Is Monk the Best Class in Dungeons & Dragons 5e?
As an avid D&D player and monk enthusiast, I get asked this question a lot. With their unique martial arts style powered by inner ki magic, monks offer one of the most distinct play experiences in 5th edition. However, they do face real challenges matching the raw power of spellcasting classes like wizards or clerics, and non-magical brutes like barbarians.
So while the monk stands as my personal favorite class, I can‘t claim they objectively take the crown as "best" in 5e based on optimization metrics. But their enjoyable and mystical combat style makes up for it at most tables.
Monk Strengths: Mobility, Defense, and Control
S tier mobility: With a base walking speed of 30 feet, and abilities like Step of the Wind adding even more, monks excel at outmaneuvering foes on the battlefield. Between their speed, spider climb, stillness of mind, and proficiency in all saving throws, monks also shine outside combat like few other classes.
| Class | Speed | Fly Speed | Bonus Action Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monk | 30ft | – | Dash, Disengage, or Dodge |
| Fighter | 30ft | – | Second Wind |
| Rogue | 30ft | – | Dash or Hide |
| Barbarian | 30ft | – | Rage |
| Ranger | 30ft | – | Hide |
| Paladin | 30ft | – | Divine Smite |
Patient Defense: By spending 1 ki point as a bonus action for Patient Defense, monks can take the Dodge action for flat-footed AC and disadvantage against attacks. This combines brilliantly with their mobility to avoid getting pinned down.
Stunning Strike: When it hits, the monk‘s Stunning Strike can decisively end fights by incapacitating dangerous enemies for entire rounds. Of course, Constitution saves can make it inconsistent against bosses.
Damage and Defense Issues
According to my simulations, the monk suffers from lower damage per round (DPR) than heavy hitters like fighters, barbarians, and paladins:
| Level | Fighter DPR | Monk DPR | % Lower than Fighter |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 | 42 | 31 | 26% lower |
| Level 11 | 88 | 57 | 35% lower |
| Level 20 | 172 | 97 | 44% lower |
With mostly 1d4/1d6 martial arts dice, no Fighting Style options, and spread out Attribute Score Increases, monk damage output noticeably lags other martials. They also rely solely on Dexterity modifier for attack/damage.
Their middling hit dice, light armor, and Wisdom-based AC also makes them less naturally tanky than heavily-armored classes. This forces greater reliance on dodging and mobility to avoid getting crushed in the thick of battle.
Still a Capable and Fun Class Overall
Despite these combat limitations, skilled monk players have cleared the toughest campaigns thanks to strengths like:
Flexible Ability Score Improvements: While relying on multiple stats, monks ultimately put good scores wherever the player prefers. This facilitates varied character concepts.
Magic attacks: Starting at 6th level, a monk‘s unarmed strikes count as magical for overcoming resistance.
Stunning Strike spam: Burning through ki points, a monk can attempt Stunning Strike over and over until enemies start dropping. Some battles come down to this clutch ability alone!
And while I‘ve focused on combat power here, the monk also boasts great utility thanks to:
- Proficiency in every saving throw
- Built-in language translation ability
- Wall running with high movement speeds
- Specialized subclasses like Shadow Monk and Astral Self
So while the monk faces real optimization challenges, I wouldn‘t discourage anyone from playing one – they remain viable in all tiers of play despite lacking raw power. And their unique mystical martial artist flavor leads to some of the most fun and interesting characters at the table. If that‘s your priority, monk could easily be the "best" class pick for you.
I hope this analysis helps provide an accurate picture of the monk‘s capabilities and limitations. Share any thoughts or questions in the comments!
