Tarondor's Pathfinder 2e Monk Guide – Remastered Builds

Tarondor's Pathfinder 2e Monk Guide – Remastered

Table of Contents

• Introduction{#introduction}
• Glossary{#glossary}
• Monk Class Features{#monk-class-features}
• Attributes{#attributes}
• Types of Monks{#types-of-monk}
• Ancestries{#ancestries}
• Backgrounds{#backgrounds}
• Skills and Skill Feats{#skills-and-skill-feats}
• Feats{#feats}
• Archetypes{#archetypes}
• Equipment{#equipment}
• Monk Tactics{#monk-tactics}
• Monk Builds{#monk-builds}
• Conclusion{#conclusion}

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Introduction

"Monks are among the most flexible classes in Pathfinder 2e". The guide presents monks as highly adaptable martial characters capable of filling roles such as Tank, Skirmisher, or fighting spellcaster. Flurry of Blows (FoB) works with unarmed strikes and certain monastic weapons via specific feats. The Monk is MAD (Multiple Ability Dependent), typically requiring strong Dexterity or Strength as the key attribute, with Constitution and Wisdom also important for survivability and Will saves.

The guide uses a four-color coding system to rate options:

• RED: Warning. Poor option to avoid.
• ORANGE: Good utility for some strategies.
• GREEN: Strong, recommended choice.
• BLUE: Must-have, best option.

A core early item for any Monk is Handwraps of Mighty Blows +1 or better, used to ensure reliable unarmed damage. The guide also highlights Dragonblood Versatile Heritage as highly synergistic, and notes Athletics-enhancing gear like Lifting Belt and Sash of Prowess.

For beginners, the author suggests Wolf Stance as a straightforward, effective starting stance and explains mid- to late-game progression toward complementary stances and Monastic Weaponry.

Glossary

Pathfinder 2e vocabulary is reinforced here. Key terms include: 1e/2e, Action Compression, Action Economy, BBEG, Buff, Build, Crit Fishing, Damage Curve, Debuff, Face, Feat Tree, GM, MAD, MAP, Meat Shield, Nerf, NPC, PFS, Remaster, Spam, Stack, Switch Hitter, Tank, TPK, and more. The glossary explains each term’s meaning within PF2e and Monk-specific nuance, including how actions per turn interact with stances, maneuvers, and the Flurry of Blows; and how various ancestries and feats modify core mechanics.

Monk Class Features

• Key Abilities: Dexterity or Strength can be chosen as the Key Ability; both are viable. Dex-based improves AC, Reflex, and some attack rolls when using finesse weapons; Str-based emphasizes attack and some weapon damage and melee maneuvers.
• Hit Points: 10 per level.
• Perception: Expert at level 5; later levels allow enhancements via specific feats (e.g., Incredible Acumen / Canny Acumen and the Ancestry Longevity progression).
• Saving Throws: Four saves start at Expert; later levels allow Master in two saves and Legendary in others via feats such as First Path to Perfection, Second Path to Perfection, and Third Path to Perfection.
• Skills: 4 + Intelligence modifier; typical Monk proficiency in unarmed strikes and simple weapons by level 5 and Master by level 13.
• Defenses: Unarmored defense is core; high AC achievable with Mountain Stance and other buffs; some builds emphasize Defensive prowess and Shifts to avoid being overwhelmed.
• Flurry of Blows (FoB): Gained at 1st level; allows two unarmed strikes in a single action, and is a Flourish ability — can be used once per round. Works with FoB-enabled stances (Dragon, Crane, etc.) and with Monastic Weaponry when appropriate.
• Powerful Fist: All unarmed strikes become lethal, with 1d6 damage increases significance dramatically.
• Incredible Movement: Movement speed bonuses scale with level (e.g., +10 feet at 3rd level, up to +30 feet later).
• Mystic Strikes: Your unarmed attacks count as magical at 3rd level; often superseded by Handwraps of Mighty Blows +1.
• Saving Throws improvements via Path Perfection upgrades (First, Second, Third, etc.).
• Weapon Specifications: Metal/Adamantine-like increases and other unique traits (e.g., Silvered strikes) appear via special feats and weapons.
• Flurry-centric Action Economy: The monk’s action economy often grants a third action for other tasks; with spells, can expedite multi-attack turns.
• Subsections detail specific feats (Powerful Fist, Amazing Movement, Second Path to Perfection, etc.), and the many Path-to-Perfection saving throw improvements.

Attributes

• Monks either Dex-based or Str-based, with general MAD for most builds; primary attributes: STR, DEX, CON, WIS, INT, CHA. Dex-based monks emphasize AC, Reflex saves, and finesse-based attack rolls; Str-based emphasize attack and certain abilities like strategic combat maneuvers.
• Constitution is critical for survivability and Fortitude saving throws; Wisdom underpins Perception and certain Qi spells.
• Example starting attribute arrays are provided for both Dex-based and Str-based builds, showing possible + distributions to maximize relevant stats at level 1.

Types of Monks

Monks are defined not by sub-classes but by fighting style, primarily manifested through weapon/staff choices and feats. The guide identifies three broad archetypes:

• Stance Monks: Use stances to access varied damage die types and passive benefits; entering a stance costs an action, though Flurry often reduces that cost.
• Weapon Monks: Use Monastic Weaponry to wield monk weapons (e.g., Bo Staff, Temple Sword) and leverage weapon traits; they gain access to reach and other battlefield-control options, sometimes surpassing unarmed damage with weapons.
• Qi Monks: Build around Qi Spells as their primary tactic; with appropriate Wisdom investment, Qi spells offer a different tactical toolkit, including self-buffs and offensive cantrips.
• Recommendation: Beginners are advised to start with Wolf Stance (a simple stance), then add monastic weaponry and complementary stances at mid-level for advanced play.

Ancestries

Ancestries provide a broad spectrum of options; the guide lists many with varying Strength, Dex, and Constitution allocations, including common, uncommon, and rare ancestries. It emphasizes: Weapon Familiarity feats and the Remastered ancestry rules, including replacing the older legacy three-feat rule with a single Weapon Familiarity feat. Ancestry-specific feats grant unique bonuses, spell-like abilities, or innate cantrips contributing to monk performance.

• Common Ancestries: Dwarf, Elf, Gnome, Goblin, Halfling, Human, Centaur, Kobold, Lizardfolk, Nagaji, Samsaran, Tengu, Leshy, Minotaur, Catfolk, Android, Automaton, Jotunborn, Orc, Atlases of various traits.
• 7.1 Common Ancestries are provided with detailed heritage and feat examples, followed by 7.2 Uncommon and 7.3 Rare Ancestries, including Athamaru, Elf, Goblin, Halfling, Centaur, Gnome, Minotaur, Kobold, Lizardfolk, Nagaji, Samsaran, Tengu, Jotunborn, and more.
• Notable highlights include the Dragonblood versatile heritage which increases AC via Scaly Hide and multiple flight options, and the Tengu Weapon Familiarity which allows wider weapon usage with Monastic Weaponry.

Backgrounds

Backdrops provide starting bonuses to key attributes and sometimes access to skill feats. The guide lists various backgrounds aligned to Dex or Str emphasis, including those that bolster Coat-of-arms skill checks, Nature, and Athletics. Background selection is intended to complement the monk’s build, supporting the chosen key attribute and providing useful skill options (e.g., Titan Wrestler, Combat Climber, or Vigilant Lore themes).

Skills and Skill Feats

• Acrobatics: Primary for Dex-based monks; also beneficial for Str-based builds that rely on mobility and balance.
• Athletics: Central to many maneuvers (Reposition, Shove, Trip, Grapple); often maxed.
• Deception, Diplomacy, Intimidation: Helpful for social scenes; various halfling/gnome/nagaji traits produce social advantages.
• Stealth and Survival: Useful for skirmishers and archers in some terrains.
• Crafting, Religion, Nature: Some builds leverage these for ki spells or noncombat utility.
• Feats: Assurance (for shoves/grapples), Titan Wrestler (grappling), and other specialized feats to shore up MAP (Multiple Attack Penalty) and mobility.

Feats

• Monk Feats: Ranging from basic stances (Crane, Dragon, Wolf, Tiger, Stumbling) to advanced arcanum (Qi Spells, Stances like Stoked Flame, Reflective Ripple): Each feat includes details on attack types, traits, MAP implications, and interaction with Monastic Weaponry. The guide lists numerous stances and the associated attack lines (e.g., Cobra Fang, Dragon Tail, Lashing Branch, etc.).
• Level-based progression: 1st to 20th level feats across various stances and maneuvers with notes on compatibility with Monastic Weaponry, MS (Mountain Stance), and other archetypes.
• Notable feats: Flurry of Blows, Momentous Charge, Shattering Strike, Diamond Fists, Five-gods Ram, and Shattering-related options to maximize damage or control.

Archtypes

• Multiclass Archetypes: A wide array of multiclass options including Alchemist, Barbarian, Bard, Champion, Cleric, Druid, Exemplar, Fighter, Guardian, Gunslinger, Inventor, Investigator, Kineticist, Magus, Oracle, Ranger, Rogue, Sorcerer, Summoner, Swashbuckler, Thaumaturge, Witch, Wizard. Each archetype provides unique synergies with the Monk (e.g., Beastmaster, Martial Artist, Mauler, Medic, Six Pillars, Spirit Warrior).
• The author discusses Free Archetype rules and notes the impact of Free Archetype on class power. He argues for allowing Free Archetype to encourage character variety, while cautioning that not all archetypes should be used too freely as they could overshadow core Monk class feats.
• Example builds showing synergy between Monastic Stances and Archetypes (e.g., Bastion with Mountain Stance for shield-focused play; Beastmaster companion integration; Six Pillars with Cleric spellcasting to boost Ki spell options).

Equipment

• Monks generally avoid heavy armor but can benefit from Armor Property Runes and Fundamental Armor Runes applied to Gi or Explorer's Clothing, as well as Handwraps of Mighty Blows.
• Weaponry and items: Many weapons (e.g., Bo Staff, Temple Sword) can be used with Monastic Weaponry; Runed weapons and talismans can add capabilities, often with runes that grant critical effects or special resistances.
• Alchemical items and Potions: A variety of mutagens, energy mutagens, or potions to grant temporary boosts, resistance or healing. Level-tied availability and uses are enumerated with specific item effects.
• Shields: Shields are recommended for many monks to leverage Raise a Shield, with fancy options like Tower Shields for higher AC and reflex saves; some shields have special properties and can be raised during combat for defensive bonuses.
• Banner items: Battlecry banners provide aura-based bonuses; Banner of Piercing Shards can apply bleed; Beacon of the Wilds reduces terrain difficulty for allies within the banner.
• Sashes, Belts, Bracers, and other worn items: Numerous items grant aura buffs, resistance, or tactical advantages; some offer flight or dimension-tethered advantages.

Monk Tactics

• 13.1 Basic Pathfinder Tactics: Team-based approach, leveraging the Monk’s action economy. Emphasizes using movement, cover, and action economy to deny enemy actions and maximize team effectiveness. Crowd-control and strategic positioning are key.
• 13.2 Monk -Specific Tactics: Focused on Flurry of Blows usage, mobility (Stride in, Stride out), and area control; stances allow you to be offensive, defensive, or tanky depending on the situation.
• Shields, Combat Maneuvers, Parry, Aid: Practical tips for combining long-range mobility with melee actions. Learn how to leverage Aid and other actions to support teammates.

Monk Builds

• Crane Stance: A Dex-first, highly mobile build using Crane Stance and Stacking feats (Stunned Blows, Stand Still, Powerful Leap, Dancing Leaf) and Beastmaster companion as a free archetype. Final attributes emphasize STR and DEX with a balanced distribution for offense and mobility.
• Dragon Stance: Strength-focused, with Dragon Stance for powerful melee hits; Bastion or Shield-focused archetypes improve survivability with Reactive Shield Dedication. The build takes advantage of Fly-free movement via Qi Spells and Mountain Stance synergy.
• Monastic Archer Stance: A ranged monk build focusing on longbow/drawn weapons; integrates Archery feats (Focus Shot, Precision, Triangle Shot) and Qi Spells for ranged damage with Flurry of Bows. The build emphasizes STR and DEX interplay; uses Monastic Archer Stance to create synergy with ranged attacks and teamwork.
• Monastic Weaponry Monk I (Bo Staff): A weapon-focused build using Bo Staff with Tripping maneuvers; adds Mauler archetype for additional bonuses; uses Mountain Stance and Waterfowl Stance for effective mobility and reach; combining stances with Free Archetype options for a flexible, high-utility monk.
• Mountain Stance II: The Electric Monk: A mix of Mountain Stance with Jolt Coil (electricity damage cantrip enhancements); aims for high AC, fortress shields, and additional aura effects; the build uses a mix of Dwarf adoption and Bastion for defense and mobility. Final attributes emphasize STR and DEX.
• Rushing Goat Stance Monk: Centaur-based build with a focus on mobility and push/shove synergy; uses Guardian for taunt and intercept; emphasizes STR and DEX; includes a shield and Bastion synergy.
• Tangled Forest Stance Monk II (Tangled Forest Frog): An amphibian-themed build using a scenario where the Monk shapeshifts into a frog using Magic Warrior Transformation; emphasizes reach and control; using the Tongue Attack synergy for grappling and Shove with Tongue and other nonstandard attacks; includes a Free Archetype option to expand to Rogue for mobility and Sneak.
• Kaiju Stance Monk: A large-monster-themed build, building around a Fleshwarp ancestry and Kaiju Lore for enhanced intimidating presence and monstrous strength; combining Monk with Barbarian or Wild Mimic for “giant” combat prowess, with Shattering Strikes and Bound abilities to unleash heavy melee damage.
• Other builds discussed include Swashbuckler Monk, Bard Monk, Champion Monk, Cleric Monk, Druid Monk, and Exemplar-based builds.

Conclusion

The guide emphasizes that Monk construction in Pathfinder 2e can range from pure unarmed attack to highly stylized, multi-stance fighters leveraging monastic weapons, Qi spells, or even archetypes to produce flexible, hard-hitting characters with strong action economy. Tarondor argues for using the Free Archetype rule to unlock more nuanced options, while cautioning against breaking balance in campaign contexts. He closes with a note inviting feedback, updates, and further builds from the community, crediting his sources and contributors.

Change Log

• 10/16/2025 - Published Version 1.0

About the Author

Tarondor has been a long-time tabletop RPG player and GM across multiple systems; he maintains a series of Pathfinder 2e Remastered guides for the community, focusing on class builds, archetypes, and optimized options for players.

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