Baldur’s Gate 3: Ultimate Guide to the Best Monk Class Build

Among the twelve playable classes in Baldur’s Gate 3, the Monk class, distinguished by its unique approaches to combat and stealth, was not available during the Early Access phase. This class presents players with a plethora of options, particularly characterized by three unique subclasses—each offering a pathway to powerful Monk builds.

The Way of Shadow subclass allows Monks to excel in stealth and engage in both melee combat and ranged tactics, striking from the shadows. Now that the full version of Baldur’s Gate 3 has launched, players are discovering the incredible potential of this class and how they can make the most of its diverse mechanics.

Updated January 1, 2025 by Erik Petrovich: As we welcome the new year, Baldur’s Gate 3 continues to captivate players worldwide, cementing its status as one of the greatest role-playing games to date. New players, especially those less familiar with Dungeons & Dragons or turn-based RPG mechanics, may find it challenging to navigate the journey of building a powerful Monk. Understanding the reasoning behind each character choice enhances gameplay and overall enjoyment. This updated guide delves into the best monk builds available to BG3 players, emphasizing clearer mechanics and a comprehensive walkthrough of the leveling process for the Way of Shadow Monk build.

Overview of the Monk Class

Understanding the Monk Class in Baldur’s Gate 3

Monk Playstyle & Core Abilities

“Channel your cosmic enlightenment by deftly dodging and efficiently disassembling your foes through stunning strikes and a whirlwind of martial art attacks.”

The Monk class is one of the three that emphasize melee combat in various builds. It embodies the essence of hand-to-hand combat, providing unique bonuses and attacks predicated on being unarmed.

As players progress, they unlock Martial Arts techniques that significantly alter the combat dynamics, offering additional attack options and evasive maneuvers like Deflect Missiles and Evasion.

Monks utilize a core resource known as Ki, replenished with every Short Rest, which fuels many of their abilities. Players begin with two Ki points, gaining an additional one each time they level up.

Moreover, Monks possess the Unarmored Defense feature akin to the Barbarian class, increasing their Armor Class (AC) when not clad in traditional armors, although robes and light clothing are acceptable.

If you enjoy a nuanced approach to melee combat that combines complexity and synergy, the Monk class is an excellent choice.

Monk Class Proficiencies: Armor, Weapons, Saving Throws, & Skill Choices

Upon commencing your Monk journey, the game presents a selection of foundational Class Proficiencies alongside two Skill Proficiencies specific to the Monk class.

The proficiencies—covering Armor, Weapons, and Saving Throws—differ from one class to another. Each Monk will select two additional skill proficiencies during character creation, which cannot be altered thereafter.

All Monk Subclasses

Baldur’s Gate 3 offers three distinct Monk subclasses, each emphasizing different aspects of the class and unlocking unique skills as players ascend through the levels. Choosing the Monk subclass dictates the abilities acquired as you progress.

Players can switch their subclass by consulting Withers, although this will reset them to Level 1, making it essential to choose wisely if you aim to create the top-tier Monk build.

To maximize the potential of a Monk build, the Way of Shadow subclass is recommended for its exceptional stealth capabilities.

Monk Class Features – Level Progression

Baldur’s Gate 3 accommodates a maximum level of 12, where each level increment enhances one’s Monk capabilities. Players acquire the fundamentals of the Monk class at character creation, with new Feat Choices, spells, abilities, subclass features, and increased Proficiency Bonuses over time.

Below is a detailed layout outlining the expected rewards at each level-up as a Monk.

Monk Subclass: Way of Shadow

Examining the Way of Shadow Subclass

Why the Way of Shadow is the Optimal Monk Subclass

“Monks of the Way of Shadow adhere to a tradition that prioritizes stealth and subterfuge.”

The Way of Shadow subclass offers an array of stealth abilities that become incredibly powerful when fully utilized in Baldur’s Gate 3. Comparable to the Thief Rogue class, this subclass excels particularly in initiating combat through Sneak Attacks.

While the Way of the Open Hand and Way of the Four Elements offer unique gameplay styles, the capacity for stealth and maximum damage output from the shadows places Way of Shadow at the forefront. This subclass beautifully marries the abilities of the Monk with the agility of stealth-based combatants, akin to Ninjas.

At lower levels, Shadow Monks can cast the Minor Illusion cantrip and access Shadow Arts, which include powerful abilities like Pass Without Trace and Darkness as bonus actions. As they advance further, they can turn invisible at will and strike from the unseen, redefining their combat experience.

Way of Shadow Features – Level-by-Level Highlights

Your subclass dictates the specific abilities unlocked as you level. For the Monk class, the subclass selection occurs at Level 3, and for optimal performance in BG3, selecting Way of Shadow is advisable.

Optimal Character Creation Choices for Monks

Key Race, Background, Proficiency, Feats, & Stat Choices for Monks

Ideal BG3 Monk Race: Githyanki

The Githyanki race stands out in Baldur’s Gate 3, making them an excellent choice for nearly any class due to their formidable racial abilities. With the Astral Knowledge ability, Githyanki gain proficiency in any Skill corresponding to a chosen Ability Score—arguably the most advantageous racial trait for dialogue and roleplay.

Moreover, Githyanki gain up to three spells as they advance, alongside five additional proficiencies. Their Psionics ability allows for a special form of the Mage Hand spell at Level 1, which can turn invisible.

At Level 3, they gain Enhance Leap, significantly benefiting Monks by enabling rapid movement across the battlefield without detection. By Level 5, Githyanki gain access to Misty Step, allowing for strategic teleportation options once per long rest.

For players pursuing a Way of Shadow build, these abilities enhance the Monk’s stealth and movement capabilities. Other honorable mentions for racial choices include Drow, known for their Stealth proficiency, and Wood Elf, who benefit from increased movement speed. Additionally, Lightfoot Halflings provide the valuable Lucky racial ability, enabling re-rolls of a natural 1 on any dice rolls.

Top Monk Backgrounds: Criminal or Outlander

Given that Monks largely focus on Dexterity (DEX) and Wisdom (WIS), selecting a background that complements these skills is beneficial. The Criminal background enhances Stealth and Deception, both crucial for a Way of Shadow Monk’s effectiveness.

Criminals will gain inspiration for successfully executed crimes and morally ambiguous choices. Alternatively, the Outlander background provides significant augmentations for Athletics and Survival checks, rewarding players for exploratory tactics, defeating formidable enemies, or uncovering hidden pathways.

Essential Monk Skill Proficiencies: Stealth and Insight

Recommended Monk Feats: Tavern Brawler, Alert, and Savage Attacker

• Tavern Brawler Effects: Enhances Damage output when using Unarmed attacks or Improvised Weapons by doubling your Strength modifier.
• Alert Effects: Provides a +5 bonus to Initiative and immunity to Surprise attacks.
• Savage Attacker Effects: Grants you the ability to roll damage dice twice for melee attacks and apply the higher result.

Optimal Monk Ability Scores & Distribution

To achieve a top-tier Monk build in BG3, prioritize investing points in Wisdom and Dexterity, followed by Constitution for improved survivability. The primary stats utilized for the Way of Shadow Monk’s abilities are Wisdom and Dexterity, with Constitution significantly contributing to overall health.

Attributes such as Charisma, Strength, and Intelligence can be deprioritized for this particular build.

STR	DEX	CON	INT	WIS	CHA
Base	10	16	14	8	16	10
Modifier	0	+3	+2	-1	+3	0

Optimal BG3 Monk Leveling Choices

Top Monk Spells, Feats, & Other Choices at Each Level

The maximum level achievable in Baldur’s Gate 3 is 12, where players can anticipate new choices at each level. Nevertheless, Monks have fewer options for leveling attributes compared to other classes. Once again, the focus remains on subclass and feat selections throughout the game.

• Act 1 leads players to around Level 5, offering an opportunity to choose Subclass (Way of Shadow) and a Feat.
• Act 2, typically bringing players to about Level 9, allows for an additional Feat selection.
• Act 3 advances you to Level 12 and beyond, where you will access your third Monk Feat.

Class Level	Recommendations
Level 1	NONE
Level 2	NONE
Level 3	Subclass Choice: Way of Shadow
Level 4	Feat Choice: Tavern Brawler
Level 5	NONE
Level 6	NONE
Level 7	NONE
Level 8	Feat Choice: Either Alert or Savage Attacker
Level 9	NONE
Level 10	NONE
Level 11	NONE
Level 12	Feat Choice: Choose between Alert or Savage Attacker (whichever wasn’t already selected)

Top Companions & Party Composition for Monks

Ideal Companions for Way of Shadow Monk Builds

Companion	Class/Specialization	Role in Party	Unique Attributes
Shadowheart	Cleric	Support	Resistant to CC (Charm & Sleep), hybrid damage and support spells
Lae’Zel	Fighter	Melee Tank	Excels in drawing enemy attention while maintaining a solid defense
Wyll	Warlock	Ranged DPS/Control	Short rests restore Spell Slots and provide access to valuable control spells

The best companions for a Monk’s build in BG3 include Shadowheart for hybrid damage and support, Lae’Zel as the primary melee tank, and Wyll for ranged damage and crowd control. While players may customize companions’ classes and specializations, these three provide strong foundational roles to synergize effectively with a Monk build.

• Shadowheart: As a Trickery Cleric, Shadowheart combines excellent support with hybrid damage, making her a compatible match for a Monk’s combat style.
• Lae’Zel: Ideally built for the Battle Master subclass, Lae’Zel can manage enemy encounters efficiently, diverting attacks away from your Monk while sustaining damage.
• Wyll: A Fiend Warlock, Wyll contributes significantly as a class hybrid of damage and control, allowing for a balanced gameplay experience.

If you have a preferred character in mind, feel free to speak to Withers to reassign them to one of the optimal Monk-compatible classes. This way, you retain your favored character’s questline while ensuring balanced party composition.

Essential Equipment for Monks in Baldur’s Gate 3

Acquire Optimal Gear for Monks Across all Acts

This section highlights the best items and gear suited for Way of Shadow Monks throughout the three acts of Baldur’s Gate 3. Some equipment procured in earlier acts remains effective even in later stages of the game.

• Items with bold names are newcomers in each act and can replace previously equipped gear.
• Items without bold formatting must be found earlier in the game but remain effective and do not require replacement in Acts 2 or 3.

Best Equipment for Way of Shadow Monks: Act 1

Name	Effect	Location
Head	None (or cosmetic hat)	N/A
Cloak	Deathstalker Mantle	Grants Expertise in Stealth Grants temporary invisibility for two turns when an enemy is killed	Available to Dark Urge origin characters after Alfira joins the camp
Chest	Armor of Uninhibited Kushigo	While utilizing Patient Defence, the wearer may retaliate against any enemy that missed them with an Unarmed Attack	Reward from “Find The Missing Boots”quest in the Grymforge
Gloves	+2 to AC when unarmored	Looted from a hidden cellar in the Blighted Village
Boots	Grants the Click Heels bonus action reducing Opportunity Attack disadvantage and increasing movement speed	Purchased from Thulla in the Myconid Colony of the Underdark
Neck	Nullifies Opportunity Attacks when the wearer is below 50% health	Looted from the locked Selunite Gilded Chest at the Owlbear Nest
Ring 1	+2 to Stealth & Sleight of Hand, -1 to Charisma	Found near the Skeleton at Risen Road Bridge
Ring 2	Adds 1 Thunder damage to all attacks Grants access to Thunderwave spell Must possess the Mark of the Absolute to gain bonuses	Dropped by Sergeant Thrinn in the Grymforge
Main Weapon	UNARMED (or use the Blood of Lythander effectively)	Heals 2d12 HP upon dropping to 0 HP once per long rest Nearby allies recover 1d6 HP Sheds light that blinds Fiends and Undead on a failed CON save Bestows Sunbeam spell to the caster	Found in the depths of the Rosymorn Monastery after completing ceremonial tasks
Offhand	+1 to Unarmed Attack Rolls and Damage +1d4 to Saving Throws when unarmored	Purchased from Auntie Ethel in the Druid Grove

Best Equipment for Way of Shadow Monks: Act 2

Name	Effect	Location
Head	Grants +1 to Spell Save DC upon dealing Unarmed damage	Purchased from Quartermaster Talli at Last Light Inn
Cloak	Deathstalker Mantle	Grants Expertise in Stealth Invisibility for two turns upon enemy defeat	Acquired by Dark Urge origin characters after Alfira’s arrival (Act 1)
Chest	Armor of Uninhibited Kushigo	Activates Counterattack against an enemy upon missing a hit	Gained through “Find The Missing Boots”quest in the Grymforge (Act 1)
Gloves	+1 Attack chance for unarmed strikes +2 Bludgeoning damage	Obtained from Roah Moonglow in Moonrise Towers
Boots	Wisdom Modifier applies as additional damage for Unarmed Strikes	Acquired from Githyanki Monks near the end of Act 2
Neck	Paralyzes humanoids when delivering a critical strike (once per Long Rest)	Gained by defeating Malus Thorm in the House of Healing
Ring 1	+2 to Stealth and Sleight of Hand	Found at Risen Road Bridge
Ring 2	Adds 1 Thunder damage to all attacks Grants Thunderwave spell Requires the Mark of the Absolute for bonuses	Dropped by Sergeant Thrinn in the Grymforge (Act 1)
Main Weapon	UNARMED (wearing Blood of Lythander is also viable)	Once per long rest, allows healing of 2d12 HP upon reaching 0 HP Nearby allies gain 1d6 HP Dispels light to blind Fiends and Undead on failed CON save Grants the spell Sunbeam	Achievable in Rosymorn Monastery through quest completion (Act 1)
Offhand	+1 bonus to Unarmed Attack Rolls and Damage +1d4 bonus on Saving Throws while unarmored	Purchased from Auntie Ethel in the Druid Grove (Act 1)

Best Equipment for Way of Shadow Monks: Act 3

Name	Effect	Location
Head	Provides +1 to Spell Save DC after successfully delivering Unarmed damage	Purchased from Quartermaster Talli in Last Light Inn (Act 2)
Cloak	Deathstalker Mantle	Grants Expertise in Stealth Wearer turns invisible for two turns on defeating an enemy	Available to Dark Urge origin characters in Act 1
Chest	Regains 1d4 HP upon succeeding on Saving Throws Gains an opportunity attack for enemies that fail their strikes Grants +2 AC	Purchased at Sorcerous Sundries via Lorroakan’s Projection
Gloves	Gloves of Soul Catching	Unarmed Strikes deal an additional 1d10 Force Damage Successful unarmed hits restore 10 HP per turn Forfeit healing for Advantage on incoming attack rolls and saving throws Provides +2 to Constitution	Dropped by Raphael upon his defeat in the House of Hope
Boots	Grants Wisdom Modifier as extra damage for Unarmed Strikes	Dropped by Githyanki Monks
Neck	Unlocks Ride the Winds ability (Fly) Grants Gust of Wind, pushing enemies back 5 meters	Complete Hag Survivors questline and liberate Vanra in Act 3
Ring 1	+2 to Stealth and Sleight of Hand	Found at Risen Road Bridge
Ring 2	Added 1 Thunder damage to attacks Grants access to the Thunderwave spell Requires the Mark of the Absolute for bonuses	Dropped by Sergeant Thrinn in the Grymforge (Act 1)
Main Weapon	UNARMED (but Blood of Lythander is also effective)	Once per long rest heals for 2d12 HP upon hit Nearby allies heal for 1d6 HP Emits light that blinds enemies on failed saves Bestows the Sunbeam spell	Available in the depths of the Rosymorn Monastery
Offhand	+1 bonus on Unarmed Attack Rolls and Damage +1d4 on Saving Throws while unarmored	Purchased from Auntie Ethel (Act 1)

Optimal Multiclass Choices for Monks

Enhancing Your BG3 Monk Build with Multiclass Options

Starting at Level 2, players have the ability to multiclass by selecting the “Add Class”button during the level-up screen, allowing for the incorporation of another class into their build.

Rogue Multiclass – Monk 9/Rogue 3

When considering the best multiclass to complement a Monk, the Rogue—especially the Thief subclass—presents a harmonious synergy with the Monk’s abilities. By committing to three levels in the Rogue class, you unlock a Subclass within the Rogue, thereby diverting into a Thief, granting you a second bonus action to utilize for more Unarmed Attacks.

While selecting the Thief subclass precludes access to Shadow Strike and Purity of Body features at later Monk levels, it provides the added benefit of the Sneak Attack ability, effectively maximizing damage output during stealth maneuvers. The Thief subclass harmonizes impeccably with the Way of the Open Hand Monk as well.

Fighter Multiclass – Monk 10/Fighter 2

Multiclassing into Fighter is a popular choice due to the benefits offered with just two levels, particularly the Action Surge ability. This allows you to make anadditional action for the turn with just a Bonus Action.

Given that Monks can already attack multiple times, the trade-off of foregoing the last two Ki point increases and a feat choice seems minor compared to gaining the extraordinary Action Surge ability, which is especially valuable for Monks who incorporate spellcasting aspects from subclasses like the Way of the Four Elements.

For more detailed strategies and approaches to crafting the best Monk class builds, check out additional resources.