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Do you consider playing a Monk in Baldur’s Gate 3 and want to know more about subclasses? This guide will explain all the intricacies before you start kung fu fighting.
The Monk is one of the twelve character classes you can choose when creating a character in Baldur’s Gate 3. Masters of the martial arts, Monks will often favour nimbleness and dexterity over brute strength or range. However, before you pick this class for your character, let’s go over all of Monk’s subclasses and see how they compare to each other.
Ranking Monk Subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3
Starting out as a Monk in Baldur’s Gate 3, you won’t have to worry about subclass for a while. However, when your character hits level 3, you’ll be prompted to select one. There are three Monk subclasses in total:
- Way of the Open Hand
- Way of the Four Elements
- Way of Shadow
Each class specializes in a different playstyle, so you can choose the one that best fits your strengths and weaknesses. Let’s explore each one more thoroughly below.
Way of the Open Hand Monk
The Way of the Open Hand subclass specializes in unarmed melee combat. It gives you a better grip on your Ki and how you can manipulate it for both offence and defence purposes. By choosing this subclass, you will gain the following initial class features:
- Open Hand Technique
- Wholeness of Body
- Tranquility
Your entire playstyle should be based around taking the enemy down using your Dexterity proficiency as well as crowd control effects. You’ll be able to Stagger the target or make them Prone, something you’re not able to do with the other subclasses. Here’s what the level progression will look like for Way of the Open Hand Monks:
| Level | Subclass Feature |
|---|---|
| 3 | Flurry of Blows: Topple (Action) Flurry of Blows: Stagger (Action) Flurry of Blows: Push (Action) |
| 6 | Manifestation of Body (Feature) Manifestation of Mind (Feature) Manifestation of Soul (Feature) Wholeness of Body (Action) |
| 9 | Ki Resonation: Punch (Action) Ki Resonation: Punch (Bonus Action) Ki Resonation: Blast (Action) |
| 11 | Tranquility (Feature) |
Way of the Four Elements Monk
The Way of the Four Elements subclass allows you to use your Ki for more combative purposes, especially through Elemental Spells. When you opt for this class, you can choose spells from the Monk spell list, starting with three on Level 3. All of these spells are related to the elements and have differing effects. They are granted through the initial feature you receive, Disciple of the Elements.
You also get an action Harmony of Fire and Water that can restore your Ki points. With its elemental fighting capabilities, this subclass can dish out damage as well as provide substantial crowd-control effects. Players who like the mage-like classes may prefer this progression route. This is what the level progression will look like for the Way of the Four Elements subclass:
| Level | Subclass Feature |
|---|---|
| 3 | Choose 3 Spells: Disciple of the Elements (Feature) Harmony of Fire and Water (Action) |
| 6 | Gain a Spell: Disciple of the Elements (Feature) |
| 9 | Improved Elemental Casting (Feature) Gain a Spell: Disciple of the Elements (Feature) |
| 11 | Gain a Spell: Disciple of the Elements (Feature) |
Way of Shadow Monk
The Way of Shadow is for players who love stealth attacks and manipulating illusions. For all intents and purposes, this subclass turns your monk into a ninja. You only receive one initial feature, Shadow Arts, that allows you to duplicate the effects of several spells:
- Darkness
- Darkvision
- Pass Without Trace
- Silence
- Minor Illusion
Players opting for the Way of Shadow gain access to several spells and actions early on. This subclass isn’t good for an all-out brawl, playing more as a Rogue than a Fighter. Moreover, you don’t have access to ranged magic attacks, like an elemental Monk. However, when you need to sneak past completely unnoticed and strike from shadows, there’s no better character than a Way of Shadow Monk. Your level progression will feature:
| Level | Subclass Feature |
|---|---|
| 3 | Minor Illusion (Cantrip) Shadow Arts: Hide (Action) Shadow Arts: Pass Without Trace (Action) Shadow Arts: Darkness (Action) Shadow Arts: Darkvision (Action) Shadow Arts: Silence (Action) |
| 5 | Cloak of Shadows (Action) |
| 6 | Shadow Step (Action) |
| 11 | Shadow Strike (Action) Shadow Strike: Unarmed (Action) |
What is the Monk Class in Baldur’s Gate 3?
The Monk class in Baldur’s Gate 3 offers players an entirely different approach compared to most other classes. By choosing the Monk class, you’ll be proficient with simple weapons and shortswords, while your primary abilities will be Dexterity and Wisdom.
The unique part about playing a Monk character is you’ll utilize Ki for all your extra actions. You gain max Ki points as your levels progress, and Ki is refreshed after a Short Rest. The Monks are experts in martial arts and unarmed combat, with an air of mysticism about them.
For more Baldur’s Gate 3 guides, make sure to check out Baldur’s Gate 3 How To Free Shadowheart, Baldur’s Gate 3 How to Load Multiplayer Save, and Is Baldur’s Gate 3 Turn Based.