Baldur's Gate 3: Monk - best build Baldurs Gate 3 guide, walkthrough

Monks are inspired warriors capable of harnessing the potential of the mysterious energy in their bodies. On this page, you will learn how to build your perfect monk in BG3.

Last update: 27 November 2023

The Monk is a character fighting in melee range that when properly developed can have enormous damage-dealing capabilities. On this page of our guide, we highlight his most powerful skills, show what Feats to choose, and finally, what items to equip for maximum advantage.

• Character creation wizard
• Class progression
• Ilithild Powers
• Party members - their skills and spells
• Equipment and bonuses from it
• Consumables

Character creation wizard

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

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.

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Level 5 comes with an Extra Attack, as well as the ability to stun opponents with Ki.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. On level 10, you receive another bonus to movement speed, and become immune to Poison.
11. Level 11 doesn't bring any advantages.
12. 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

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

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

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:

1. 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.
2. Additionally, after defeating Prelate Lir'i'c you can receive Boots of Uninhibited Kushigo, which make your attacks receive a Wisdom modifier.
3. 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

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

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