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. Multiclassing a Monk can enhance their strengths or compensate for their weaknesses, depending on your playstyle. 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, gain Sneak Attack damage, which can be triggered when they have advantage on an attack roll or when an ally is within 5 feet of 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 5 levels. This gives you access to Extra Attack, which allows you to make two attacks per turn, and Stunning Strike, a powerful ability that can incapacitate enemies. At level 6, you can start taking levels in Rogue. The Thief subclass is particularly beneficial because it grants an additional bonus action at level 3, allowing you to use Flurry of Blows twice in a single turn. This significantly increases your damage output and mobility.

When leveling up, prioritize Dexterity and Wisdom for your ability scores. Dexterity increases your attack rolls, damage, and AC, while Wisdom boosts your Monk abilities and saving throws. Constitution is also important for survivability, but it can be secondary to Dexterity and Wisdom. For feats, consider taking Mobile to increase your movement speed and avoid opportunity attacks, or Alert to improve your initiative and ensure you act first in combat.

In combat, the Monk/Rogue multiclass excels at hit-and-run tactics. Use your high mobility to position yourself for Sneak Attack, then use Flurry of Blows to deal additional damage. The additional bonus action from the Thief subclass allows you to disengage or dash away after attacking, keeping you safe from enemy retaliation. Stunning Strike can be used to incapacitate key targets, giving your party an advantage in battle.

One common mistake to avoid is neglecting your Ki points. Monks have a limited number of Ki points, so it's important to use them wisely. Prioritize Flurry of Blows and Stunning Strike, but don't be afraid to use Patient Defense or Step of the Wind when necessary. Another mistake is spreading your ability scores too thin. Focus on Dexterity and Wisdom, and only invest in other stats if you have points to spare.

Advanced techniques for this build include using stealth to gain advantage on your attacks, triggering Sneak Attack more reliably. You can also use items like the Gloves of Thievery to improve your lockpicking and trap disarming abilities, making you a valuable asset outside of combat. Additionally, consider using the Mobile feat to further enhance your mobility and survivability.

In terms of D&D 5E rules, the Monk/Rogue multiclass is a legal combination that follows the standard multiclassing rules. You need at least 13 Dexterity and Wisdom to multiclass into or out of Monk, and at least 13 Dexterity to multiclass into Rogue. The combination of Monk and Rogue abilities creates a character that is both highly mobile and capable of dealing significant damage in a single turn.

Specific examples of this build in action include using your high mobility to flank enemies and trigger Sneak Attack, then using Flurry of Blows to deal additional damage. In a scenario where you are facing a powerful enemy, you can use Stunning Strike to incapacitate them, then follow up with a series of attacks to quickly take them down. The additional bonus action from the Thief subclass allows you to disengage or dash away after attacking, keeping you safe from enemy retaliation.

In conclusion, the Monk/Rogue multiclass is a highly effective combination that leverages the strengths of both classes. By focusing on Dexterity and Wisdom, using your Ki points wisely, and taking advantage of the Thief subclass's additional bonus action, you can create a character that is both highly mobile and capable of dealing significant damage in combat. With careful planning and strategic play, this build can be a powerful asset to any party in Baldur's Gate 3.