2014 Ruleset Dungeons and Dragons Subclasses in 2024: Monks!
5The 2024 Player's Handbook is out for Dungeons and Dragons, and it's supposed to be backwards compatible! So how do the old Monk subclasses stack up?
Music: “Zen Garden”
by Shane Ivers – https://www.silvermansound.com/
Original Thread: https://bsky.app/profile/caseaiken.bsky.social/post/3laz3tkyd4c2r
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Overview
In the recent Class Discussion meeting, titled "Monks," participants reviewed the significant improvements made to the Monk class in the 2024 Dungeons & Dragons edition compared to the 2014 version. Key enhancements include the elimination of action requirements for martial arts and Flurry of Blows, better usability of abilities like Step of the Wind and Patient Defense, and resolved late-game scaling issues with second stage boosts for focus powers. The discussion included a comprehensive overview of rebalanced subclasses, emphasizing the new Warrior of Elements and the retention and minor tweaks to the Mercy Monk, Open Hand, and Shadow Monks. The Warrior of Shadows was highlighted for its enhanced offensive capabilities, while the Warrior of Open Hand saw slight nerfs. A comparative analysis revealed that overall gameplay mechanics and balance have significantly improved, though the Way of the Sun Soul was noted as still underperforming. The meeting concluded with an action item for Case Aiken to further review these updates in detail.
Notes
Monk Class Improvements (00:00 - 10:44) (00:00 - 10:44)
2024 Monk class significantly improves upon the 2014 version, addressing balance issues.
Key changes include martial arts and Flurry of Blows no longer requiring the attack action, enhancing action economy.
Abilities like Step of the Wind and Patient Defense have been revamped to not cost Ki Focus, improving usability.
Late game scaling issues have been addressed with second stage boosts for focus powers.
Subclasses Overview (10:44 - 22:11) (10:44 - 22:11)
Subclasses have been rebalanced, with the Mercy Monk being ported over with minimal changes.
Open Hand and Shadow Monks received minor tweaks, while the Four Elements Monk was replaced by the Warrior of Elements.
Each subclass now has features that align better with the core Monk abilities, enhancing synergy and gameplay.
The Warrior of Mercy provides unique healing capabilities, while the Warrior of Shadows enhances stealth and offensive capabilities.
Detailed Subclass Breakdown (22:11 - 32:21) (22:11 - 32:21)
Warrior of Elements offers a more streamlined approach to elemental abilities, focusing on synergy with core Monk mechanics.
Warrior of Open Hand retains strong features but has been slightly nerfed in terms of action economy.
Warrior of Shadows has improved stealth and offensive capabilities, making it a premier striker build.
Warrior of Mercy maintains its healing role while providing explosive damage potential.
Comparative Analysis of Subclasses (32:21 - 41:12) (32:21 - 41:12)
Comparison of 2014 and 2024 subclasses shows significant improvements in gameplay mechanics and balance.
Way of the Ascendant Dragon and Way of the Long Death are highlighted as strong options in the new framework.
Way of the Sun Soul remains underpowered compared to the new subclasses, lacking in mechanics despite thematic appeal.
Overall, the Monk class in 2024 is much improved, offering exciting new options for players.