No, your Dexterity bonus can’t be used for grapple checks instead of Strength. You don’t get the swapping benefit for everything you do unarmed — being unarmed is just the first condition of the ability. You get the effect, when unarmed, for “unarmed strikes and monk weapons.”
Can monks use DEX instead of STR?
You can use Dexterity instead of Strength for the attack and damage rolls of your unarmed strikes and monk weapons.
Can monks dump strength?
Ability Scores The Monk is the most MAD class in the game. While Dexterity is their primary ability score, they also need both Constitution and Wisdom to function. Fortunately, you have very little use for Strength, Intelligence, or Charisma, so it’s easy to dump three scores.
Is shove an unarmed strike?
The shove and grapple options don’t involve an attack with a weapon or an unarmed strike, so no.
Can you grapple with acrobatics?
You are correct. Strength (Athletics) to make the grapple and Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) to resist it….Grapple.
| Conditions | Target must be no more than 1 size larger than the Attacker |
|---|---|
| Effects | Target can use Action to escape Grapple with Athletics/Acrobatics vs. Attacker Athletics |
How important is strength for a monk?
Monks are basically Dex fighters, similar to Rogues in that their damage is based on hitting vulnerabilities with precision and speed. Strength is needed for Athletics (become proficient and it’s less important) and armor and raw physical power.
Can you use acrobatics to defend against a shove?
I’ve never had an issue using Acrobats to defend against a Shove/Grapple as it’s RAW, but Acrobatics can’t initiated a grapple. I’ve never been able to use Acrobatics to climb, that’s always firmly been a Athletics thing. The only time I’ve seen Acrobatics come up is with a balance check.
Which is the best subclass for a monk?
Beyond that minor weirdness, the subclass is fantastic. It caters well to hit-and-run tactics which help to keep the monk alive and out of range of direct attacks. However, the only directly offensive option it offers is Intoxicating Frenzy at 17th level.
What are the options in the monk background?
Red: Bad, useless options, or options which are extremely situational. Orange: OK options, or useful options that only apply in rare circumstances. Green: Good options. Blue: Fantastic options, often essential to the function of your character.
How to make someone prone without a shove?
There is also the option to shove someone with a Strength (Athletics) vs. Strength (Athletics) or Dexterity (Acrobatics) check. Assume a non-fighter without the Martial Adept feat and Strength: 8. What ways are there to make someone prone with a reasonable success rate? Anything a player can control is fine.
