The Monk in Baldur’s Gate 3 is a high-paced melee class that combines mobility, battlefield control, and attack speed. With Dexterity and Wisdom as its primary stats, the Monk excels at avoiding damage and delivering swift counterattacks. This guide covers the most optimal Monk build, including subclass, race, stats, gear, and general gameplay tips.

Best Subclass for Monk – Way of the Open Hand

Way of the Open Hand is the top choice for players who want to control the battlefield without relying on magic or complex gear. This subclass offers unique mechanics:

• Every Unarmed Strike can knock enemies prone, remove their reaction, or push them away.
• At level 6, you gain Wholeness of Body – a powerful self-heal usable once per long rest.
• At level 11, Tranquility grants a Sanctuary effect at the start of a long rest, giving combat advantage until you make an attack.

This subclass offers the best balance of damage, defense, and control, making it suitable for players of any skill level.

Best Races for Monk

Wood Elf is the optimal pick thanks to high Dexterity and mobility, which synergize perfectly with Monk mechanics.

Stat Distribution

Best Monk Gear

Monks don’t need armor or weapons — their strength lies in skill and agility. Accessories play a crucial role in enhancing mobility and survivability.

Key Gameplay Tips

• Always use Flurry of Blows after attacking – it's your main damage source.
• Take the Mobile and Alert feats – one boosts mobility, the other gives initiative advantage.
• Keep repositioning during combat, flanking or striking from behind.
• Add 1 level of Rogue (Thief) for Cunning Action – gain bonus Disengage or Dash.
• Avoid wearing armor – this maximizes the Monk’s class benefits.

Leveling Guide: Way of the Open Hand Monk Progression

Proper level planning is key to making the most of your Monk’s combat abilities, Ki resources, and mobility. Below is the recommended progression path:

Level 1 – Martial Arts, Unarmored DefenseYou gain unarmed attacks using Dexterity and a bonus to AC based on Dexterity and Wisdom. This allows maximum mobility without armor.

Level 2 – Ki: Flurry of Blows, Step of the Wind

Unlocks the core Ki mechanic. Flurry of Blows adds two bonus unarmed strikes, and Step of the Wind enables Dash or Disengage as a bonus action for 1 Ki point.

Level 3 – Subclass: Way of the Open HandEnhances Flurry of Blows to knock targets prone, push them, or remove reactions – excellent non-magical control.

Level 5 – Extra AttackGain the ability to attack twice with your main action. Combined with Flurry of Blows, this allows up to four attacks per turn.

Level 6 – Wholeness of BodySelf-healing ability usable once per long rest. Great survivability boost in tough fights.

Level 8 – Ability Score Improvement (ASI)Increase Dexterity or Wisdom to boost damage, AC, and ability effectiveness. Alternatively, take a feat if your stats are already high.

Level 11 – TranquilityGrants the Sanctuary effect at the start of each long rest. Offers excellent defense until you attack.

Level 12 – Final ASI or FeatBoost your core stats again or take a feat like Mobile (for even more mobility) or Alert (to win initiative).

Best Companions for Monk in Baldur’s Gate 3

Since Monks excel in melee and control, the best companions offer healing, ranged control, and tactical support.

• Shadowheart – Life or Trickery Domain Cleric. Her healing, buffs (Bless, Healing Word, Sanctuary) keep the Monk alive and effective.
• Gale – Evocation or Abjuration Wizard. His AoE spells and Haste significantly amplify Monk damage and battlefield control.
• Astarion – Thief or Assassin Rogue. With Cunning Action and high burst damage from stealth, he complements the Monk’s hit-and-run tactics.
• Wyll – Warlock with Eldritch Blast and crowd control. Helps reposition enemies and soften them for the Monk.
• Lae’zel – Battle Master Fighter. She can hold the front line while the Monk flanks or finishes off key targets.

Shadowheart, Gale, and Astarion form a balanced team where each member has a defined role. This setup enables battlefield control, sustained pressure, and survivability in any situation.

The Way of the Open Hand Monk build is a perfect blend of speed, control, and endurance. With no armor, high AC, powerful strikes, and enemy control, this Monk thrives both in solo play and team combat. It’s the ideal choice for players seeking a highly active, aggressive, and non-magical playstyle.