What is the best multiclass combination for a Monk in Baldur's Gate 3?
The Monk class in Baldur's Gate 3 is a highly versatile and mobile martial class that excels in unarmed combat and agility. However, multiclassing can further enhance its capabilities by combining it with another class that complements its strengths or covers its weaknesses. One of the best multiclass combinations for a Monk is with the Rogue class, specifically the Thief subclass. This combination leverages the Monk's speed and unarmed strikes with the Rogue's sneak attack and additional bonus actions, creating a highly effective and dynamic character.
To start, let's break down the mechanics involved. Monks rely on Dexterity and Wisdom for their AC, attack rolls, and saving throws. Their Ki points allow them to perform special abilities like Flurry of Blows, Patient Defense, and Step of the Wind. Rogues, on the other hand, benefit from high Dexterity and gain abilities like Sneak Attack, which deals extra damage when attacking with advantage or when an ally is adjacent to the target. The Thief subclass grants an additional bonus action, which synergizes perfectly with the Monk's ability to make multiple attacks in a single turn.
To build a Monk/Rogue multiclass, you should start as a Monk for the first few levels to establish a strong foundation. At level 1, you gain Unarmored Defense, which allows you to add your Wisdom modifier to your AC when not wearing armor. At level 2, you gain Ki points and access to Flurry of Blows, which lets you make two additional unarmed strikes as a bonus action. By level 3, you can choose the Way of the Open Hand subclass, which enhances your unarmed strikes with additional effects like knocking enemies prone or pushing them away.
After reaching Monk level 5, you should consider multiclassing into Rogue. At Rogue level 1, you gain Sneak Attack, which can be used once per turn to deal extra damage. At Rogue level 3, you can choose the Thief subclass, which grants you an additional bonus action. This is where the synergy between Monk and Rogue becomes apparent. With the Thief's additional bonus action, you can use Flurry of Blows twice in a single turn, allowing you to make up to four unarmed strikes in addition to your regular attack.
When building this multiclass, it's important to prioritize Dexterity and Wisdom. Dexterity increases your attack rolls, damage, and AC, while Wisdom boosts your AC and the save DC of your Monk abilities. You should also consider taking the Mobile feat, which increases your movement speed and allows you to avoid opportunity attacks after making a melee attack. This feat complements the Monk's natural mobility and allows you to move freely around the battlefield.
One common mistake to avoid is neglecting your Constitution. While Dexterity and Wisdom are crucial, having a decent Constitution score ensures you have enough hit points to survive in melee combat. Additionally, be mindful of your Ki points. While the Thief's additional bonus action allows you to use Flurry of Blows more frequently, Ki points are still a limited resource. Use them strategically, especially in longer encounters.
Advanced techniques for this build include using the Monk's Stunning Strike in combination with the Rogue's Sneak Attack. Stunning Strike can incapacitate an enemy, giving you advantage on your attacks and enabling Sneak Attack. Another technique is to use the Monk's mobility to position yourself for Sneak Attack. Since Sneak Attack requires either advantage or an adjacent ally, you can use your high movement speed to flank enemies or position yourself behind them.
In terms of D&D rules, this multiclass follows the standard rules for multiclassing in 5th Edition. You need to meet the ability score prerequisites for both classes (Dexterity 13 and Wisdom 13 for Monk, Dexterity 13 for Rogue). Your proficiency bonus is based on your total character level, not your class level, so it will increase as you gain levels in either class. However, your Ki points and Sneak Attack damage are based on your Monk and Rogue levels, respectively, so you need to balance your levels to maximize both.
A specific example of this build in action would be a level 8 character with 5 levels in Monk (Way of the Open Hand) and 3 levels in Rogue (Thief). In combat, you could use your action to make two unarmed strikes, then use your two bonus actions to perform Flurry of Blows twice, resulting in a total of six attacks in a single turn. If you have advantage or an adjacent ally, you can also add Sneak Attack damage to one of those attacks. This combination allows you to deal significant damage while maintaining high mobility and versatility.
In conclusion, the Monk/Rogue multiclass, particularly with the Thief subclass, is a powerful and dynamic build that leverages the strengths of both classes. By carefully balancing your levels and prioritizing key abilities, you can create a character that excels in both combat and exploration. Remember to focus on Dexterity and Wisdom, use your Ki points strategically, and take advantage of the Thief's additional bonus action to maximize your effectiveness in battle. With the right approach, this multiclass can be a formidable force in Baldur's Gate 3.
To start, let's break down the mechanics involved. Monks rely on Dexterity and Wisdom for their AC, attack rolls, and saving throws. Their Ki points allow them to perform special abilities like Flurry of Blows, Patient Defense, and Step of the Wind. Rogues, on the other hand, benefit from high Dexterity and gain abilities like Sneak Attack, which deals extra damage when attacking with advantage or when an ally is adjacent to the target. The Thief subclass grants an additional bonus action, which synergizes perfectly with the Monk's ability to make multiple attacks in a single turn.
To build a Monk/Rogue multiclass, you should start as a Monk for the first few levels to establish a strong foundation. At level 1, you gain Unarmored Defense, which allows you to add your Wisdom modifier to your AC when not wearing armor. At level 2, you gain Ki points and access to Flurry of Blows, which lets you make two additional unarmed strikes as a bonus action. By level 3, you can choose the Way of the Open Hand subclass, which enhances your unarmed strikes with additional effects like knocking enemies prone or pushing them away.
After reaching Monk level 5, you should consider multiclassing into Rogue. At Rogue level 1, you gain Sneak Attack, which can be used once per turn to deal extra damage. At Rogue level 3, you can choose the Thief subclass, which grants you an additional bonus action. This is where the synergy between Monk and Rogue becomes apparent. With the Thief's additional bonus action, you can use Flurry of Blows twice in a single turn, allowing you to make up to four unarmed strikes in addition to your regular attack.
When building this multiclass, it's important to prioritize Dexterity and Wisdom. Dexterity increases your attack rolls, damage, and AC, while Wisdom boosts your AC and the save DC of your Monk abilities. You should also consider taking the Mobile feat, which increases your movement speed and allows you to avoid opportunity attacks after making a melee attack. This feat complements the Monk's natural mobility and allows you to move freely around the battlefield.
One common mistake to avoid is neglecting your Constitution. While Dexterity and Wisdom are crucial, having a decent Constitution score ensures you have enough hit points to survive in melee combat. Additionally, be mindful of your Ki points. While the Thief's additional bonus action allows you to use Flurry of Blows more frequently, Ki points are still a limited resource. Use them strategically, especially in longer encounters.
Advanced techniques for this build include using the Monk's Stunning Strike in combination with the Rogue's Sneak Attack. Stunning Strike can incapacitate an enemy, giving you advantage on your attacks and enabling Sneak Attack. Another technique is to use the Monk's mobility to position yourself for Sneak Attack. Since Sneak Attack requires either advantage or an adjacent ally, you can use your high movement speed to flank enemies or position yourself behind them.
In terms of D&D rules, this multiclass follows the standard rules for multiclassing in 5th Edition. You need to meet the ability score prerequisites for both classes (Dexterity 13 and Wisdom 13 for Monk, Dexterity 13 for Rogue). Your proficiency bonus is based on your total character level, not your class level, so it will increase as you gain levels in either class. However, your Ki points and Sneak Attack damage are based on your Monk and Rogue levels, respectively, so you need to balance your levels to maximize both.
A specific example of this build in action would be a level 8 character with 5 levels in Monk (Way of the Open Hand) and 3 levels in Rogue (Thief). In combat, you could use your action to make two unarmed strikes, then use your two bonus actions to perform Flurry of Blows twice, resulting in a total of six attacks in a single turn. If you have advantage or an adjacent ally, you can also add Sneak Attack damage to one of those attacks. This combination allows you to deal significant damage while maintaining high mobility and versatility.
In conclusion, the Monk/Rogue multiclass, particularly with the Thief subclass, is a powerful and dynamic build that leverages the strengths of both classes. By carefully balancing your levels and prioritizing key abilities, you can create a character that excels in both combat and exploration. Remember to focus on Dexterity and Wisdom, use your Ki points strategically, and take advantage of the Thief's additional bonus action to maximize your effectiveness in battle. With the right approach, this multiclass can be a formidable force in Baldur's Gate 3.