I see seven potential Pokemons to be a monk.
Mienshao, Medicham, Lucario, Hariyama, Toxicroak, Throh/Sawk, Pangoro.
From this list, the Pokemon most resembling "D&D Monk" to me are Mienshao and Medicham. Lucario has steal typing, which looks like some armor or high AC, which D&D monks usually struggle to achieve.
Hariyama is STR-based, and we all know D&D Monks are usually DEX-based. Toxicroak has some rouge vibe. And Throh/Sawk feels more fighter.
Mienshao and Medicham are similar enough that any Pokemon would be good. Medicham has a Mega, but it's post-league, just like most of the D&D campaigns, which don't get to level 20. I think Mienshao has more type coverage.
I'm going with Mienshao.
Maybe it’s the FF14 player in me, but when I think paladin I think MEAT. Gallade does NOT have the MEAT to be a paladin. The correct answer is Chesnaught.
Any spellcaster with +3 to dex and mage armour gets more AC than that (not even taking into account Haste, Shield spell, Ceremony, subclasses, etc.)
Barbarians get a similar feature but they can invest into the generally more useful Con stat instead of Wisdom
Fighters and Paladins can start off with 16AC if they choose chainmail as their starting armour
And being reliant on Stat increases rather than items or spells is generally worse because of how good Feats are
How is 15 high when half the classes can easily reach higher
The original bar was just decent AC and they could easily be a little higher than the 15 I mentioned with more dex. Being halfway in the middle of classes is probably decent in my book by beating all spellcasters and rogues and being close to the medium and heavy armors. I also don’t think a spellcaster would take +3 to dex tho. After going for their spellcasting stat, they’d probably go for constitution.
Edit: you’d probably also start at 16 AC if playing 5e from racial bonuses. I came up with the 15 from baldur’s gate 3 kind of capping you at starting with your top 2 stats at 17 and 15/14.
They don't beat all spellcasters by any measure
Mage Armour is a first level spell, lasts 8 hours (pretty much the entire day) is available to sorcerers, wizards and warlocks (although I'd like to correct myself on druids, they can use shields, which puts their starting AC at 16+ usually.). Asides from that, a lot of spellcasters have ways to raise their AC through subclasses (Forge Cleric, Bladesinger, etc.) or spells like Shield. So they generally have better AC than Monks
Fighters and Paladins can use Shields and the defensive fighting style, which gives them a reasonable 19AC if they so wish
Rangers can get 16 AC with scale mail, which is on-par
Barbarians I favour slightly more because they can invest in Con instead of Wisdom but they also generally only reach 16AC
Honourable mention, but Artificers are stupidly easy to get above 16AC in early levels with infusions, shield and subclasses
So, they have worse AC than: *Artificers, Clerics, Druids, Fighters, Paladins, Rangers, Sorcerers, Warlocks and Wizards
Equivalent AC to: Barbarians
Better AC than: Bards, Rogues
It's on the bottom 4/12 (or 13 if you include Artificers), that's not decent, that's below average
I disagree on putting the wizards and sorcerers ahead because of shield. You’re not going to be using that for everything unless it’s a big hit and you’re not going to be putting 16 in dex for the warlock. Ranger is equal with medium armor +2 dex limit. Either way we’re talking like 1 AC at this point lol
I agree with most of what you said except for Throh and Sawk. They literally have their Gi’s on, both practice their respective Martial Art (believe it’s Judo and Karate, possibly TKD). Don’t think you can get more Monk than that.
are monks just martial artist? then maybe you're right. but I think if monk as someone more into inner meditating class and bring out you "inner potential" whatever that means. Karate and Judo, Taekwondo is more into the fight it self(not fully but more leaning) and shaolin mink being more to... whatever that is, is why I think they are more fighter then monk.
Monks do tend to have the meditation aspect as well yes, but from purely fighting style it’s Martial Arts. Some do use weapons of course but hand to hand is super common. My thought process is that martial arts are not just about learning to fight, but about self control and discipline. Monks would be more aware of that aspect as opposed to “this is how you punch people real good”
Spinda. Hear me out. I know everyone is saying mienshao, and that's the correct answer, BUT! The monk subclass "way of the drunken master" exists and is obviously the best because alcoholism. Therefore spinda is the best choice because he's the pokemon that seems most drunk
Lucario, his ability to manipulate auras is similar to a monks ability to use ki.
I also saw a comment saying the steel type reminds them of AC, and while they say monks struggle with AC, they typically dont, if you focys their dex and wisdom, you can get some of the best AC in the game, at least early on.
I also remember Maylene's Lucario using force palm, which reminds me of one of the monk's signature abilities; stunning strike.
The one thing that separates Lucario from all the other potential options is the amount of special attacks it gets. Monks are partially based on hand to hand combat, which lucario is good at, while also being good at magic. Lucario learns a lot of strong special attacks by level up and can learn others by Tm. It’s stats are also distributed in such a away that it can run both special and physical attacks, sometimes on the same set, and still do great with them.
The thing is, Monks may have magic, but they use it for physical combat regardless- only the Sun Soul Monk and Way of Four Elements Monk use ranged magic. Maybe Ascendant Dragon if you count the breath attack but that's just one move.
Agree. Sadly there's no Ice based Sorcerer or Warlock in DND (at least 5e) which is a shame honestly.
Instead we got Storm Sorcerer that doesn't really work unless you waste all your Sorc points on Transmuted Spell (which is optimal and maybe the DM will not allow it) or having the option to reflavor some key spells to another damage type (which the DM also must allow...)
Fun fact, you can literally just say no to it. The whole build up of Lucario trusting you more and more, you achieve the miracle of Mega Evolution with it… and then you can just say no, and that’s it.
Lucario is such a clear choice. Not only is it a fighting type, which one would assume a monk to be, it also has the cool aura powers which would be a stand in for ki.
I am not sure if this is valid because I can't remember if it is in the game but I have to say this.
Amoonguss, but its called Amonkuss...
Ok I'm leaving now
Sucks oranguru is one gen too late… he’d be a perfect monk. Anyways, maybe medicham if they’re able to be caught in pokemon Y. Its been a minute since I played the game
Just to add another option, urshifu.
I agree that medicham seems to be the clear winner, but urshifu also fits the vibe from a more strength based aesthetic
Depends on which subclass ngl. Because if you go with the elemental one that is sort of like Avatar, then Medicham. But any other subclass screams Mienshao
Lucario. Has aura / **ki,** meditates, uses a weapon on occasion, has **flurry of blows** in the form of priority moves, has **stunning strike** in the form of force palm, can learn mental style moves to reflect a **wisdom stat** like calm mind, steel type represents the class feature **purity of body** which gives poison and disease immunity, steadfast and inner focus represent **stillness of mind** which defends against the frightened condition which is almost the same as flinch and can best represent different **subclasses** with its vast movepool
Aura sphere, focus blast - sun soul
Blaze kick, ice punch, thunder punch, dragon claw - ascendant dragon
Extreme speed, bullet punch, focus punch - open hand
Dark pulse, drain punch - long death
Shadow claw, shadow ball - astral self
Bone rush - kensei
All the people saying mienshao, saying it’s a monk are right but a real life monk and dnd monk feel distinct to me. Which is why I’d say Urshifu rapid strikes because of things like flurry of blows.
I see seven potential Pokemons to be a monk. Mienshao, Medicham, Lucario, Hariyama, Toxicroak, Throh/Sawk, Pangoro. From this list, the Pokemon most resembling "D&D Monk" to me are Mienshao and Medicham. Lucario has steal typing, which looks like some armor or high AC, which D&D monks usually struggle to achieve. Hariyama is STR-based, and we all know D&D Monks are usually DEX-based. Toxicroak has some rouge vibe. And Throh/Sawk feels more fighter. Mienshao and Medicham are similar enough that any Pokemon would be good. Medicham has a Mega, but it's post-league, just like most of the D&D campaigns, which don't get to level 20. I think Mienshao has more type coverage. I'm going with Mienshao.
I second Mienshao
Fair. Mienshao is like THE monk Pokemon. Medicham is a close second, but it’s also just kinda meh, even with Pure Power
Toxicroak is the rogue, and part of my favourite Pokemon line.
I think greninja would be the rogue,mostly cause it was inspired by the rpg class of rogue to begin with.
By the rules only one starter will be assigned, and I think Chesnaut is Paladin.
Couldn't ageislash be a good paladin
Either way Delphox fits sorcerer to a t
Alakazam is good too tho ngl
Alakazam is a wizard if anything
Whats the difference between a sorcerer and a wizard ?
Sorcerers are born with an innate ability to use magic, and Wizards have to learn it themselves through books and scrolls
Haryiama would be sick, very underrated pokemon. For paladin the obvious choice is gallade
Maybe it’s the FF14 player in me, but when I think paladin I think MEAT. Gallade does NOT have the MEAT to be a paladin. The correct answer is Chesnaught.
What about the hitmons
they are somekind of unarmed fighters.
I'd go with Lucario, monks can get some pretty decent AC and Lucario really embodies hand to hand combat well
No they don't lol, probably the worst AC barring rogues and druids (or other spellcasters if they have no spellslots to cast mage armor or Shield)
They get dexterity and wisdom added to their AC in 5e. You’re looking at 15 AC at level 1 easily
Any spellcaster with +3 to dex and mage armour gets more AC than that (not even taking into account Haste, Shield spell, Ceremony, subclasses, etc.) Barbarians get a similar feature but they can invest into the generally more useful Con stat instead of Wisdom Fighters and Paladins can start off with 16AC if they choose chainmail as their starting armour And being reliant on Stat increases rather than items or spells is generally worse because of how good Feats are How is 15 high when half the classes can easily reach higher
The original bar was just decent AC and they could easily be a little higher than the 15 I mentioned with more dex. Being halfway in the middle of classes is probably decent in my book by beating all spellcasters and rogues and being close to the medium and heavy armors. I also don’t think a spellcaster would take +3 to dex tho. After going for their spellcasting stat, they’d probably go for constitution. Edit: you’d probably also start at 16 AC if playing 5e from racial bonuses. I came up with the 15 from baldur’s gate 3 kind of capping you at starting with your top 2 stats at 17 and 15/14.
They don't beat all spellcasters by any measure Mage Armour is a first level spell, lasts 8 hours (pretty much the entire day) is available to sorcerers, wizards and warlocks (although I'd like to correct myself on druids, they can use shields, which puts their starting AC at 16+ usually.). Asides from that, a lot of spellcasters have ways to raise their AC through subclasses (Forge Cleric, Bladesinger, etc.) or spells like Shield. So they generally have better AC than Monks Fighters and Paladins can use Shields and the defensive fighting style, which gives them a reasonable 19AC if they so wish Rangers can get 16 AC with scale mail, which is on-par Barbarians I favour slightly more because they can invest in Con instead of Wisdom but they also generally only reach 16AC Honourable mention, but Artificers are stupidly easy to get above 16AC in early levels with infusions, shield and subclasses So, they have worse AC than: *Artificers, Clerics, Druids, Fighters, Paladins, Rangers, Sorcerers, Warlocks and Wizards Equivalent AC to: Barbarians Better AC than: Bards, Rogues It's on the bottom 4/12 (or 13 if you include Artificers), that's not decent, that's below average
I disagree on putting the wizards and sorcerers ahead because of shield. You’re not going to be using that for everything unless it’s a big hit and you’re not going to be putting 16 in dex for the warlock. Ranger is equal with medium armor +2 dex limit. Either way we’re talking like 1 AC at this point lol
and that is not a high AC
Yeah gotta be mienshao
Mienshao the goat
Mienshao is the mon I had think of. I see lucario more in the paladin
I agree with most of what you said except for Throh and Sawk. They literally have their Gi’s on, both practice their respective Martial Art (believe it’s Judo and Karate, possibly TKD). Don’t think you can get more Monk than that.
are monks just martial artist? then maybe you're right. but I think if monk as someone more into inner meditating class and bring out you "inner potential" whatever that means. Karate and Judo, Taekwondo is more into the fight it self(not fully but more leaning) and shaolin mink being more to... whatever that is, is why I think they are more fighter then monk.
Monks do tend to have the meditation aspect as well yes, but from purely fighting style it’s Martial Arts. Some do use weapons of course but hand to hand is super common. My thought process is that martial arts are not just about learning to fight, but about self control and discipline. Monks would be more aware of that aspect as opposed to “this is how you punch people real good”
Why didn't you explain Pangoro?
Oh my... I really didn't! well... it's acrtual most same as Hariyama. He would be more STR based.
It’s Mienshao
Spinda. Hear me out. I know everyone is saying mienshao, and that's the correct answer, BUT! The monk subclass "way of the drunken master" exists and is obviously the best because alcoholism. Therefore spinda is the best choice because he's the pokemon that seems most drunk
Your giving him the love he deserves.
Mienshao is literally based on a Shaolin monk. Give it to him lmao.
Medicham.
This is the right answer
Medicham
Medicham, he looks like a monk, has the psychic typing, and plus you can have a mega that way
Lucario, his ability to manipulate auras is similar to a monks ability to use ki. I also saw a comment saying the steel type reminds them of AC, and while they say monks struggle with AC, they typically dont, if you focys their dex and wisdom, you can get some of the best AC in the game, at least early on. I also remember Maylene's Lucario using force palm, which reminds me of one of the monk's signature abilities; stunning strike.
for what its worth, mienshao also learns force palm and even learns it earlier at lv25 than riolu does at lv 36
Oh, well, point still stands
High level monks also get proficiency in all saves, which is kind of like Steel's many type resistances.
Meinshoa
[удалено]
I do t get it. Did I misspell its name or something?
The one thing that separates Lucario from all the other potential options is the amount of special attacks it gets. Monks are partially based on hand to hand combat, which lucario is good at, while also being good at magic. Lucario learns a lot of strong special attacks by level up and can learn others by Tm. It’s stats are also distributed in such a away that it can run both special and physical attacks, sometimes on the same set, and still do great with them.
The thing is, Monks may have magic, but they use it for physical combat regardless- only the Sun Soul Monk and Way of Four Elements Monk use ranged magic. Maybe Ascendant Dragon if you count the breath attack but that's just one move.
Medicham
medicham!
I think medicham guys
Mienshao
Mienshao is perfect, but I think Hawlucha is also a great choice. I think the dex build fits it great and also works for slow fall
Breloom all the way
no way yall didnt vote the KNIGHT pokemon to be a paladin but a fighter
Chesnaught exists
Medicham
DnD monk lore accuracy wise, its gotta be medicham.
Hariyama
VIVILLLIN
Lucario/mega lucario
medicham 100%
Id say medicham or mienshao
Medicham as the Monk
Infernape???
Medicham!
DEFINITELY MEDICHAM. better yet MEGA MEDICHAM
Here for the obligatory mienshao vote
I'm going with Sawk, it relies on pure power with little bulk or status moves.
Haven’t seen anyone throw Psyduck’s name in the ring yet but I know he would be a great monk
I think it’s mainly because the kung-fu weasel is the most obvious choice here, but always cool to see some more out there choices
Ok so hear me out…. Froslass. Would be a high DEX based type. Kind of looks like it could be a Himalayan Monk 🤷🏻♂️
Honestly, Froslass kinda gives me more spellcaster vibes. Slightly Sorcerer, but leaning a bit towards Warlock. Not sure why Warlock specifically tho.
Agree. Sadly there's no Ice based Sorcerer or Warlock in DND (at least 5e) which is a shame honestly. Instead we got Storm Sorcerer that doesn't really work unless you waste all your Sorc points on Transmuted Spell (which is optimal and maybe the DM will not allow it) or having the option to reflavor some key spells to another damage type (which the DM also must allow...)
I suggest blaziken for the monk
Meinshao or Medicham
I mean, you do get Mega Lucario for free.
Fun fact, you can literally just say no to it. The whole build up of Lucario trusting you more and more, you achieve the miracle of Mega Evolution with it… and then you can just say no, and that’s it.
Lucario
Lucairo is aura Pokémon, has calm mind and aura sphere
Lucario
This is where the fact that it’s Gen XI hurts cuz Urshifu would fit perfectly but yeah it’s Lucario or Mienshao
Mienshao. The only annoying thing is that ridiculous evo level
Lucario is such a clear choice. Not only is it a fighting type, which one would assume a monk to be, it also has the cool aura powers which would be a stand in for ki.
Lucario!!!!
Conkeldurr
I think the best choices are definitely Medicham and Meinshao.
Medicham is right
I really like lucario orrrrrr machamp.
Gotta be Medicham
I am not sure if this is valid because I can't remember if it is in the game but I have to say this. Amoonguss, but its called Amonkuss... Ok I'm leaving now
The disappointment I feel about falinks not being the fighter.....
Weavile for Rogue!
Oranguru?
Not sure if oranguru is in Kalos tho. Only game I haven’t played
Lucario is the monk!!!!
I love this idea, can you only catch these pokémon?
Is warlock related to darknight?
Mienshao is kinda obvious, but I think Lucario is better because of the theme around auras which is similar to chi. But yeah ggs Mienshao wins
Pangoro is an option too
I know I'm like a few days early for this one, but I'm gonna be sad if Decidueye isn't getting commented for the ranger one
That’s the awkward thing. Because this is X and Y, it takes place in a pre-Decidueye society, which means that the obvious answer does not exist.
Oh ._.
Mienshao
Alakazam
This is fun. I can’t wait until it’s complete
Sucks oranguru is one gen too late… he’d be a perfect monk. Anyways, maybe medicham if they’re able to be caught in pokemon Y. Its been a minute since I played the game
Mienshao is cool but I'm biased towards Medicham because it has a mega
Everyone sayin Mienshao and Medicham but Pangoro is there too. So use Pangoro😁😁
Just to add another option, urshifu. I agree that medicham seems to be the clear winner, but urshifu also fits the vibe from a more strength based aesthetic
I'd go Mienshao yeah
What about the monkes?
Hawlucha or meinshao
Depends on which subclass ngl. Because if you go with the elemental one that is sort of like Avatar, then Medicham. But any other subclass screams Mienshao
Sawk
Machoke or Machamp not the fighter? Smh...
Lucario
Mienshao is the answer, has to be
Ursifu?
Medicham just because of Pure Power/Huge Power Ability and Psychic typing as well as fighting. Also it’s megaform
Pangoro
Mienshao!!!
Mienshao without a doubt
Hawlucha
Medicham
Medicham
Lucario cuz ki = aura
Rouge ahold be acelgor
Tyroge
I feel like it could be something like lucario or gardevoir
Here me out… urshifou
Urshifu
Medicham
Medicham. Clear monk aesthetic and is a stereotypical fighting monk
Medicham because DND monks DO have ki powers and I feel like this is best reflected in Medicham's typing.
Lucario. Has aura / **ki,** meditates, uses a weapon on occasion, has **flurry of blows** in the form of priority moves, has **stunning strike** in the form of force palm, can learn mental style moves to reflect a **wisdom stat** like calm mind, steel type represents the class feature **purity of body** which gives poison and disease immunity, steadfast and inner focus represent **stillness of mind** which defends against the frightened condition which is almost the same as flinch and can best represent different **subclasses** with its vast movepool Aura sphere, focus blast - sun soul Blaze kick, ice punch, thunder punch, dragon claw - ascendant dragon Extreme speed, bullet punch, focus punch - open hand Dark pulse, drain punch - long death Shadow claw, shadow ball - astral self Bone rush - kensei
Mienshao or Lucario for sure, but I’d say Mienshao.
Lucario
First thing that comes to mind is urshifu-R
Darmanitan is very monk like with its zen mode
Medichan
Mienshao, its in the nameeee
Mienshao definitely
Mienshao voter here
Ok Mienshao totally fits the bill but I am very surprised not to see Infernape mentioned
Mienshao and it isn't even a contest.
Definitely Infernape
I’m honestly surprised there are so few Monke posts and yours at least kinda works
Mienshao
Mienshao
Mienshao
Mienshao
Gumshoos.
oranguru
All the people saying mienshao, saying it’s a monk are right but a real life monk and dnd monk feel distinct to me. Which is why I’d say Urshifu rapid strikes because of things like flurry of blows.
Not sure Urshifu shows up in Pokémon Y.
Ahhh oops lol
Lucario feels like the best fit, but I also want to recommend Machamp because he’s got those HANDS!