The monk is one of the classes that received the most adjustments in the 2024 revision of Dungeons & Dragons to D&D 5.5e. In the case of the monk, this was definitely justified: the class was considered categorically underplayed because it was simply too weak in comparison. In this article, we will examine the most relevant changes in detail and show how the monk has evolved in the new standard work compared to the classic 5e gameplay. Since, as with the druid, we cannot cover all the changes in one article, we highly recommend the 2024 Player’s Handbook 🛒.
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New basic abilities and focus points
Already at Level 1 the basic ability Martial Arts has been significantly improved. Whereas the classic monk in 5e could only perform an unarmed strike as a bonus action under certain conditions, the monk in 5.5e can do this anytime, regardless of whether a weapon attack was made previously or not. Moreover, the Martial Arts die starts at 1d6 and scales up to 1d12, delivering significantly more damage compared to its previous range of 1d4–1d10.
An equally significant change concerns Grapples and Shoves: the monk can now use their Dexterity instead of Strength for these actions. This reinforces the monk’s role as a nimble, agile melee fighter.
Upon reaching Level 2, it’s noticeable that Ki Points are now called Focus Points. Here commence the first abilities that cost Focus Points: Flurry of Blows, Patient Defense, and Step of the Wind.
Revised Focus Abilities: Patient Defense & Step of the Wind
The classic abilities Patient Defense and Step of the Wind have been completely revamped and offer significantly more flexibility in the 2024 edition. Both can now be used either with or without expending Focus Points.
- Patient Defense as a defensive focus ability now allows performing a Disengage as a free bonus action. If a Focus Point is spent, it additionally includes a Dodge, placing all incoming attacks at a disadvantage and giving the monk an advantage on Dexterity saving throws.
- Step of the Wind enables a Dash as a bonus action for free. With Focus, it adds Disengage and doubles jump distance until the end of your turn.
This adjustment allows the monk to consistently utilize their bonus actions, aligning them with other mobile classes like the rogue.
New Resource Management Tool: Uncanny Metabolism
At Level 2, the monk in D&D 5.5e gains Uncanny Metabolism: Once per long rest, a monk can roll initiative to regain all of his Focus Points
and also heal hit points based on his Martial Arts die and level. This modification resolves a longstanding issue from the old version, where Ki Points were quickly depleted and regenerated slowly.
Deflect Attacks: More than Just Deflecting Projectiles
The classic ability Deflect Missiles was quite limited in 5e, working only against projectile weapons. In 5.5e, this ability has been extended to Deflect Attacks, now reducing physical damage from both melee and ranged attacks (bludgeoning, piercing, or slashing). If the total damage is reduced to 0, the monk can spend a focus point to redirect the attack to a different target.
The New Features at Higher Levels
- Heightened Focus (Level 10) significantly enhances Flurry of Blows, Patient Defense, and Step of the Wind, each adding features such as extra attacks or temporary hit points.
- Self-Restoration (Level 10) allows the monk to automatically remove conditions such as
Charmed, Frightened, or Poisoned at the end of their turn. - Deflect Energy (Level 13) extends Deflect Attacks to include damage of all types.
- Perfect Focus (Level 14) regenerates Focus Points at the start of an encounter if fewer than three Focus Points are available and Uncanny Metabolism has not been used before.
- Superior Defense (Level 18) allows, upon spending Focus Points, resistance against all types of damage (except force) for a certain period.
- Body and Mind (Level 20) grants a +4 bonus to Dexterity and Wisdom, up to a maximum of 25.
A Quick Overview: The Monk’s Subclasses
In the new edition, there are four Monk subclasses:
- Warrior of the Elements
- Warrior of the Open Hand
- Warrior of Shadow
- Warrior of Mercy, which has moved from Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything into the Player’s Handbook.
For more details on the subclasses/paths, pick up the 5.5e Player’s Handbook.
Conclusion: An All-Around Improved Monk
The 2024 D&D 5.5e Monk is vastly superior to its 2014 version in every way. Once considered the weakest class, it has become one of the stronger ones, offering enjoyment through enhanced basic abilities, a new resource management mechanic, and powerful features at higher levels.
