The Best Barbarian Monk Multiclass in DnD 5e

When building a Dungeons & Dragons character, the sky is the limit. Pretty much anything a player can dream of can be done, including multiclass builds that play well off one another while simultaneously defining a character's backstory. There are a number of reasons a Barbarian might consider becoming a Monk, or vice-versa, but how that build is executed is important.

The Monk class was designed for straight levels, and sometimes dipping into another class can weaken the character significantly and detract from their abilities. However, Barbarian and Monk classes can pair well together, combining Rage with Ki to execute powerful attacks that leave enemies stunned enough that there isn't time to wonder what hit them.

Monk Barbarian Build Summary

Race	Wood Elf, Tortle
Ability Scores (in order of importance)	STR, DEX, WIS, CON, INT, CHA
Level Combination	Monk 17, Barbarian 3
Feats	Crusher, Sentinel, Tough

The Required Stats for a Monk Barbarian in DnD 5e

A DnD Way of the Open Hand monk meditating in DnD

To multiclass successfully, characters need to meet specific statistic requirements for both classes, in this case Strength ( Barbarian), Dexterity and Wisdom (Monk) all need to be 13 or higher to qualify for both classes. This applies regardless of which class the character starts out as, meaning the character won't be able to rely solely on point buys to multiclass. They will likely need bonuses from either level ups or their racial choice to meet the minimum requirements early on.

Best Racial Choices for a DnD Barbarian Monk

A 5e dnd tortle monk in a fighting stance

As for which race will help most, Wood Elves tend to be a good choice because they receive stat boosts to Wisdom and Dexterity, as well as the added bonus of extra speed and Mask of the Wild. Tortle is another excellent choice because they receive +2 to Strength and +1 to Wisdom, meaning more points can be used to boost the other required stats for multiclassing. Tortles also have natural armor, granting them an automatic AC 17, which is perfect since Monks don't generally wear armor.

How to Level a Monk Barbarian in 5e

DnD 5e Way of the Kensei monk carrying out training exercises

With this build, the focus should be primarily on the Monk class from the start, taking the first level in Monk to get the Dex proficiency and the extra bonus attack action. Level two should be the first level in Barbarian, which will add the benefit of Raging and acquiring extra damage from those Rage attacks. The next four levels should be in Monk, as this will earn them new abilities, as well as an extra attack that'll serve as an opportunity to deal massive amounts of damage in one turn.

The next two levels (seven and eight) return to Barbarian to choose a subclass. Totem Warrior is one of the best for the Barbarian Monk build, as it makes for some incredible tanking abilities and added damage for reckless attacks. Between Rage, reckless attacks and Ki points, this character will be able to pack a heavy punch and pound enemies to a pulp again and again.

After choosing the Barbarian subclass, return to Monk for the rest of the level ups. This will allow the character to reach maximum martial arts die and grant them all their subclass abilities.

The Best DnD 5e Feats for a Barbarian Monk

A Barbarian stalking through the forest with a greataxe in DnD

Because this build requires the player to focus on their Wisdom, Dexterity and Strength scores, Feats are often necessary to bolster this multiclass' durability, Constitution and HP. When able to take a feat, look for opportunities to maximize important stats while also providing a few perks to their current abilities. For example, Crusher provides a boost to either Constitution or Strength and allows the player to give enemies a hearty push. This could be used to send an enemy tumbling off a ledge or away from another party member.

Sentinel, especially when coupled with Crusher, can be another powerful option. It allows the player to reduce an enemy's movement speed to zero so they can be held in place for attacks. It also provides the player with an incredible amount of mobility, meaning they can place themselves strategically in battle, be it beside their allies or right in the enemy's face.

Finally, Tough provides a boost to HP, which may be a little on the thin side since Constitution was likely sacrificed to create the build and the character will only have three levels of Barbarian to slightly boost HP with d12s. Not only does the player receive an initial HP boost of twice their level, but each level thereafter provides an additional 2 HP to their total after rolling.