience.
- monk
- subclass
- ascendant-dragon
Xanathar’s Guide to Everything
Drunken Master
Redirect attacks and move unpredictably through groups.
- monk
- subclass
- drunken-master
Player’s Handbook
Four Elements
Spend ki on elemental disciplines that emulate spells and techniques.
- monk
- subclass
- four-elements
Xanathar’s Guide to Everything
Kensei
Master selected weapons and enhance them with ki.
- monk
- subclass
- kensei
Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide
Long Death
Harvest temporary hit points and resist death through ki.
- monk
- subclass
- long-death
Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything
Mercy
Use Hand of Healing and Hand of Harm with poison and restoration effects.
- monk
- subclass
- mercy
Player’s Handbook
Open Hand
Add control riders to Flurry of Blows and gain self-healing.
- monk
- subclass
- open-hand
Player’s Handbook
Shadow
Stealth magic, teleportation between shadows, and opportunistic strikes.
- monk
- subclass
- shadow
Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide; Xanathar’s Guide to Everything
Sun Soul
Fire radiant bolts and explosive sun techniques.
- monk
- subclass
- sun-soul
FAQ
What is a Monk in D&D?
A Monk is a Dexterity- and Wisdom-based martial class built around unarmored combat, Martial Arts, ki, speed, and battlefield mobility. Monks use a d8 Hit Die, gain Unarmored Defense and Martial Arts at 1st level, unlock ki and increased movement at 2nd level, and choose a Monastic Tradition at 3rd level. They are mobile skirmishers rather than heavily armored front-line tanks.
Read more: Monk 
D&D Portal - What is a Monk in D&D? Monk FAQ A Monk is a Dexterity- and Wisdom-based martial class built around unarmored combat, Martial Arts, ki, speed, and battlefield mobility. Monks use a d8 Hit Die, gain Unarmored Defense and Martial Arts at 1st level, unlock ki and increased movement at 2nd level, and choose a Monastic Tradition at 3rd level. They are mobile skirmishers rather than heavily armored front-line tanks. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/faq/monk/what-is-a-monk-in-dnd/
How do you play a Monk?
Play a Monk as a mobile skirmisher: keep Dexterity and Wisdom high, use movement to reach useful targets, and spend ki according to the situation. Flurry of Blows increases offense, Patient Defense improves survival, Step of the Wind improves mobility, and Stunning Strike can control a priority enemy. Avoid treating every ki point as automatic damage or standing still like a heavily armored Fighter.
Read more: Monk D&D Portal - How do you play a Monk? Monk FAQ Play a Monk as a mobile skirmisher: keep Dexterity and Wisdom high, use movement to reach useful targets, and spend ki according to the situation. Flurry of Blows increases offense, Patient Defense improves survival, Step of the Wind improves mobility, and Stunning Strike can control a priority enemy. Avoid treating every ki point as automatic damage or standing still like a heavily armored Fighter. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/faq/monk/how-do-you-play-a-monk/
What ability scores are best for a Monk?
Dexterity is normally the Monk's highest ability score because it powers most Martial Arts attacks and improves Armor Class and initiative. Wisdom is usually the second priority because it also improves Unarmored Defense and sets the saving throw DC for many ki features. Constitution supports hit points. In the 2014 multiclassing rules, a Monk requires Dexterity 13 and Wisdom 13.
Read more: Monk D&D Portal - What ability scores are best for a Monk? Monk FAQ Dexterity is normally the Monk's highest ability score because it powers most Martial Arts attacks and improves Armor Class and initiative. Wisdom is usually the second priority because it also improves Unarmored Defense and sets the saving throw DC for many ki features. Constitution supports hit points. In the 2014 multiclassing rules, a Monk requires Dexterity 13 and Wisdom 13. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/faq/monk/what-ability-scores-are-best-for-a-monk/
What are the main Monk class features?
The 2014 Monk's main features are Unarmored Defense, Martial Arts, ki, Unarmored Movement, a Monastic Tradition, Deflect Missiles, Slow Fall, Extra Attack, Stunning Strike, Ki-Empowered Strikes, Evasion, Stillness of Mind, Purity of Body, Diamond Soul, Empty Body, and Perfect Self. Together they create a fast martial class that spends ki on offense, defense, movement, and control.
Read more: Monk D&D Portal - What are the main Monk class features? Monk FAQ The 2014 Monk's main features are Unarmored Defense, Martial Arts, ki, Unarmored Movement, a Monastic Tradition, Deflect Missiles, Slow Fall, Extra Attack, Stunning Strike, Ki-Empowered Strikes, Evasion, Stillness of Mind, Purity of Body, Diamond Soul, Empty Body, and Perfect Self. Together they create a fast martial class that spends ki on offense, defense, movement, and control. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/faq/monk/what-are-the-main-monk-class-features/
What subclasses can a Monk choose?
A Monk's subclass is called a Monastic Tradition and is chosen at 3rd level in the 2014 rules. Major official pre-2024 Fifth Edition options include Way of the Open Hand, Shadow, Four Elements, Long Death, Sun Soul, Drunken Master, Kensei, Mercy, Astral Self, and Ascendant Dragon. Each keeps the Monk's Martial Arts, ki, and mobility while changing how those resources are used.
Read more: Monk D&D Portal - What subclasses can a Monk choose? Monk FAQ A Monk's subclass is called a Monastic Tradition and is chosen at 3rd level in the 2014 rules. Major official pre-2024 Fifth Edition options include Way of the Open Hand, Shadow, Four Elements, Long Death, Sun Soul, Drunken Master, Kensei, Mercy, Astral Self, and Ascendant Dragon. Each keeps the Monk's Martial Arts, ki, and mobility while changing how those resources are used. Full link: https://dnd-portal.com/faq/monk/what-subclasses-can-a-monk-choose/