Noted Blizzard community member Druin has reviewed the monk class following Diablo 3 update 2.1 on the game's battle.net forums.
While Druin offers an extensive analysis of the class and the issues which continue to persist even after 2.1's release, here's the shorter version – looking at monks' main problems and how they're impacted by update 2.1.
Problems
- Low dps and poor conversion of resources to damage
- Required melee = high toughness requirement + poor sustain option = forced 2x unity + multiple defensive skills + harmony + max CDR on all monk specs
- Spirit as a resource system is clunky, unrewarding and inherently dangerous leading to most monks actively trying to interact with it as little as possible
2.1's Effects on the Problems
- Spirit gens get minor buffs that don't address major issues and result in no substantive change
- Spirit spenders get no real changes other than the major nerfs to TR and EP and end up right where they started
- Passives get some minor improvements but are left with the majority being unusable and an overall nerf due to loss of OWE and STI
- Raiment change is almost good enough to be competitive but not quite there while SWK / Inna's and Shenlong's are still miles behind
Conclusion
- Monks are still in a really bad spot which is being accurately reflected by the PTR leaderboards
- Substantial buffs are needed to a variety of things in order to get the monk class to a competitive and diverse state
The legendary weapons and new skills added by update 2.1 are detailed here.