Baldur’s Gate 3 is a Safe Haven for One of Dungeons and Dragons 5e’s Most Embattled Classes

Baldur’s Gate 3 is one of the best examples of a video game that uses Dungeons and Dragons‘ game system. Both a great introduction to Dungeons and Dragons, as well as a video game for longtime DnD fans, Baldur’s Gate 3 has a wide appeal and communicates the complex rules of DnD with a minimal learning curve.

However, Baldur’s Gate 3 did make some crucial changes in the transition from TTRPG to video game. These changes were in different areas of gameplay, and include changes to short rests, spell effects, limiting the level cap to 12, and changing some class features. Many of these changes were well-received, particularly the improvements made to certain classes. The Monk in particular is considered one of the weaker classes in Dungeons and Dragons, but it’s become a viable class in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Baldur’s Gate 3: 12 Best Feats For Monks

In Baldur’s Gate 3, choosing the best feats for Monks is essential for an optimal playthrough. Here are the ones that players should prioritize.

Monks Have Struggled in Dungeons and Dragons

The Monk is one of the twelve original classes in Dungeons and Dragons, and comes with the Player’s Handbook. Unfortunately, it’s a purely martial class when not considering subclasses, and this already puts it at a disadvantage. Dungeons and Dragons‘ martial classes, which include the Barbarian, Rogue, Fighter, and Monk, are all generally considered weaker than casters. Even among the martial classes, Monks generally fight unarmed, and so have less variety in their weapons and armor.

This doesn’t make Monk a bad class to play, but players can feel that they’re falling behind the rest of the party if the DM doesn’t take the Monk’s weaknesses into account. One of the strengths of the Monk class is roleplaying and the potential for interesting and unique backstories, particularly in a homebrew setting.

DMs with a Monk player should consider that the class has fewer viable weapons and armor. Possible ways to improve the Monk and keep a player’s experiences at the same level as other classes include homebrewing new items, such as those found in Baldur’s Gate 3, or bending the rules to accommodate the Baldur’s Gate 3 ruleset instead. This will help Monks keep up with other classes, especially at higher levels, while taking advantage of their unique role and playstyle.

Baldur’s Gate 3 Monks Deal Significant Damage

Baldur’s Gate 3 has made some changes to the classes and, in the process, has significantly improved the martial classes. The Monk is no exception, and the class sees significant improvements in Baldur’s Gate 3. The changes to short rests make refreshing ki points more frequent, and Baldur’s Gate 3 includes significantly more unique items for Monks that support their skills and abilities, or deal out magical effects.

Baldur’s Gate 3 has quarterstaves and clothing that give bonuses to unarmored characters and unarmed attacks, which become available early in the game. Once the Monk gets Extra Attack at Level 5, their damage output dramatically increases per turn, turning them into damage-dealing powerhouses who easily keep up with the other martial classes.

Baldur’s Gate 3 Gives Monks the Spotlight

These may seem like minor changes, but they make a massive difference for Monks. Many of the classes in DnD are designed to emulate a power fantasy, and the Monk provides one in Baldur’s Gate 3. Some of the most powerful characters like Orpheus and many high-ranking githyanki are Monks, which gives the class legitimacy and an established place in the world and story.

Players who choose the Monk have four subclasses of varying strengths. The Way of the Open Hand is widely considered the best Monk subclass, but the Way of the Four Elements is also powerful. The Way of the Drunken Master cleverly uses the alcohol found throughout Baldur’s Gate 3 and is a great class for roleplaying, but otherwise lags behind the other three subclasses.