Others pick classes that lend to each other\u2019s strengths, allowing for incredibly potent builds. One such build is the Monk Rogue hybrid, which takes the explosive power of the monk and combines it with the sneaky underhanded methods of the Rogue. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Players that take this class will be able to strike from the shadows, cripple opponents, and manipulate their body\u2019s energy to elevate their abilities beyond their normal limits. In this guide, we will break down how to build and play a Monk Rogue multiclass.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your Race will determine your strengths at the start of the campaign or upon character creation. It will also determine the way you see the world around you and how the world will see you, both of which influence your character\u2019s backstory and story throughout the campaign. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While many Races will be suitable for just a Monk<\/a> or just a Rogue, in order to maximize your multiclass\u2019s effectiveness, you will want to pick from the provided list of Races to ensure positive results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Tabaxi is a feline<\/a>, humanoid creature playable in Dungeons and Dragons<\/em>. The Tabaxi offers a blend of agility and feline traits that complement the Monk Rogue multiclass. Your bonus to Dexterity increases your attack checks while the inherent bonus to Perception will align with the Rogue\u2019s playstyle of looking for traps or how to approach various situations.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n You gain a bonus to unarmed combat with your claws, allowing you to roll higher and deal slashing damage when attacking plus the Tabaxi\u2019s Feline Agility trait boosts your movement speed, making you elusive and swift. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Wood Elf is a natural fit for this combination of classes, as you gain a boost to Dexterity and Wisdom, both of which are key Ability Scores for the Monk and Rogue separately. Mask of the Wild will also enhance your stealth, allowing you to play into the Rogue portion of their classes more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The only reason Wood Elf <\/a>is second to Tabaxi is that the Tabaxi Race blends the two classes together, while the Wood Elf Race will have players choosing between if they want to be a Monk for one action and a Rogue for the next. This can still be powerful however, so do not neglect the Wood Elf purely for optimization purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Being a blend of Human and Elf, the Half-Elf is a Race that offers flexibility to your builds. As a player taking up a multiclass, consider taking the Half-Elf for its Ability Score distribution, as you are able to pick which stats you would like to increase. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Investing in Dexterity, Constitution, and Wisdom will create a well-rounded character for an early game experience, or if joining the game midway into a campaign as a second character, you can take any Ability Scores that can support what your party needs. On the other hand, the Half-Elf does not receive any traits that specifically benefit the Monk Rogue multiclass, so be mindful of being less advantaged than the other Races.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Once you have selected your Race and various backstory elements<\/a>, it is time to tackle Ability Score Allocation. Your Ability Scores will determine how effective you are with various checks done throughout the game including when in combat. Because of this and because we are building a multiclass, there are some right and wrong choices that can be made.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, even when using the recommended three Ability Scores here, always consider how your game is playing and what your party needs are, as you can always grow a different stat slowly when leveling up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a Monk and Rogue hybrid, all of your actions in combat will utilize Dexterity, making this Ability Score the highest priority investment. Along with your attack rolls, your Armor Class and Initiative will also benefit from investing in Dexterity. This helps with survivability and taking early leads in combat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Lastly, Dexterity improves the Rogue\u2019s stealth abilities which are important for play styles that will be discussed later. The multiclass has explosive potential, so moving first can mean ending an encounter in a single turn before the enemy even knows what hit them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wisdom is utilized for the Monk\u2019s Ki features and saving throws. Ki is like an ammunition that Monks tap<\/a> into for their abilities, so having more Ki and larger bonuses to Ki abilities will be important for the class\u2019s success. Your Perception checks will also be enhanced even without proficiency in the stat, supporting the multiclass greatly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As a final pick for Ability Scores, consider taking Constitution. This increases hit points which is always an important stat for any class, especially early on when you lack abilities to increase your dodge rates. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, despite this importance, only invest into Constitution if you are satisfied with your Dexterity and Wisdom Ability Scores already and do not need another stat to be padded, such as if you are in the negative bonus range but are only 1 away from hitting neutral. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As a multiclass, you can determine your strengths more precisely than a single-class character is capable of. Initially, you may feel weaker than your allies since they will hit certain power spikes earlier than you, but as you gain levels in both classes, you will see your strength shine in mid to late-campaign areas. <\/p>\n\n\n\n We highly recommend planning out your leveling route ahead of time from Player Levels 1 through 20. Either use software on your device, pen and paper, or simply type notes out when making your progression plan. Think about the fantasy you are trying to fulfill and what skills will help you go about this. Are you a classic and pure ninja, a monk banished from your temple, a thief trying to do the right thing, or something else entirely? <\/p>\n\n\n\n These will all influence your decision for levels, and while we cannot simply give a route for levels, we do have important recommendations that you touch on before expanding your character into their unique identity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Balancing and synergizing your levels between classes can feel like a tall order. We recommend balancing the first 4 levels of each class closely, as outlined below, then taking up whichever class you enjoy more or are more interested in. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Popular splits include Rogue 4\/Monk 16 or Monk 3\/Rogue 17 if you want to lean into one class more than the other. For a strictly middle-of-the-road path, consider Monk 11\/Rogue 9 as both of these levels earn a new feature from your subclass, whereas a 10\/10 split cuts the Monk off from an important power spike. Below is a chart for a sample route in levels:<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"monk](\"https:\/\/creaturecollege.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/monk-rogue-build-5e-600x328.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nChoosing your Monk Rogue build race<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Best Race Pick – Tabaxi<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Second Best Race Pick- Wood Elf<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Third Best Race Pick- Half-Elf<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"5e](\"https:\/\/creaturecollege.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/5e-dnd-Monk-Rogue-Build-600x316.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAllocating Ability Scores<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Highest Priority- Dexterity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Second Pick – Wisdom<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Final Option – Constitution<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Determine Class Progression and Synergies<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Rogue Levels 1 – 4<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Monk Level 1 – 4<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Finding Balance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n