Baldur’s Gate 3is one of the best examples of a video game that usesDungeons and Dragons' game system. Both a great introduction toDungeons and Dragons, as well as a video game for longtimeDnDfans,Baldur’s Gate 3has a wide appeal and communicates the complex rules ofDnDwith a minimal learning curve.
However,Baldur’s Gate 3did make some crucial changesin 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 inDungeons and Dragons, but it’s become a viable class inBaldur’s Gate 3.
Monks Have Struggled in Dungeons and Dragons
The Monk is one of the twelve original classes inDungeons and Dragons, and comes with thePlayer’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 inBaldur’s Gate 3, or bending the rules to accommodate theBaldur’s Gate 3ruleset 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 3has 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 inBaldur’s Gate 3. The changes to short rests make refreshing ki points more frequent, andBaldur’s Gate 3includes significantly more unique items for Monksthat support their skills and abilities, or deal out magical effects.
Baldur’s Gate 3has quarterstaves and clothing that give bonuses to unarmored characters and unarmed attacks, which become available early in the game. Once theMonk 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 inDnDare designed to emulate a power fantasy, and the Monk provides one inBaldur’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. TheWay of the Drunken Mastercleverly uses the alcohol found throughoutBaldur’s Gate 3and is a great class for roleplaying, but otherwise lags behind the other three subclasses.
