Best Monk build in Baldur’s Gate 3: Race, skills, subclass & more

A Monk can take on the DPS role in a Baldur’s Gate 3 party extremely well but to maximize the amount of damage you can dish out, you’ll need to be running the best build. Here’s everything you’ll need to create an ideal Monk build in the RPG.

Monks are an extremely unique and enjoyable class to play in Baldur’s Gate 3, essentially working as the non-weapon Fighters and acting as a primary DPS addition to any party.

However, with their complex Ki points and melee nature, crafting the best Monk build in Baldur’s Gate 3 can be a little tricky, especially considering it’s one of the newest classes in the game. So, to help out, here’s the best Monk build in Baldur’s Gate 3 from the ideal race, background, and multiclass options.

Contents

• Best race to choose for a Monk in Baldur’s Gate 3
• Best subclass for a Monk in Baldur’s Gate 3
• Best background for a Monk in Baldur’s Gate 3
• Best Ability Score spread for a Monk
• Best Illithid powers for a Monk
• Best multiclass options for the Monk
• Best build for a Monk in Baldur’s Gate 3

Best race to choose for a Monk in Baldur’s Gate 3

There are quite a few to choose from when playing a Monk as each can grant you a different way of playing:

• Drow (Stealth)
• Lightfoot Halfling (Lucky)
• Wood Half-Elf (More movement speed)
• Half-Orc (Relentless Endurance & Savage Attacks)

We recommend using the Wood Half-Elf for your Monk. This is due to the increased movement speed, Darkvision, and advantage on charmed saving throws.

Best subclass for a Monk in Baldur’s Gate 3

The best subclass for the Monk in Baldur’s Gate 3 is undeniably the Way of the Shadow. It’s extremely powerful due to the power of stealth in the game and will work perfectly in battle and while exploring.

On top of this, it works perfectly with the use of spells, adding a new layer to the character that grants it even more power.

Best background for a Monk in Baldur’s Gate 3

For a Monk as stealthy and sneaky as this one, the Urchin background is the best decision. It’ll grant you proficiency in Stealth and Sleight of Hand, two fantastic Dexterity skills.

Other than those, it’s worth looking to gain proficiency in these skills:

• Insight
• Acrobatics
• History

Best Ability Score spread for a Monk

The Monk is relatively simple to create when it comes to Ability Scores so many can opt for the recommended spread. Alternatively, try these:

• Strength: 10
• Dexterity: 16
• Constitution: 15
• Wisdom: 16
• Intelligence: 8
• Charisma: 8

Just like the Rogue, the Monk focuses mainly on Dexerity which is naturally its highest stat. Then, the next two major elements are Consitution, for your health and Wisdom for the high Insight, and other key skills. There’s not much need to put many points into Intelligence, Strength, or Charisma here.

Best Illithid powers for a Monk

Mind Blast

Stunning the enemy as a Monk is a key element when you need to get the upper hand. That inability to make actions or reactions is key, especially when you can get so many hits in before getting out of there to a safe location.

Fracture Psyche

Being a melee character, an enemy’s armor class matters, and nothing is more frustrating than when it’s just a little too high. So, with Fracture Psyche equipped, you can take that AC down a little and get those powerful attacks to land.

Best multiclass options for the Monk

Monk and Cleric

From the offset it’s worth noting that the Monk works pretty effectively on it’s own, and you’re likely better off sticking with one class rather than multiclassing. Nevertheless, if you do want to combine the Monk, you should pair it with the Cleric.

This multiclass grants you a little bit of extra AC and protection along with the multiple hits you get as a Monk. Along with that you get some healing, a bit more move speed, and much more versatility than the base classes.

Monk and Druid

The Monk and Druid multiclass is extremely similar to the Cleric / Monk in the sense that it’s not as powerful as the base Monk class, but can still be pretty fun if you want to multiclass.

If you combine the Druid with the Monk you get a pretty unique creation, particularly if you choose Spores and Way of the Four Elements, to get that nature build. With this, you can combine certain spells like Thorn Whip or Water Whip to bring the enemy closer, before pummeling them with a Flurry of Blow. It’ll certainly change up your gameplay.

Best build for a Monk in Baldur’s Gate 3

Race: Wood Half-Elf

Background: Urchin

Skills: Insight, Acrobatics

Ability order from highest to lowest: Dexterity, Constitution, Strength, Wisdom, Charisma, Intelligence

Best Monk build: