Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Monk Way of Shadow Build Guide

This guide focuses on the best Monk build in Baldur’s Gate 3, the Way of Shadow subclass, and includes all components to build a powerful character.

This build has been updated for the Patch 7 version of Baldur’s Gate 3.

Everything About the Way of Shadow Monk in BG3

In Baldur’s Gate 3 the Way of the Shadow is a Monk subclass that keeps to the Monk’s premise with high mobility and multiple attacks, but allow for extra spells and crowd control options. Moreover, you will also get extra stealth and invisability options making it a great playstyle for the Monks. You’ll especially want to also use this build if you like the Githyanki Monks from the main story.

Overall, the Monk in Baldur’s Gate 3 is a skilled and disciplined martial artist, who harnesses their body’s inner energy to perform incredible feats of physical prowess and spiritual enlightenment. Monks are known for their unarmed combat, swift movement, and unique mystical abilities.  They use a combination of unarmed attacks, polearms, and spells in Baldur’s Gate 3. 

Monk Class Features & Mechanics

The following list presents class mechanics and features for Baldur’s Gate 3 Monk Way of Shadow Build:

• Primary Ability: Dexterity
• Saving Throws: Strength, Dexterity
• Subclass: Way of Shadow
• Armor Proficiency: None
• Weapon Proficiencies: Simple Weapons, Shortsword
• Preferred Armor: Clothing
• Preferred Weapon: Unarmed (no weapon equipped)
• Ki: Resource points to use special Monk attacks.
• Flurry of Blows: Punch twice in quick succession.
• Unarmored Defense: While not wearing armour, you add your Wisdom Modifier to your Armour Class.

The Monk build and mechanics are very different from typical melee builds. Your armor, with Unarmored Defense, gives AC for having high Wisdom. That’s why our ability score will reach 16 during character creation. It’s important to use “clothing” for this reason. Additionally, Dexterity NOT Strength increases our damage with melee attacks. Another reason why the ability score will look different than other builds. This is due to the two passives listed above. In summary, it’s critical to reach 16 Dexterity and 16 Wisdom. The damage scaling is Dexterity based so we will look to increase that with feats later in character progression. The Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Monk Way of Shadow Build Guide will excel at up close martial attacks without weapons!

Monk Ki Points Explained

Ki points are a resource that monks use to power their special abilities.  Monks can replenish their Ki Points via short rest. Ki points are a limited resource, so monks must use them wisely.  These points are unlocked at level 1, and as you level, you earn more and more.  They are core to the damage, crowd control, and overall gameplay for the Monk so make sure to short rest after every combat engagement.

Way of Shadow Monk Subclass Explained

The Way of Shadow Monk subclass in Baldur’s Gate 3 is a stealthy and evasive subclass that focuses on using the shadows to its advantage. Way of Shadow monks are skilled in moving through the shadows undetected, and they can use their abilities to create darkness and silence, disorient their enemies, and strike from the shadows.

Below is a list of the Way of Shadow Monk subclass progression, features, and spells:

• Minor Illusion (Level 3): Create an illusion that compels nearby creatures to investigate.
• Shadow Arts: Hide (Level 3): Hide from enemies by succeeding Stealth checks. Stick to the dark and avoid enemy sightlines. Attacking or casting a spell will reveal your location.
• Shadow Arts: Pass Without Trace (Level 3): Call forth a veil of shadows and silence that gives you and all nearby companions a +10 bonus to Stealth Checks. Requires Concentration
• Shadow Arts: Darkness (Level 3): Create a dark shroud that heavily Obscures and Blinds creatures within. Creatures cannot make ranged attacks into or out of it. Requires Concentration
• Shadow Arts: Darkvision (Level 3): Grant a creature the ability to see in the dark out to a range of 12m.
• Shadow Arts: Silence (Level 3): Create a sound-proof sphere. All within are Silenced and Immune to Thunder damage. Requires Concentration
• Cloak of Shadows (Level 5): Wrap yourself in shadows to become Invisible if you are obscured
• Shadow Step (Level 6): Teleport from shadow to shadow. Afterwards, you have Advantage on your next melee Attack Roll.
• Shadow Strike (Level 11): Teleport to a foe from a hidden position, striking them with the creeping, psychic ferocity of the shadows themselves.
• Shadow Strike: Unarmed (Level 11): Teleport to a foe from a hidden position, striking them with the creeping psychic ferocity of the shadows themselves

This is a great subclass and why we recommend it for the Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Monk Way of Shadow Build Guide.

Character Creation

Recommended Background for Way of Shadow Monk

Urchin is the best background for the Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Way of Shadow Monk Build Guide because it gives skill proficiency in Sleight of Hand and Stealth both are Dexertiy-based. These two skills are high due to our ability score and help in exploration. Background primarily plays a role in outside-of-combat dialogue and exploration checks. Below are our background recommendations:

• Urchin: Proficiency in Sleight of Hand (dexterity) and Stealth (dexterity). After surviving a poor and bleak childhood, you know how to make the most out of very little.
• Folk Hero: Proficiency in Animal Handling (wisdom) and Survival (wisdom). You’re the champion of the common people, challenging tyrants and monsters to protect the helpless. Folk Hero companions are Wyll and Minsc.
• Entertainer: Proficiency in Acrobatics (dexterity) and Performance (charisma). You live to sway and subvert your audience, engaging common crowds and high society alike. 

Best Race Choice for Way of Shadow Monk Build

Githyanki is the best Race choice for a Way of Shadow Monk Build because you gain Astral Knowledge, Enhanced Leap, Martial Prodigy, and Misty Step. This gives you access to movement spells and skills and also additional weapon and armor proficiencies. However, a secondary choice is the Wood Half-Elf because of their Fleet of Foot increasing base movement speed by 1.5 meters per turn. Wood Elves also receive Mask of the Wild granting proficiency in stealth.

Here is the best race choice for a Way of Shadow Monk build in Baldur’s Gate 3:

1. Githyanki
2. Wood Half-Elf

The Monk’s racial choice will not influence ability score, but everyone should get a +2 and +1 to spend regardless. This frees your race choice up to not completely hinder yourself based on ability score, but race features. Each of these races offers unique advantages that can enhance your combat prowess, survivability, or utility. Additionally, consider the roleplaying opportunities and character concepts that resonate with you. Consider playing what race resonates with you Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Monk Way of Shadow Build Guide.

Also Check:- BG3 Interactive Map

Recommended Skills for Way of Shadow Monk Build

Acrobatics and Insight are the best skills for the Monk Way of Shadow build in Baldur’s Gate 3. Select skills that scale in effectiveness based on your highest ability score like Dexterity and Wisdom. Note, you get different scores depending on the background you selected.

Here are the recommended skills for a Monk Way of Shadow:

1. Acrobatics: Dexterity Skill that helps resist being shoved.
2. Insight is a Wisdom skill used in dialogue and exploration.

Remember that proficiency in skills can be gained through your choice of background in Baldur’s Gate 3. Consider your character concept and the role you want to play in the party when selecting skills to specialize in.

Best Way of Shadow Monk Ability Scores

The best ability score for the Way of Shadow Hand Monk is 16 Dexterity, 16 Wisdom, and 15 Constitution. You can lower Strength and Intelligence to 8 because you won’t need it with this build, while Charisma is kept at 10. Strength can be increased to 23 or 27 with Elixirs that last until a long rest, thus you want it lower to free up a higher score.

Below is the best ability score to unlock the full potential of the Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Way of Shadow Monk Build:

Ability Score	Points Goal
Strength	8
Dexterity	16
Constitution	15
Intelligence	8
Wisdom	16
Charisma	10

For this build, we recommend 15 Constitution and will reach 16 with a feat at level 4 (Tavern Brawler). Typically you don’t want odd numbers, because only even numbers improve your rolls (saving and attack). However, very early on we will reach 14. Make sure to check out our Permanent bonus guide on how you can boost your ability score through quests.

Strength Ability Score & Monk

Strength is also important due to the Tavern Brawler feat which we will select at level 4. However, we use the Elixir of Hill Giant Strength which increases our strength to 21 passively. This allows you to gain a higher ability score, without having to spend points on strength. Keep in mind, that you will need to constantly craft, buy, and consume Hill Giant (or Cloud Giant) strength elixirs which last until a long rest.

Consider the ability score loadout geared towards optimal damage on higher difficulty and we assume you will use Hill Giant elixirs on tough encounters.

Best Companions for Way of Shadow Monk

The best companion for a Monk Build in Baldur’s Gate 3 is Lae’zeal because she’s a melee-focused damage dealer. When you combine the Monk and another front-line fighter in cooperation the pressure and crowd control on the group is great.

• Lae’zeal (Fighter): damage, crowd control, and in-your-face aggression. 
• Shadowheart (Cleric): buffs, healing, and control. 
• Gale (Wizard): Used for area base damage, crowd control, and range.

When putting your party together, consider companions for not only their combat prowess but also their outside ability and skills that can influence storytelling, dialogue, and exploration. A balanced party will fit the traditional RPG ‘holy trinity’: Tank, Healer, and DPS. Ideally, in Baldur’s Gate 3 you’re are going to want one tank, one healer, one melee DPS, and one range DPS. Some classes/subclasses can cover both roles, so feel free to experiment and find out what works best for you.

Way of Shadow Monk Illithid Powers

Illithid Powers are unlocked later in the game when you learn more about the Mind Flayers and Tadpoles. You can gain jars of Mind Flayer Parasite Specimens, and consume them to gain one point.  This is essentially another skill tree advancement with some very strong powers. If you decide to advance this skill line, these are the choices we suggest.

Here are the best Illithid Powers for the Way of Shadow Monk Build:

• Luck of the Far Realms: When you make a successful Attack Roll against a foe, you can change that hit into a Critical Hit.
• Cull of the Weak: When you bring a creature down to fewer hit points than your number of evolved Illithid powers, it dies and all nearby creatures take 1-4 Psychic damage.
• Psionic Backlash: When an enemy within 9m casts a spell, you can use your reaction to inflict ld4 Psychic damage to the caster per the spell’s level.
• Blackhole: Area-based suck-in that slows targets.
• Repulsor: Massive area knockback that can hit friendlies.
• Charm: Channel the dark allure of the tadpole to Charm an enemy that attacks you, preventing them from attacking you until their next turn.  This is the priority power you want to obtain because you can force enemies to attack something else. 

Monk Level Progression

Level 1

Follow our character creator to pick all correct background, race, skills, and ability scoring focusing on Dexterity, Wisdom, and Constitution. You won’t be able to select a subclass until level 3, so expect the Monk class to start slow. You want to wear clothing NOT armour due to the passive Unarmored Defense. The higher your Wisdom, the more AC you will have which can be added to via armour and accessories.

At level one, the Monk unlocks Flurry of Blows. Flurry of Blows: punch twice in quick succession. This will be your primary damage source and can use it as a bonus action. Even right away, you can use an action for a weapon attack and Flurry of Blows for an additional attack even at level one. Additional passives granted at level 1 as a Monk:

• Ki: resource points to use special Monk attacks can be replenished on short rest.
• Unarmored Defense: While not wearing armour, you add your Wisdom Modifier to your Armour Class. This is why we want high Wisdom and only use clothing not armor unless it gives more Armour Class (AC).
• Dexterous Attacks: Attacks with Monk Weapons and unarmed attacks scale with your Dexterity instead of your Strength if your Dexterity is higher. This is the reason our primary offense stat is Dexterity, not Strength.
• Deft Strikes: Attacks with Monk Weapons and unarmed attacks deal 1~4 Bludgeoning damage unless their normal damage is higher.
• Unarmed Strike: After attacking with a Monk Weapon or while unarmed, you can make another unarmed attack as a bonus action.

Way of Shadow Monk Gameplay & Priorities

During the early stages of BG3, look to just unarmed attacks for damage without the need to equip any weapons. Your main challenge will be mobility, though through leveling you will get increased mobility options. Additionally, your primary goal should be to equip the Haste Helm as soon as possible. Moreover, look to acquire the Elixir of Hill Giant Strength and Potion of Speed. Hill Giant will radically increase your damage with Tavern Brawler starting at level 4.

Your overall priority with the Way of Shadow Monk build is the following:

• Complete Prologue
• Recruit Companions
• Unlock Withers, respec companions to proper class/ability score
• Collect the Necromancy of Thay (important in Act 3)
• Reached Hollowed City/Druid Grove
• Sell, Stock up, complete quests
• Unlock summons, Scratch, Shovel
• Progress to level 5
• Reach Underdark and Grymforge
• Check all Permanent Bonuses in Act 1 and the best Gear
• Act 1 Checklist for step-by-step completion

Following these steps ensures a strong foundation, especially if you plan on playing solo or on Honour Mode difficulty.

Level 2

At level 2, the Monk unlocks a lot of class features and actions including an additional Ki point. Here’s what to expect as a level two Monk:

• Unarmoured Movement: Your movement speed increases by 3m while you are not wearing armor or using a shield.
• Patient Defense: Using a bonus action and a Ki Point, Attack Rolls against you have Disadvantage, and you have Advantage on Dexterity Saving Throws.
• Step of the Wind: Dash (Action): Using a bonus action and a Ki point, Double your movement speed. Jump no longer requires a bonus action.
• Step of the Wind: Disengage (Action): Using a bonus action and a Ki point, Retreat to safety by Disengaging. Jump no longer requires a bonus action.

These new class features will give us more incentive to use clothing rather than armor due to the movement speed increase. With Patient Defense, you can give disadvantage to an enemy. This forces your opponent to roll two d20 and take the lowest. It gives you a big offensive and defensive advantage against an enemy. You will also have much higher mobility with Step of the Wind, Dash, and Disengage actions. The Dash in particular is extremely useful because it can be used as a bonus action.

Combat remains the same at this point, except throwing in a Patient Defensive when you need protection or a big hit against an enemy.

Level 3

At level 3, of the Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Monk Way of Shadow Build Guide, you can select their subclass and we want to use the Way of Shadow subclass. The Way of Shadow will unlock the following features:

• Minor Illusion Cantrip: Create an illusion that compels nearby creatures to investigate.
• Shadow Arts: Hide: Hide from enemies by succeeding Stealth checks. Stick to the dark and avoid enemy sightlines. Attacking or casting a spell will reveal your location (bonus action).
• Shadow Arts: Pass Without Trace: Call forth a veil of shadows and silence that gives you and all nearby companions a +10 bonus to Stealth checks.
• Shadow Arts: Darkness: Create a dark shroud that heavily Obscures and Blinds creatures within. Creatures cannot make ranged attacks into or out of it.
• Shadow Arts: Darkvision: Grant a creature the ability to see in the dark out to a range of 12m.
• Shadow Arts: Silence: Create a sound-proof sphere. All within are Silenced and Immune to Thunder damage.

Way of Shadows Monk Level 3 Gameplay

After you select the Way of Shadow subclass, the Monk starts to play and perform a lot better.  The subclass is built around stealth and deception, and you will have access to action and bonus action utility abilities and spells. An important one is Shadow Arts: Hide which is a bonus action, not an action. Early on, this can help escape and avoid damage or opening with big damage after leaving stealth. Darkvision is vital if you are playing a non-Darkvision racial choice like the Githyanki.  The limited amount of light will cause you a drastic reduction in your percentage to hit and this is a counter to that weakness.

You also get two utility spells, Pass Without Trace and Silence. Pass Without Trace is great for questing and utility when you need the entire party to stealth by something. Silence is vital to shutting down spellcasters and has a massive area. In a couple of levels, your unarmed attacks will start doing more damage due to a feat and extra attack and the class excels after level 5.

Level 4

At level four of the Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Monk Way of Shadow Build Guide, you get to pick a Feat along with a Ki Point and Slow Fall. Let’s break down what to do and why.

Slow Fall: When you fall, you can use your reaction to gain Resistance to Falling damage.

Tavern Brawler Feat: When you make an unarmed attack, use an improvised weapon, or throw something, your Strength Modifier is added twice to the damage and Attack Rolls. Also, lets you choose a +1 ability score in Strength or Constitution. With our +1 selection, we will reach 16 Constitution giving us an even number and more health. This will help us do more damage with Strength. At this point, Elixirs of Hill Giant Strength becomes very important to add a ton of damage.

Now Strength becomes a very powerful ability score giving a 2x bonus to damage and attack rolls. You want to look for gear sets like Mighty Cloth or potions like Elixir of Hill Giant Strength. The benefit of Hill Giant’s strength is it lasts until a long rest and you can consume outside of combat. Therefore, look to consume this potion as a buff for hard fights after your long rest. This will radically increase your damage, and it only gets better next-level Extra Attack with the Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Way of the Shadow Monk Build.

Level 5

The level 5 Monk unlocks Extra Attack, Stunning Strike, a Ki Point, and a Cloak of Shadow subclass feature.

• Extra Attack: Can make an additional free attack after making an unarmed or weapon attack.
• Stunning Strike (Melee): Use action to possibly stun the target.
• Stunning Strike (Unarmed): Use action to possibly stun the target.
• Cloak of Shadows (Subclass feature): Wrap yourself in shadows to become Invisible if you are obscured

This is the level your Monk will feel a lot more powerful with utility. You can use Stunning Strike as an action that can be used to stun or crowd control targets. You then can follow up with Flurry of Blows which is two punches and also a bonus action. And since you have Extra Attack unlocked, you can do multiple versions of these giving you a lot more firepower.

The Cloak of Shadows allows you to become invisible but requires you to be obscure, already in the shadows or darkened areas. You can combo this with Darkness to get into invisibility or seek obscure areas. Use your Ki Points sparingly at this level because they are so few, but will get more later in levels.

Level 6

At level 6 the Way of Shadow Monk will unlock two class features and one subclass feature.

• Improved Unarmoured Movement (class feature): Your movement speed increases by 4.5m while you are not wearing armor or using a shield.
• Ki Empowered Strikes (class feature): Your unarmed attacks count as magical to overcome enemies’ Resistance and Immunity to non-magical damage.
• Shadow Step (subclass feature): Teleport from shadow to shadow. Afterwards, you have Advantage on your next melee Attack Roll.

The premise of the Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Monk Way of Shadow Build Guide now becomes using darkness and obscured areas to teleport and gain Advantage on your attacks. This allows you to roll two D20 rather than one and will likely increase your damage. The three abilities that synergy with this playstyle are Darkness, Cloak of Shadows, then Shadow Step.  You can control a large 5m area with Shadow Arts Darkness then flee or go on the offensive from there.

Ending Act 1 as a Way of Shadow Monk

Upon reaching Level 6, you should be close to finishing Act 1 content. Be sure to visit merchants and buy up needed camp and alchemy supplies. Additionally, make sure to look over what the best Act 1 items are. Furthermore, check that you haven’t missed the permanent bonuses you can find in Act 1. Moreover, the Grymforge has powerful armor and weapons (Adamantine) which can be used well into Act 3. Consider taking the time to collect the Mithral, Mould, and Craft items before moving on to Act 2. The game will alert you when this is about to happen, but once you move onto the Shadow-Cursed Lands you can’t go back.

Finally, look to acquire the Elixir of Hill Giant Strength and Potion of Speed. You can combine these two for huge damage increases and your Way of the Open Hand Monk will feel very powerful immediately.

Level 7

As a Level 7 Monk, you unlock more Ki points and some defensive class features.

• Evasion: When a spell or effect would deal half damage on a successful Dexterity Saving Throw, it feels no damage if you succeed, and only half damage if you fail.
• Stillness of Mind: If you are Charmed or Frightened, you automatically cast Stillness of Mind to remove the condition.

The gameplay remains the same at this level, just with more defensive capabilities.

Level 8

At level 8 of the Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Monk Way of Shadow Build Guide, you get another feat selection and I suggest taking the Ability Improvement.

Ability Improvement Feat: Increase your Dexterity to +2 which will help with damage. This will be the last feat we take for this build, but ability improvements are always solid choices and it’s harder to increase Dexterity than say Strength due to consumables.

Hitting 18 in Dexterity means big damage, a higher percentage to hit, and zero complex gameplay mechanics.

Level 9

From levels 9 to 12, the Monk’s effectiveness falls off dramatically. Our subclass only gives two more abilities, related to Shadow Strikes at level 11. This is the point we recommend “multi-classing” the Monk. The major power you get from this class and others comes from multiple sources of action. However, the Monk favors heavily on bonus actions. Therefore, we recommend multi-classing at this level to the Rogue, which will lead us to the Thief subclass at level 11.  The Thief Rogue with 3 levels will give you the following:

• Sneak Attack: Deal an additional to an enemy you have Advantage against. Attack/Save: Ranged Attack Recharge: Once per turn. To gain Advantage, you need to be hiding or that enemy to be engaged with another in 1.5 meters.
• Cunning Action Hide, Dash, and Disengage
• Fast Hands: Gain an additional Bonus Action.
• Second-Story Work: You’ve mastered the art of falling and gaining Resistance to Falling damage.

When you hit max level with this build, you would then be able to strike twice with your action and use two bonus actions giving you four attacks in one turn.  The two alternatives are Fighter for Action Surge, but that isn’t every turn just one more action per short rest. Or you can remain in the Monk level until 12. I highly suggest switching because the Monk craves another bonus action, and the game’s combat revolves around actions and bonus action resources.

You can amplify two skills, which I recommend Acrobatics and Sleight of Hand if you use this Monk in replacement for a Rogue or Ranger.

Level 10

At Level 10 of Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Monk Way of Shadow, Build Guide will seem a bit lackluster, because our bonus action won’t be used for hiding or running away but it will get much more useful at level 12. The second level in Thief gives you:

• Cunning Action Hide: Hide from enemies by succeeding Stealth checks. Stick to the dark and avoid enemy sightlines. Attacking or casting a spell will reveal your location.
• Cunning Action Dash: Cover more distance this turn: double your Movement Speed.
• Cunning Action Disengage: Retreat safely: moving won’t provoke Opportunity Attacks.

The benefit of Cunning Action is having Dash be a bonus action rather than an Action. This allows you to use the bonus action and cover a massive distance with the Monk’s high movement speed.

Level 11

Now you’ve reached level 11 with levels into Rogue, we want to take another level in the Thief Subclass giving us Fast Hand and an extra bonus action. 

• Fast Hands: Gain an additional Bonus Action.
• Second-Story Work: You’ve mastered the art of falling and gaining Resistance to Falling damage.

Now you can use multiple bonus actions and expect the damage and mobility to improve even further.

Level 12

You’ve reached the maximum level of 12 in Baldur’s Gate 3. With eight Monk levels and four Rogue, we can select a feat. You want to use Ability Improvement to put another +2 into Dexterity.  Not much changes gameplay-wise other than striking harder and better chance to land attacks. Make sure to check the gear section below for recommendations, and thanks for reading the Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Monk Way of Shadow Build Guide!

Way of Shadow Monk Recommended Gear

In Games like Baldur’s Gate 3, you’ll explore the world, loot chests and your enemies’ dead bodies, and complete quests and all those activities can reward you with useful items, potions, armour, weapons, scrolls, and much more. There are three Acts in BG3, and Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Way of the Shadow Build Guide includes suggested sets and alternatives for Act 1 and Act 3.

Beginner: Act 1

Here’s the best beginner gear for the Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Monk Way of Shadow Build Guide:

Gear Slot	Best Gear Item	Effect
Head	Haste Helm	Increased Movement
Cape	–
Chest	Armour of Uninhibited Kushigo	Defense
Gloves	Gloves of Cinder and Sizzle	Fire Damage
Boots	Disintegrating Night Walkers	Mobility
Necklace	Amulet of Misty Step	Misty Step
Ring	Crusher’s Ring	Increased Movement
Ring	Sunwalker’s Gift	Darkvision
Weapon 1 Main Hand	Unarmed	–
Weapon 2 Ranged	Bow of Awareness	+1 Initiative Roll

Here is a list of the best Act 1 items for the Way of Shadow Monk:

• Haste Helm: Chest in the Blighted Village X 32, Y 403 (Alternative Cap of Wrath).
• Armour of Uninhibited Kushigo: Find the Missing Boots quest reward from Sergeant Thrinn in Grymforge Act 1 (Alternative The Protecty Sparkswall, or Bloodguzzler Garb).
• Gloves of Cinder and Sizzle: Sold by Lady Esther at Rosymorn Monastery Trail (Alternatives The Sparkle Hands, or Bracers of Defence).
• Disintegrating Night Walkers: Dropped by True Soul Nere at the Grymforge (Alternatives Boots of Genial Striding, or Boots of Striding).
• Amulet of Misty Step: Chest behind the ogre Polma in the Defiled Temple within the Goblin Camp (Alternatives Moondrop Pendant, Amulet of Branding, or Amulet of Restoration).
• Crusher’s Ring: Can be looted or stolen from Crusher in the Goblin camp (Alternatives Ring of Flinging, or Fetish of Callarduran Smoothhands).
• Sunwalker’s Gift: Buy it from Blurg in Myconid Colony in the  Underdark (Alternatives Ring of Absolute Force, or The Sparkswall).
• Unarmed: Damage comes from gloves, not weapons.
• Bow of Awareness: Sold by Roah Moonglow in the Shattered Sanctum.

Advanced: End-Game

The following table presents the best advanced and end-game gear for the Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Monk Way of Shadow Build Guide:

Gear Slot	Best Gear Item	Effect
Head	Mask of Soul Perception	+2 Attack Roll
Cape	Fleshmelter Cloak	Acid Damage
Chest	Vest of Soul Rejuvenation	Unarmed Strike
Gloves	Gloves of Soul Catching	Unarmed Damage
Boots	Boots of Uninhibited Kushigo	Wisdom Modifier
Necklace	Surgeon’s Subjugation Amulet	Stun on Crit
Ring	Killer’s Sweetheart	Auto Crit
Ring	Ring of Regeneration	Free Healing
Weapon 1 Main Hand	Unarmed	–
Weapon 2 Ranged	Darkfire Shortbow	Fire & Cold Resistance
Throwable	Nyrulna	Throwable Damage

Here is a list of the best Act 3 items for the Way of Shadow Monk:

• Mask of Soul Perception:  The upstairs room at the Devil’s Fee, locked in a Gilded Chest in Act 3 (Alternatives Horns of the Berserker, or Helldusk Helmet).
• Fleshmelter Cloak: Found in the House of Healing Morgue (Alternatives Cloak of Protection).
• Vest of Soul Rejuvenation: Can be purchased from Sorcerous Sundries in Act 3  (Alternatives The Graceful Cloth, or The Mighty Cloth).
• Gloves of Soul Catching: Save Hope in the House of Hope (Alternatives Helldusk Gloves, Gauntlet of the Tyrant, or Seraphic Pugilist Gloves).
• Boots of Uninhibited Kushigo: Dropped by Prelate Lir’i’c in Astral Plane ending Act 2 (Alternatives Helldusk Boots, or Disintegration Night Walkers).
• Surgeon’s Subjugation Amulet: Looted from Malus Thorm at the House of Healing in Act 2 (Alternatives Amulet of Greater Health, or Sentient Amulet).
• Killer’s Sweetheart: Found inside the Gauntlet of Shar ( X: -833 Y: -729). (Alternative Shifting Corpus Ring).
• Ring Of Regeneration: Sold by Rolan at Sorcerous Sundries (Alternative Ring of Free Action).
• Darkfire Shortbow: Sold by Dammon in the Last Light Inn.
• Nyrulna: Stole from Akabi in Circus of the Last Days in Rivington Act 3.

Best Consumable Items and Potions for Way of Shadows Monk

Consumables are items that can be used once and then destroyed. They are typically used to restore health or other resources. Some common types of consumables include potions, scrolls, food, drinks, and arrows.

The following list represents the best individual use consumable items that will aid in our Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Way of Shadow Monk Build:

• Elixir of Hill Giant Strength: Increases Strength ability score to 21 until Long Rest.
• Elixir of Bloodlust: Once per turn when you kill a foe, you gain HP 5 temporary hit points and an additional action.
• Potion of Speed: Gain extra action, +2 AC, Advantage on Dexterity Saving Throws, and double movement speed.
• Drow Poison: Weapon poison that adds Constitution Saving Throw or becomes Poisoned and falls Asleep.
• Potion of Flying: Drink to gain a flying speed of 60ft for one hour.
• Elixir of Heroism: Gain 10 temp HP and become Blessed until a long rest.
• Potion of Greater Healing: 4d4 + 4 hit points restored.
• Oil of Accuracy: Coat Weapon. Bonus of +2 in Attack Rolls.
• Elixir of Vigilance: Drink to gain a +5 bonus to Initiative and you can’t be Surprised.
• Elixir of Darkvision: (only non-Darkvision race): Drink to gain the ability to see in the dark up to 12m.

Way of Shadow Monk Gameplay Tips and Tricks

Here are 10 gameplay, combat, tips, and tricks when playing the Monk in Baldur’s Gate 3:

1. Mobility: Monks have one of the highest movement speeds for a melee build so take advantage of it offensively and defensively.
2. Bonus Actions: make sure to use your bonus action every turn for an extra attack or utility.
3. Stuns: the Monk excels at single-target crowd control, and in later levels, you can make multiple attempts.
4. Armor: make sure to use clothing not light, medium, or heavy armor as it’ll destroy your mobility.
5. Consumables: Using a potion of speed gives you a secondary action for 3 turns and is very helpful.
6. Wholeness of Body: use this skill early during long-duration fights for 3 extra turns of bonus action.
7. Ki Points: make sure to refresh these points after combat so you don’t run out during each encounter.
8. Opening Turn: attempt to reach a target for attack or use bonus action for double movement speed.
9. Throw: you can throw objects when not in melee range to help keep damage high.
10. Elemental Damage: Make sure to change your unarmed elemental damage based on the fight.

Remember, this build guide serves as a foundation, and you can always adapt it to suit your preferences and the needs of your campaign. Enjoy playing as a formidable Way of Shadow Monk!

Way of Shadow Monk Changes in Patch 7 for BG3

While Patch 7 changed many aspects of BG3, the Way of Shadow Monk build, combat, and gameplay remain relatively the same. On September 5th, 2024, Patch 7 for Baldur’s Gate 3 was released, bringing a massive update to the game. The developers added 13 new cinematic scenes, including some new battle sequences with the Netherbrain. The Honour Mode is also getting enhancements, with more legendary actions added to existing bosses, making the game more challenging.

Therefore, the Way of Shadow build, gear and playstyle remains the same in Patch 7. The main focus was mods, and handing the content of to creators for future gameplay.

Best Baldur’s Gate 3 Monk Way of Shadow Build Guide Summary

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