Monk Skill Builds

Creating an effective build is all about understanding what you are trying to achieve and picking the best abilities for your goals. Whether you are trying to win difficult PVP matches, make your way through the game, or farm for rare items, there are monk skill builds that will make it all possible.

PVP Build Monk Skill Builds

While monks do have a few different ranged attacks, they are for the most part, an in your face melee class. If they are left out of range against a Witch Doctor, Demon Hunter, or a Wizard, the battle is already over.

That’s why the most important skills you need to include with the PVP version of your monk skill builds is one that gets you in close to those ranged enemies. For that purpose you can choose from either dashing strike or tempest rush. Tempest rush is preferred because it also slows their movement speed allowing you to lay down the damage.

After you get in close to the enemy you have to be able to drop them very quickly. If you take too long they will escape leaving you vulnerable to a ranged attack. For this you should use the highest damage single target skill that you have available to you at the time. Avoid AOE damage skills because it is too difficult to drop multiple targets that are around your skill level at the same time.

For the instances when you have to fight another close ranged monk or barbarian you want a way to absorb their damage so you can outlast them in the fight. For this you should have Serenity and to replenish your lost damage you should always include flash of light.

AOE Farming Monk Skill Builds

When looking for new rares, or trying to gain some quick experience, there is nothing more satisfying than jumping into a crowded room and dropping everything inside within a few seconds. AOE builds are very useful when put together properly.

Sweeping wind should be your main spirit generator skill because it will keep the enemies from climbing on top of you while building up the power you need to finish them off. Lashing tail kick is an excellent spirit spender ability that will burn through the enemies quickly while keeping them at bay.

When fighting large mobs of enemies there is always a chance you will become overwhelmed. Inner sanctuary will give you time to heal yourself while Blinding Flash will allow you to run away if things go really wrong. With this combination of skills you should be dropping large clusters of enemies in no time.

All Purpose PVE Monk Skill Builds

As you advance through the game it’s important to have a well rounded build that will keep you going whether you are fighting one powerful boss or a cluster of weaker foes. In the beginning of the game you should have a single target spirit generator move and a AOE spirit spender ability.

Later on you should get a single target and an AOE spirit generator ability while reserving your other slots of Breath of Heaven to heal yourself and a situational spender skill such as Inner Sanctuary or Serenity to use when you are in over your head.

Want to create the perfect skill builds for your Monk? Learn more at Diablo 3 Secrets.