The 2024 Player’s Handbook introduces significant updates to the Monk class in Dungeons & Dragons. From early-level skills like Martial Arts to advanced features such as Body and Mind at level 20, nearly every facet of the Monk has been enhanced or thoughtfully refined.
This article explores the upcoming changes to the 2024 Monk, showcasing new abilities and features. While extensive updates are covered, some minor or unchanged aspects may not be highlighted.
What’s New for the 2024 Monk?
In the 2024 Player’s Handbook, the Monk class has seen a lot of changes and improvements. These changes touch on many of the core features, making the Monk more flexible and powerful at every level.
Martial Arts
Starting at level 1, every simple melee weapon and any martial melee weapon with the Light property is now considered a Monk weapon. Additionally, Monks can make an Unarmed Strike as a Bonus Action without needing to take the Attack action.
Notably, the Martial Arts die now starts at 1d6 and can go up to 1d12.
When attempting Grapple or Shove, Monks can now use their Dexterity instead of Strength, adding more options for combat tactics.
Monk’s Focus
At level 2, some powerful features are introduced.
You’ll recognize that these add on to their 5e counterparts adding more depth to their use and encouraging you to lean totally into your Monk’s unique features rather than having to be extra picky with whether or not you should conserve your ki points (now called Focus Points.)
Patient Defense allows Monks to Disengage for free as a Bonus Action or to spend a Focus Point to Disengage and Dodge. Meanwhile, Step of the Wind lets them Dash as a Bonus Action without using a Focus Point or spend one Focus Point to Disengage, Dash, and double their jump distance.
Finally, the iconic Flurry of Blows has become more user-friendly, no longer requiring you to take the Attack action before you can use it.
Uncanny Metabolism
At level 2, Monks gain Uncanny Metabolism, allowing them to regain all of their Focus Points when they roll Initiative once per Long Rest.
Playing a Monk but being out of ki/focus points is a bad feeling. Now, when you find yourself in situations where you aren’t able to take a short rest and refocus, you’ll still be able to be the awesome martial artist that you are!
Deflect Attacks
The Monk’s iconic Deflect Missiles feature got an upgrade and a new name! No more waiting on an enemy to fire a ranged attack at you to deflect it.
Sword, club, arrow… You’ve got the skills to swat them all away and quickly counter your attacker.
At level 3, Deflect Attacks now reduces damage from Bludgeoning, Piercing, or Slashing attacks by 1d10 + Dexterity + Monk level. If the damage is reduced to zero, you can redirect it by spending a Focus Point.
Melee attacks can be redirected to creatures within 5 feet, and ranged attacks can be redirected to those within 60 feet. That creature must then make a saving throw or take damage.
Monk Subclasses
There are four Monk subclasses presented in the 2024 Player’s Handbook. Each of these will seem familiar to their versions from 5e, though there are some changes to be aware of.
(Note: For now, we’re keeping this as an overview. Stay tuned and sign up for the Tabletop Joab newsletter for updates when we drop the full guides to each of these subclasses!)
The Warrior of Mercy remains mostly similar to its 5e version. However, Flurry of Healing Hands can now be used a number of times equal to your Wisdom modifier per Long Rest.
For those who prefer a stealthy option, The Warrior of Shadow has received more flexible abilities for manipulating shadows. Although Pass Without Trace and Silence were removed, a new feature, Cloak of Shadows, provides better invisibility options.
Perhaps my favorite Monk changes for D&D 2024, the Warrior of the Elements is seeing significant changes. This subclass, previously known as Way of the Four Elements, is now much more efficient with its Focus Points, enabling powerful elemental attacks.
Last but not least, the Warrior of the Open Hand has some minor adjustments. The Open Hand Technique feature now only prevents Opportunity Attacks instead of all Reactions. Meanwhile, Wholeness of Body now only takes a Bonus Action and Quivering Palm no longer drops targets to zero hit points.
Redesigned with a decade of community feedback, this essential guide is bigger and better than ever.
Create unforgettable characters with 12 core classes, 48 subclasses, and 10 distinctive species. Enjoy stunning new artwork and fresh gameplay features like Weapon Masteries and a revamped Tools and Crafting system.
Thoughtfully organized for ease of use, this 384-page book is your key to endless adventure. Get your copy now!
Stunning Strike and Empowered Strike
Of course, Stunning Strike is the absolutely iconic Monk feature and has had some reworks of its own.
At level 5, Stunning Strike requires either a Monk weapon or Unarmed Strike. The stunned condition that it inflicts now lasts until the start of your next turn rather than the end of it.
But don’t fret, students! Stunnning Strike is now less in the “save or suck” category and is still helpful even if the target makes a successful save against it! Even if they succeed, their speed is halved and the next attack against them has advantage!
Of course, we can’t neglect the other level 5 feature Monks get.
Monks at level 5 can choose to deal Force damage with the Empowered Strike feature, instead of Bludgeoning. This is especially handy in getting around pesky resistances and immunities.
Heightened Focus and Self-Restoration
At level 10, Heightened Focus enhances the Monk’s key abilities when Focus Points are spent.
Flurry of Blows becomes three attacks, Patient Defense provides temporary hit points, and Step of the Wind allows you to move a willing creature with you.
Also, at level 10, the Self-Restoration feature lets Monks remove the Charmed, Frightened, or Poisoned condition at the end of their turn, as well as letting them avoid taking levels of Exhaustion from lack of food or drink.
Deflect Energy
At level 13, Monks can now deflect all damage types with Deflect Energy.
Yup! In addition to melee and ranged attacks, you can now promptly mark enemy spells as “Return to Sender” to give them a taste of their own medicine!
Perfect Focus
At level 15, the Perfect Focus feature ensures that Monks have at least 4 Focus Points when rolling Initiative, provided they haven’t used Uncanny Metabolism.
The new 2024 Monk is all about efficiency and not getting caught without at least some of their Focus Points!
Superior Defense
When you need an extra defensive boost, the Superior Defense feature at level 18 allows Monks to gain resistance to all damage types except Force for one minute by spending 3 Focus Points.
It’s short, sweet, and very useful for making sure that you can stay in the fight no matter what your enemy is dishing out. Well, except Force damage, I suppose…
Bleh… Details, details…
Epic Boon
As with the other classes, Monks can select one of twelve Epic Boons at level 19. If they would prefer something else, they can instead choose an additional feat.
Epic Boons are pretty cool, but we’ll have to cover those in a different article, so stay tuned!
Body and Mind
Finally, at level 20, Monks get the Body and Mind capstone feature. This increases their Wisdom and Dexterity scores by 4 each, up to a maximum of 25. This marks the absolute zenith of their development, merging physical prowess with mental resilience.
What’s Staying from the 5e Monk
Okay, so there are A LOT of new aspects going into the 2024 Monk.
However, you can expect to see some familiar features sticking around for this new version of the Monk class!
Where would the Monk be without their Unarmored Defense and Unarmored Movement features? Don’t throw those robes out yet! You’re still the nimblest unarmored combatant to ever do it!
Monks are also retaining the Slow Fall, Extra Attack, and Evasion features from 5e.
Monk Players Rejoice!
Monks have been disrespected for far too long, I say. It’s about time that they get their time to shine!
The 2024 Player’s Handbook introduces several significant improvements to the Monk class, focusing on both mechanics and the overall theme. These changes aim to address earlier shortcomings while adding depth and versatility, enhancing the Monk’s role as a martial artist.
Key Changes and Highlights
- Martial Arts Enhancements: The Monk’s Martial Arts feature has seen substantial upgrades. No longer restricted by the Attack action, monks can now use their Bonus Action Unarmed Strike freely, increasing their combat flexibility. Additionally, the Martial Arts die starts at d6 and scales up to d12, enhancing the Monk’s damage output significantly.
- Monk’s Focus: Previously, Monks had to take the Attack action before using abilities like Flurry of Blows. Now, they can utilize these features more liberally, making their fighting style more fluid and dynamic. This focus shift allows Monks to maintain a continuous flurry of strikes, making them formidable in battle.
- Warrior of the Elements Subclass: This redesigned subclass retains the elemental theme but delivers it with improved mechanics. Monks can now channel elemental forces more effectively, adding new abilities and enhancing existing ones. This subclass can manipulate multiple damage types such as fire, cold, and lightning, offering versatility in various combat scenarios.
- Warrior of Mercy Subclass: This subclass benefits from the broader improvements to the Monk class. Enhancements to base features like Martial Arts and Flurry of Blows provide more opportunities for utilizing subclass abilities. The Warrior of Mercy can now blend healing and combat more seamlessly, making them invaluable to any party.
- Warrior of Shadow Subclass: Notably, Monks of this subclass can see through the Darkness spell they cast, giving them a strategic edge in battles. This feature enhances their stealth and combat efficiency, allowing them to surprise and outmaneuver foes.
- Warrior of the Open Hand Subclass: The incredibly powerful Quivering Palm feature has been balanced and clarified. Monks can now end the vibrations by forgoing an attack, adding a tactical layer to this powerful ability. This change allows for greater control over the feature’s use in combat.
- Stunning Strike: In addition to some balancing, the reliability of the Stunning Strike has been improved, giving Monks a better chance to incapacitate enemies. Combined with the increased damage from Martial Arts, this feature still makes Monks a powerful force in encounters.
Improved Combat Versatility
- Deflect Attacks: The Monk’s ability to deflect attacks has also been improved and expanded. This feature now offers more ways to cushion Monks from damage and further improves their overall survivability.
- Monk Weapons: Monks can now choose from a wider array of simple and martial weapons, broadening their tactical options. This enhancement allows Monks to adapt their fighting style to different situations, whether it involves bludgeoning, slashing, or piercing damage.
- Grapple and Shove: These actions have been streamlined, making it easier for Monks to control the battlefield. With an improved ability to grapple and shove, Monks can manipulate their opponents’ positioning and create opportunities for their allies.
The 2024 Player’s Handbook breathes new life into the Monk class, making it more appealing and effective. These changes align with the Monk’s thematic elements while ensuring the class performs well in various scenarios.
Redesigned with a decade of community feedback, this essential guide is bigger and better than ever.
Create unforgettable characters with 12 core classes, 48 subclasses, and 10 distinctive species. Enjoy stunning new artwork and fresh gameplay features like Weapon Masteries and a revamped Tools and Crafting system.
Thoughtfully organized for ease of use, this 384-page book is your key to endless adventure. Get your copy now!
Final Thoughts – D&D 2024 Monk Changes
Monks are in for quite the experience with the DnD 2024 Player’s Handbook. As an avid Monk player myself, I’m excited to take the new Monk class for a test drive.
But now it’s your turn to share your thoughts about the new Monk for DnD 2024! Do you like the Monk changes in the new PHB? Will you be making a Monk character? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!
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