The Ultimate Guide to Dominating Baldur's Gate 3 as a Monk

Choosing a class in RPGs can be challenging, especially when there are numerous options with unique abilities. This is also true in Baldur's Gate 3, where players can explore the vast fantasy world with different classes. Compared to its predecessor, Baldur's Gate 3 offers 12 classes, along with two new races and various subclasses. The addition of these options may make it even more difficult to decide, but the Monk class stands out with its compelling features.

In the Baldur's Gate series, the choice of classes depends on factors like gameplay mechanics. The latest edition, Baldur's Gate 3, introduces turn-based combat instead of the traditional real-time with pause (RTwP) dynamic. This change could potentially impact the gameplay experience. Additionally, Baldur's Gate 3 adopts the 5th Edition rules of Dungeons and Dragons, departing from Baldur's Gate 2: Shadows of Amn's Advanced D&D rules. With the Monk class, players can leverage the new gameplay mechanics and take advantage of its powerful abilities, which can create chaos in Baldur's Gate 3.

The Monk Could Be a Trump Card in Baldur's Gate 3

The Monk is hailed for its exceptional skill in various disciplines, showcasing remarkable abilities in Dexterity and Wisdom. Its greatest strengths in saving throws lie in Strength and Dexterity. While the class excels in handling shortswords and basic weapons, its true brilliance comes to life in the realm of martial arts. Despite lacking armor proficiency, the Monk Class in Baldur's Gate 3 possesses the incredible boon of Kung Fu mastery, drawing inspiration from centuries-old Monastic traditions in Tibet. This skill manifests in a deadly array of forms across its subclasses, including devastating Spells, elemental abilities, and combat actions reminiscent of legendary ninjas.

Each level of the Monk class equips players with a 1d8 Hit Dice and a versatile range of skills, such as Acrobatics, Athletics, History, Insight, Religion, and Stealth. However, players can only specialize in two of these abilities, akin to the adaptability of a Swiss knife. The Monk's incredible speed also proves to be a game-changer, as Baldur's Gate 3's lead writer, Adam Smith, highlights how the Monk's quickness, especially at higher levels, can have magnified impacts on the battlefield. Furthermore, Monk users possess the uncanny ability to deflect ranged attacks through their Deflect Missiles feature, creating an enticing combination of speed, stealth, and deadly Kung Fu maneuvers.

The Monk's abilities improve as players level up, and it includes three subclasses: Way of the Open Hand, Way of the Shadow, and Way of the Four Elements, which are inspired by Dungeons and Dragons 5e. Each subclass inherits the advantages of the Monk class while providing players with distinct abilities and traits. Choosing the Way of the Open Hand turns players into martial arts experts, while the Way of the Shadow is perfect for those who enjoy stealth mechanics. The final subclass allows players to manipulate the elements by channeling their ki.

Baldur's Gate 3 is set to be the most expansive representation of the renowned Dungeons and Dragons world so far, offering a wide range of classes and character customization options. Each character class provides a unique experience, and the Monk stands out with its diverse subclasses and awe-inspiring martial arts abilities.

Baldur’s Gate 3 releases on August 3 for PC and September 6 for PS5.