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:BlindingFlash2.jpg|left]]
+{{Skill description header}}
-[[Blinding Flash]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 1.<br>
+<skill class="Monk">Fists of Thunder</skill>
-Spirit Spender skill<br>
+<skill class="Monk">Deadly Reach</skill>
-{{clear-left}}
+<skill class="Monk">Crippling Wave</skill>
-* Cost: {{c_lime|50}} Spirit
+<skill class="Monk">Way of the Hundred Fists</skill>
-* Create a flash of light that blinds all enemies within {{c_lime|20}} yards for {{c_lime|5}} seconds. Blinded enemies have a {{c_lime|30%}} chance to miss with attacks and will not attack unless they are attacked first.
+===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:IconFistsOfThunder2.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.<br>
-Spirit Generator skill.<br>
-{{clear-left}}
-* Generate {{c_lime|6}} Spirit per attack
-* Deal a series of extremely fast punches that deal {{c_lime|100%}} weapon damage as Lightning damage. Each strike has a {{c_lime|15%}} chance 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 spell that heals the Monk and his party.<br>
-Spirit Spender skill<br>
-{{clear-left}}
-* Cost: {{c_lime|75}} Spirit
-* A blast of holy energy heals you and all allies within {{c_lime|12}} yards for {{c_lime|X - X}} Life.
+===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.<br>
-Spirit Spender skill<br>
-{{clear-left}}
-* Cost: {{c_lime|25}} Spirit
-* Unleash a deadly roundhouse kick, knocking enemies back and dealing {{c_lime|130%}} weapon 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 Evasion===
-[[File:IconMantraofEvasion.jpg|left]]
-[[Mantra of Evasion]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 4.<br>
-Mantra skill<br>
-{{clear-left}}
-* Cooldown: {{c_lime|30}} seconds
-* Recite a Mantra that grants you and all allies within {{c_lime|40}} yards a {{c_lime|30%}} chance to dodge attacks. Lasts 120 seconds.
-* This is a Mantra. You can only have one Mantra active at a time.
+===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>
-Spirit Generator skill<br>
-{{clear-left}}
-* Generate: {{c_lime|6}} Spirit per attack<br>
-* Project lines of pure force over a short distance for {{c_lime|125%}} weapon damage.
-===Dashing Strike===
-[[File:IconDashingStrike.jpg|left]]
-[[Dashing Strike]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 6.<br>
-A fast moving, charge-like attack, more useful for the movement than the damage dealt.<br>
-Spirit Spender skill<br>
-{{clear-left}}
-* Cost: {{c_lime|10}} Spirit
-* Dash quickly at the targeted enemy or location dealing {{c_lime|50%}} weapon damage.
-===Lethal Decoy===
-[[File:IconLethalDecoy.jpg|left]]
-[[Lethal Decoy]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 7.<br>
-Spirit Spender skill<br>
-{{clear-left}}
-* Cost: {{c_lime|75}} Spirit
-* Create an illusion of pure holy energy that attracts enemies to itself and explodes after {{c_lime|5}} seconds for {{c_lime|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.<br>
-Spirit Generator skill<br>
-{{clear-left}}
-* Generate: {{c_lime|6}} Spirit per attack
-* A series of large sweeping attacks that causes {{c_lime|100%}} weapon damage to all enemies in front of you. Crippling Wave attacks daze enemies, slowing movement by {{c_lime|50%}} for {{c_lime|1.5}} seconds.
-===Mantra of Retribution===
-[[File:IconMantraofRetribution.jpg|left]]
-[[Mantra of Retribution]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 9.<br>
-This skill was previously called [[Retribution Aura]].<br>
-Mantra skill<br>
-{{clear-left}}
-* Cooldown: {{c_lime|30}} seconds
-* Recite a Mantra that causes you and all allies within {{c_lime|40}} yards to reflect melee damage back at enemies, dealing Holy damage equal to {{c_lime|30%}} of the damage sustained. Lasts 120 seconds.
-* This is a Mantra. You can only have one Mantra active at a time.
-===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.<br>
-Spirit Spender skill<br>
-{{clear-left}}
-* Cost: {{c_lime|80}} Spirit
-* Create a circle of protection on the ground for {{c_lime|8}} seconds that cannot be passed by enemies.
+==Passive Skills==
+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.
-===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.<br>
-Spirit Generator skill<br>
-{{clear-left}}
-* Generate: {{c_lime|6}} Spirit per attack
-* The first two strikes in the attack deal {{c_lime|100%}} weapon damage. The third strike causes the target to bleed for {{c_lime|65%}} of weapon damage per second for {{c_lime|3}} seconds. If the target dies while bleeding, it explodes, dealing {{c_lime|40%}} of the target's maximum Life as physical damage to all other enemies nearby.
+{{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>
-===Mantra of Healing===
+==Skill Distribution==
-[[File:IconMantraofHealing.jpg|left]]
+A player-made chart showing when the Monk gains access to skills, passives, and rune effects.
-[[Mantra of Healing]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 14.<br>
-Mantra skill<br>
-{{clear-left}}
-* Cooldown: {{c_lime|30}} seconds
-* Recite a Mantra that causes you and all allies within {{c_lime|40}} yards to gain increased Life regeneration by {{c_lime|X}} Life per second. Lasts 120 seconds.
-* This is a Mantra. You can only have one Mantra active at a time.
+[[File:Char-prog-monk.png|center|frame|Monk skill progression. Stats as of May 5, 2012.]]
-===Tempest Rush===
-[[File:IconTempestRush.jpg|left]]
-[[Tempest Rush]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 16.<br>
-Spirit Spender skill<br>
-{{clear-left}}
-* Cost: {{c_lime|3}} Spirit plus an additional {{c_lime|12}} Spirit per second.
-* Run directly through your enemies knocking them back and hobbling them, slowing their movement by {{c_lime|40%}} for {{c_lime|3}} seconds. Also deals {{c_lime|75%}} of weapon damage per second while running.
-===Sweeping Wind===
-[[File:IconSweepingWind.jpg|left]]
-[[Sweeping Wind]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 17.<br>
-Spirit Generator skill<br>
-{{clear-left}}
-* Generate: {{c_lime|6}} Spirit per attack
-* Strike a target for {{c_lime|100%}} weapon damage. Every third hit creates a vortex of air that surrounds you. The vortex of air lasts {{c_lime|5}} seconds and deals {{c_lime|20%}} weapon damage per second to all enemies within {{c_lime|10}} yards. This vortex effect can stack up to {{c_lime|3}} times for a total of {{c_lime|60%}} weapon damage per second to nearby enemies.
-===Serenity===
-[[File:IconSerenity.jpg|left]]
-[[Serenity]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 18.<br>
-Spirit Spender skill<br>
-{{clear-left}}
-* Cost: {{c_lime|35}} Spirit
-* You are enveloped in a protective shield that intercepts all incoming damage for {{c_lime|3.0}} seconds and grants immunity to all control impairing effects.
-===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]].<br>
-Spirit Generator skill<br>
-{{clear-left}}
-* Generate: {{c_lime|6}} Spirit per attack
-* A rapid series of punches strikes enemies for {{c_lime|135%}} weapon damage.
-===Mantra of Conviction===
-[[File:IconMantraofConviction.jpg|left]]
-[[Mantra of Conviction]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 22.<br>
-Mantra skill<br>
-{{clear-left}}
-* Cooldown: {{c_lime|30}} seconds
-* Recite a Mantra that causes all enemies within {{c_lime|20}} yards of you to take {{c_lime|25%}} additional damage. Lasts 120 seconds.
-* This is a Mantra. You can only have one Mantra active at a time.
-===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.<br>
-Spirit Spender skill<br>
-{{clear-left}}
-* Cost: {{c_lime|50}} Spirit
-* Cooldown: {{c_lime|60}} seconds
-* Dash rapidly between many nearby enemies {{c_lime|7}} times striking for {{c_lime|130%}} weapon damage with every hit.
-===Mystic Ally===
-[[File:IconMysticAlly.jpg|left]]
-[[Mystic Ally]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 27.<br>
-Spirit Spender skill<br>
-{{clear-left}}
-* Cost: {{c_lime|50}} Spirit
-* Summon an elemental ally capable of engaging enemies in combat until it is destroyed. The ally deals {{c_lime|X - X}} physical damage per swing.
-===Wave of Light===
-[[File:IconWaveofLight.jpg|left]]
-[[Wave of Light]] is available at [[clvl|level]] 29.<br>
-Spirit Spender skill<br>
-{{clear-left}}
-* Cost: {{c_lime|50}} Spirit
-* Cooldown: {{c_lime|30}} seconds
-* Focuses the power of Light to smite all enemies in front of you for {{c_lime|X - X}} Holy damage followed by an additional {{c_lime|X - X}} Holy damage to all enemies in a line.
-==Passive Skills==
-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.
-{{Passive skill header}}
-{{:Resolve|Monk}}
-{{:The Guardian's Pass|Monk}}
-{{:Fleet Footed|Monk}}
-{{:Transcendence|Monk}}
-{{:Chant of Resonance|Monk}}
-{{:Seize the Initiative|Monk}}
-{{:Exalted Soul|Monk}}
-{{:Sixth Sense|Monk}}
-{{:Pacifism|Monk}}
-{{:Near Death Experience|Monk}}
-{{:Guiding Light|Monk}}
-{{:One With Everything|Monk}}
-{{:Beacon of Ytar|Monk}}
-|}
 ==Development==
 ===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 253: / 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 264: / 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 269: / Line 134: @@
 [[Category:Monk]]
-[[Category:Monk skills]]
-[[Category:Active skills]]
 [[Category:Skills]]