For the best BG3 Monk build, consider playing as a Brass, Gold, or Red Dragonborn, as they offer unique traits.
Mastering the Monk class in Baldur’s Gate 3 can help you do more damage and have more options than any other class. The Monk may not have a lot of weapons or defense, but they make up for it with their amazing unarmed fighting skills and Ki-powered martial arts. In this guide, we’ll show you how to make the best BG3 Monk build that can beat all the others.
In Baldur’s Gate 3, monks are the best at fighting with their hands. They are good at close-range fights because they rely on their unarmed hits and special skills. Monks learn strong martial arts moves as they level up, like “Deflect Missiles” and “Evasion,” which make them tough opponents on the battlefield. However, the defining feature of the Monk is Ki, a resource that refills during Short Rests and powers their most powerful skills. Monks start out with two Ki and get one more every time they level up. Monks also have the passive ability Unarmored Defense, which boosts their Armor Class (AC) when they’re not wearing standard armor. This lets them wear robes and other clothing while still being agile. Playing a Monk gives you a new, challenging way to fight with your hands, and those who master it will get a lot out of it.
Selecting the ideal race for your Monk character is crucial. For the best Monk experience, consider playing as a Brass, Gold, or Red Dragonborn. These races offer unique traits, including the ability to breathe fire, which complements the Monk’s unarmed combat style. The Fire Breath trait, possessed by these Dragonborn subraces, adds a distinctive edge to your Monk’s abilities. Alternatively, the Blue or Bronze Dragonborn with the Lightning Breath trait can be equally effective.
For a more conventional approach, the Wood Elf is a solid choice. Wood Elves bring valuable benefits such as Dark Vision, increased movement range, enhanced proficiency with swords and bows, and improved Perception. These traits make them an excellent choice for Monk builds, especially for newcomers to Baldur’s Gate 3. Check out some companion builds of Astarion, Gale, Halsin, and Jaheira.
To maximize your Monk’s potential, focus on specific ability scores. Dexterity should be your top priority, followed by Constitution and Wisdom. Other attributes can be assigned as needed. When creating your character, consider the following initial stats:
As you level up, allocate points into Dexterity and Wisdom until they reach 20, then distribute the remaining points accordingly. Constitution is also vital, especially if your Monk frequently engages in close combat.
Monks in Baldur’s Gate 3 are masters of agility and evasion rather than being frontline tanks. Therefore, it’s essential to choose proficiencies that align with this playstyle. Opt for a Criminal background, which not only adds an intriguing backstory but also grants bonuses in Stealth and Deception, crucial for a nimble mercenary. Your choice of skills should include a combination of Athletics, Acrobatics, Stealth, Sleight of Hand, Deception, and Perception. These proficiencies enhance your Monk’s ability to avoid hits and counter-attacks effectively.
For the best BG3 Monk build, we advise selecting the Way of the Open Hand subclass. While the Way of Shadows is popular for its Stealth abilities, the Way of the Open Hand focuses on mastering martial arts and excels in unarmed and unarmored combat. This path allows Monks to channel their Ki into powerful melee strikes, scaling off Strength and Dexterity. It emphasizes delivering devastating blows while minimizing the risk of being hit. With this build, you can solve puzzles and survive the Underdark.
Monks have the unique Unarmored Movement feature, providing a valuable 3m movement bonus when not wearing any armor. Therefore, the best armor for a Monk is no armor at all, and shields should be avoided to fully utilize this feature. One essential piece of equipment for your Monk is the Gauntlet of the Tyrant, a pair of gloves that add 1-4 force damage to all unarmed attacks. As for weapons, Monk’s signature weapon is the Quarterstaff, which allows them to maintain their unarmed combat bonuses while enjoying an extra attack action.
The Monk class offers a range of exceptional features and abilities, but a standout choice is Deflect Missiles, available at Level 3. This skill enables Monks to reduce or completely nullify ranged weapon damage, akin to the iconic scenes in The Matrix. At Level 9 of the Way of the Open Hand subclass, Monks gain the Ki Resonation skills, showcasing their unique capabilities. These skills allow Monks to strike their enemies so forcefully that they become like energy bombs, triggering an area-of-effect (AoE) explosion upon impact.
When choosing feats for your Monk, consider Lucky, which grants advantages on rolls and the ability to force enemy rerolls if necessary. Mobile is an excellent choice for maneuvering out of counterattack range during melee combat. Sentinel, on the other hand, enables you to retaliate against enemies attacking your allies within range, offering strategic advantages in battle. You can use more builds like Shadowheart, Wyll, Minsc, and Minthara.
The Monk class in Baldur’s Gate 3 is distinctive for its emphasis on unarmed combat, utilizing martial arts techniques and Ki-powered abilities. They also have the Unarmored Defense feature, allowing them to increase their AC without traditional armor.
Key feats for a Monk include Lucky, which grants advantages on rolls, Mobile for better maneuverability in combat, and Sentinel for retaliation against enemies targeting allies within range. These feats enhance the Monk’s effectiveness in different aspects of gameplay.
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