Catch Arrows Like a Pro: Deflect Missiles in D&D 5e

Ever dreamed of playing a character who effortlessly snatches arrows out of the air like a true martial arts master? In Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition (D&D 5e), monks can do just that with their incredible ability, Deflect Missiles.

This unique skill allows them to reduce damage from ranged weapon attacks, and if they reduce the damage to zero, they can even catch the projectile and hurl it back at their enemies.

It’s a straightforward yet show-stopping feature that turns your monk into a legend of the battlefield, deflecting incoming attacks with unparalleled style. Whether dodging a hail of arrows or plucking a dagger out of thin air, Deflect Missiles adds an unforgettable cinematic touch to any combat encounter.

Let’s take a closer look at this ability, breaking it down step by step to showcase just how strong and exciting it can be.

What’s Deflect Missiles All About?

Deflect Missiles is a handy trick Monks get when they hit level 3. It’s exactly what it sounds like. When someone shoots at you with a bow or even throws a rock at you, you can swat it away like it’s no big deal. And the best part? If you’re feeling fancy, you can actually catch the thing and throw it right back at the person who attacked you. Yup, full action movie vibes.

Imagine this: an enemy fires an arrow straight at your Monk, trying to take them down. But instead of dodging or panicking, you stay calm, focus, and snatch the arrow right out of the air. The room goes silent as everyone stares in disbelief.

Then, with a quick flick of your wrist, you throw it right back at your attacker, hitting them with a counterstrike that leaves them completely stunned. It’s not just an epic moment in the game—it’s the kind of story you’ll be dying to share with your friends later, complete with over-the-top hand gestures to show how it all went down.

How Does It Work?

Here’s how Deflect Missiles goes down:

When It Kicks In
It triggers when you’re hit by a ranged weapon, like an arrow, dagger, or javelin. Spells don’t count, though. Sorry, no catching fireballs here.
Reduce the Damage
To figure out how much damage you swat away, you roll a 10-sided die (called a d10 in D&D), add your Dexterity (your quickness stat), and throw in your Monk level. If this number is higher than the incoming damage, you take no damage at all.
Catch It
If you take no damage (meaning you reduced it to zero), you can catch the projectile with one hand—as long as one of your hands is free.
Throw It Back
Want revenge? Spend 1 of your Monk’s special energy points (called ki points) and toss the thing back using your own Dex stat to see if it hits. This counts as a ranged attack from you!

That’s it. Super straightforward, but it can change how a fight plays out.

When Should You Use It?

Deflect Missiles is all about timing, and knowing when to use it can turn the tide of battle and make you the star of your team. This ability isn’t just useful—it’s versatile, and it can create some epic moments in your adventures. Here are some situations where Deflect Missiles really shines:

Getting Pelted by Arrows

When archers are zeroing in on you, Deflect Missiles can save the day. Instead of taking damage, you can catch that arrow and use their own weapons against them. Picture this: a volley of arrows is raining down on you, but you coolly snatch one from the air and hurl it back at an enemy, turning the tables in an instant. It’s not just about surviving, it’s about showing your enemies they’ve underestimated you.

Look Cool in the Moment

Sometimes it’s not just about mechanics—it’s about the style. Want to impress your fellow adventurers or just have fun with the roleplay? Describe how you catch a dagger mid-air, spin it in your hand, and flick it back at your opponent without breaking a sweat. It’s a cinematic moment that your Dungeon Master (the person running the game) will love to narrate, and it’ll leave your party cheering for your quick reflexes and finesse.

Save Your Resources

While spending ki points to throw projectiles back at your enemies is great, sometimes just catching and neutralizing an attack is all you need. This can save you valuable resources for bigger battles or more dangerous foes. Whether it’s an arrow, a dagger, or another projectile, neutralizing it before it hits can be just as satisfying as dealing damage. You’re conserving energy while staying effective in the heat of battle.

Stay in the Fight

If you’re someone who thrives in the heat of battle, surrounded by enemies, Deflect Missiles is a must-have for staying alive. When ranged attackers try to take you out from a distance, this ability keeps you going strong. You’re not just dodging—you’re turning their attacks into chances to fight back and take control. It’s perfect for adventurers who love diving into the action, taking hits, and dishing them right back.

With Deflect Missiles, your character becomes more than just a fighter—they’re a showstopper, a survivor, and a tactical genius. Use it wisely, and you’ll not only save yourself but also create moments your party will be talking about for years to come.

Here’s Why This Ability Rocks

Deflect Missiles is one of those abilities that truly shines, bringing a lot to the table without overcomplicating gameplay. It’s straightforward to use and instantly enhances your Monk’s “coolness” factor. But beyond just looking flashy, it genuinely impacts how you approach combat and strategy. Here’s why it’s such a standout ability:

You’ll Take Less Damage

Ranged enemies won’t feel nearly as threatening when you have this skill. Arrows, javelins, or even crossbow bolts become far less of a concern because you can reduce or even completely negate their damage with ease. Your Monk can stay in the thick of combat for longer, shrugging off threats that might overwhelm other characters. It’s a game-changer when dealing with enemies who rely heavily on ranged attacks.

It’s Efficient

Unlike some defensive options that burn through valuable resources, Deflect Missiles is incredibly resource-friendly. Simply deflecting or catching a missile doesn’t cost you anything at all, meaning you can use it again and again without worry. Even if you choose to throw the missile back at your attacker, the cost is minimal, especially compared to the satisfaction of landing a solid hit in return. It’s a perfect blend of utility and efficiency, making it one of the most reliable options in your Monk’s toolkit.

It’s Something You’ll Remember

Every time you deflect, catch, or hurl back an enemy’s attack, it creates a memorable moment. Whether you’re catching an arrow mid-flight or turning a javelin against your foe, these are the moments that stand out in your campaigns. It’s the kind of ability that makes your character feel like a true martial arts master, and it’s guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on both you and your party. You’ll be recounting these clutch plays long after the session is over.

Deflect Missiles is more than just a fun ability—it’s one that actively enhances your gameplay experience, making your Monk feel unique, powerful, and ready for any challenge.

Tips to Use Deflect Missiles Like a Legend

If you want to make the most out of this ability, here are some easy tips:

Max Out Your Dexterity
Dexterity makes you quicker and better at deflecting missiles. Put your best stats here while creating your character or leveling up.
Be in the Right Spot
Stay where you can clearly see ranged attackers so you can be their target. The more they shoot at you, the more chances you get to show off this cool trick.
Don’t Waste Ki Points
Remember, you don’t have to throw everything back. It’s fine to just knock projectiles out of the air and save your energy.
Work with Your Team
If someone on your team hates getting hit by arrows, you can position yourself to block those attacks for them.
Describe the Scene
When you use this move, make it fun! Maybe you’re catching arrows without looking or casually grabbing spears out of the air like it’s just another Tuesday.

Wrapping It Up

Deflect Missiles is the perfect mix of style, strategy, and utility for Monks in D&D, making it one of the most memorable features of the class. It’s simple to use, keeps combat exciting, and creates those cinematic moments that make every fight unforgettable.

Imagine snatching an arrow out of the air mid-flight or catching a massive rock hurled by a giant—then turning the tables by hurling it right back at them. Whether you’re wiping out a swarm of archers or just leaving the table stunned with your reflexes, Deflect Missiles is bound to make you stand out.

What makes this ability even better is how versatile it is. It’s not just about dealing damage; it’s about showing off the Monk’s agility and decision-making skills. The ability to reduce or negate damage from ranged attacks can help protect you in critical moments, and the option to counterattack makes it a double-edged sword.

If you’ve been on the fence about playing a Monk, this ability alone might tip the scales. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like stealing the spotlight when you catch a projectile in midair and send it flying back. It’s flashy, it’s fun, and it’s a surefire way to leave a lasting impression in every campaign.

Questions People Might Have About Deflect Missiles

1. Can Monks deflect magic attacks?

Nope. This is strictly for physical projectiles like arrows, shurikens, or axes. Magic attacks, like Fireball, can’t be deflected.

2. What happens if I catch something but don’t spend the ki point to throw it?

You just hold onto it. The attack does no damage, and you can keep the projectile if it’s useful later.

3. Can I use this on more than one attack in a turn?

Not unless you have an additional reaction (which is rare). Normally, you can only use this once per round since it takes your reaction.

4. What does “free hand” even mean?

It just means you’re not holding a weapon, shield, or anything else in that hand. If you’re unarmed, you’re good to go!

5. Can I catch huge things, like boulders?

Nope! Whatever hits you has to be small enough for one hand to manage, so think arrows, darts, and small spears—not anything ridiculously big.

With Deflect Missiles at your side, you’ll be dodging, catching, and slinging projectiles like a true hero in no time. Give it a try in your next campaign and enjoy soaking up the spotlight!