One interesting interaction i've found is that monks can spend their ki points to cast way of the 4 elements spells while barbarian raging since they are treated as "effects" vs typical spells. This potentially opens up some interesting monk/barbarian subclass options if you dump points into strength and wisdom.
Step of the wind removing the bonus action cost of jump means that you can jump as long as you have movement left. Combined with any method of having a long jump distance means you probably have better manoeuvrability than even misty step
You do have better maneuverability than misty step. In the goblin camp, in the area where you need to rescue the druid Halsin, you can jump from the entrance at the start of combat, to the lever to open the cage, and then halfway back to the door before you run out of movement. It's insane
Great video, but you forgot to mention drow as an option for race. With their superior dark vision, weapon proficiencies, and resistance to charm and sleep effects, they can make great monks, especially if you want to go way of shadow, and see even further in the dark for places to shadowstep to. :)
I'm playing a drow monk for shits n giggles, didn't actually realize how good it works! On lower levels tho my PC was basically multitasking with bow, staff and them hands, cuz I didn't long rest until more than 3 characters are near 1 hp.
I could be wrong about this, but I feel like the Thief subclass would also go well with Way of the Shadow because of that second bonus action you get. You can spend a ki on Flurry of Blows and then depending on how things are looking for you, take that second bonus to Cunning Action your way out of a sticky situation (again though, not entirely certain about this).
It works really well with Open Hand Monk as well, although a bit less thematic. But once you get to Open Hand Monk Lvl 5 / Thief Lvl 3, you can use your Stun strike, followed by the Unarmed bonus attack, and do this twice each turn!
@@Yngwarlothep I'm aware of that, but part of the reason why I think what Thief would a good subclass to take a look at is because it solves an issue with Shadow Step that you get at Lvl 6, which takes a bonus action to do. But having that extra bonus action now with Thief gives you more options of what to do following Shadow Step; you get advantage on your first attack, but now you can also use that Bonus action for an additional unarmed attack, Flurry of Blows, a Stunning Strike, etc. At least based on this game's mechanics with Thief, I think that's how it would work.
Thief subclass is literally goat subclass for meanly this reason. Extra bardic inspiration? Got you. Extra heal spells? You got it. Extra ki usage? Say less. Tripling your movement speed with thief dash and ki skills while still being able to have 2 attacks really is something though. This makes me wish I added thief into my dark urge character who’s also a monk, since basic slayer attacks proc extra attack…
Even though I've been playing dnd for years and know exactly how to build each character I'm still gonna watch your videos just because they're so fun to watch!
Imma be honest with u when I started I had 0 idea on how the game and classes work but Ur videos are the best and although I have a good grasp on the game I still watch them cus they're really helpful and calming lol and I also made a video on a kratos build all thanks to u so thank u
One thing to note with monk, unarmed attacks are not considered weapon attacks fro the purpose of passive effects and feats (for example half-orcs extra critical die does not work, as it requires a melee weapon). However, I did not know that in BG3 monk weapons are ALL weapon you are proficient with (minus two handed), the wording would suggest that it refers to proficiencies you get from the monk class 🤔Nice catch! Regarding races, that makes a strong point for a Dwarf Monk as you get warhammer, battleaxe and medium armour profs, which suits a drunken brawler type of character :D
I started as a monk and have settled on a party with Karlach, Shadowheart, and Gale before realizing my party has essentially no charisma at all. Might just roll with it anyway and have a "say hello to my fist" playthrough.
Monk(1lvl)/Druid(Circle of the Moon) skip on max dex, and focus on Wisdom. some of your wildshapes will benefit from adding Wisdom to your armor class, rather than their actual armorclass.
My main character was a Tempest Cleric/Open Hand Monk multiclass. It was great, but I had to change my class because it was so overpowered that fights became boring. Not all classes are equal.
Another interesting fact about the fire strike from 4 elements monk is that it’s unarmed. So tavern brawler and the unarmed riders work on it. Pretty funny.
@vxytor What I like so much is that you don't have to play the "meta", you can think of a build that you would have fun with it and just go for it. I'm doing a barbarian that throws and pushes the enemy close to one another, so my friend can aoe spell everyone and we having a blast
@@RegiCBT Mine is going two mages, one with more supportive spells that create ice or watery surfaces and a Warlock with crazy electric affinity that stand on those surfaces and fry anything on the path. I haven't been able to sleep on my regular schedule for almost a moth now lol
I was using the 6 shadow monk and so far 4 assassin rogue and realized if you take human or half elf can use the finesse glaive in act 3 for a sneak attacking reach weapon. If you want to spend the feat if you find it useful can also take great weapon master and use the passive for the first 2 glaive attacks. Ambushing makes it decently mean even if not optimal.
If your ranged characters are feeling impotent with bows you are doing it wrong. Make sure you're getting sharp shooter, get good positioning. I'm playing tactician and my battle master archer is incredibly deadly. (the lightning bow that gives you lightning charges per hit is incredibly useful for the +1 to hit per charge)
Big monk fan conceptually in 5e but they are overall underwhelming compared to the other martial classes. Absolutely love the way BG3 updated the monk!
I just went through the way of elements subclass and realized how awesome the melee spells are, I originally thought it was just the same spells that spell casters use. Needless to say I went Way of the four elements.
They were definitely a strong fight I'll grant you. Ran into them for the first time last night. I am curious what that exploding damage trick was they did? Resonant Ki I think it was called? Basically they ran up, punched me, then on a follow up punch, asploded the punch and set all my allies on fire or hit us with psychic damage. I haven't delved into Monk much but that is something I'm very interested in doing with my 2nd playthrough. What was that ability they were using?
Nah, don't get cheated by those monk, 3 of them are 4 elements but they deal extra pyshic damage per hit from.rays of fire, but you, as a player, doesn't get those bonus attack. 4 elements monk seem nice but it sucks.
WOOHOO I've been so excited for this video! I'm playing an open hand monk with tavern brawler and have been looking forward to multiclassing videos from you
I first tried a shadow monk life cleric hybrid with shar’s spear of evening and darkness/radiant hybrid build, a monk of light and darkness, if you would call it that. Then I realized open-handed monks have radiant passive for unarmed attacks, and with extra attack AND unarmed attack (2hits) AND tavern brawler…my god, radiant orb and damage galore. I don’t play melee too often and prefer and magic/spell/status infliction, but open handed monk definitely changed the way I thought I could optimize radiant orb (mainly from cleric). Pair high dexterity/AC and INTENTIONALLY provoking opportunity attacks from enemies to trigger holy lance helm for more radiant orbs even when on the defensive…chef’s kiss. No more needing paladins to imbue radiant damage. Monks really are OP (my shadow/light monk build was still pretty really fun too; summoning dark clouds with shar’s spear of evening, healing/buffing a bunch, using [somewhat effective] sacred flames for radiant orbs, utility of shadow step in and out of combat…) I love this game so much
Finished the game yesterday as a Drow monk, way of the open hand, and let me tell you this class is _powerful_ in this game And fun equipment fact for Drow: Hand crossbows can't proc Martial Arts (since that's melee only), but they _still_ check all boxes to qualify as monk weapons- meaning their damage die goes up to D8 at level 9
Didn't realize that monks were this powerful. Definitely gonna respec one of the origin characters into a monk after this. All the love for everyone at Fextralife ❤
Ya wotfe might be better in bg3 than table top, but the other 2 subclasses are still way better. And yes I say that as I'm currently playing an elements monk
Halfling monk as main character is pretty amazing. At 6:42 they suggest the lucky feat. Halfling basically gets this for free. If you use it four times during a long rest it’s provided more benefit than the lucky feat would and at no cost. And, as you do more dialog checks, more lockpicking, more saving throws, more attacks (monk + thief rogue subclass for 4 attacks every round) means you trigger it more often. And, it not only makes you hit more often, it also increases your crit chance. Every 5 rounds of combat can be 20 attack rolls. That’s statistically one garanteed natural 1. These things add up quickly. I just wish there was a sound effect or visual effect to tell you when this triggers. Major negatives for a small character are: less movement (monk counters this), no two handed weapons (monk doesn’t want these anyhow … versatile are fine thus means no greatsword, maul, polearm). Because monk counters most of the negatives for playing a small race, it’s a pretty natural fit.
I just wanted to mention that BG3 doesn't have the 2 handed limitations on small races like 5e does. My gnome was able to use all polearms, battle axes, mauls, and great swords without issue! :)
@@RandyEid-qs9wt anyone can equip an item. I would assume if you do so with a Halfling you don’t apply your proficiency modifier and do not get the weapon specific attacks (like lacerate or pommel strike). Is it just a bug that halflings say they cannot use these weapons and can use them with no penalty?
@@zero11010 Well I have not tried it with Halfling but I can't imagine they would restrict Halfling while leaving Gnome alone. I don't know if it was because I was playing a barbarian and maybe my strength played into it but there was no indicator that the weapon had any penalty. I was able to use all weapon specific skills and my proficiency modifier was applied as well
Wood elves (at least at release and during pre-release) had perception proficiency (keen senses) AS WELL AS stealth proficiency (mask of the wild). Is this not the case anymore?
On the same breath, Monk 6 Open Hand + Rogue 4 Thief, and Fighter 2 is my go to. Absolutely ridiculous class. Make sure if you're running a monk build, you get the boots from the prism when it becomes available.
At the end of act 2, a certain event will take place inside the astral prism, one of the enemies has boots that add additional damage to unarmoured attacks based on the wisdom modifier
@darrentmccauley There's these boots you get as you enter the intro into act 3. There's this wild and cinematic fight with multiple hardy enemies, and the commander has special boots that allows unarmed strikes to have an additional bonus damage equal to their wisdom modifier
@@certanmikelots of people been giving potion of hill strength to stack even more damage and not rest Either way works but you need enough in tavern brawler to make strength of any use for monk
Why would you get 9 levels on Champion rather than 8? You get 1 fewer feat for gaining Indormitable (which you can only use ONCE per long rest), which doesn't seem to be worth it.
For a str monk I like to dip into barbarian for a few levels as you don’t loose much for the last few levels of open hand monk plus you can get your unarmoured defense to scale with strength which makes makes tavern brawler even more viable!
unarmoured defense of barbarians is dex and con, not str. Monk's unarmoured defense is dex and wis. They both don't stack. If you are going unrmoured, the level in barbarian makes sense since you can get the amulet that sets your con to 23, instantly giving you +6 AC and a lot of health.
My character is lvl 9 monk of 4 elements and lvl 3 barbarian of bear heart. I get resistance to everything, and can run around really fast pushing people off cliffs with ki spells. I am human for weapon proficiency and range. Feels powerful. The perfect tampon character than can plug any hole with so much resilience and maneuvre.
Thanks for the video. My only confusion was that on the Wiki it states that mage armor does stack (unlike in 5E) with unarmored defense, but you mentioned it doesn't in the video. So does the Wiki need to be updated or did you misspeak?
Most comprehensive guide thank you! Such underrated but awesome class (even I totally ignored it in the beginning) but the more I go into the game the more I love it. I am now using LaeZel as an open hand monk and love it. Planning next playthrough as a roguish shadow monk too :)
I wish they allowed more tasha’s and Xanathar’s subclasses for monk and every other class in baldurs gate, Drunken Master Monk with Knowledge Cleric or Arcana Cleric is very fun and I’ve had fun with my character every chance I get in my gf’s campaign
Greate video, really enjoy to watch it! Just have a little notice: DC for monks is calc for this formula = 8 + mastery bonus + WIS mod (not 10 + STR/DEX), this is why WIS is pretty important for every monk subclass, not only Four Elements.
You can dual wield or go unarmed in the early levels. Once you get Monk lvl 3 your fists become 1d6, so they're basically like shortswords. After that, it depends on your loot. Once you get shortswords or daggers with extra effects besides +1, I'd recommend using those as your main hand for sure.
It's a bit of a bust really... Most classes just aren't fit for the roleplay aspect of the game. With charisma being so important to many interactions, including shops, it kills the joy of the experience when I have to look at someone who isn't my main character when interacting with other NPCs.
One of the better aspects of the Thief Rogue multiclass with Open Hand Monk is that they get Expertise with specific skills. It provides a (much needed) boost to a Monk’s social skills.
Charisma is not necessary. Don’t be scared, talk as monk. A lot of my [MONK] choices have literally eliminated the need for persuasion rolls because they are just that good. Monks are very wise, do not forget.
I think BG3 Monks can be sumed up with a Doctor Who Quote from the awesome David Tennant years: Foolish NPC: "How do you propose to take us down? With the hand of God?" Monk: "No with the first of man!" **Angry posing** Also this makes me realize I messed up my Bende- I mean Way of the Four Elements Monka bit. Though I was on the right track with Wood Elf but perhaps I should have put a tiny bit more into Dex. I'm gonna see if Withers can't help me with this if not well I already had to reset my Druid after multiclassing too early so fairs fair. Also realizing my Dragonic Ancestry as starter looks cool and gave me cool robes to start off but it robbed me of that multi-attack combo. =/ Which seems like it's worth investing. Then again the bonus HP helped so many times...Tricky to balance. Also would like to note that in BG3 everyone shouldn't be afraif of going back cause it's half the fun. "Undertaling" it by doing something different to see what happens, focusing on gaining more EXP and ect does sometimes justify resetting the character.
I asked myself the same question. Both use wisdom and element like spells (great synergy regarding gameplay and roleplay) but you wouldn't really wanna use your wildshape as a wotfe monk so I wouldn't recommend moon druid. Spore druid could make you really tanky and has great damage potential because of the d6 necrotic damage on every hit but I would at least take 6 levels in spore druid to get decent value out of the temporary hit points (the roleplay is just a little weird with the spore subclass imo). With circle of the land druid you can really roleplay the avatar. Choose for example arctic and be like a "water tribe" avatar. I think it's fun but probably not the strongest option. I'm playing wotfe monk myself and I also want to multiclass but I want most levels in monk so I'm looking just for a dip, maybe one level tempest cleric or two fighter. Anyway have fun.
And why is that? They have more ki per each level and each ki counts really hard with monks. Especially open hand. Amount of dmg you can do per turn Consistently with combination of some illithid powers or just a few gear/companions buffs is insane. You can not only punch enemies to death very fast but blow up groups of them with ease. Prone/stagger effects is a really huge thing to combo with just one following spell for ez advantage hit. And it isn't DND it's BG3, there are plenty ez accessible powerful gear for you. There is so many ways to play this game with effective annihilation of everything. Also Don't call something weak if you lack creativity.
@@Sarfixell I'm playing a strength monk and it slaps. What is sad is that other classes can go pure and be a lot more effective than the monk. I'm not saying it isn't powerful, just that it's sad that a pure monk is way lower power level than other classes who decide not to multi. You jump to a lot of conclusions in your rant.
I am very impressed with how fun they made Monk this time around compared to say vanilla D&D (Looking at you BG1/IWD1). Their flexibility and damage truly impressed me, even compared to say Pal Warlock Multi or Assassin Gloomshot =) (Survivability is also quite good if you build a Dex Monk) Maybe I end up running the non Open Hand subclass in the future but for now, Open Hand is the way to go.
Can you add DC calculation info to your Wiki pages? I spent hours trying to figure out what modifier was getting used for my Open Hand flurry of blows techniques and it's not written anywhere.
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One interesting interaction i've found is that monks can spend their ki points to cast way of the 4 elements spells while barbarian raging since they are treated as "effects" vs typical spells. This potentially opens up some interesting monk/barbarian subclass options if you dump points into strength and wisdom.
Did not know that!
That + they can cast them while silenced
It’s basically how I roleplay Goku
@@karoff3good on ya
It was not supposed to work that way. It may get patched once Larian catches wind of it
Wanna master kung fu? Go open hand monk. Wanna be a ninja? Go shadow Monk. Wanna be the avatar? Four elements is your thing.
Iiiii want to be ninjaaaaa
@@scriptkid4561 bro not reading your reply I had the same in my mind :D
It’s time for faerûn to learn the legend of bushido brown
Way of Shadow is pure Batman baby
@@zemo2916make sure to toggle non-lethal strikes to become the true Batman 😎
I'm playing a deep gnome shadow monk already but I still find the video useful, especially for multiclassing options. Thank you so much for the guide!
Step of the wind removing the bonus action cost of jump means that you can jump as long as you have movement left. Combined with any method of having a long jump distance means you probably have better manoeuvrability than even misty step
You do have better maneuverability than misty step. In the goblin camp, in the area where you need to rescue the druid Halsin, you can jump from the entrance at the start of combat, to the lever to open the cage, and then halfway back to the door before you run out of movement. It's insane
@@Toshiro4619when rescuing the duke, i jumped to him in one turn, pretty cool
Great video, but you forgot to mention drow as an option for race. With their superior dark vision, weapon proficiencies, and resistance to charm and sleep effects, they can make great monks, especially if you want to go way of shadow, and see even further in the dark for places to shadowstep to. :)
I'm playing a drow monk for shits n giggles, didn't actually realize how good it works! On lower levels tho my PC was basically multitasking with bow, staff and them hands, cuz I didn't long rest until more than 3 characters are near 1 hp.
Yeah but then you would have to play as a knife ear 🤢
@@epiccoolawesomegoblinguyre6520 I tried other races for monk bro, no discrimination. Orks are good for the run as well
Duergar is an underrated option too. Invisibility and enlarge/reduce as racial abilities at lv5 synergize well.
I could be wrong about this, but I feel like the Thief subclass would also go well with Way of the Shadow because of that second bonus action you get. You can spend a ki on Flurry of Blows and then depending on how things are looking for you, take that second bonus to Cunning Action your way out of a sticky situation (again though, not entirely certain about this).
It works really well with Open Hand Monk as well, although a bit less thematic. But once you get to Open Hand Monk Lvl 5 / Thief Lvl 3, you can use your Stun strike, followed by the Unarmed bonus attack, and do this twice each turn!
@@Yngwarlothep I'm aware of that, but part of the reason why I think what Thief would a good subclass to take a look at is because it solves an issue with Shadow Step that you get at Lvl 6, which takes a bonus action to do. But having that extra bonus action now with Thief gives you more options of what to do following Shadow Step; you get advantage on your first attack, but now you can also use that Bonus action for an additional unarmed attack, Flurry of Blows, a Stunning Strike, etc. At least based on this game's mechanics with Thief, I think that's how it would work.
Or shadowstep.
Thief subclass is literally goat subclass for meanly this reason. Extra bardic inspiration? Got you. Extra heal spells? You got it. Extra ki usage? Say less. Tripling your movement speed with thief dash and ki skills while still being able to have 2 attacks really is something though. This makes me wish I added thief into my dark urge character who’s also a monk, since basic slayer attacks proc extra attack…
Even though I've been playing dnd for years and know exactly how to build each character I'm still gonna watch your videos just because they're so fun to watch!
Imma be honest with u when I started I had 0 idea on how the game and classes work but Ur videos are the best and although I have a good grasp on the game I still watch them cus they're really helpful and calming lol and I also made a video on a kratos build all thanks to u so thank u
One thing to note with monk, unarmed attacks are not considered weapon attacks fro the purpose of passive effects and feats (for example half-orcs extra critical die does not work, as it requires a melee weapon).
However, I did not know that in BG3 monk weapons are ALL weapon you are proficient with (minus two handed), the wording would suggest that it refers to proficiencies you get from the monk class 🤔Nice catch!
Regarding races, that makes a strong point for a Dwarf Monk as you get warhammer, battleaxe and medium armour profs, which suits a drunken brawler type of character :D
A perfect Khelgar Ironfist playthrough, from neverwinter nights 2.
Can't you use your Dex for the tavern brawler feat??
Help! I don't know what to make! Everything looks so sick ! Information ... overload !! This is gonna be DOPE!! ❤
Wow, Shadow Monk is MUCH stronger than I thought
I started as a monk and have settled on a party with Karlach, Shadowheart, and Gale before realizing my party has essentially no charisma at all. Might just roll with it anyway and have a "say hello to my fist" playthrough.
Lol. That's exactly how I'm doing my first playthrough. My fists do the talking. I did it because my first EA playthrough was a bard though
Ever since I tried monk, I couldn’t choose another class after that. It’s so badass lmao
I love the idea of a Ranger/Monk multiclass... might have to explore that.
Idk if Baldurs Gate has Gloomstalker but that subclass+Shadow monk is very fun when done correctly
Monk(1lvl)/Druid(Circle of the Moon)
skip on max dex, and focus on Wisdom. some of your wildshapes will benefit from adding Wisdom to your armor class, rather than their actual armorclass.
My main character was a Tempest Cleric/Open Hand Monk multiclass. It was great, but I had to change my class because it was so overpowered that fights became boring. Not all classes are equal.
What was the build? I’d like to try it out
Another interesting fact about the fire strike from 4 elements monk is that it’s unarmed. So tavern brawler and the unarmed riders work on it. Pretty funny.
Waiting the monk builds now. Keep it up with the videos. i'm learning so much about the classes
My most valuable learning is that every class seem extremely fun and Baldur's Gate is an incredible game.
@vxytor What I like so much is that you don't have to play the "meta", you can think of a build that you would have fun with it and just go for it. I'm doing a barbarian that throws and pushes the enemy close to one another, so my friend can aoe spell everyone and we having a blast
@@RegiCBT Mine is going two mages, one with more supportive spells that create ice or watery surfaces and a Warlock with crazy electric affinity that stand on those surfaces and fry anything on the path. I haven't been able to sleep on my regular schedule for almost a moth now lol
I was using the 6 shadow monk and so far 4 assassin rogue and realized if you take human or half elf can use the finesse glaive in act 3 for a sneak attacking reach weapon. If you want to spend the feat if you find it useful can also take great weapon master and use the passive for the first 2 glaive attacks. Ambushing makes it decently mean even if not optimal.
These guides are masterfully crafted. Keep them coming. I hope to see Barbarian soon.
loving my barbarian monk with bar brawler. through things is so good in BDG and make martial classes not feel so impotent at range
If your ranged characters are feeling impotent with bows you are doing it wrong. Make sure you're getting sharp shooter, get good positioning. I'm playing tactician and my battle master archer is incredibly deadly. (the lightning bow that gives you lightning charges per hit is incredibly useful for the +1 to hit per charge)
Big monk fan conceptually in 5e but they are overall underwhelming compared to the other martial classes. Absolutely love the way BG3 updated the monk!
Played a monk warlock in Dnd so gonna try that build in the game.
This is the best guide especially for beginners. Hope you can make more character guides. Because other contents seems very advanced. Thank you.
I was kind of bummed they didn’t have the drunken master subclass
or kensei, maybe in an update
Theres a great club that you have to be drunk to use the bonus effect.
Man, talk about a Jack of all trades. Thank you for all the info.
Nice. I'm floating a Druid/Monk multi-class build when this releases for PS5
Download time today 6 o'clock! Can't wait till Saturday!!
@@ahrvrsvvj5875 You know it! 🙂
Hope you do Monk Barbarian multiclass, love your videos!
I just went through the way of elements subclass and realized how awesome the melee spells are, I originally thought it was just the same spells that spell casters use. Needless to say I went Way of the four elements.
Ung!
Went with a Half-Orc for my Monk. Not sure how I feel with it yet but we’ll see 😂
Sad that Way of the Sun didn't make the cut, and that Open Hand monks don't get access to the "Your already dead" move
The "nerfed" version BG3 put in level 9 instead of 17 is still pretty wild
I respected to a strength monk and found I had trouble landing strikes. Dexterity also effects your hit chances so it's kind of a 2 for 1.
Those Githyanki monks tore me a new one when I met the Emperor. Def gonna try them next.
They were definitely a strong fight I'll grant you. Ran into them for the first time last night. I am curious what that exploding damage trick was they did? Resonant Ki I think it was called? Basically they ran up, punched me, then on a follow up punch, asploded the punch and set all my allies on fire or hit us with psychic damage. I haven't delved into Monk much but that is something I'm very interested in doing with my 2nd playthrough. What was that ability they were using?
@@happyninja42 no clue, but they definitely showed me the damage it can do lol
Nah, don't get cheated by those monk, 3 of them are 4 elements but they deal extra pyshic damage per hit from.rays of fire, but you, as a player, doesn't get those bonus attack. 4 elements monk seem nice but it sucks.
fun note:
4 elements spells can be cast while using barbarian rage
WOOHOO I've been so excited for this video! I'm playing an open hand monk with tavern brawler and have been looking forward to multiclassing videos from you
I first tried a shadow monk life cleric hybrid with shar’s spear of evening and darkness/radiant hybrid build, a monk of light and darkness, if you would call it that. Then I realized open-handed monks have radiant passive for unarmed attacks, and with extra attack AND unarmed attack (2hits) AND tavern brawler…my god, radiant orb and damage galore. I don’t play melee too often and prefer and magic/spell/status infliction, but open handed monk definitely changed the way I thought I could optimize radiant orb (mainly from cleric). Pair high dexterity/AC and INTENTIONALLY provoking opportunity attacks from enemies to trigger holy lance helm for more radiant orbs even when on the defensive…chef’s kiss. No more needing paladins to imbue radiant damage. Monks really are OP (my shadow/light monk build was still pretty really fun too; summoning dark clouds with shar’s spear of evening, healing/buffing a bunch, using [somewhat effective] sacred flames for radiant orbs, utility of shadow step in and out of combat…) I love this game so much
Thanks monk is my favorite class!!
Finished the game yesterday as a Drow monk, way of the open hand, and let me tell you this class is _powerful_ in this game
And fun equipment fact for Drow: Hand crossbows can't proc Martial Arts (since that's melee only), but they _still_ check all boxes to qualify as monk weapons- meaning their damage die goes up to D8 at level 9
Didn't realize that monks were this powerful. Definitely gonna respec one of the origin characters into a monk after this. All the love for everyone at Fextralife ❤
Just make a monk.
@@BeldarossJust play how you want to play and don't be a shmuck
I wonder if you all are going to do much the same for AC6.
Great work as always.
Ya wotfe might be better in bg3 than table top, but the other 2 subclasses are still way better. And yes I say that as I'm currently playing an elements monk
Halfling monk as main character is pretty amazing. At 6:42 they suggest the lucky feat.
Halfling basically gets this for free. If you use it four times during a long rest it’s provided more benefit than the lucky feat would and at no cost. And, as you do more dialog checks, more lockpicking, more saving throws, more attacks (monk + thief rogue subclass for 4 attacks every round) means you trigger it more often.
And, it not only makes you hit more often, it also increases your crit chance.
Every 5 rounds of combat can be 20 attack rolls. That’s statistically one garanteed natural 1. These things add up quickly.
I just wish there was a sound effect or visual effect to tell you when this triggers.
Major negatives for a small character are: less movement (monk counters this), no two handed weapons (monk doesn’t want these anyhow … versatile are fine thus means no greatsword, maul, polearm).
Because monk counters most of the negatives for playing a small race, it’s a pretty natural fit.
I just wanted to mention that BG3 doesn't have the 2 handed limitations on small races like 5e does. My gnome was able to use all polearms, battle axes, mauls, and great swords without issue! :)
@@RandyEid-qs9wt anyone can equip an item. I would assume if you do so with a Halfling you don’t apply your proficiency modifier and do not get the weapon specific attacks (like lacerate or pommel strike).
Is it just a bug that halflings say they cannot use these weapons and can use them with no penalty?
@@zero11010 Well I have not tried it with Halfling but I can't imagine they would restrict Halfling while leaving Gnome alone. I don't know if it was because I was playing a barbarian and maybe my strength played into it but there was no indicator that the weapon had any penalty. I was able to use all weapon specific skills and my proficiency modifier was applied as well
Wood elves (at least at release and during pre-release) had perception proficiency (keen senses) AS WELL AS stealth proficiency (mask of the wild). Is this not the case anymore?
On the same breath, Monk 6 Open Hand + Rogue 4 Thief, and Fighter 2 is my go to. Absolutely ridiculous class. Make sure if you're running a monk build, you get the boots from the prism when it becomes available.
What boots?
At the end of act 2, a certain event will take place inside the astral prism, one of the enemies has boots that add additional damage to unarmoured attacks based on the wisdom modifier
@darrentmccauley There's these boots you get as you enter the intro into act 3. There's this wild and cinematic fight with multiple hardy enemies, and the commander has special boots that allows unarmed strikes to have an additional bonus damage equal to their wisdom modifier
This is my plan so far I was going start fighter then 5 monk then 2ed fighter after that get monk 6 to count as magic then thief sound good?
@@certanmikelots of people been giving potion of hill strength to stack even more damage and not rest
Either way works but you need enough in tavern brawler to make strength of any use for monk
Spicolli at 4:00 ! Funny. Mr. Hand would be proud.
The coincidence... I just started playing a monk and wanted to look for a guide :)
Why would you get 9 levels on Champion rather than 8? You get 1 fewer feat for gaining Indormitable (which you can only use ONCE per long rest), which doesn't seem to be worth it.
Been loving the 21m movement speed
Love your guides! ❤
For a str monk I like to dip into barbarian for a few levels as you don’t loose much for the last few levels of open hand monk plus you can get your unarmoured defense to scale with strength which makes makes tavern brawler even more viable!
Is str or dex better for a unarmed attacking monk?
@@ZerkyP30 both are viable but str is probably a bit better imo when using no weapons
unarmoured defense of barbarians is dex and con, not str. Monk's unarmoured defense is dex and wis. They both don't stack.
If you are going unrmoured, the level in barbarian makes sense since you can get the amulet that sets your con to 23, instantly giving you +6 AC and a lot of health.
My character is lvl 9 monk of 4 elements and lvl 3 barbarian of bear heart. I get resistance to everything, and can run around really fast pushing people off cliffs with ki spells. I am human for weapon proficiency and range. Feels powerful. The perfect tampon character than can plug any hole with so much resilience and maneuvre.
Thank you!
Thanks for the video. My only confusion was that on the Wiki it states that mage armor does stack (unlike in 5E) with unarmored defense, but you mentioned it doesn't in the video. So does the Wiki need to be updated or did you misspeak?
not stack. And not stack with +3 armour from dragon type sorcerer. Its looks like bug(
I'm going elemental monk to become Natsu Dragneel for my playthrough
Fucking A, been waiting on this. Yours are the only guides I really enjoy and trust. Thank you!
Man I have been waiting for this one!
This was cool and all, but I'm still waiting on that Way of The Shadow build
What about a Fighter 2/Thief Rogue 3/Monk 7? TWO bonus actions and Action Surge sounds pretty good.
Mine is monk 6, fighter champion 3 for passive, rogue thief 3 for extra action
Most comprehensive guide thank you! Such underrated but awesome class (even I totally ignored it in the beginning) but the more I go into the game the more I love it. I am now using LaeZel as an open hand monk and love it. Planning next playthrough as a roguish shadow monk too :)
Wood elf gets two skill proficiencies not one. They get both perception and Stealth.
I wish they allowed more tasha’s and Xanathar’s subclasses for monk and every other class in baldurs gate, Drunken Master Monk with Knowledge Cleric or Arcana Cleric is very fun and I’ve had fun with my character every chance I get in my gf’s campaign
Controversy be damned I needed this video
Greate video, really enjoy to watch it!
Just have a little notice: DC for monks is calc for this formula = 8 + mastery bonus + WIS mod (not 10 + STR/DEX), this is why WIS is pretty important for every monk subclass, not only Four Elements.
Love all of the bg3 content, but eagerly awaiting the ranger and druid videos😁
Thanks man! ^^
Fow shadowmonk+assassin what kind of weapon would be good? 1h rapier? Dual wield? Unarmed?
You can dual wield or go unarmed in the early levels. Once you get Monk lvl 3 your fists become 1d6, so they're basically like shortswords. After that, it depends on your loot. Once you get shortswords or daggers with extra effects besides +1, I'd recommend using those as your main hand for sure.
Was literally just thinking about starting a new playthrough as a monk late last night. Get up today and there's a new classguide video. Nice.
I've always wondered why you would ever use a weapon with a monk. Aren't unarmed attacks always the better choice?
It should be noted that Slow Fall will turn off randomly and is currently bugged.
It's a bit of a bust really... Most classes just aren't fit for the roleplay aspect of the game. With charisma being so important to many interactions, including shops, it kills the joy of the experience when I have to look at someone who isn't my main character when interacting with other NPCs.
One of the better aspects of the Thief Rogue multiclass with Open Hand Monk is that they get Expertise with specific skills.
It provides a (much needed) boost to a Monk’s social skills.
Charisma is not necessary. Don’t be scared, talk as monk. A lot of my [MONK] choices have literally eliminated the need for persuasion rolls because they are just that good. Monks are very wise, do not forget.
Monks plus Circle of Spores
my lv 11 astarion (lv4 rogue, lv 7 monk) is so GOOD
Me beating the hell out of a centuries old wizard with nothing but my fists
Strength based monks are brutal.
so as an openhand monk should you ever put your versatile weapon away and just use fists?
Stupid question here, what are the pros/cons to a str monk or a dex monk (specifically for way of the open hand)?
Higher dec means higher AC when not wearing armor. It also helps with your initiative meaning you go first in fights with higher dex.
@@nonymouz9334 that makes sense, I guess I was wondering why anyone would go for a str based monk...then I read tavern brawler...lol
Really thinking bout being a monk for my dark urge playthrough. But I'm still only in act 2 too much exploring lol
Would a Monk + Paladin be viable or is monk + fighter better?
Ayeeee nice, I saw some call-out stuff on you guys.
Is it true? IDK for sure
No, you can check the community page for details.
@@Fextralife gotcha gotcha, and hey, a strength based monk tank with the tavern brawler feat and heavy armor proficiency would make a cool build
I think BG3 Monks can be sumed up with a Doctor Who Quote from the awesome David Tennant years:
Foolish NPC: "How do you propose to take us down? With the hand of God?"
Monk: "No with the first of man!" **Angry posing**
Also this makes me realize I messed up my Bende- I mean Way of the Four Elements Monka bit. Though I was on the right track with Wood Elf but perhaps I should have put a tiny bit more into Dex. I'm gonna see if Withers can't help me with this if not well I already had to reset my Druid after multiclassing too early so fairs fair. Also realizing my Dragonic Ancestry as starter looks cool and gave me cool robes to start off but it robbed me of that multi-attack combo. =/ Which seems like it's worth investing. Then again the bonus HP helped so many times...Tricky to balance.
Also would like to note that in BG3 everyone shouldn't be afraif of going back cause it's half the fun. "Undertaling" it by doing something different to see what happens, focusing on gaining more EXP and ect does sometimes justify resetting the character.
does the wisdom armor class stack with the dragonborns extra armor class or does that also nat stack?
It should stack. As long as no actual armor is worn.
Is there a reason I'd want to go Strength instead of Dexterity?
For the tavern brawler feat
Tawern Brawler give you 2x strenght modifier, so its no penatly Great Weapon Fighting
I’m a dexterity/wisdom focused monk and I chose tavern brawler as my first feat. Did I mess up? What should I do next?
Stunning Strike isn't based on Wisdom??
Is charisma monk a thing?
Is it good to mix monk way of the four elements with Druid?
I asked myself the same question. Both use wisdom and element like spells (great synergy regarding gameplay and roleplay) but you wouldn't really wanna use your wildshape as a wotfe monk so I wouldn't recommend moon druid. Spore druid could make you really tanky and has great damage potential because of the d6 necrotic damage on every hit but I would at least take 6 levels in spore druid to get decent value out of the temporary hit points (the roleplay is just a little weird with the spore subclass imo). With circle of the land druid you can really roleplay the avatar. Choose for example arctic and be like a "water tribe" avatar. I think it's fun but probably not the strongest option. I'm playing wotfe monk myself and I also want to multiclass but I want most levels in monk so I'm looking just for a dip, maybe one level tempest cleric or two fighter. Anyway have fun.
Tavern Brawler is really op? i feel like this kinda build just really shine late game...
Would it out of character if I wanted to switch Astarion a monk? Rogue seems a bit dull
2:41 Every elf (including drow) has perception proficiency
Monks will be stronger multiclassing, even when choosing not great combinations compared to pure Monk. Sad days
And why is that? They have more ki per each level and each ki counts really hard with monks. Especially open hand. Amount of dmg you can do per turn Consistently with combination of some illithid powers or just a few gear/companions buffs is insane. You can not only punch enemies to death very fast but blow up groups of them with ease. Prone/stagger effects is a really huge thing to combo with just one following spell for ez advantage hit. And it isn't DND it's BG3, there are plenty ez accessible powerful gear for you.
There is so many ways to play this game with effective annihilation of everything. Also
Don't call something weak if you lack creativity.
@@Sarfixell I'm playing a strength monk and it slaps. What is sad is that other classes can go pure and be a lot more effective than the monk. I'm not saying it isn't powerful, just that it's sad that a pure monk is way lower power level than other classes who decide not to multi. You jump to a lot of conclusions in your rant.
They made the monk.....good?!
Was hoping for Way of the Ascendant Dragon...oh well
That music doesn’t have to go SO FUKN HARD THO
I am very impressed with how fun they made Monk this time around compared to say vanilla D&D (Looking at you BG1/IWD1).
Their flexibility and damage truly impressed me, even compared to say Pal Warlock Multi or Assassin Gloomshot =) (Survivability is also quite good if you build a Dex Monk)
Maybe I end up running the non Open Hand subclass in the future but for now, Open Hand is the way to go.
I swear dragonborn is the funniest race to play as a monk
Druid next pls
Will I need to wear armor if using strength build since wisdom is so low?
Monks gain bonuses when if they fight naked?
I Don't understand these odd numbers in levels if you do 6&6 don't you lose a feat? Wouldn't it be beter todo 8 & 4?
Can you add DC calculation info to your Wiki pages? I spent hours trying to figure out what modifier was getting used for my Open Hand flurry of blows techniques and it's not written anywhere.