Best Baldur's Gate 3 Monk build, from race to subclass

Best Baldur's Gate 3 Monk build, from race to subclass
Images via Larian Studios

Written by 

Tarran Stockton

Last updated 

4th Apr 2024 16:10

Contents

To make the best Monk build in Baldurs Gate 3, you'll need to pick the right race, skills, subclass, background and more, while also making certain choices when levelling your character to become the prime martial artist in the party.

With so much complexity across Baldur's Gate 3, you'll need a helping hand when making your character. The game's giant class list can make it hard to know who to play as, and if you want to carry on without changing class or using a hireling to fill in the Monk role, taking a look at our build guide is vital.

Take a look at our coverage of the best Monk build, and learn what it takes to effectively build the class.

Best Baldur's Gate 3 Monk build

Here are all the things you need to keep in mind to start off with the best Baldur's Gate 3 Monk build.

It's worth noting that you can respec your character in Baldur's Gate 3 if you have already started the game but want to try out some of the options below.

You also can't always select new features when levelling as a Monk, so we've only highlighted the levels where you need to make a choice below.

Level 1

the best Baldur's Gate 3 Monk build at level 1
Click to enlarge

Option Selection
Race & Subrace Elf / Wood Elf
Background Entertainer
Skill Proficiencies Athletics & Insight
Ability Points
  • Strength: 12
  • Dexterity: 17
  • Constitution: 14
  • Intelligence: 8
  • Wisdom: 14
  • Charisma: 10

Level 3 

an image of a level 3 Monk in Baldur's Gate 3 selecting a subclass
Click to enlarge

Option Selection
Subclass Way of the Open Hand

Level 4

the best Baldur's Gate 3 Monk build at level 4
Click to enlarge

Option Selection
Feat Tavern Brawler, +1 Constitution

Level 8

an image of a level 8 Monk in Baldur's Gate 3
Click to enlarge

Option Selection
Feat Ability Improvement, +1 Dexterity & +1 Constitution

Level 12

the best Baldur's Gate 3 Monk build at level 12
Click to enlarge

Option Selection
Feat Mobile

Baldur's Gate 3 Monk explained

an image of the Baldur's Gate 3 Monk class in the character creator
Click to enlarge

The Monk is a Dexterity-based fighting class with an affinity for martial arts that allows them to excel with their fists. Their focus on Dexterity also makes them perfect for disarming traps to keep the party safe, or picking locks to access new areas, making them more complex than a simple frontline fighter.

A key feature of the Monk class is Ki, which is an energy they can use to exceed their body's capabilities, allowing them to use magic or special abilities in and out of combat.

Monks can excel at different playstyles depending on your subclass choices, allowing you to opt for damage and crowd control, or stealth and subterfuge. We'll cover the subclasses below and help you select the best one to build from.

Sign Up To Our Newsletter

Get exclusive news, content, and discounts sent directly to your inbox

You've joined our newsletter. Thank you!
Sorry, there has been an issue in subscribing to the newsletter.

Not a fan of the Monk build? Check out our recommendations for other best builds in Baldur's Gate 3:

All Monk subclasses in Baldur's Gate 3

an image of the Monk subclasses in Baldur's Gate 3
Click to enlarge

The Monk class has three subclasses to pick from: Way of the Four Elements, Way of the Open Hand, and Way of Shadow.

Check out each one below.

Way of the Four Elements

You focus Ki to bend the elements to your will, using them as an extension of your own body.

Subclass Feature Description
Disciple of the Elements Choose three spells

Way of the Open Hand

You specialise in unarmed combat, using your hands and your control of Ki to heal or inflict grievous hurt.

Subclass Feature Description
Flurry of Blows: Topple Punch twice in quick succession and knock the target Prone
Flurry of Blows: Stagger Punch twice in quick succession and Stagger the target
Flurry of Blows: Push Punch twice in quick succession and push the target 5m away

Way of Shadow

You value the arts of stealth and subterfuge, bending the shadows to your will to strike without warning.

Subclass Feature Description
Minor Illusion Create an illusion that compels nearby creatures to investigate
Shadow Arts: Hide Hide by succeeding a Stealth check
Shadow Arts: Pass Without Trace Call forth a veil of shadows that gives you and all companions a +10 bonus to Stealth checks
Shadow Arts: Darkness Create a dark shroud that Obscures and Blinds creatures within
Shadow Arts: Darkvision Can see in the dark to a range of 12m
Shadow Arts: Silence Create a sound-proof sphere that Silences all enemies within

What is the best Monk subclass?

an image of the Flurry of Blows ability from the Way of the Open Hand Monk subclass in Baldur's Gate 3
Click to enlarge

Our choice for the best Monk subclass in Baldur's Gate 3 is the Way of the Open Hand Monk

This subclass allows you to focus on damaging, debuffing, and crowd-controlling enemies, making it easier for other characters to take them down, while also nullifying their chance to fight back effectively.

Check out our Baldur's Gate 3 homepage for more guides. We've also covered how to find Infernal Iron, how to find the Adamantine Forge, all achievements, Karmic Dice, and where to find Sussur Bloom.

Tarran Stockton
About the author
Tarran Stockton
Tarran is a Senior Guides Writer at GGRecon. He previously wrote reviews for his college newspaper before studying Media and Communication at university. His favourite genres include role-playing games, strategy games, and boomer shooters - along with anything indie. You can also find him in the pit at local hardcore shows.
Trending
Best Baldur's Gate 3 Cleric build, from race to subclass & spells
Best Baldur's Gate 3 Bard build, from race to subclass & spells
Best Baldur's Gate 3 Barbarian build, from race to subclass
Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Warlock build, from race to spells & Pact
13 best games like Baldur's Gate 3 in 2024, from Divinity Original Sin to Diablo 4