An unarmed strike isn’t a weapon, so it doesn’t qualify. In contrast, a rogue/monk can use Sneak Attack with a monk weapon, such as a shortsword or a dagger, that has one of the required properties. Strictly speaking, unarmed strikes are not finesse weapons and cannot be used for Sneak Attack.
Are monk weapons finesse weapons?
While monks don’t give the weapons they use the finesse function by name, the fact that a monk can use either str or dex bonus for these weapons does make them finesse. The definition of finesse is that str or dex can be used.
Do unarmed monk attacks count as weapon attacks?
Unarmed strikes count as a “weapon attack” ONLY when an attack is made. also, a natural weapon, such as a fist or foot is NOT considered a weapon for the purpose of spells, features, fighting styles, or traits. so in summary: Unarmed strike-is not a weapon until an attack roll is made.
Can you make a weapon finesse?
While there is no way to give a weapon the finesse property, if you merely wish to use Dexterity instead of Strength for attack and damage rolls with a weapon, 3 levels of the Kensei Monk from Xanathar’s Guide to Everything will do the trick.
Can a monk use an unarmed strike as a weapon?
So unarmed strikes don’t count as weapons. Moreover, the Monk’s Martial Arts ability says: You can use Dexterity instead of Strength for the attack and damage rolls of your unarmed strikes and monk weapons. This lets you use Dexterity instead of Strength, similar to the finesse property, but does not actually give the finesse ability.
Can a monk use a sneak attack with a fist?
If he ain’t wearing them by any reason, he can’t use Sneak Attack with his fists (note I didn’t say “unarmed attack”). Another option could even be restricting this multiclass Monk/Sneak Attack choice to just be possible with those kind of gloves, and no other rogue usual weapon. Flavor!
Why are unarmed strikes and weapons not finesse?
Looking at the Monk’s martial arts feature, the RAW unarmed strikes and monk weapons can use Dex for attack and damage, just like finesse, but aren’t finesse. Now I know most DMs would probably let you get the sneak attack, but I wanted to know was this a RAI to not let monk unarmed strikes be finesse, but the worded work around.
When do you use a finesse weapon in Rogue?
When making an attack with a finesse weapon, you use your choice of Strength or Dexterity modifier for the attack and damage rolls. You must use the same modifier for both rolls. Given that rogue’s sneak attack must use a ranged or finesse weapon, PHB, page 96: The attack must use a finesse or a ranged weapon.
