The best species, backgrounds and feats for a 2024 monk, how to spend your Focus Points, two ready-made builds, and what to pick at every level from 1 to 20.
The monk fights with fists and simple weapons, moves faster than anyone, and spends Focus Points on extra attacks, defense and 
Stunning StrikeStunning StrikeLevel 5 featureOnce per turn when you hit a creature with a Monk weapon or an Unarmed Strike, you can expend 1 Focus Point to attempt a stunning strike. The target must make a Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, the target has the Stunned condition until the start of your next turn.. You hit often for small amounts, run past the front line, and lock down the enemy you reach.
The 2024 rules fixed the monk's biggest problems. Your Martial Arts die is bigger, Focus Points come back on a Short Rest, 
Uncanny MetabolismUncanny MetabolismLevel 2 featureWhen you roll Initiative, you can regain all expended Focus Points. When you do so, roll your Martial Arts die, and regain a number of Hit Points equal to your Monk level plus the number rolled. Once you use this feature, you can't use it again until you finish a Long Rest. refills them once a day when a fight starts, and Patient Defense and Step of the Wind have free versions that cost nothing.
A monk is the one player at my table who never asks where the fight is. They are already there, and usually behind it. Your job is not the biggest monster. It is the caster at the back and the archer on the roof. Get there first, stun it, and let the slower folk deal with the rest.
Unarmored MovementUnarmored MovementLevel 2 featureYour speed increases by 10 feet while you aren't wearing armor or wielding a Shield. This bonus increases when you reach certain Monk levels, as shown on the Monk Features table.Stunning StrikeStunning StrikeLevel 5 featureOnce per turn when you hit a creature with a Monk weapon or an Unarmed Strike, you can expend 1 Focus Point to attempt a stunning strike. The target must make a Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, the target has the Stunned condition until the start of your next turn. takes enemies out of a turn, and still helps when they save
EvasionEvasionLevel 7 featureWhen you're subjected to an effect that allows you to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, you instead take no damage if you succeed on the saving throw and only half damage if you fail. and 
Disciplined SurvivorDisciplined SurvivorLevel 14 featureYour physical and mental discipline grant you proficiency in all saving throws. Additionally, whenever you make a saving throw and fail, you can expend 1 Focus Point to reroll it, and you must use the new roll. make you hard to pin downDexterity, then Wisdom, then Constitution. 
Martial ArtsMartial ArtsLevel 1 featureYour practice of martial arts gives you mastery of combat styles that use your Unarmed Strike and Monk weapons, which are the following: - Simple Melee weapons - Martial Melee weapons that have the Light property You gain the following benefits while you are unarmed or... lets you use Dexterity for unarmed strikes and monk weapons. 
Unarmored DefenseUnarmored DefenseLevel 1 featureWhile you aren't wearing armor or wielding a Shield, your base Armor Class equals 10 plus your Dexterity and Wisdom modifiers. adds Dexterity and Wisdom to your AC, and Wisdom sets your Stunning Strike DC. Constitution comes third. Strength, Intelligence and Charisma can be low.
In the 2024 rules your ability score increases come from your background. With the standard array and the Criminal background (+2 Dex, +1 Con), assign 15 Dex, 14 Wis, 13 Con, 12 Str, 10 Cha and 8 Int, and you start with:
That is AC 15 at level 1. Take the Ability Score Improvement feat at level 4 for Dexterity 19 and at level 8 for 20, then put the next ones into Wisdom. Each point of either raises your AC.
The Warrior of the Open Hand is the monk subclass in the free 2024 rules. It adds an effect to every Flurry of Blows hit, so your Bonus Action controls the fight as well as dealing damage.
Each Flurry of Blows hit can Addle (no Opportunity Attacks), Push the target up to 15 feet on a failed Strength save, or Topple it Prone on a failed Dexterity save.
As a Bonus Action, heal your Martial Arts die plus your Wisdom modifier. Uses equal your Wisdom modifier per Long Rest.
Whenever you take a Bonus Action other than Step of the Wind, you can use Step of the Wind right after it.
Spend 4 Focus Points on an unarmed hit to start lethal vibrations. Later, end them to force a Constitution save against heavy Force damage, half on a success.
The 2024 Player's Handbook also has the Warrior of Mercy, the Warrior of Shadow and the Warrior of the Elements. They are not in the free rules, so this guide does not cover them.
Monk's FocusMonk's FocusLevel 2 featureYour focus and martial training allow you to harness a well of extraordinary energy within yourself. This energy is represented by Focus Points. Your Monk level determines the number of points you have, as shown in the Focus Points column of the Monk Features table. gives you Focus Points equal to your monk level from level 2. They all come back on a Short or Long Rest, and Uncanny MetabolismUncanny MetabolismLevel 2 featureWhen you roll Initiative, you can regain all expended Focus Points. When you do so, roll your Martial Arts die, and regain a number of Hit Points equal to your Monk level plus the number rolled. Once you use this feature, you can't use it again until you finish a Long Rest. refills them when you roll initiative once per Long Rest. Spend them every fight.
A typical turn from level 5. Move to the most dangerous enemy you can reach, Attack twice, and spend 1 point on Stunning Strike on the first hit. If it is Stunned, every attack against it has Advantage, so Flurry of Blows and your allies finish it. If it saves, the Advantage on the next attack still helps.
Weapons. Your monk weapons are Simple Melee weapons and Martial Melee weapons with the Light property, and they use your Martial Arts die. Monks do not get Weapon Mastery. A spear or quarterstaff at level 1 and a few javelins for range cover everything; once your Martial Arts die grows, unarmed strikes are just as good.
Acts first, reaches the back line, and knocks the enemy caster Prone with Open Hand Technique before stunning it from level 5.
Build this monk
First hit knocks the target Prone with no save, then Flurry of Blows lands with Advantage. Saves Topple from Open Hand for the targets Hill's Tumble cannot reach.
Start an adventure free| Lvl | PB | Features | Focus Points | Martial Arts | Unarmored Movement |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | +2 |
Martial ArtsMartial ArtsLevel 1 featureYour practice of martial arts gives you mastery of combat styles that use your Unarmed Strike and Monk weapons, which are the following: - Simple Melee weapons - Martial Melee weapons that have the Light property You gain the following benefits while you are unarmed or...
Unarmored DefenseUnarmored DefenseLevel 1 featureWhile you aren't wearing armor or wielding a Shield, your base Armor Class equals 10 plus your Dexterity and Wisdom modifiers.
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– | 1d6 | – |
| 2 | +2 |
Monk's FocusMonk's FocusLevel 2 featureYour focus and martial training allow you to harness a well of extraordinary energy within yourself. This energy is represented by Focus Points. Your Monk level determines the number of points you have, as shown in the Focus Points column of the Monk Features table.
Unarmored MovementUnarmored MovementLevel 2 featureYour speed increases by 10 feet while you aren't wearing armor or wielding a Shield. This bonus increases when you reach certain Monk levels, as shown on the Monk Features table.
Uncanny MetabolismUncanny MetabolismLevel 2 featureWhen you roll Initiative, you can regain all expended Focus Points. When you do so, roll your Martial Arts die, and regain a number of Hit Points equal to your Monk level plus the number rolled. Once you use this feature, you can't use it again until you finish a Long Rest.
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2 | 1d6 | +10 ft. |
| 3 | +2 |
Deflect AttacksDeflect AttacksLevel 3 featureWhen an attack roll hits you and its damage includes Bludgeoning, Piercing, or Slashing damage, you can take a Reaction to reduce the attack's total damage against you. The reduction equals 1d10 plus your Dexterity modifier and Monk level.
Monk SubclassMonk SubclassLevel 3 featureYou gain a Monk subclass of your choice. The Warrior of the Open Hand subclass is detailed after this class's description. A subclass is a specialization that grants you features at certain Monk levels.
Open Hand TechniqueOpen Hand TechniqueLevel 3 featureWhenever you hit a creature with an attack granted by your Flurry of Blows, you can impose one of the following effects on that target. Addle. The target can't make Opportunity Attacks until the start of its next turn. Push.
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3 | 1d6 | +10 ft. |
| 4 | +2 |
Ability Score ImprovementAbility Score ImprovementLevel 4 featureYou gain the Ability Score Improvement feat (see "Feats") or another feat of your choice for which you qualify. You gain this feature again at Monk levels 8, 12, and 16.
 Slow FallSlow FallLevel 4 featureYou can take a Reaction when you fall to reduce any damage you take from the fall by an amount equal to five times your Monk level.
|
4 | 1d6 | +10 ft. |
| 5 | +3 |
 Extra AttackExtra AttackLevel 5 featureYou can attack twice instead of once whenever you take the Attack action on your turn.
Stunning StrikeStunning StrikeLevel 5 featureOnce per turn when you hit a creature with a Monk weapon or an Unarmed Strike, you can expend 1 Focus Point to attempt a stunning strike. The target must make a Constitution saving throw. On a failed save, the target has the Stunned condition until the start of your next turn.
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5 | 1d8 | +10 ft. |
| 6 | +3 |
 Empowered StrikesEmpowered StrikesLevel 6 featureWhenever you deal damage with your Unarmed Strike, it can deal your choice of Force damage or its normal damage type.
Wholeness of BodyWholeness of BodyLevel 6 featureYou gain the ability to heal yourself. As a Bonus Action, you can roll your Martial Arts die. You regain a number of Hit Points equal to the number rolled plus your Wisdom modifier (minimum of 1 Hit Point regained).
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6 | 1d8 | +15 ft. |
| 7 | +3 |
EvasionEvasionLevel 7 featureWhen you're subjected to an effect that allows you to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, you instead take no damage if you succeed on the saving throw and only half damage if you fail.
|
7 | 1d8 | +15 ft. |
| 8 | +3 | Ability Score ImprovementAbility Score ImprovementLevel 4 featureYou gain the Ability Score Improvement feat (see "Feats") or another feat of your choice for which you qualify. You gain this feature again at Monk levels 8, 12, and 16. | 8 | 1d8 | +15 ft. |
| 9 | +4 |
 Acrobatic MovementAcrobatic MovementLevel 9 featureWhile you aren't wearing armor or wielding a Shield, you gain the ability to move along vertical surfaces and across liquids on your turn without falling during the movement.
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9 | 1d8 | +15 ft. |
| 10 | +4 |
 Heightened FocusHeightened FocusLevel 10 featureYour Flurry of Blows, Patient Defense, and Step of the Wind gain the following benefits. Flurry of Blows. You can expend 1 Focus Point to use Flurry of Blows and make three Unarmed Strikes with it instead of two. Patient Defense.
 Self-RestorationSelf-RestorationLevel 10 featureThrough sheer force of will, you can remove one of the following conditions from yourself at the end of each of your turns: Charmed, Frightened, or Poisoned. In addition, forgoing food and drink doesn't give you levels of Exhaustion.
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10 | 1d8 | +20 ft. |
| 11 | +4 |
Fleet StepFleet StepLevel 11 featureWhen you take a Bonus Action other than Step of the Wind, you can also use Step of the Wind immediately after that Bonus Action.
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11 | 1d10 | +20 ft. |
| 12 | +4 | Ability Score ImprovementAbility Score ImprovementLevel 4 featureYou gain the Ability Score Improvement feat (see "Feats") or another feat of your choice for which you qualify. You gain this feature again at Monk levels 8, 12, and 16. | 12 | 1d10 | +20 ft. |
| 13 | +5 |
 Deflect EnergyDeflect EnergyLevel 13 featureYou can now use your Deflect Attacks feature against attacks that deal any damage type, not just Bludgeoning, Piercing, or Slashing.
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13 | 1d10 | +20 ft. |
| 14 | +5 |
Disciplined SurvivorDisciplined SurvivorLevel 14 featureYour physical and mental discipline grant you proficiency in all saving throws. Additionally, whenever you make a saving throw and fail, you can expend 1 Focus Point to reroll it, and you must use the new roll.
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14 | 1d10 | +25 ft. |
| 15 | +5 |
 Perfect FocusPerfect FocusLevel 15 featureWhen you roll Initiative and don't use Uncanny Metabolism, you regain expended Focus Points until you have 4 if you have 3 or fewer.
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15 | 1d10 | +25 ft. |
| 16 | +5 | Ability Score ImprovementAbility Score ImprovementLevel 4 featureYou gain the Ability Score Improvement feat (see "Feats") or another feat of your choice for which you qualify. You gain this feature again at Monk levels 8, 12, and 16. | 16 | 1d10 | +25 ft. |
| 17 | +6 |
Quivering PalmQuivering PalmLevel 17 featureYou gain the ability to set up lethal vibrations in someone's body. When you hit a creature with an Unarmed Strike, you can expend 4 Focus Points to start these imperceptible vibrations, which last for a number of days equal to your Monk level.
|
17 | 1d12 | +25 ft. |
| 18 | +6 |
 Superior DefenseSuperior DefenseLevel 18 featureAt the start of your turn, you can expend 3 Focus Points to bolster yourself against harm for 1 minute or until you have the Incapacitated condition. During that time, you have Resistance to all damage except Force damage.
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18 | 1d12 | +30 ft. |
| 19 | +6 | Epic BoonEpic BoonLevel 19 featureYou gain an Epic Boon feat (see "Feats") or another feat of your choice for which you qualify. Boon of Irresistible Offense is recommended. | 19 | 1d12 | +30 ft. |
| 20 | +6 |
 Body and MindBody and MindLevel 20 featureYou have developed your body and mind to new heights. Your Dexterity and Wisdom scores increase by 4, to a maximum of 25.
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20 | 1d12 | +30 ft. |
Yes. The 2024 monk has a bigger Martial Arts die, Focus Points that refill when a fight starts, free versions of Patient Defense and Step of the Wind, and a Stunning Strike that still helps when the target saves.
Goliath with the Hill Giant ancestry, because Hill's Tumble knocks targets Prone with no save. Wood Elf, Human, Dwarf and Orc are all strong picks too.
Criminal. It raises Dexterity and Constitution and gives you Alert. Sage is the pick if you would rather raise Wisdom for a higher Stunning Strike DC.
No. Barbarians, fighters, paladins, rangers and rogues get Weapon Mastery. Monks rely on Martial Arts, Focus Points and their subclass instead.
Yes. Open Hand Technique adds a push, a trip or an Opportunity Attack lock to every Flurry of Blows hit, and Wholeness of Body heals you without spending Focus Points.
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This guide includes material from the System Reference Document 5.2 by Wizards of the Coast LLC, licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License. TableForge is not affiliated with Wizards of the Coast. Full licenses.
