BG3’s Early Access does not include the Monk Class, but players are already confident that the Way of Shadow will be the finest Monk construct.
Only one of the twelve available classes in Baldur’s Gate 3—the Monk—wasn’t prepared for Early Access users. With three different sub-classes to select from, monks in BG3 have a plethora of choices under their belts that might potentially result in an excellent monk build.
Updated by Erik Petrovich on March 8, 2024: Players must make several decisions as the game progresses in order to create the ideal Baldur’s Gate 3 Monk Build. When a Monk is leveling up, one of the decisions that has the most influence is the use of feats. BG3 players should favor fighting and ability-oriented feats above those that boost your out-of-combat talents while building the strongest Monk build. The greatest Baldur’s Gate 3 Monk build isn’t as much influenced by feats that boost your skill checks and other roleplaying abilities as it is by the choices that are suggested.Along with the level-by-level recommendations listed below, be sure to visit the Character Creation section for the most recent information on the Feats we feel are the best fits for the BG3 Way of Shadow Monk construct.
Overview & Introduction of Monk Class
In Baldur’s Gate 3, the Monk is one of three classes that prioritizes melee fighting above all else in almost every construct. Monks give special strikes and advantages that require players to remain unarmed, taking the idea of hand-to-hand fighting extremely literally. As a monk levels up, they get particular evasive skills like Deflect Missiles and Evasion, as well as Martial Arts powers that alter the course of fight by providing fresh possibilities for assaults.
Ki is a special resource that replenishes with each Short Rest and powers several of the most powerful Monk skills. It is the distinctive aspect of the Monk class. Gamers begin with two Ki, and they get one more for every level they reach. Like the Barbarian class, they also receive the Unarmored Defense passive, which raises AC while not wearing conventional armor. However, robes and other clothing are acceptable. Try a different strategy for melee battle by taking on the Monk class; it’s a little more intricate, more rewarding, more synergistic than other melee classes.
Monk Subclasses
- Way of the Four Elements: Elemental damage-based spellcaster. Grants unique spells from Disciple of the Elements feature & unique Elemental actions.
- Way of the Open Hand: Focuses on unarmed attacks and control abilities. Grants bonuses to Ki and Flurry of Blows when unarmed.
- Way of Shadow: Stealth-oriented damage dealer. Grants unique movement and other Shadow-related spells.
Monk Class Proficiencies
- Monk Armor Proficiencies: None (Robes/Clothing only)
- Monk Weapon Proficiencies: Simple Weapons & Shortswords
- Monk Saving Throws: Dexterity & Strength
- Monk Skill Proficiency Choices: Acrobatics, Athletics, History, Insight, Religion, & Stealth
Monk Class Features – Level By Level
| Class Feature | Proficiency Bonus | |
|---|---|---|
| Monk Lvl 1 | Ki Points: 2Martial ArtsDextrous Attacks: Damage scales with Dexterity instead of StrengthDeft Strikes: Minimum damage with Unarmed attacks is 1d4Bonus Unarmed Strike: Unarmed Strike becomes a Bonus ActionFlurry of BlowsBonus ActionDeals 2d8 Bludgeoning Unarmed damage | +2 |
| Monk Lvl 2 | Ki Points: 3Unarmored MovementPassive AbilityIncreases Movement distance by 3m if not wearing ArmorPatient DefenceBonus ActionGrants Advantage on Dexterity saves, and Disadvantage against incoming attacksStep of the Wind: Dash and DisengageBonus ActionsAlternate versions of Dash and Disengage | +2 |
| Monk Lvl 3 | Ki Points: 4Subclass ChoiceDeflect MissilesReactionCan reduce incoming ranged damage by 1d10+Monk LevelCan redirect ranged attack if damage is nullified | +2 |
| Monk Lvl 4 | Ki Points: 5Feat ChoiceSlow FallReactionNuliffies fall damage | +2 |
| Monk Lvl 5 | Ki Points: 6Extra AttackCan take another attack without spending an Action after an attackStunning Strike: Melee & UnarmedActionDeals normal weapon/unarmed damage with a chance to Stun target | +3 |
| Monk Lvl 6 | Ki Points: 7Unarmored Movement ImprovementCan move an extra 4.5m if not wearing ArmorKi-Empowered StrikesUnarmed attacks gain the Magical damage typeSubclass Feature | +3 |
| Monk Lvl 7 | Ki Points: 8EvasionPassive AbilityReceive no damage on a successful Dexterity save, and half damage if failedStillness of MindPassive AbilityAutomatically removes Charmed and Frightened status from the Monk | +3 |
| Monk Lvl 8 | Ki Points: 9Feat Choice | +3 |
| Monk Lvl 9 | Ki Points: 10Unarmored Movement ImprovementDifficult Terrain no longer slows the Monk | +4 |
| Monk Lvl 10 | Ki Points: 11Purity of BodyPassive AbilityMonk becomes immune to Poison and DiseaseUnarmored Movement ImprovementCan move an extra 6m if not wearing Armor | +4 |
| Monk Lvl 11 | Ki Points: 12Subclass Feature | +4 |
| Monk Lvl 12 | Ki Points: 13Feat Choice | +4 |
Best BG3 Monk Build: Way of Shadow Overview
As a Monk, players may choose their subclass during character creation. Way of Shadow is a powerful damage build that is similar to the Thief Rogue build in Baldur’s Gate 3 due to how excellent stealth is in the game. While the Way of the Open Hand and the Way of the Four Elements offer a wealth of options and gameplay, the Way of Shadow is unrivaled because of how powerful Sneak Attacks and Stealth are when utilized to start a fight (or join one from the outside).
Playing the Way of Shadow Monk is similar to those of the Gloomstalker Ranger and Rogue classes combined. Way of Shadow Monks are primarily influenced by Ninjas and other nimble fighters of darkness and deceit, and they rely on stealth and their bare fists to deliver damage.
Shadow Monks have the ability to perform the Minor Illusion cantrip in earlier levels, in addition to unique versions of Pass Without Trace, Darkness, Darkvision, Silence, and Hide as additional actions, known as Shadow Arts. Eventually, the Way of Shadow Monk will have the ability to vanish from sight at command and literally attack from the shadows. For gamers seeking an alternative to the standard Dungeons & Dragons Rogue and Ranger archetypes when it comes to stealth, the Shadow Monk is an excellent choice.
Way of Shadow Subclass Features – Level By Level
| Class Feature | |
|---|---|
| Way of Shadow Monk Lvl 3 | Minor IllusionCantripShadow ArtsHide becomes a Bonus ActionGrants Pass Without Trace, Darkness, Darkvision, & Silence |
| Way of Shadow Monk Lvl 5 | Cloak of ShadowsActionTurns the caster Invisible, but only if Obscured |
| Way of Shadow Monk Lvl 6 | Shadow StepBonus ActionCan teleport from one Obscured area to anotherAutomatically grants Advantage on next attack |
| Way of Shadow Monk Lvl 11 | Shadow StrikeActionTeleports to target and deals 3d8 damageCaster must be Obscured |
Best BG3 Monk Build: Roleplay & Character Creation Choices
Githyanki, the best Monk Race in BG3
Because of their very strong racial qualities, Githyanki are an incredibly powerful race in Baldur’s Gate 3 and an excellent default pick for almost any class. The Githyanki are bestowed with the Astral Knowledge ability, which allows them to be proficient in all Skill connected to a selected Ability Score. This ability is possibly the most advantageous race for roleplaying and discussion in Baldur’s Gate 3. But that’s only the beginning.
Along with five more proficiencies and three spells, Githyanki earn when they level up. A unique, invisible variant of Mage Hand at Level 1 is granted to Githyanki Psionics racialists. At Level 3, Githyanki acquire Enhance Leap, a crucial spell that allows Monks to move silently and swiftly across the battlefield. Githyanki then get Misty Step at Level 5, which allows them to teleport to a desired place once after a prolonged rest.
Stealth is the essence of the Way of Shadow Monks, and these two talents allow them to move into positions more quickly without being seen. Other respectable races for monks are the Drow, due to their skill at stealth, or the Wood Elf, because to their increased speed of movement. Because of the Lucky racial attribute, which allows the player to reroll a natural 1 on any die roll, Lightfoot Halfling can also be a respectable option.
The Greatest Monk Backgrounds in BG3: Outlander or Criminal
Most of a monk’s power comes from DEX and WIS, and Way of Shadow Monk builds are no exception. Select a background that enhances these kinds of talents for additional roll benefits, such as the Criminal background that increases your competence in Deception and Stealth (used for Hide). When criminals succeed in their crimes, do evil-aligned deeds (such as allying with Minthara), or deceive others out of their property, it serves as motivation.
Alternatively, players can choose the Outlander background, which will improve the results of the Athletics and Survival tests.Simply taking down formidable foes in the wilds (or under Baldur’s Gate), fully exploring the game, and finding unusual items—like hidden passageways or uncommon enemies—are some of the ways that Outlanders get inspiration.
The Best BG3 Monk Skill Proficiency Options Are Insight and Stealth
Monks are given two more options for talent proficiencies after selecting the Criminal or Outlander backgrounds. Stealth is eliminated from the list of options if you decide to go with the criminal background, and Outlanders already have Athletics covered.
In any case, mastery of stealth is the most crucial ability for a Way of Shadow Monk. So, choose Stealth as one of your options if you decide to go with the Outlander backdrop. After that, you should choose either Acrobatics or Religion (for Criminal players who have previously trained in stealth) from the remaining alternatives.
Tavern Brawler, Alert, and Savage Attacker are the best BG3 monk feats.
Effects of the Tavern Brawler: Your STR number is doubled and applied to the damage and attack rolls of any unarmed attack, improvised weapon usage, and item throws.
Effects of Alertness: You are not surprised and receive a +5 initiative bonus.
Savage Attacker Effects: All damage dice are rolled twice while using a melee weapon to attack. The result with the greater score is utilized.
Top Monk Ability Rankings & Distribution of Stats
| STR | DEX | CON | INT | WIS | CHA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Base | 10 | 16 | 14 | 8 | 16 | 10 |
| Modifier | 0 | +3 | +2 | -1 | +3 | 0 |
Feats & Leveling Choices For Shadow Monk Builds
| Class Level | Choices & Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | NONE |
| Level 2 | NONE |
| Level 3 | Subclass ChoiceWay of Shadow |
| Level 4 | Feat ChoiceTavern Brawler |
| Level 5 | NONE |
| Level 6 | NONE |
| Level 7 | NONE |
| Level 8 | Feat ChoiceAlert or Savage Attacker |
| Level 9 | NONE |
| Level 10 | NONE |
| Level 11 | NONE |
| Level 12 | Feat ChoiceAlert or Savage Attacker (whichever wasn’t selected already) |
Best Monk Equipment: Armor & Accessories
This section covers the best equipment for Way of Shadow Monks in BG3 across all three Acts. Some pieces from early Acts may still be powerful in later ones, though, and will remain equipped through several Acts.
- Items with bolded names are new options for the build in each Act, and may replace older pieces of equipment.
- Items with unbolded names must be acquired in earlier Acts, but are strong enough that they don’t need to be replaced in Acts 2 or 3.
Best Way of Shadow Monks Items & Equipment: Act 1
| Name | Effect | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head | None (or cosmetic hat) | N/A | N/A |
| Cloak | Deathstalker Mantle | Grants Expertise in StealthWearer can become invisible for two turns upon killing an enemy | Only available to Dark Urge origin characters, after Alfira joins the camp |
| Chest | Armor of Uninhibited Kushigo | While the wearer has Patient Defence, they can use a Reaction to make an Unarmed Attack against any enemy that misses an attack | Reward for completing “Find The Missing Boots” in the Grymforge |
| Gloves | Bracers of Defence | +2 to AC when not wearing any armor, or using a shield | Looted in the hidden cellar of the Blighted Village |
| Boots | Boots of Speed | Grants the Click Heels bonus action, which grants Disadvantage on incoming Opportunity Attacks and increases Movement Speed | Purchased from Thulla in the Myconid Colony of the Underdark. |
| Neck | Moondrop Pendant | Prevents Opportunity Attacks against wearer when they are below 50% HP | Looted from the locked Selunite Gilded Chest in the Owlbear Nest |
| Ring 1 | Smuggler’s Ring | +2 to Stealth and Sleight of Hand, but -1 to Charisma | Looted from a Skeleton near the Risen Road bridge |
| Ring 2 | Ring of Absolute Force | Adds an extra 1 Thunder damage to all attacksGrants the Thunderwave spellWearer must have the Mark of the Absolute to gain these bonuses | Drops from Sergeant Thrinn in the Grymforge |
| Main Weapon | UNARMED (But, Blood of Lythander works well) | Once per long rest, heals for 2d12 HP upon reaching 0 HPNearby allies gain 1d6 HP.Sheds light that blinds Fiends and Undead who fail a CON save.Grants the Sunbeam spell | Explore the depths of the Rosymorn Monastery, after collecting all Ceremonial Weapons and earning the right to collect it. Or, try to steal it. |
| Offhand | Corellon’s Grace | +1 to Unarmed Attack Rolls and Unarmed Damage+1d4 on Saving Throws while unarmored | Purchased from Auntie Ethel while she is in the Druid Grove |
Best Way of Shadow Monks Items & Equipment: Act 2
| Name | Effect | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head | Hat of Uninhibited Kushigo | Gain +1 Spell Save DC after dealing Unarmed damage | Purchased from Quartermaster Talli in the Last Light Inn |
| Cloak | Deathstalker Mantle | Grants Expertise in StealthWearer can become invisible for two turns upon killing an enemy | Only available to Dark Urge origin characters, after Alfira joins the camp (Act 1) |
| Chest | Armor of Uninhibited Kushigo | While the wearer has Patient Defence, they can use a Reaction to make an Unarmed Attack against any enemy that misses an attack | Reward for completing “Find The Missing Boots” in the Grymforge (Act 1) |
| Gloves | Gloves of Crushing | +1 chance to hit with unarmed AttacksUnarmed Attacks deal +2 Bludgeoning damage | Purchased from Roah Moonglow in Moonrise Towers |
| Boots | Boots of Uninhibited Kushigo | Grants Wisdom Modifier as extra damage for Unarmed Strikes | Drops from Githyanki Monks (end of Act 2) |
| Neck | Surgeon’s Subjugation Amulet | When Critically Hitting an enemy humanoid, the Monk can Paralyze themWorks once per Long Rest | Drops from Malus Thorm (the surgeon) in the House of Healing |
| Ring 1 | Smuggler’s Ring | +2 to Stealth and Sleight of Hand, but -1 to Charisma | Looted from a Skeleton near the Risen Road bridge (Act 1) |
| Ring 2 | Ring of Absolute Force | Adds an extra 1 Thunder damage to all attacksGrants the Thunderwave spellWearer must have the Mark of the Absolute to gain these bonuses | Drops from Sergeant Thrinn in the Grymforge (Act 1) |
| Main Weapon | UNARMED (But, Blood of Lythander works well) | Once per long rest, heals for 2d12 HP upon reaching 0 HPNearby allies gain 1d6 HP.Sheds light that blinds Fiends and Undead who fail a CON save.Grants the Sunbeam spell | Explore the depths of the Rosymorn Monastery, after collecting all Ceremonial Weapons and earning the right to collect it. Or, try to steal it (Act 1) |
| Offhand | Corellon’s Grace | +1 to Unarmed Attack Rolls and Unarmed Damage+1d4 on Saving Throws while unarmored | Purchased from Auntie Ethel while she is in the Druid Grove (Act 1) |
Best Way of Shadow Monks Items & Equipment: Act 3
| Name | Effect | Location | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Head | Hat of Uninhibited Kushigo | Gain +1 Spell Save DC after dealing Unarmed damage | Purchased from Quartermaster Talli in the Last Light Inn (Act 2) |
| Cloak | Deathstalker Mantle | Grants Expertise in StealthWearer can become invisible for two turns upon killing an enemy | Only available to Dark Urge origin characters, after Alfira joins the camp (Act 1) |
| Chest | Vest of Soul Rejuvenation | After succeeding Saving Throws, gain 1d4 HPGrants Unarmed Strike as a reaction when enemies miss the wearerGrants +2 AC | Purchased from Lorroakan’s Projection in Sorcerous Sundries |
| Gloves | Gloves of Soul Catching | Unarmed Strikes gain 1d10 Force Damage.Additionally, each unarmed hit regains 10 HP once per turn.Instead of Healing, players can instead to gain Advantage on incoming attack and saving throwsGrants +2 CON | Drops from Raphael, but only upon defeat in his House of Hope |
| Boots | Boots of Uninhibited Kushigo | Grants Wisdom Modifier as extra damage for Unarmed Strikes | Drops from Githyanki Monks (end of Act 2) |
| Neck | Amulet of Windrider | Grants Ride the Winds ability (Fly)Also grants Gust of Wind, which pushes enemies back 5 meters | Complete the Hag Survivors questline and save Vanra in Act 3 |
| Ring 1 | Smuggler’s Ring | +2 to Stealth and Sleight of Hand, but -1 to Charisma | Looted from a Skeleton near the Risen Road bridge (Act 1) |
| Ring 2 | Ring of Absolute Force | Adds an extra 1 Thunder damage to all attacksGrants the Thunderwave spellWearer must have the Mark of the Absolute to gain these bonuses | Drops from Sergeant Thrinn in the Grymforge (Act 1) |
| Main Weapon | UNARMED (But, Blood of Lythander works well) | Once per long rest, heals for 2d12 HP upon reaching 0 HPNearby allies gain 1d6 HP.Sheds light that blinds Fiends and Undead who fail a CON save.Grants the Sunbeam spell | Explore the depths of the Rosymorn Monastery, after collecting all Ceremonial Weapons and earning the right to collect it. Or, try to steal it (Act 1) |
| Offhand | Corellon’s Grace | +1 to Unarmed Attack Rolls and Unarmed Damage+1d4 on Saving Throws while unarmored | Purchased from Auntie Ethel while she is in the Druid Grove (Act 1) |
Best Monk Multiclass Choices & Builds
Rogue Multiclass: Rogue 3 and Monk 9
In BG3, the Thief subclass of the Rogue is a great addition to the Monk’s arsenal and is considered the greatest multiclass for Monks. Players can select from a variety of Rogue subclasses by investing three points into the Rogue class. The Monk can launch more unarmed attacks using the second extra action granted by the Thief subclass.
The player will be unable to use the Purity of Body (Level 10 Monk) and Shadow Strike (Level 11 Shadow Monk) abilities if they select the Thief Rogue subtype as a Monk. But it also grants you the ability to Sneak Attack, which is a fantastic fit for the Shadow Monk’s style of play. The Way of the Open Hand is also a great fit for the Thief Rogue subclass.
Multiclass Fighter – 10/Fighter 2
Many players wishing to multiclass in Baldur’s Gate 3 choose the Fighter multiclass since it unlocks the Action Surge ability after two levels. A character can use Action Surge to get a second action that turn with a bonus action.
Although monks already possess the capacity to launch several attacks in a single round, they get this very potent fighter-only talent by forfeiting their final two Ki point upgrades and a feat selection. For monk builds that depend on spellcasting, such as the Way of the Four Elements subclass, Action Surge is very beneficial.