Of the many updates to the 2024 edition of Dungeons & Dragons, the Monk class is seeing some pretty impressive upgrades. Whether you’ve always been a fan of the Monk class or are just getting into D&D for the first time, here’s our guide to what you need to know about the newest enhancements. And as always, you can follow along with our free character creator for D&D.

Martial Arts Upgrade

One of the biggest updates is the Monk's signature Martial Arts feature. The Martial Arts die now starts at 1d6 (up from 1d4) and scales all the way up to 1d12 at higher levels. This means Monks will be dealing more damage right from the get-go.

With that, the Monk weapons options have expanded. All Simple Melee weapons and Martial Melee weapons with the Light property are now fair game. This opens up more weapon options for Monks who want to diversify their fighting style.

Perhaps most excitingly, Monks can now use their Dexterity for Grapple and Shove attempts. This change aligns perfectly with the Monk's agile fighting style and makes these combat maneuvers much more viable for the class.

Ki Points Are Now Focus Points

Say goodbye to Ki Points and hello to Focus Points. While this change is largely semantic, it comes with some interesting tweaks to how these points are used:

• Patient Defense: You can now Disengage as a Bonus Action for free, or spend a Focus Point to both Disengage and Dodge.
• Step of the Wind: Similarly, you can Dash as a Bonus Action for free, or spend a Focus Point to Disengage, Dash, and double your jump distance.

These changes give Monks more flexibility in combat without always draining their resources.

New Features: Uncanny Metabolism and More

The 2024 Monk gains several new features that enhance their survivability and combat powers. Here are some of the main features to look for:

• Uncanny Metabolism (Level 2): Once per long rest, regain all Focus Points when you roll Initiative.
• Deflect Attacks (Level 3): An upgrade to Deflect Missiles, now applicable to melee attacks as well.
• Empowered Strike (Level 5): Choose to deal Force damage with Unarmed Strikes.
• Heightened Focus (Level 10): Enhances Flurry of Blows, Patient Defense, and Step of the Wind.
• Self-Restoration (Level 10): Remove certain conditions and ignore food/water-based Exhaustion.
• Deflect Energy (Level 13): Reduce damage from any damage type.
• Perfect Focus (Level 15): Regain Focus Points when rolling Initiative if below 4.
• Superior Defense (Level 18): Gain resistance to all damage types except Force.
• Body and Mind (Level 20): Increase Wisdom and Dexterity by 4 each.

Subclass Revisions: The Four Warriors

The Monk subclasses now have a new name –  "Warriors” – and have also seen updates:

1. Warrior of Mercy: Minor tweaks, with Flurry of Healing Hands now usable based on Wisdom modifier.
2. Warrior of Shadow: Gains more shadow manipulation abilities and a powerful invisibility feature.
3. Warrior of the Elements: Completely reworked, offering more elemental damage options and flexibility.
4. Warrior of the Open Hand: Subtle changes to existing abilities and a new Fleet Step feature.

Epic Boons Now Available

At 19th level, Monks now gain access to Epic Boons, a feature previously reserved for DM discretion. The recommended "Boon of Irresistible Offense" can potentially add massive damage to critical hits.

Try Out The More Dynamic Monk on Roll20

The 2024 updates to the Monk class seem aimed at addressing long-standing criticisms while enhancing what makes the class unique. With increased damage potential, more flexible resource management, and exciting new features, the Monk is poised to become a more dynamic and satisfying class to play.

So, why not give the new version a try? With our free character creator for D&D 2024, you're just a few clicks away from exploring the new Monk yourself.