Best Baldur's Gate 3 Monk build, from race to subclass
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
Click to enlarge| Option | Selection |
| Race & Subrace | Elf / Wood Elf |
| Background | Entertainer |
| Skill Proficiencies | Athletics & Insight |
| Ability Points |
|
Level 3
Click to enlarge| Option | Selection |
| Subclass | Way of the Open Hand |
Level 4
Click to enlarge| Option | Selection |
| Feat | Tavern Brawler, +1 Constitution |
Level 8
Click to enlarge| Option | Selection |
| Feat | Ability Improvement, +1 Dexterity & +1 Constitution |
Level 12
Click to enlarge| Option | Selection |
| Feat | Mobile |
Baldur's Gate 3 Monk explained
Click to enlargeThe 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.
Not a fan of the Monk build? Check out our recommendations for other best builds in Baldur's Gate 3:
- Barbarian build
- Bard build
- Cleric build
- Druid build
- Rogue build
- Sorcerer build
- Warlock build
- Wizard build
All Monk subclasses in Baldur's Gate 3
Click to enlargeThe 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?
Click to enlargeOur 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.
