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Baldur's Gate 3, the highly anticipated RPG from Larian Studios, offers players a myriad of classes and races to choose from. Among them, the Monk stands out as a versatile and agile combatant capable of unleashing devastating strikes. Crafting the perfect Monk build requires careful consideration of race, subclass, background, and abilities. In this guide, we delve into the optimal choices to create a formidable Monk character that excels in both combat and exploration.
Best Race for a Monk:
Choosing the right race can greatly enhance a Monk's capabilities. The Wood Half-Elf emerges as the prime contender for a Monk build. With increased movement speed, Darkvision, and an advantage on charmed saving throws, the Wood Half-Elf offers a well-rounded foundation for a Monk's journey through Baldur's Gate 3.
Best Subclass for a Monk
The Way of the Shadow subclass reigns supreme as the ideal choice for a Monk build. Its synergy with stealth mechanics and spellcasting adds a new dimension to the Monk's versatility. Whether in the heat of battle or navigating treacherous terrains, the Way of the Shadow Monk excels, making it a perfect fit for those seeking a balanced yet powerful playstyle.
Best Background for a Monk
Embracing the stealthy and elusive nature of the Monk, the Urchin background is the clear winner. Proficiency in Stealth and Sleight of Hand augments the Monk's sneaky approach, enabling seamless integration into the shadows. Additional skills like Insight and Acrobatics further enhance the Monk's capabilities, making the Urchin background an ideal choice.
Crafting the Ideal Monk Build
To create a Monk build that strikes fear into enemies and traverses challenges with finesse, follow this progression:
Level 1:
Unarmored Defense: Master the art of avoiding blows without the encumbrance of armor.
Martial Arts: Unleash a flurry of precise strikes with your bare hands.
Flurry of Blows: Launch two unarmed strikes as a bonus action.
Level 2:
Ki: Harness your inner energy to perform extraordinary feats.
Unarmored Movement: Increase your movement speed when unarmored.
Patient Defense: Gain an advantage on DEX saving throws and impose a disadvantage on attack rolls against you.
Step of the Wind: Double your movement speed, and disengage or dash as a bonus action.
Level 3:
Deflect Missiles: Reduce damage from ranged attacks and even hurl them back at your assailants.
Way of the Shadow Features: Embrace the shadows, gain stealth-related abilities, and delve into spellcasting.
Level 4:
Ability Increase: Boost your Dexterity to enhance your combat prowess.
Slow Fall: Use your reaction to resist fall damage, showcasing your agility.
Level 5:
Extra Attack: Make an additional attack after using a melee weapon or unarmed attack.
Stunning Strike: Inflict damage and potentially stun foes, setting them up for further strikes.
Level 6:
Ki-Empowered Strikes: Unleash magical strikes, overcoming enemy resistances.
Improved Unarmored Movement: Enhance your movement speed and agility.
Level 7:
Stillness of Mind: Shake off the effects of being charmed or frightened.
Evasion: Evade half damage from DEX saving throws, showcasing your incredible reflexes.
Level 8:
Ability Increase: Maximize your Dexterity to excel in combat and mobility.
Feat: Mobile: Swiftly navigate the battlefield, ignoring difficult terrain and evading opportunity attacks.
Level 9:
Advanced Unarmored Movement: Traverse difficult terrain with ease and extend your jump distance.
Subclass Feature Enhancements: Unlock additional effects for your Way of the Shadow spells.
Level 10
Reaching level 10 raises health from 66 to 73, alongside another Ki Point. Improved Unarmored Movement increases movement speed by 4.5m, further emphasizing agility.
Level 11
Progressing to Level 11 raises health from 73 to 80, and another Ki Point is obtained. A new Subclass Feature, specific to the chosen Monastic Tradition, emerges.
Level 12
Level 12 raises health from 80 to 87, alongside another Ki Point. This level offers a choice between Ability score improvement or an additional Feat.
The Monk class in Baldur's Gate 3 offers a unique and exhilarating gameplay experience, blending martial prowess with mystical abilities. By selecting the Wood Half-Elf race, Way of the Shadow subclass, and Urchin background, players can craft a Monk build that excels in both combat and stealth. With careful ability allocation and progression, the Monk becomes a master of agility, striking fear into the hearts of enemies and navigating challenges with unparalleled finesse. As you venture forth into the world of Baldur's Gate 3, remember that the path of the Monk is one of discipline, precision, and shadowy mastery.
