Monks in Baldur's Gate 3 are a unique class that do not heavily rely on conventional weapons for dealing damage. While they are capable of using various weapons, some of which can be beneficial depending on the Monk's build, Monks generally benefit the most from armor and equipment that enhance their Unarmed damage.
The most effective "weapon" for Monks in BG3, directly enhancing their Unarmed attacks, are Gloves. Gloves often possess modifiers that provide additional Unarmed damage and improve hit chance, along with other advantages specifically designed for Monks. With any of these superior unarmed weapons, Monks are capable of inflicting staggering damage using only their bare fists, and most are readily available throughout the game.
5 All Gloves With Extra 1d4 Elemental Damage
Gloves of Cinder and Sizzle
Hellgloom Gloves
Helldusk Gloves
Seraphic Pugilist Gloves
Servitor of the Black Hand Gloves
Snow-Dusted Monastery Gloves
In Baldur's Gate 3, players will frequently encounter Gloves that amplify Unarmed damage. These gloves commonly provide an additional 1d4 damage of different Elemental types to Unarmed attacks. Additionally, they may offer bonus effects such as spells or slight enhancements to stats, such as Spell Save DC.
Monks' frequent use of Unarmed attacks makes it an exceptionally potent advantage. This results in inflicting additional 1d4 damage multiple times per turn, especially with moves like Flurry of Blows, proving to be highly advantageous.
When leveling up a Monk, consider selecting any of these Gloves. They will suffice until players come across more formidable Monk weapons. Additionally, some of the granted spells remain useful throughout the entirety of the game.
4 Thunderpalm Strikers
The Thunderpalm Strikers in BG3 are highly advantageous among all the gloves that provide an additional d4 of elemental damage to unarmed strikes. These gloves not only add a straightforward 1d4 Thunder damage to unarmed attacks but also offer the wielder a valuable spell: Thunderwave.
Thunderwave is a Level 1 spell that produces a cone, dealing 2d8 Thunder damage and pushing any enemies struck away from the casting individual. With the Thunderpalm Strikers, Monks are able to cast this spell for free at Level 3 once per Long Rest, resulting in 4d8 Thunder damage. The pushing effect of Thunderwave proves to be exceptionally effective when dealing with enemies in close proximity to cliffs or, when accurately targeted, when it is necessary to remove enemies from the party without causing harm to allies.
To get the Thunderpalm Strikers, head to Angleiron's Basement in Rivington (the first area of Act 3). Speak with Bumpnagel to purchase these Gloves for 450 Gold.
3 Gauntlet of the Tyrant
The Gauntlet of the Tyrant is an extremely valuable weapon for Monks that enhances their unarmed attacks with an additional 1d4 Force damage. Moreover, it enhances the wielder's Spell Save DC, ultimately influencing the likelihood of enemies getting affected by the Monk's crowd control spells. Additionally, these gloves bestow Monks with a new spell, Command, which can be used once per long rest. When all these effects are combined, they make the Gauntlet of the Tyrant a formidable late-game weapon for Monks, even though there are slightly superior alternatives available.
The one who wears the Gauntlet of the Tyrant is Enver Gortash, and naturally, players must overcome the current wielder in order to obtain the Gauntlet of the Tyrant. When acquired as loot, it is initially identified as the Netherstone-Studded Gauntlet, but it transforms into the Gauntlet of the Tyrant once it enters the players' inventory.
2 Gloves of Crushing
The Gloves of Crushing are a remarkable choice for augmenting Unarmed damage. Not only do they provide a consistent increase in Unarmed damage, as opposed to relying on unpredictable dice rolls, but they also enhance the accuracy of Unarmed attacks. These Gloves grant a +1 bonus to Unarmed Attack Rolls and add an extra 2 points of damage to Unarmed strikes.
The Gloves of Crushing provide a significant advantage with their increased chance to hit during Unarmed attacks, outweighing the potential for higher damage with other gloves. Ultimately, the damage dice are irrelevant if the attack misses its mark. To acquire these gloves, visit Roah Moonglow, the vendor at Moonrise Towers, where they are available for a reasonable price of 160 Gold, making them an affordable option for enhancing one's power.
1 Gloves of Soul Catching
The Gloves of Soul Catching are arguably the most powerful monk weapon in BG3. When used without any other weapons equipped, these gloves enhance Unarmed attacks by adding an impressive 1d10 Force damage upon hit. Additionally, they provide the ability to restore health with each successful Unarmed strike. Players can regain 10 regular HP once per turn when landing an Unarmed hit. Furthermore, this bonus can be sacrificed in order to gain Advantage on all Attack Rolls and Saving Throws until the next turn.
If these benefits weren't convincing enough, the Gloves of Soul Catching also raise Constitution by 2. However, in order to fully utilize these advantages, players must explore the House of Hope, which is Raphael's house, and rescue the eponymous and very real Hope.
Baldur's Gate 3 is available for PC and PlayStation 5. A version for Xbox Series X|S is currently in development.