If you think Monk is the least popular class in Baldur’s Gate 3, you’re likely not far off. He fights without armor and without weapons—at first glance it seems useless. Yet the monk has several advantages that can actually help you push through the game. This guide presents a strong build for a monk and explains which weapons and gear best support this martial class.
Character building in Baldur’s Gate 3
Note: the monk is central to this build, guiding the journey from troublesome devils to tricky vampires on a challenging difficulty setting.
How to play as a monk in Baldur’s Gate 3
In Baldur’s Gate 3, the monk class gains bonuses in combat when not wearing armor or wielding weapons. That does not mean fighting completely unprotected. At various stages of progress, equipment choices shift. For example:
- You can use any weapon and armor as needed.
- You can equip monk weapons, such as a staff. You can also equip items with an initial AC of 10 that do not belong to a specific armor type but still offer useful properties.
- Even when equipped with armor and a weapon, you can deal significant damage, though certain drawbacks may apply. It’s often wise to avoid heavy armor in most cases.
The monk’s key attribute is “Agility,” which drives the power of your strikes. More importantly, Agility raises armor class (AC), helping ensure enemies miss more often and improving survivability.
The second major trait is “Wisdom.” Like Agility, Wisdom affects AC. It also boosts the monk’s spell power, though spell use is fairly limited for this class and should be reserved for crucial moments.
The illustration above shows recommended stats at level 1. Don’t worry about “Stamina” just yet, as it will be revisited later.
Which subclass to choose at level 3
Path of the Shadow may seem unconventional, but it delivers on value. A monk with this subclass becomes elusive and highly mobile, able to move through dark areas with ease, see in the dark, and hide when needed. It stands out as the most versatile and mobile option among the choices.
Which trait to choose at level 4
Choose the “Persistent” skill. Even with strong defenses, it’s important to be prepared for potential hits. Health (HP) remains a critical factor as well.
Which trait to choose at levels 8 and 10
Here, the aim is to push Agility to the maximum through increased characteristic points. This boosts damage across multiple attacks and supports AC. Remember, a high AC often matters more than raw health when facing tough foes.
Mandatory equipment for the monk in Baldur’s Gate 3
Because the monk has equipment limitations, several items are worth prioritizing as you progress. They enhance the hero’s stats and grant various bonuses.
“Protective brackets” grant a permanent +2 to AC for those not wearing armor or a shield. They can be found in the first act, in a hidden chamber beneath an ancient village, inside a gilded chest at coordinates X:-656, Y:-370. Once equipped, other gloves lose value in comparison.
Second item — “Amulet of great health” — permanently increases stamina to 23 points and improves checks. It is located in Act 3, within the House of Hope in Avernus, on a pedestal at coordinates X:-6548, Y:-2901. Note that this item must be stolen to obtain it.
Other guides
Source: VG Times