Unleashing Unparalleled Power: The Ultimate Monk/Rogue Multiclass Build in Baldur's Gate 3

Highlights

Baldur's Gate 3 offers extensive customization and role-playing options, with the ability to combine different classes for near-endless gameplay possibilities.

The Way of the Open Hand subclass in the Monk class of Baldur's Gate 3 offers remarkable damage potential and formidable bonus actions, making it a lethal option. When paired with the Thief subclass of the Rogue class, the Monk class enables the creation of a devastating build in Baldur's Gate 3. This build excels in repeatedly executing potent multi-attacking abilities and efficiently utilizing bonus actions.

Baldur’s Gate 3 has emerged as one of the standout CRPGs in recent times, delivering a resounding victory for developer Larian Studios. True to the genre's essence, the game allows players to extensively personalize their roles, providing a level of role-playing typically seen in tabletop experiences. The game's 12 classes offer a diverse range of options, resulting in a plethora of unique builds. While sticking to one class throughout the game can yield immense power, seasoned CRPG players may find it challenging to deny the advantages of multiclassing.

With unparalleled freedom and adaptability rarely seen in other RPGs, combinations such as Sorcerer/Warlock and Wizard/Fighter in BG3 prove to be some of the most dominant choices available. These combinations possess obvious appeal due to their synergy. However, the Monk, often underestimated, can unleash its greatest potential when paired with the Rogue, exploiting its inherent strengths in an exceptional manner.

Baldur's Gate 3’s Monk Makes the Most of Bonus Actions

The Monk class in BG3 can be a topic of controversy due to its seemingly plain nature in battle. However, both the Way of the Shadow and Four Elements subclasses offer valuable abilities in stealth and mixed casting respectively. Nevertheless, the Way of the Open Hand subclass in BG3 provides unprecedented damage potential. Flurry of Blows, available to all Monks, is a multi-hitting attack, but the Open Hand subclass introduces various status-inflicting variations of the move, such as staggering, toppling, or pushing enemies. Additionally, the Manifestation of Mind, Body, and Soul adds one of three different damage types to unarmed strikes, enhancing the simplicity yet deadliness of a basic Monk.

While deadly attacks are not exclusive to Monks in BG3, what sets them apart is their ability to inflict such attacks with simple bonus actions. Through abilities like Patient Defense and Step of the Wind, Monks are able to resist incoming attacks or move freely on the battlefield without using a regular action. Moreover, the inclusion of the Tavern Brawler feat allows for a Strength-based Monk build to become the most viable option. This newfound flair in Baldur’s Gate 3 has rejuvenated the class, and the integration with the Rogue class opens up possibilities for an endgame-worthy build.

How Baldur's Gate 3's Thief Subclass Breaks Monk Builds

Rogues already have similarities to Monks through their Cunning Actions, which allow for similar movement at the cost of bonus actions. However, the Thief subclass takes it a step further. At level 3, Rogues can choose the Thief subclass and gain Fast Hands, a feature that permanently grants them an additional bonus action. This is particularly powerful for a Monk who can utilize their enhanced multi-attacking Flurry of Blows with Manifestation, as the extra bonus action allows them to repeat this within the same turn. The Monk/Rogue build in BG3 offers incredible damage and movement potential, with the only limitation being Ki Points.

Multiclassing does require sacrificing some levels in one chosen class, but selecting Monk and Rogue as front-loaded classes provides the best of both worlds. While lacking in high-level features, a Monk/Rogue at level 9 could also dip into Fighter for Action Surge or Druid for Symbiotic Entity, further enhancing their abilities. Whether players stick to the features of two classes or venture beyond, combining the Monk and Rogue's focus on bonus actions creates one of the most devastating builds available in BG3.

Baldur's Gate 3 is out now for PC, Mac, and PS5 with an Xbox Series X/S version in development.