[RPG] How would you optimize a multiclass druid/monk for DPR assuming Natural Weapons are considered Unarmed Strikes

dnd-5edruidmonkoptimization

Assuming that the Unarmored Defense, and Flurry of Blows features both work with the Druid's Wild Shape feature, what is the optimal DPR build for a Druid/Monk multiclass, and what are the notable break points for this particular multiclass?

You retain the benefit of any features from your class,
race, or other source and can use them if the new
form is physically capable of doing so.
PHB, page 67

Also assume that Natural Weapons are considered Unarmed Strikes, as per the the description of Alter Self:

Natural Weapons. You grow claws, fangs, spines,
horns, or a different natural weapon of your choice. Your
unarmed strikes deal 1d6 bludgeoning, piercing, or
slashing damage, as appropriate to the natural weapon
you chose, and you are proficient with your unarmed
strikes.
PHB, page 212

Given access to any appropriate Beast, as well as having the option to choose either:
a) Multi-attack from the Beast entry, or
b) Extra Attack from the appropriate Monk level
What is the highest DPR possible?

Other assumptions:

  • 27 Point Buy
  • Official D&D Content only, excluding Unearthed Arcana

Best Answer

With your houserule, the DPR is huge

Natural Weapons are not Unarmed Strikes, making them so is a very unofficial, very unbalanced houserule.

Level selection

The best damage available in beast form is 24(4d8+6, Triceratops Gore) at +9 to hit, but you need 15 levels of Druid for it. To get the Extra Attack, you have to have 5 levels of Monk.
This is all of your 20 levels.

Starting Ability scores

for Human Variant with the Resilient(Con) for Concentration:
Str: 8
Dex: 16
Con: 14
Int: 10
Wis: 16
Cha: 10

ASI Monk 4: Sentinel, for out of turn DPR
ASI Druid 4: +2 Wis, for AC
ASI Druid 8: +2 Dex, for Flurry of Blows
ASI Druid 12: +2 Dex

Calculation

Assume AC 20 for the enemy, it is not unreasonable on level 20.

Official DPR:
+9 to hit, 2 x 24 (Gore) = 0.5 x 2 x 24 = 24
+11 to hit, 2 x (3.5+5) (Flurry of Blows) = 0.6 x 2 x 3.5 = 10.2
Alltoghether it is 34.2 vs AC20.
This is a very sudden jump however, at level 19 you either do not have Triceratops, or Extra Attack. Without Extra Attack you do 12 + 10.2 DPR, below a 17th level Monk.

Houserule DPR:
+9 to hit, 2 x 24 (Gore) = 0.5 x 2 x 24 = 24
+9 to hit, 2 x 24 (Gore as FoB) = 0.5 x 2 x 24 = 24
Alltoghether it is 48 vs AC20.
Extra Attack makes a much smaller difference now, as the FoB does the same damage as attacks done with your action. This is very unbalanced.

Compare it to 17 levels of Monk:
+11 to hit, 2 x (1d10+5) (basic attack) = 0.6 x 2 x 10.5 = 12.6
+11 to hit, 2 x (1d10+5) (Flurry of Blows) = 0.6 x 2 x 10.5 = 12.6
This all remains the same in the next 3 levels; 25.2 vs AC20.

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