Difference between revisions of "Monk skills"

Latest revision as of 17:06, 10 July 2015

This page lists all Monk skills. Follow the links to the individual skill pages for full discussion of every skill, including first hand reports and screenshots.

Useful skill links:

Skills - General skill design and mechanics.
- Skill runes - The huge skill customization and improvement system.
Monk - a melee-oriented class of great dexterity and skill.
- Spirit - The Monk's energy resource.
- Monk skills - A list of all the Monk's active skills.
  - Spirit generators - Skills that generate the Monk's resource, and used to be called "combos".
  - Mantras - Skills that provide buffs to party members and/or debuffs to enemies.
- Monk passives - A list of all the Monk's passive skills.
Monk skill archive - Monk skills removed or modified during development.
Monk traits - Passive skills in Diablo III were called traits for a while before reverting back.

Active Skills[edit | edit source]

Click to the individual skill pages for more details about these skills including numbers, screenshots, skill rune information, blue quotes, and much more.

Primary[edit | edit source]

Name	Level	Description

<skill class="Monk">Fists of Thunder</skill> <skill class="Monk">Deadly Reach</skill> <skill class="Monk">Crippling Wave</skill> <skill class="Monk">Way of the Hundred Fists</skill>

Secondary[edit | edit source]

Name	Level	Description

<skill class="Monk">Lashing Tail Kick</skill> <skill class="Monk">Tempest Rush</skill> <skill class="Monk">Wave of Light</skill>

Defensive[edit | edit source]

Name	Level	Description

<skill class="Monk">Blinding Flash</skill> <skill class="Monk">Breath of Heaven</skill> <skill class="Monk">Serenity</skill> <skill class="Monk">Inner Sanctuary</skill>

Techniques[edit | edit source]

Name	Level	Description

<skill class="Monk">Dashing Strike</skill> <skill class="Monk">Exploding Palm</skill> <skill class="Monk">Sweeping Wind</skill>

Focus[edit | edit source]

Name	Level	Description

<skill class="Monk">Cyclone Strike</skill> <skill class="Monk">Seven Sided Strike</skill> <skill class="Monk">Mystic Ally</skill>

Mantras[edit | edit source]

Name	Level	Description

<skill subcat="Mantras" class="Monk">Mantra of Evasion</skill> <skill subcat="Mantras" class="Monk">Mantra of Retribution</skill> <skill subcat="Mantras" class="Monk">Mantra of Healing</skill> <skill subcat="Mantras" class="Monk">Mantra of Conviction</skill>

Passive Skills[edit | edit source]

Passive skills do not need activating. The player can choose up to three Passives and they each become available at different characters levels which is indicated in the 'level' column.

Name	Level	Description

<skill class="Monk">Fleet Footed</skill> <skill class="Monk">Resolve</skill> <skill class="Monk">Exalted Soul</skill> <skill class="Monk">Transcendence</skill> <skill class="Monk">Chant of Resonance</skill> <skill class="Monk">Seize the Initiative</skill> <skill class="Monk">The Guardian's Path</skill> <skill class="Monk">Sixth Sense</skill> <skill class="Monk">Pacifism</skill> <skill class="Monk">Beacon of Ytar</skill> <skill class="Monk">Guiding Light</skill> <skill class="Monk">One With Everything</skill> <skill class="Monk">Combination Strike</skill> <skill class="Monk">Near Death Experience</skill>

Skill Distribution[edit | edit source]

A player-made chart showing when the Monk gains access to skills, passives, and rune effects.

Monk skill progression. Stats as of May 5, 2012.

Development[edit | edit source]

Removed Skills[edit | edit source]

The following skills were removed or renamed prior to the July 2011 Press Event:

Hands of Lightning - Renamed to Fists of Thunder.
Long Reach
Circle of Wrath
Holy Aura
Dominate Aura
Retribution Aura
Resist Aura

Changed/Removed during the beta test period:

Beacon of Ytar - Replaced with Combination Strike.

Impenetrable Defense, Radiant Visage, and Force Without Thought were removed from the Monk's skill listing between Blizzcon 2009 and Blizzcon 2010.

See the Monk skill archive for a full listing of skill changes over time.

Monk Builds[edit | edit source]

Inferno Act 1 Monk Solo Build[edit | edit source]

Inferno Act 2 Monk Tank Build[edit | edit source]

References[edit | edit source]

Full Monk Skill Tree Stats and Discussion
Monk gameplay report
BlizzCon 2010 Monk Hands-on report
Zediono's translation of JudgeHype's pre-beta report -- IncGamers 1st Aug 2011
HardRock's Monk Passive Skills -- IncGamers 6th Sep 2011
Monk builds with video guides and gameplay footage

Template:Skill navbox Necromancer primary

Template:Skill navbox Necromancer secondary

Template:Skill navbox Necromancer corpses

Template:Skill navbox Necromancer bloodandbone

Template:Skill navbox Necromancer reanimation

Template:Skill navbox Necromancer curses

Fan-made Classes			Fan-made Skills [e]
• Alchemist • Arcane Warrior • Artisan • Aurian Mage • Bard • Channeller • Dragon Warrior	• Flagellant • Giant (U) • Hollow Man • Nomad • Onaga Manji • Phase Knight	• Ranger • Slayer (U) • Techpriest (U) • Telepath • Untainted (U) • Zealot	Dragon Warrior Skills • Bow and Throwing Skill Tree • Dragon Disciplines Skill Tree • Martial Arts Skill Tree	Untainted Skills • Divine Skill Tree	Aurian Mage Skill • Holy Power Skill Tree • Shadow Spells Skill Tree • Nature Forces Skill Tree
(U) = Unfinished				Untainted Skills • Divine Skill Tree

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-[[Image:Skill-tree-blizzcon09-monk-muldric.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Old style Monk skill tree, circa
+This page lists all '''[[Monk]] skills'''. Follow the links to the individual skill pages for full discussion of every skill, including first hand reports and screenshots.
-Blizzcon 2009. Art by [http://forums.diii.net/showthread.php?t=739038 Muldric].]]
-This page lists all '''[[Monk]] skills''', as of August 2011. Follow the links to the individual skill pages for full discussion of every skill, including first hand reports and screenshots.
 '''Useful skill links:'''
 * [[Skill]]s - General skill design and mechanics.
-** [[Active skill]]s - Skills where effects are activated by the player.
+** [[Skill rune]]s - The huge skill customization and improvement system.
-** [[Passive skill]]s - Skills where effects are activated automatically, by the computer or by special events.
+* [[Monk]] - a [[melee]]-oriented class of great dexterity and skill.
-** [[Signature skill]]s - Skills that define characters.
+** [[Spirit]] - The Monk's energy [[resource]].
-** [[Combos|Monk Combo Skills]] - The class specialty; mix and match three hits in a row for big bonuses.
+** [[Monk skills]] - A list of all the Monk's active skills.
-** [[Auras|Monk Auras]] - Skills that provide buffs to party members and/or debuffs to enemies.
+*** [[Spirit generator]]s - Skills that generate the Monk's resource, and used to be called "[[combo]]s".
-* [[Spirit]] - The Monk's energy [[resource]].
+*** [[Mantra]]s - Skills that provide buffs to party members and/or debuffs to enemies.
-* [[Runestones]] - The way to massive skill customization/modification.
+** [[Monk passives]] - A list of all the Monk's passive skills.
 * [[Monk skill archive]] - Monk skills removed or modified during development.
 * [[Monk traits]] - Passive skills in Diablo III were called [[traits]] for a while before reverting back.
 ==Active Skills==
-Click to the individual skill pages for more details about these skills including numbers, screenshots, [[runestone]] information, blue quotes, and much more.
+Click to the individual skill pages for more details about these skills including numbers, screenshots, [[skill rune]] information, blue quotes, and much more.
-===Blinding Flash===
+===Primary===
-[[File:IconBlindingFlash.jpg|left]]
+{{Skill description header}}
-[[Blinding Flash]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 1.<br>
+<skill class="Monk">Fists of Thunder</skill>
-Spirit Skill<br>
+<skill class="Monk">Deadly Reach</skill>
-{{clear-left}}
+<skill class="Monk">Crippling Wave</skill>
-* '''Description:''' Creates a flash of light that blinds all nearby enemies. Blinded enemies will not attack unless they are attacked first. Lasts for X-X seconds. Blinded enemies have a X% reduced chance to hit.
+<skill class="Monk">Way of the Hundred Fists</skill>
-** '''Rank One:''' Blinds enemies for 3-4 seconds, 20% reduced chance to hit.
-** '''Rank Two:''' Blinds enemies for 3-5 seconds, 25% reduced chance to hit.
+===Secondary===
+{{Skill description header}}
+<skill class="Monk">Lashing Tail Kick</skill>
+<skill class="Monk">Tempest Rush</skill>
+<skill class="Monk">Wave of Light</skill>
-===Fists of Thunder===
-[[File:IconFistofThunder.jpg|left]]
-[[Fists of Thunder]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 1.<br>
-One of two low-level [[combo]] skills available to the Monk, this punching attack lands three not-very quick hits, dealing increasing amounts of lightning damage with each attack.
-{{clear-left}}
-* '''[[Combo]] skill:''' Generates 3 [[Spirit]] per hit.
-* '''Description:''' Unleashes a series of increasingly powerful lightning infused punches that deal X% weapon damage as lightning damage, and has a higher chance than normal to interrupt enemy attacks.
+===Defensive===
+{{Skill description header}}
+<skill class="Monk">Blinding Flash</skill>
+<skill class="Monk">Breath of Heaven</skill>
+<skill class="Monk">Serenity</skill>
+<skill class="Monk">Inner Sanctuary</skill>
-===Breath of Heaven===
-[[File:IconBreathofHeaven.jpg|left]]
-[[Breath of Heaven]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 2.<br>
-A curing, cleansing spell that removes debuffs from the Monk and his party.
-{{clear-left}}
-* '''Description:''' The Monk banishes any harmful effects from himself and his allies, including stun, slowing, and effects that reduce defensive or offensive abilities.
+===Techniques===
+{{Skill description header}}
+<skill class="Monk">Dashing Strike</skill>
+<skill class="Monk">Exploding Palm</skill>
+<skill class="Monk">Sweeping Wind</skill>
-===Lashing Tail Kick===
-[[File:IconLashingTailKick.jpg|left]]
-[[Lashing Tail Kick]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 3.<br>
-A roundhouse kick that knocks back enemies.
-{{clear-left}}
-* '''Description:'''  The Monk unleashes a deadly roundhouse kick, causing knockback and dealing X-X physical damage.
+===Focus===
+{{Skill description header}}
+<skill class="Monk">Cyclone Strike</skill>
+<skill class="Monk">Seven Sided Strike</skill>
+<skill class="Monk">Mystic Ally</skill>
-===Mantra of Healing===
-[[File:IconMantraofHealing.jpg|left]]
-[[Mantra of Healing]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 4.<br>
-No description is available.
-{{clear-left}}
+===Mantras===
+{{Skill description header}}
+<skill subcat="Mantras" class="Monk">Mantra of Evasion</skill>
+<skill subcat="Mantras" class="Monk">Mantra of Retribution</skill>
+<skill subcat="Mantras" class="Monk">Mantra of Healing</skill>
+<skill subcat="Mantras" class="Monk">Mantra of Conviction</skill>
-===Deadly Reach===
-[[File:IconDeadlyReach.jpg|left]]
-[[Deadly Reach]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 5.<br>
-No description is available.
-{{clear-left}}
-===Dashing Strike===
+==Passive Skills==
-[[File:IconDashingStrike.jpg|left]]
+Passive skills do not need activating.  The player can choose up to three Passives and they each become available at different characters levels which is indicated in the 'level' column.
-[[Dashing Strike]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 6.<br>
-A fast moving, charge-like attack, more useful for the movement than the damage dealt.
-{{clear-left}}
-* '''Description:''' The Monk dashes quickly at the targeted enemy or location, dealing X% weapon damage plus X-X physical damage.
-===Lethal Decoy===
-[[File:IconLethalDecoy.jpg|left]]
-[[Lethal Decoy]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 7.<br>
-Spirit Skill<br>
-{{clear-left}}
-* '''Description:''' The Monk creates an illusion of himself composed of pure holy energy. This illusion attracts enemies to it, and then it explodes dealing X-X holy damage.
-===Crippling Wave===
-[[File:IconCripplingWave.jpg|left]]
-[[Crippling Wave]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 8.<br>
-A debuff [[combo]], this one slows enemies, while dealing fairly minor damage. Best mixed in for the first or second hit with another more impactful combo.
-{{clear-left}}
-* '''Description:''' A series of large sweeping attacks that debilitate enemies and cause X% weapon damage.
-** First Hit: Enemies are dazed, reducing movement speed by X% for X seconds.
-** Second and Third Hit: Refreshes the duration of the daze effect.
-===Mantra of Retribution===
-[[File:IconMantraofRetribution.jpg|left]]
-[[Mantra of Retribution]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 9.<br>
-No description is available, but this skill is most likely [[Retribution Aura]] with a new name.
-{{clear-left}}
-===Inner Sanctuary===
-[[File:IconInnerSanctuary.jpg|left]]
-[[Inner Sanctuary]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 11.<br>
-A defensive skill that creates a small protected circle around the Monk into which no monster can enter. Spells and ranged attacks will still strike the Monk though.
-{{clear-left}}
-* '''Description:''' Creates a protected region on the ground for X seconds that cannot be passed through.
-===Exploding Palm===
-[[File:IconExplodingPalm.jpg|left]]
-[[Exploding Palm]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 12.<br>
-This skill became an instant legend when the Monk debuted at Blizzcon 2009. It's a [[combo]] skill that deals two light damage hits, before the third booby traps the target with a beating heart visible above their head. If a monster dies with the heart still there, they explode in a supernova of blood, dealing substantial [[AoE]] damage to all nearby enemies.
-{{clear-left}}
-* '''Description:''' A series of lethal strikes target enemy nerve clusters that sets up a deadly chain reaction within the target. Deals X% weapon damage.
-** Third Hit: Target bleeds for X physical damage over X seconds. If the target dies it explodes dealing X-X% of maximum health in physical damage to all enemies nearby.
-===Mantra of Evasion===
-[[File:IconMantraofEvasion.jpg|left]]
-[[Mantra of Evasion]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 14.<br>
-No description is available.
-{{clear-left}}
-===Tempest Rush===
-[[File:IconTempestRush.jpg|left]]
-[[Tempest Rush]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 16.<br>
-No description is available.
-{{clear-left}}
-===Sweeping Wind===
-[[File:IconSweepingWind.jpg|left]]
-[[Sweeping Wind]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 17.<br>
-Combo skill<br>
-{{clear-left}}
-* '''Description:''' The Monk sweeps his weapon in a circle, forming a barrier of force that deals X% weapon damage to every enemy hit. Can hit enemies multiple times.
-===Serenity===
-[[File:IconSerenity.jpg|left]]
-[[Serenity]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 18.<br>
-Spirit Skill<br>
-{{clear-left}}
-* '''Description:''' The Monk creates a shield that protects him from all incoming damage. Lasts X seconds.
-===Way of the Hundred Fists===
-[[File:IconWayoftheHudredFists.jpg|left]]
-[[Way of the Hundred Fists]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 21.<br>
-One of the most popular [[combo]] skills, this attack lands a crushing series of body shots on the enemy. It was shown in modified form in the [[Cinematic:Monk|Monk cinematic]]; used to pulverize the ribs of a [[Morlu Caster]].
-{{clear-left}}
-* '''Description:''' A series of punches strike enemies in front of the Monk that cause X% weapon damage.
-===Mantra of Conviction===
-[[File:IconMantraofConviction.jpg|left]]
-[[Mantra of Conviction]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 22.<br>
-No description is available.
-{{clear-left}}
-===Seven Sided Strike===
-[[File:IconSevenSidedStrike.jpg|left]]
-[[Seven Sided Strike]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 24.<br>
-A very powerful attack, when used in Blizzcon 2009 this skill allowed the Monk to teleport to an enemy, to strike it or other nearby enemies five times, and all without ever being hit in return. It was expected to be [[nerfed]], and has not been seen in action since.
-{{clear-left}}
-* '''Description:''' Unleashes a fury of attacks striking nearby enemies X times for X% weapon damage for each hit.
-===Mystic Ally===
-[[File:IconMysticAlly.jpg|left]]
-[[Mystic Ally]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 27.<br>
-No description is available.
-{{clear-left}}
-===Wave of Light===
-[[File:IconWaveofLight.jpg|left]]
-[[Wave of Light]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 29.<br>
-Spirit Skill<br>
-{{clear-left}}
-* '''Description:''' The Monk summons a rolling wave of holy fire that scorches everything in its path, dealing X holy damage.
-==Passive Skills==
+{{Skill description header}}
+<skill class="Monk">Fleet Footed</skill>
+<skill class="Monk">Resolve</skill>
+<skill class="Monk">Exalted Soul</skill>
+<skill class="Monk">Transcendence</skill>
+<skill class="Monk">Chant of Resonance</skill>
+<skill class="Monk">Seize the Initiative</skill>
+<skill class="Monk">The Guardian's Path</skill>
+<skill class="Monk">Sixth Sense</skill>
+<skill class="Monk">Pacifism</skill>
+<skill class="Monk">Beacon of Ytar</skill>
+<skill class="Monk">Guiding Light</skill>
+<skill class="Monk">One With Everything</skill>
+<skill class="Monk">Combination Strike</skill>
+<skill class="Monk">Near Death Experience</skill>
-Passive skills replaced [[Traits]] during late game development in 2011. Many Traits were simply changed to passive skills, but some are all new. See the [[Monk traits]] page for a full list of those passives.
+==Skill Distribution==
+A player-made chart showing when the Monk gains access to skills, passives, and rune effects.
-{{Passive skill header}}
+[[File:Char-prog-monk.png|center|frame|Monk skill progression. Stats as of May 5, 2012.]]
-{{:Exalted Soul|Monk}}
-{{:Frenzied Attacks|Monk}}
-{{:Aggression|Monk}}
-{{:Superior Skill|Monk}}
-{{:Expert Defense|Monk}}
-{{:Resonance|Monk}}
-{{:Untouchable|Monk}}
-{{:Counterattack|Monk}}
-{{:Weak Spot|Monk}}
-{{:Strength in Adversity|Monk}}
-{{:Near Death Experience|Monk}}
-{{:Flawless Technique|Monk}}
-{{:Strength of Spirit|Monk}}
-|}
@@ Line 213: / Line 94: @@
 ===Removed Skills===
 The following skills were removed or renamed prior to the July 2011 Press Event:
-* [[Hands of Lightning]]  - Renamed to [[Fists of Thunder]]
+* [[Hands of Lightning]]  - Renamed to [[Fists of Thunder]].
 * [[Long Reach]]
 * [[Circle of Wrath]]
@@ Line 220: / Line 101: @@
 * [[Retribution Aura]]
 * [[Resist Aura]]
+Changed/Removed during the [[beta test]] period:
+* [[Beacon of Ytar]] - Replaced with [[Combination Strike]].
 [[Impenetrable Defense]], [[Radiant Visage]], and [[Force Without Thought]] were removed from the Monk's skill listing between Blizzcon 2009 and Blizzcon 2010.
 * See the [[Monk skill archive]] for a full listing of skill changes over time.
+==Monk Builds==
+===Inferno Act 1 Monk Solo Build===
+<youtube>fmwA6NtIihg</youtube>
+===Inferno Act 2 Monk Tank Build===
+<youtube>HWjKdPNk98w</youtube>
@@ Line 231: / Line 126: @@
 * [http://diablo.incgamers.com/blog/comments/hands-on-from-blizzcon-mega-pvm-report-monk/ BlizzCon 2010 Monk Hands-on report]
 * [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=7960229#post7960229 Zediono's translation of JudgeHype's pre-beta report] -- IncGamers 1st Aug 2011
+* [http://diablo.incgamers.com/forums/showthread.php?p=8009022#post8009022 HardRock's Monk Passive Skills] -- IncGamers 6th Sep 2011
+* [http://www.thehealthygamer.com/category/diablo-3-monk-builds/ Monk builds with video guides and gameplay footage]
@@ Line 236: / Line 134: @@
 [[Category:Monk]]
-[[Category:Monk skills]]
-[[Category:Active skills]]
 [[Category:Skills]]