Best Monk build in Baldur's Gate 3: Race, skills, subclass & more

In the mystical realms of Baldur’s Gate 3, mastering the Monk class can transform your gameplay into a whirlwind of unarmed combat and elemental prowess. With the Way of the Open Hand subclass, players can unleash a flurry of devastating strikes while deftly controlling the battlefield. This guide delves into crafting the ultimate Monk build, focusing on optimal race choices, ability scores, and essential gear to elevate your character from mere fighter to a formidable force capable of overwhelming enemies with both speed and skill. Prepare to harness your inner warrior as we explore strategies to dominate encounters with finesse and flair.

You can find more basic information about the class and the choices in character creation wizard on Monk – Guide page. We recommend getting acquainted with this page if this is your first contact with the class or the D&D system.

Character creation wizard

In Baldur’s Gate 3, the Character Creation Wizard is an essential tool for players looking to optimize their Monk build. This feature guides you through selecting the ideal race, background, abilities, and skills to enhance your character’s performance. For a Monk, prioritizing Dexterity and Wisdom is crucial, as these attributes significantly impact combat effectiveness and spellcasting. The wizard also allows players to choose from various backgrounds that complement their playstyle, such as the Acolyte for its Insight and Religion proficiencies or the Urchin for Stealth and Sleight of Hand. By carefully considering these elements during character creation, players can craft a Monk that excels in both melee combat and utility roles throughout their adventure.

The best base for a Monk is definitely Wood Half-Elf. Thanks to his proficiencies in various types of armament and increased movement speed, you’ll be able to quickly address various dangers awaiting your party.

When choosing a Background, choose Entertainer – this will result in additional proficiency in Acrobatics and Performance.

Class progression

Class progression for the Monk in Baldur’s Gate 3 emphasizes a unique blend of martial arts and ki-powered abilities, allowing players to develop their character into a formidable force on the battlefield. Starting at level one, Monks gain access to key features like Flurry of Blows, enabling them to make additional attacks as a bonus action, and Unarmored Defense, which enhances their Armor Class based on Wisdom. As players progress through levels, they can choose from various subclasses—such as the Way of the Open Hand, Way of Shadow, or Way of the Four Elements—each offering distinct combat styles and abilities. By focusing on increasing Dexterity and Wisdom, Monks can maximize their damage output and defensive capabilities, while also gaining additional ki points at each level to fuel their powerful techniques. This progression allows Monks to evolve from agile fighters into versatile combatants capable of crowd control and elemental manipulation, making them a valuable asset in any party composition.

Playing a Monk in Baldur’s Gate 3 is based on two main skills – Unarmoured Defense and Unarmed Strike. The first of these skills offer a bonus to AC from Wisdom, provided you’re not wearing armor. The second skill allows a Bonus Attack after performing the normal attack.

As mentioned earlier, level 1 means Unarmoured Defense unlocked, as well as Unarmed Strike, but also the Ki mechanic, Dexterous Strike and Deft Strikes. Ki are special pool of points that can be spent to perform various special actions. The second allows using Dexterity for attack rolls, and the third increases Monk’s minimum damage.
With level 2, your movement is increased by 3 meters, and additionally, you receive the ability to use Step on the Wind: Dash and Step on the Wind: Disengage as a Bonus Action. You can invest one Ki point in Patient Defense, which will make all attacks directed at you harder to land.
At level 3, you can choose a subclass – for the purpose of this build, we recommend Way of the Open Hand. The Flurry of Blows ability unlocked with this subclass chosen will allow you to Topple, Push, and Stagger opponents. Additionally, you can use Deflect Missiles to reflect projectiles back at opponents. Finally, your Hit Dice increases to d6.
On level 4, you choose a Feat – we recommend Tavern Brawler so your Monk has his Strength modifier doubled when attacking with unarmed attacks. Combined with Potion of Hill Giant Strength, the advantage is clearly visible.
Level 5 comes with an Extra Attack, as well as the ability to stun opponents with Ki.
With level 6, your movement speed is increased again, unarmed attacks count as magic attacks, and finally you can choose one of 3 manifestations which will add additional 1d6 damage to every attack. Finally, you receive a skill that allows receiving an additional Extra Action.
Level 7 unlocks Evasion which reduces damage after a successful Dexterity Saving Throw by half or completely and Stillness of Mind that removes Charmed and Frightened statuses.
On level 8, you choose another Feat, and at this stage we recommend Ability Improvement and adding to Dexterity. Additionally, your damage dice increases to d8.
With level 9, difficult terrain tiles no longer slow you down. Additionally, you receive the ability to attack the opponent with Ki Resonation: Punch that can be further detonated at any moment – the ensuing explosion deals Force damage in a radius of 5 meters.
On level 10, you receive another bonus to movement speed, and become immune to Poison.
Level 11 doesn’t bring any advantages.
On level 12, you can choose another Feat. Same as with other classes, rely on your instinct here and choose what you need the most.

Ilithild Powers

Ilithid Powers in Baldur’s Gate 3 offer unique abilities that enhance gameplay, especially for classes like the Monk. These powers, derived from the Illithid or Mind Flayer lineage, allow players to access potent skills that can significantly alter combat dynamics. For Monks, utilizing Ilithid Powers can complement their martial arts prowess, enabling them to manipulate the battlefield with enhanced mobility and crowd control. Key abilities may include options for stunning foes or enhancing unarmed strikes, making the Monk not only a formidable melee combatant but also a strategic force capable of turning the tide in challenging encounters. The integration of these powers into a Monk build can lead to a versatile and powerful character, adept at both dealing damage and supporting allies through tactical maneuvers.

Don’t be afraid to unlock and use these skills – focus especially on Cull the Weak, Repulsor and Black Hole. Unlocking the powers doesn’t affect the character negatively in any way, so there is nothing preventing your from taking all tadpoles for yourself.

Party members – their skills and spells

In Baldur’s Gate 3, party members bring a diverse array of skills and spells that enhance gameplay and strategy. Each character contributes unique abilities tailored to their class, allowing for a balanced team dynamic. For instance, Monks excel in martial arts and mobility, utilizing skills like Athletics for grappling and shoving enemies, while also benefiting from spells such as Key Empowered Strikes that enhance their unarmed attacks. Other members, like Wizards, offer powerful spells for area damage and crowd control, such as Fireball and Scorching Ray, while Clerics provide essential healing and buffs through spells like Healing Word and Bless. This synergy between different classes ensures that players can tackle a variety of challenges effectively, making careful selection of party members crucial for success in both combat and exploration.

If you want to get the most of your class, right party composition and skills are a must. The best solution is to have both Cleric and Mage in the party following their versatile skills.

The cleric can heal your Monk and provide him with useful buffs like Shield of Faith which increases AC by 2. Additionally, he can soak some of the damage by targeting it on himself, imbue your weapons and cast an extremely useful Bless. Shadowheart fit this role perfectly.

When it comes to Mages, we have one of the most useful spells, which is Haste. This spell changes an ordinary Monk into a unstoppable killing machine, as it increases your attack speed, your AC, and adds Bonus Actions.

Equipment and bonuses from it

Equipment plays a crucial role in enhancing a Monk’s performance in Baldur’s Gate 3. The right gear not only boosts damage output but also significantly improves survivability and mobility. Key items include the Gauntlet of the Tyrant, which adds extra force damage to unarmed strikes, and the Bracers of Defense, providing a vital increase to Armor Class when not wearing armor. Additionally, the Crusher’s Ring enhances movement speed, allowing Monks to navigate the battlefield more effectively. Overall, selecting equipment that complements a Monk’s unique abilities—such as unarmed combat and agility—is essential for maximizing their potential in combat scenarios.

In Act 1, there are several items which you should consider getting. Bloodguzzler Garb is received after defeating Bullet in Underdark. It activates Wrath each time you’re attacked. In turn, in Goblin Camp, you can find Crusher’s Ring that increases your movement speed by 3m and Amulet of Misty Step that adds Misty Step spell to your repertoire.

In Act 3, as the game slowly proceeds to its final phase, you’ll need following items:

For defeating Raphael in House of Hope you’ll receive Gloves of Soul Catching. This is probably the best Monk item in the game, as it makes damage dealt increase by 1d10 with every hit.
Additionally, after defeating Prelate Lir’i’c you can receive Boots of Uninhibited Kushigo, which make your attacks receive a Wisdom modifier.
Finally, Vest of Soul Rejuvenation will provide you with an advantage to defense because of 2 bonus to AC, and healing with a successful check against an incoming spell.

Consumables

In Baldur’s Gate 3, consumables play a crucial role in enhancing the Monk’s capabilities and overall effectiveness in combat. These items include various potions and elixirs that can temporarily boost ability scores, restore health, or provide other beneficial effects. For instance, Strength elixirs can significantly enhance a Monk’s physical prowess, allowing them to deal more damage during unarmed strikes. Additionally, consumables like healing potions are essential for maintaining survivability, especially since Monks often engage in close-quarters combat without armor. Utilizing these consumables strategically can turn the tide of battle, making them indispensable for any Monk build.

Below you will find a list of consumables that will make your Barbarian even stronger.

Oil of Accuracy – provides 2 to Attack Rolls.
Elixir of Heroism – gives additional 10HP temporarily and applies “Blessed” status.
Potion of Flying – additional mobility is something that is always needed.
Potion of Hill Giant Strength – perfect if you don’t have 20 Strength yet.
Elixir of Vigilance – provides 5 to Initiative, make sure to drink it before tougher battles.

What are the key differences between the Way of the Open Hand and Way of Shadow subclasses

The Way of the Open Hand and Way of Shadow subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3 offer distinct playstyles that cater to different combat philosophies.

Key Differences

Focus and Combat Style

Way of the Open Hand: This subclass emphasizes unarmed combat and excels in dealing high damage. Monks can use their ki to enhance their basic attacks, allowing for powerful flurries that can incapacitate enemies through additional effects like stuns or pushes. The Open Hand monk’s abilities are designed for straightforward melee dominance, making them formidable in direct confrontations.
Way of Shadow: In contrast, the Way of Shadow leans into stealth and mobility, allowing monks to operate like ninjas. This subclass grants access to abilities that enhance stealth, such as Shadow Step, which allows teleportation between dimly lit areas, providing tactical advantages in positioning and surprise attacks. The focus here is on utility and subterfuge rather than raw power.

Ki Point Usage

Way of the Open Hand: Utilizes ki primarily to amplify unarmed strikes without competing for resources during combat. Their abilities enhance damage output directly, making them efficient in using ki points for aggressive tactics.
Way of Shadow: This subclass uses ki points for stealth-based spells and abilities, allowing for creative tactical plays. While they can deal damage, their strength lies in controlling the battlefield through mobility and stealth rather than sheer force.

Abilities and Features

Way of the Open Hand: Features include enhanced flurry attacks, bonus actions that improve combat efficiency, and abilities that can heal allies or incapacitate foes. This subclass is designed to maximize damage potential while maintaining some crowd control capabilities.
Way of Shadow: Offers abilities like Cloak of Shadows for enhanced stealth and spells that allow for utility in combat scenarios. The focus is on evasion and strategic positioning rather than direct confrontation.

In summary, players who prefer a straightforward, damage-focused approach will find the Way of the Open Hand more appealing, while those who enjoy stealthy tactics and mobility will gravitate towards the Way of Shadow. Each subclass provides unique strengths that cater to different gameplay styles within Baldur’s Gate 3.

Which subclass is better for solo play, Way of the Open Hand or Way of Shadow

For solo play in Baldur’s Gate 3, the Way of the Open Hand subclass is generally considered superior to the Way of Shadow. Here’s a breakdown of why:

Way of the Open Hand

High Damage Output: This subclass excels in delivering powerful unarmed strikes, allowing for multiple attacks per turn through abilities like Flurry of Blows. This makes it easier to eliminate enemies quickly, which is crucial when playing solo.
Crowd Control: The Open Hand monk can incapacitate foes with various effects, such as pushing or stunning them. This control over the battlefield is invaluable when facing multiple enemies alone.
Self-Sustainability: Abilities like Wholeness of Body allow for healing, enhancing survivability in tough encounters without relying on companions.

Way of Shadow

Stealth and Mobility: While the Way of Shadow offers excellent stealth options and mobility through abilities like Shadow Step, its focus on sneaky tactics may not be as effective for solo players who need to engage directly in combat.
Utility Over Damage: The subclass is more about avoiding detection and using stealth to gain advantages rather than dealing consistent damage. This can be less effective when you’re not able to rely on allies to distract or draw attention away from you.

Conclusion

In summary, while both subclasses have their strengths, the Way of the Open Hand provides a more straightforward and effective approach for solo play. Its emphasis on high damage output and crowd control makes it better suited for handling encounters independently, allowing players to thrive even when facing challenges alone.

Best Monk build in Baldur’s Gate 3: Race, skills, subclass & more