Baldur's Gate 3: Best Monk Class Build (July 2025 Guide)

1st July, 2025

Want to master the art of unarmed combat and become an unstoppable martial artist in Baldur's Gate 3? I've spent hundreds of hours perfecting various Monk builds, and I'm here to share everything you need to know about creating the most powerful Monk character possible. Whether you're interested in the stealthy Way of Shadow, the damage-dealing Way of Open Hand, or the new Drunken Master subclass from Patch 8, this guide has you covered.

Table of Contents

Baldur's Gate 3: Quick Build Overview

Build Element	Recommendation
Best Subclass	Way of Shadow (stealth & damage)
Best Race	Githyanki
Primary Stats	DEX 16, WIS 16, CON 14
Key Feat	Tavern Brawler
Best Multiclass	9 Monk / 3 Thief Rogue
Essential Item	Gloves of Soul Catching

Understanding the Monk Class in Baldur's Gate 3

The Monk in BG3 is a unique martial class that excels at unarmed combat, using Ki points to fuel special abilities. Unlike other melee classes, Monks don't rely on traditional weapons or armor, instead channeling their inner power through devastating punches and kicks.

Core Monk Features:

Ki Points: Special resource that refreshes on Short Rest
Unarmored Defense: Add WIS modifier to AC when not wearing armor
Martial Arts: Bonus unarmed strikes and scaling damage
Flurry of Blows: Two unarmed attacks as a bonus action
Extra Movement: Increased speed when unarmored

Baldur's Gate 3: Monk Subclasses Ranked

1. Way of Shadow (Best Overall)

The Way of Shadow transforms you into a ninja-like warrior, combining stealth with devastating strikes. This subclass dominates BG3's combat through:

Key Abilities:

Minor Illusion cantrip
Shadow Arts (Hide, Pass Without Trace, Darkness, Silence)
Shadow Step teleportation
Cloak of Shadows invisibility

Why It's Best: Stealth in BG3 is incredibly powerful, allowing you to initiate combat with advantage and position perfectly for maximum damage.

2. Way of Open Hand (Best Damage)

For pure damage output, especially with the Tavern Brawler build, Open Hand is unmatched:

Key Abilities:

Enhanced Flurry of Blows (Topple, Stagger, Push)
Manifestation abilities for elemental damage
Ki Resonation for AoE damage

Best For: Players who want maximum damage per turn and crowd control options.

3. Way of Four Elements (Spellcasting Option)

Adds magical versatility but lacks the raw power of other subclasses:

Key Abilities:

Elemental spells using Ki
Ranged attack options
Utility spells

Drawback: Spells consume precious Ki that could be used for Stunning Strike or Flurry of Blows.

4. Way of the Drunken Master (New in Patch 8)

The latest addition offers unique mechanics but doesn't quite match established subclasses:

Key Abilities:

Drunken Technique (enhanced Flurry with disengage)
Ki recovery from alcohol
Intoxicating Strike debuffs

Verdict: Fun and flavorful but not optimal for min-maxing.

Best Monk Build: Way of Shadow Assassin

Character Creation

Race: Githyanki

Astral Knowledge for skill proficiency
Free Enhance Leap (crucial for mobility)
Misty Step at level 5
Medium armor proficiency (though unused)

Alternative Races:

Wood Half-Elf: +2m movement, Darkvision
Drow: Superior Darkvision, Faerie Fire
Lightfoot Halfling: Lucky rerolls

Background: Criminal

Stealth proficiency (essential for Shadow Monk)
Deception for dialogue options

Starting Stats (27-point buy):

STR: 10
DEX: 16 (+2 racial = 16)
CON: 14
INT: 8
WIS: 16 (+1 racial = 16)
CHA: 10

Skill Proficiencies:

Stealth (from Criminal background)
Insight
Acrobatics

Level Progression Guide

Level 1-3: Foundation

Level 1:

Gain Ki Points (2)
Martial Arts abilities
Flurry of Blows

Level 2:

Ki Points (3)
Patient Defence
Step of the Wind
Unarmored Movement (+3m)

Level 3:

Choose Way of Shadow subclass
Deflect Missiles
Shadow Arts abilities

Level 4-8: Power Spike

Level 4:

Feat: Tavern Brawler (crucial for damage)
+1 to STR or CON

Level 5:

Extra Attack
Stunning Strike (game-changer)
Ki Points (6)

Level 6:

Shadow Step teleportation
Ki-Empowered Strikes
Unarmored Movement improvement

Level 7:

Evasion (incredible survivability)
Stillness of Mind

Level 8:

Feat: Alert (+5 initiative) or Savage Attacker

Level 9-12: Optimization

Level 9:

Improved Unarmored Movement
Consider multiclassing here

Multiclass Option (Recommended): After Monk 9, take 3 levels in Thief Rogue:

Sneak Attack damage
Cunning Action
Fast Hands (extra bonus action!)

The Tavern Brawler Build Strategy

How Tavern Brawler Works

This feat adds your STR modifier twice to unarmed attack and damage rolls. Combined with strength-boosting elixirs, this creates astronomical damage.

Elixir Strategy

Early Game (Act 1):

Farm Elixir of Hill Giant Strength from Auntie Ethel
Sets STR to 21 (+5 modifier = +10 to hit/damage)
Stock up by using the vendor refresh trick

Late Game (Act 3):

Upgrade to Elixir of Cloud Giant Strength
Sets STR to 27 (+8 modifier = +16 to hit/damage!)
Available from multiple vendors

Damage Calculation Example

With Cloud Giant Strength + Tavern Brawler:

Base unarmed: 1d8
STR bonus: +8
Tavern Brawler: +8
Total per hit: 1d8+16 (average 20.5)
With 4-6 attacks per turn: 80-120+ damage!

Essential Gear Progression

Act 1 Must-Haves

Armor:

Armor of Uninhibited Kushigo (Grymforge quest reward)
The Graceful Cloth (Auntie Ethel)

Gloves:

Sparkle Hands (Lightning Charges)
Bracers of Defence (+2 AC)

Accessories:

Crusher's Ring (+3m movement)
Amulet of Misty Step

Act 2 Upgrades

Gloves:

Gloves of Crushing (+1 attack, +2 damage)
Flawed Helldusk Gloves (Necrotic damage)

Boots:

Boots of Uninhibited Kushigo (+WIS to damage)
Disintegrating Night Walkers

Act 3 Best in Slot

Ultimate Gloves:

Gloves of Soul Catching (Legendary)
- +1d10 Force damage
- Healing or advantage option
- +2 Constitution

Alternative:

Helldusk Gloves
Gauntlet of the Tyrant

Other Essentials:

Helldusk Helmet (immunity to Blind)
Deathstalker Mantle (Dark Urge only)
Amulet of Greater Health (23 CON)

Combat Tactics & Strategies

Opening Combat

Start in stealth (Hide as bonus action)
Position behind priority target
Open with stunning strike
Follow with Flurry of Blows
Use remaining movement to reposition

Ki Management

Always keep 2-3 Ki for Stunning Strike
Use Patient Defence when surrounded
Shadow Step for positioning (no Ki cost!)
Short Rest frequently to refresh Ki

Crowd Control Priority

Spellcasters (prevent concentration)
Ranged attackers (close distance)
Heavy hitters (stun lock)
Minions (push off cliffs)

Consumables & Buffs

Essential Elixirs (One Active)

Elixir of Hill/Cloud Giant Strength (mandatory for Tavern Brawler)
Elixir of Bloodlust (extra action on kill)
Elixir of Viciousness (crit on 19)

Combat Potions

Potion of Speed (Haste effect)
Potion of Invisibility
Healing Potions (obviously)

Permanent Buffs to Pursue

Auntie Ethel's Hair: +1 to any stat
Tharchiate Codex: 20 temp HP/long rest
Mirror of Loss: +2 to chosen stat
Loviatar's Love: +2 attack when low HP

Advanced Multiclass Options

9 Monk / 3 Thief (Recommended)

Benefits:

Extra bonus action (more attacks!)
Sneak Attack damage
Cunning Action flexibility

Trade-offs:

Miss Shadow Strike (Monk 11)
Less Ki points

10 Monk / 2 Fighter

Benefits:

Action Surge (double your attacks!)
Fighting Style
Second Wind healing

Best For: Burst damage scenarios

6 Monk / 6 Cleric (Trickery)

Benefits:

Full spellcasting progression
Divine Strike
Blessing of the Trickster

For Players Who: Want magic utility

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Wearing Armor: You lose Unarmored Defense and Movement
Ignoring Short Rests: Ki refreshes on short rest - use it!
Wasting Ki Early: Save for Stunning Strike on dangerous enemies
Poor Positioning: Use your mobility advantage
Forgetting Elixirs: Always have STR elixir active for Tavern Brawler

Party Composition Synergies

Best Companions

Shadowheart (Cleric): Buffs and healing support
Gale (Wizard): Haste and crowd control
Lae'zel (Fighter): Tank to draw aggro

Tactical Synergies

Have casters use Hold Person for auto-crits
Coordinate with rogues for flanking
Use Darkness (Shadow Monk) for party-wide advantage

FAQs

Is Monk viable on Tactician/Honor Mode?

Absolutely! The combination of high mobility, stunning strike, and massive damage makes Monk one of the strongest classes for higher difficulties.

Should I use weapons as a Monk?

Generally no. Unarmed strikes scale better with Monk features and the Tavern Brawler feat. Only use weapons for specific magic effects.

How important are the strength elixirs?

For a Tavern Brawler build, they're essential. Without them, consider a DEX-focused build instead.

Can I respec if I don't like my build?

Yes! Withers allows unlimited respecs for 100 gold. Experiment freely.

What's better: Monk 12 or Monk 9/Rogue 3?

For pure optimization, Monk 9/Rogue 3 provides more attacks per turn. Pure Monk 12 offers better Ki economy and subclass features.

How do I farm Elixir of Hill Giant Strength?

Visit Auntie Ethel in Act 1 at the Druid Grove. Use the vendor refresh trick: buy her stock, level up a character (or respec), and her inventory refreshes.

Conclusion

The Monk class in Baldur's Gate 3 offers incredible versatility and power when built correctly. Whether you choose the stealthy Way of Shadow for tactical advantage or the devastating Way of Open Hand with Tavern Brawler for raw damage, you'll find yourself dominating encounters with style.

Remember, the key to mastering the Monk is understanding Ki management, positioning, and timing your strikes for maximum impact. With this guide, you're ready to punch your way through any challenge the game throws at you.

Now get out there and show Faerûn the true power of mind, body, and spirit united! May your fists fly true and your enemies fall before your martial might.

Want more BG3 build guides? Check out our other class optimization articles and stay tuned for updates as new patches arrive!