Selecting a class to play in RPGs hardly ever comes easy, with so many options having unique abilities for players to choose from. The same hurdle often presents itself in Baldur's Gate 3, as the Dungeons and Dragons video game rendition allows gamers to explore the expansive fantasy world through the lens of a variety of classes. Larian Studios' latest project will have 12 classes at launch -- one more than its Shadows of Amn predecessor -- and Baldur's Gate 3 is also adding two new races and a ton of subclasses. Picking a class to travel through the perils of the Forgotten Realms may have become even more difficult with the additions, but the Monk in particular has a few features that should interest players.
The choice of classes in the Baldur's Gate franchise depends on several factors like gameplay mechanics, and the latest edition's pivot to discard the traditional RTwP dynamic in favor of turn-based combat could potentially shake up the customary path to victory. As Baldur's Gate 3 is also dropping Baldur's Gate 2: Shadows of Amn's Advanced D&D rules in favor of the more favorable 5th Edition regulations, players could take advantage of the novel gameplay technique with the Monk class, as its base features and subclasses come packed with powerful abilities that can cause chaos in Baldur's Gate 3.
The Monk Could Be a Trump Card in Baldur's Gate 3
Hailed for its skill that spans across disciplines, the Monk has primary abilities of Dexterity and Wisdom, and its best saving throw proficiencies lie in Strength and Dexterity. The class' expertise also extends to shortswords and basic weapons, but its true brilliance is particularly evident in its martial arts. Deftly making up for its lack of armor proficiency, Kung Fu mastery is the boon of Baldur's Gate 3's Monk Class, drawing inspiration from the Monastic traditions of Tibet. The skill manifests to deadly effect across its subclasses in different forms, from devastating Spells and elemental abilities to combat actions that resemble the ninjas of legend.
Equipped with a 1d8 Hit Dice for each level, the Monk class provides players with a range of skills including Acrobatics, Athletics, History, Insight, Religion, and Stealth -- although only two can be chosen to specialize in. These abilities make the class akin to the proverbial Swiss knife. Its speed is also game changer, with Baldur Gate 3's lead writer Adam Smith noting the Monk's quickness after a certain level can have magnified impacts on the battlefield. Additionally, Monk users can deflect ranged attacks with their Deflect Missiles feature, and the combination of their speed, stealth, and Kung Fu moves is a mouth-watering prospect.
The Monk's skills only get better as players level up, and it comes with three subclasses of monastic tradition drawn from Dungeons and Dragons 5e - Way of the Open Hand, Way of the Shadow, and Way of the Four Elements. Each subclass benefits from the advantages of the Monk parent class while offering players unique abilities and traits. Players that opt for The Way of The Open Hand become true savants in all forms of martial arts combat, while The Way of The Shadow is ideal for lovers of stealth mechanics. The last subclass gives players the ability to harness the elements as an extension of themselves by focusing their ki.
Baldur's Gate 3 promises to be the widest rendition of the legendary Dungeons and Dragons world to date, and its expansive array of classes and character customization options should give gamers a lot to think about before beginning their journeys in the Forgotten Realms. Every character class offers something unique in its playthrough, and the Monk should interest players with its subclasses and majestic martial arts.
Baldur’s Gate 3 releases on August 3 for PC and September 6 for PS5.