All Baldur's Gate 3 Monk Subclasses Explained

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If you choose Monk in Baldur’s Gate 3 for your character class, you will eventually pick one of three subclasses to specialize in. Monks are a unique class in the game. It wasn’t available for Early Access, and it is one of the newer ones for the game overall. Monks have a solid specialization of weapons and the means to take down opponents unarmed. If you want to try this class out, we’ll guide you through the potential subclasses you’ll encounter later in the game.

Monk Subclass List in Baldur’s Gate 3

baldur's gate 3 best monk subclass — Image Source: Larian Studios

By Level 3, you can select a subclass in Baldur’s Gate 3. It’s a way to improve your character and earn new abilities. The following are all the Monk subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3:

Way of the Open Hand
Way of Shadow
Way of the Four Elements

All of the subclasses inherit the features that come with the Monk:

Strength Saving Throw Proficiency
Dexterity Saving Throw Proficiency
Simple Weapon Proficiency
Shortsword Proficiency
Athletic Proficiency
Acrobatics Proficiency
Insight Proficiency
Persuasion Proficiency
Unarmoured Defense
Martial Arts: Dextrous Attacks
Martial Arts: Deft Strikes
Martial Arts: Bonus Unarmed Strike

Way of the Open Hand is the only subclass that inherits Flurry of Blows. Before you decide how to create the best Monk build in Baldur’s Gate 3, we’ll further break down the subclasses and everything they offer.

Way of the Open Hand Monk Subclass in Baldur’s Gate 3

way of the open hand subclass — Image Source: Larian Studios

Way of the Open Hand is best if you want to further your unarmed combat in Baldur’s Gate 3. It gives you greater control of your ki on offense and defense. Way of the Open Hand includes the following features:

Open Hand Technique: Manipulates an enemy’s ki as you harness your own
Wholeness of Body: x18 Healing | Regain half your ki points
Tranquility: Long Rests gives you an aura of peace and Sanctuary

The progression of Way of the Open Hand plays out in the table below:

Level	Progression Feature
3	Flurry of Blows: Topple Flurry of Blows: Stagger Flurry of Blows: Push
6	Manifestation of Body Manifestation of Mind Manifestation of Soul Wholeness of Body
9	Ki Resonation: Punch Ki Resonation: Punch (Bonus Action) Ki Resonation: Blast
11	Tranquility

Way of Shadow Monk Subclass in Baldur’s Gate 3

monk subclass way of shadow — Image Source: Larian Studios

Characters with the Way of Shadow specialization are known as shadowdancers, assassins, or the common moniker of ninjas. This Monk subclass has a single feature in Baldur’s Gate 3:

Shadow Arts: Using your ki, you can duplicate the effects of certain spells

However, it also has initial spells and actions:

Minor Illusion (Cantrip)
Shadow Arts
- Hide
- Pass Without Trace
- Darkness
- Darkvision
- Silence

Below is the progression if you decide to go with Way of Shadow for your Monk subclass in Baldur’s Gate 3:

Level	Progression Feature
3	Minor Illusion Shadow Arts: Hide Shadow Arts: Pass Without Trace Shadow Arts: Darkness Shadow Arts: Darkvision Shadow Arts: Silence
5	Cloak of Shadows
6	Shadow Step
11	Shadow Strike Shadow Strike (Unarmed)

Way of the Four Elements Monk Subclass

monk ki elements — Image Source: Larian Studios

Finally, we have Way of the Four Elements. The subclass focuses on your ki, allowing it to become more of an extension of your body in combat. It comes with the initial feature of Disciple of the Elements.

You also receive the initial action Harmony of Fire and Water. With these features, you will follow the progression in the table below:

Level	Progression Feature
3	Choose 3 spells (Disciple of the Elements) Harmony of Fire and Water
6	Gained a Spell (Disciple of the Elements)
9	Improved Elemental Casting Gained a Spell (Disciple of the Elements)