Leverage the power of Ki with a choice Baldur’s Gate 3 Monk build
Looking for the best Baldur’s Gate 3 Monk build?Inspired by Shaolin monks and other spiritual warriors from real-world cultures, theBaldur’s Gate 3Monk class takes the study of martial arts to the next level. Monks leverage a unique gameplay mechanic calledki, which refers to energy that flows through all beings. Monks can use this energy to exceed the body‘s physical capabilities, augmenting their attacks with truly devastating prowess.
If you want to master the Monk class inBaldur’s Gate 3, there are a few things you’ll need to keep in mind to maximise the potential of your ki-infused strikes. Here’s what to know about the best race, subclass, and background for your Monk character, plus a few extra ideas for the best possible build.
Note: Looking for lots more builds to choose from? Check out our dedicated list of thebest builds in Baldur’s Gate 3for each class!
Baldur’s Gate 3 best Monk build
Monks are melee characters who begin their journey withFlurry of Blows, which allows them to make two extra melee attacks as a bonus action. The class also benefits fromUnarmoured Defence, which, in the Monk’s case, adds yourWisdom Modifierto your armour class when not wearing armour.
Generally, the Monk’s actions are similar to spell effects but leverageki pointsinstead of spell slots. You’ll begin the game with two ki points and gain one on each subsequent level increase. A Short Rest will refresh these ki points, which you can then spend as “charges” for specific attacks.
Aside from their combat skills, Monks gain several class features based on bodily health and maintaining a zen-like mindstate. For example,Stillness of Mind, a class feature you’ll gain at Level 7, automatically removes the Charmed or Frightened conditions. At Level 10, you’ll gainPurity of Body, which makes you completely immune to poison or disease.
At Level 1, Monks can choose from the following subclasses:
Your race, background, and skills can greatly enhance and strengthen your Monk character. Here are our best picks for a Monk build that emphasises the stealthier martial arts assassin route - though your preferences may vary based on your team composition or play style.
The best Monk race is Wood Elf.
ElveshaveDarkvisionand can see in the dark and dim settings. They also gainElven Weapon Trainingfor added weapon proficiency with longswords, shortswords, longbows, and shortbows.Fey Ancestrygrants advantage on saving throws against being Charmed, and magic can’t put Elves to sleep. The race also grants proficiency inPerception. All of these are great buffs for a well-rounded Monk.
More specifically, theWood Elfsubrace getsFleet of Foot, which offers an increased movement speed of 10.5m (relative to 9m of most other races) and also gains a Proficiency bonus toStealthchecks - perfect for a silent but deadly ki-wielder.
The best Monk background is Charlatan.
To supplement our build, we’re going with theCharlatanbackground, which grantsDeceptionandSleight of Handproficiency bonuses.Deceptionis the skill to use when you need to hide the truth, whileSleight of Handgrants checks on acts of manual trickery, such as lockpicking and pickpocketing.
The best Monk skill proficiencies are Acrobatics and Athletics.
Acrobaticsimproves attempts to stay on your feet in tricky situations such as standing on ice or traversing narrow beams that require keen balance.Athleticsimproves Shove, resistance to Shove, and Jump.
The best Monk subclass isWay of the Shadow. This subclass emphasises your Stealth capabilities and becomes extraordinarily powerful at Level 6 when you gainShadow Step. Shadow Step allows Monks to use a bonus action to teleport up to 18m and also grants advantage on your next melee attack for some sneaky, stealthy kills.
Monk can choose feats at Levels 4, 8, and 12. The best Monk feats are:
Luckyis a solid first feat that grants three Luck points per Long Rest that give you advantage on a saving throw, ability check, or attack roll as a reaction.Mobileis also a great choice for the Monk, because it increases movement speed and prevents opportunity attacks when you move after making a melee attack. Finally,Sentinelallows you to use a reaction to attack an enemy in melee range whenever they attack an ally. These opportunity attacks also prevent the creature from moving for the rest of its turn.
That’s everything you need to know for the best Monk build in Baldur’s Gate 3. If these ninja-like moves aren’t quite your preference, you can always check out our guide onhow to respec your characterand choose another class from ourbest Baldur’s Gate 3 buildslist. You may also want to read our guide tomulticlassing, or, if you’re just intoBaldur’s Gatefor the make-out scenes, check out our guide onromancingin Baldur’s Gate 3.
Disclosure: Former RPS deputy editor Adam Smith (RPS in peace) now works at Larian and is the lead writer for Baldur’s Gate 3. Former contributor Emily Gera also works on it.
