Best Shadow Monk Assassin BG3 Build

[@Blood_Ronin]

Let me know what you want to see next. If you want to sacrifice a little extra base damage in return for action surge, you can also go Monk 6, rogue 4, fighter 2. Side note for those who want easy mode via damage, if you do become the assassin of Bhaal, you can stack the dagger I mentioned in the video(which can be obtained whether you go evil or not) with the bhaalist bow for +42 additional damage, making it even more deadly. Add in Bhaalist armor and you literally 1 shot everything. It was a little too strong so didn't even bother to show as it breaks the game. If this comment doesn't make sense, watch the video!

[@Rich_Rulez]

Bhaalist bow? Can’t find it on wiki

[@Blood_Ronin]

@@Rich_Rulez apologies, I called it that since it requires you to be their chosen. bg3.wiki/wiki/Vicious_Shortbow

[@vxBLACK_WIDOWxv]

I want to duel wield (eventual goal is the djinn scimitars) and use poison spells n coatings.. just a total deathly assasin.. but I suck at putting together builds... help 🥺🥺

[@ForTheLaughingGod]

Love a Ninja build in any game I play, even attempted it in the 5e Table Top, but BG3 magic items are nuts. Makes the build even better. Thanks for sharing such a fun and thematic build along with gear considerations

[@Blood_Ronin]

I like making themed builds, and this one turned out to be one of my all time favorites.

[@heyitsmetrevor9352]

How does this fare in early act 1-2 cause it seems this build doesn’t get so great until late game

[@Blood_Ronin]

@@heyitsmetrevor9352 Act 1 you are basically just a monk, nothing special about it until level 6. It comes together in act 2 since you multiclass after level 6.

[@HauntingDaises]

Im definitely going to be using this build in my next play through. Loved the video! Thanks

[@Blood_Ronin]

Thank you! It is one of my favorites that I've made.

[@Squiddlley]

One level up for this would be to play Duregar. They get at will Invisibility spell for an action that lasts forever.

[@tetefather]

Love it! I've seen a slightly different psychic damage version of this build that does about the same amount of damage with the shadow blade ring but the downside is that it has to maintain concentration on the weapon. Creative builds are awesome. I would tweak this one to further min-max it. It's great to have both unarmed and armed strikes versatility but I'd prefer weapons and use the feats for savage attacker and ability points. I'd definitely get the vicious shortbow to add another +7 dmg on crits across the board just like the dolor amerus dagger. If you're playing on tactician, the "redvein savagery" damage from crimson mischief works the same way as the lifesteal weapon's extra damage in your video. It has higher damage and needs advantage instead of a crit. So using that as main and keeping the dagger as offhand would skyrocket the damage on tactician. Unfortunately crimson mischief doesn't work the same way in honour mode, so lifestealing is a great replacement for sure. If you reaaally wanna take it a step further, I guess you could forgo the 1d8 bonus from monk and take 5monk/7rogue for the 2d6 extra sneak attack damage which would net you guaranteed 1-shots on two opponents right off the bat. None of this requires strength in the build so using the elixir of bloodlust aaand everybody's dead xD

[@KirDmA]

You simply can't go with monk5/rogue 7, becauseif you do you forgo shadow step and ki empowered strikes. And if you don't mind it, simply play as gloomstaker5/rogue 7, it is more optimised.

[@Blood_Ronin]

@@KirDmA I would argue Gloom stalker 5, fighter 2, rogue 5 would be better overall if going for that type of playstyle imo. (or Fighter 6, gloom and rogue each 3).

[@KirDmA]

@@Blood_Ronin If you playing with party, yes it is better build. But for solo ranger 5/rogue 7 is more optimised. Even more if you have durge cloak - simply kill someone and hide, repeat until all enemies dead. No resources needed, no short rest needed.

[@tetefather]

@@KirDmA Neither of those abilities are required though. I specifically stated that I didn't care about the unarmed aspect. So ki empowered strikes is useless. Shadow step is just mobility 🤷🏻‍♂️ If you're min-maxing damage, you don't need it.

[@KirDmA]

@@tetefather I understand, and because of that I stated that taking monk class is not best option if you don't want to use unarmed attack and shadow step. Ranger looks much better.

[@extractz33]

ayyy I was waiting for this video, thank you so much!

[@Blood_Ronin]

It was a lot of fun to make :)

[@FinalOven_Mint]

Monk Thief is just so much better than assassin imo for the two bonus actions especially on ascended Astarion who does necrotic damage with tavern brawler it’s simply too strong

[@Blood_Ronin]

I would agree in a group setting. But if trying to play solo, or 2 stealthy esk characters I like assassin for the resets and free crits. As open handed monk though, thief is without a doubt the way to go.

[@crofoegbu6535]

@@Blood_Ronin if you're willing to operate at half health, you can wear the Helmet of Grit and get the best of both worlds, play Shadow Monk Assassin and *still* get the extra bonus action

[@dododimitrov9657]

What a lovely build for Astarion, something different from ranger/rogue

[@murderycatdoll1380]

Nice! Am trying Monk atm so this comes on the right time for me 🤘🤘

[@robertboss2581]

A full dual wield EK encrusted frost build utilizing cold snap dagger and Mourning frost staff

[@Blood_Ronin]

I know just the way to go about it

[@bobyhappy2992]

I'll try this for my bf Astarion on my Durge playthrough 😍

[@Carlos.Desperto_do_Silencio]

Adding a character, Karlach is awesome too, she can eat soul coins to do more 2d4 fire damage in unarmed strikes

[@Blood_Ronin]

I thought that was only if she is raging? That's awesome. Even more damage.

[@Carlos.Desperto_do_Silencio]

@@Blood_Ronin in my First playthrough in the game i made an openhand Karlach and she was my Best DPS hahaha

[@Blood_Ronin]

@@Carlos.Desperto_do_Silencio I came out with my raging monk build recently. I definitely want to try it on her now.

[@Mecrobb]

this is such a cool build im excited to try it

[@Blood_Ronin]

I hope it works out for ya :D

[@jessetalavera4282]

This build and builds like this makes me shut the front door 😮

[@Ren-1979]

Nice video. Thanks. 🙂

[@vicl8257]

Would there be a way to go a build similar to this completely unarmed for roleplay reasons? Obviously it wouldn't be multiclassed either because I find shadow strike super badass

[@Blood_Ronin]

You can go full monk, all 12 levels, use tavern brawler still. You'll do great damage and gain an extra feat. But will need to use hill giant str potions unless you don't mind a little lower ac overall until you get some gear in act 3 to make up for the ac. Shadow strike is super fun.

[@christinehede7578]

Of course some of that extra damage comes from having two extra strength.

[@Blood_Ronin]

the modifier is only a difference of 1, which only affects your fists, since dex is 20 regardless. The extra damage comes from the off hand dagger overall.

[@christinehede7578]

@@Blood_Ronin thanks for that.

[@Tamorand]

IF you were to do one of these on a solo Durge run, how would you change it to ensure early game survival?

[@Blood_Ronin]

That depends on if you want the extra free crit from assassin right away or not. It would make certain parts of act 1 easier. Solo with the invisible cloak, it would be very easy to open, kill, and then get away. But I also believe going 1-6 monk, 3 rogue, then 3 monk at the end would also work. One will give you extra attack earlier (which can be argued to be better overall vs the crit right away)

[@Tamorand]

@@Blood_Ronin Thank you, I'm still trying to decide. I know I can run any other build that's OP up till 5 or 6 before going back into my ninja build, but I'd like to do it pure from the start without any respecs.

[@jonathanross9407]

Love it!

[@Hwachaaah]

Karlach would be great for this with the Soul Coins too!

[@Hwachaaah]

also hooolyyy i didn't know that about the dolor amorus, that is so sick

[@Blood_Ronin]

@@Hwachaaah I found the interaction by accident and knew I had something really fun.

[@jasonrussell1739]

5:32 they need transmog, because The Graceful Cloth is ugly

[@Blood_Ronin]

I actually like the way it looks. But totally agree. I wish they had transmog. There are some incredible sets in game that look even better with dye. One thing you can do though is show your "camp" clothes instead. There are some nice camp outfits in act 3 that looks really solid.

[@xReifox]

I really like this type of build but the design of the game doesn't allow it too much in Act 2 and Act 3. There is so many bosses with the "Alert" feat, making the assassin subclass useless. And there is many encounters (End of Act 2, and many boss in Act 3) that start the combat automaticly so you won't have the surprise either

[@Blood_Ronin]

Very true, especially honour mode. You could switch assassin to thief instead for the 2nd bonus action and have similar results for overall damage, *or go full shadow monk and get the shadowstrike skill if you wanted.

[@xReifox]

@@Blood_Ronin Yeah that's probably best if doing a solo run!

[@anonymous99632]

a monk build? without elixir spamming? without hag hair? impossible! HOW!

[@sludgemon_]

I’m a newbie to bg and relatively new to dnd. Should I still use tavern brawler if I plan on using weapons? I guess because of the unarmed bonus actions it would help. Just curious, trying to get info. Thanks!

[@Blood_Ronin]

Depends. This build uses both weapons and Fists. I think it is still worth to use since flurry of blows hits really hard.

[@sludgemon_]

I went with it, figured it would come in handy. Thanks man

[@Blood_Ronin]

@@sludgemon_ it is for sure. When using fists attacks, it will add a lot of extra damage and hit rate. I hope the build works out for ya!

[@Helzdottir2903]

Totally unnecessary, but you could use broodmother's for additional poison damage sense you'd activate healing from the life steal sword constantly

[@Blood_Ronin]

haha I didn't even think of that for this one. Would def add some extra flair to the theme too.

[@AngelDark867]

Quick question? The background music sounds so familiar but i cant remember for the life of me

[@Blood_Ronin]

I use a lot of music from other games I enjoy, Final Fantasy X, Fire Emblem, ect.

[@sleepines]

the longbow u're not proficient with? is it that good that u can use it even though u're not proficient? i've never tried using stuff i'm not proficient with ^^'

[@Blood_Ronin]

You can still gain the passive effects from most weapons you aren't proficient with, evidence weapon actions. So the extra initiative ect still works.

[@cyrusth3v1ruz]

is it still worth it if you’re not using the club or dagger i’m in act two and i started off planning to just rogue so i didn’t keep the club when i found it.

[@Blood_Ronin]

If you str potions it is for sure. But if purely dex, tavern brawler won't do anything for ya. Damage would still be good, just not as great for the fist attacks.

[@domokun845]

How do we feel abt a SM6, Theif 3, Goolock 2 and 1 fighter?

[@Blood_Ronin]

It could work, but definitely take the hag's hair since you only get 1 feat.

[@ziadnour3998]

*What do u suggest to use as weopon during act 1*

[@Blood_Ronin]

@@ziadnour3998 this one here is very useful. bg3.wiki/wiki/Shortsword_of_First_Blood

[@luludeoli]

🤩🤩

[@Blood_Ronin]

I am glad you like it :D. This was one of my favorite builds to create.

[@kree197238]

Is there anway on xbox to turn off the duel wield offhand attack ?

[@OG_G4m3r]

PS5: In the character sheet screen, highlight one of the two weapons and hit the triangle button (use corresponding button on xbox). There's a chain link icon when it is on, this disappears when it is turned off.

[@kree197238]

@@OG_G4m3r u rock thanks

[@Drew-im7is]

Awesome! Did not know this!

[@Blood_Ronin]

@@OG_G4m3r Appreciate you getting this comment. I play on PC so had no idea how to answer it.

[@jessetalavera4282]

Cleric,monkey? ❤

[@Blood_Ronin]

Like a skill monkey cleric build?

[@guevahect1231]

Can this ninja pass the game alone?

[@Blood_Ronin]

Solo? I haven't tried. But the game is easy enough in general, so I imagine so. Would have a similar playstyle to the solo assassin builds a lot of people use to get in and get out type of combat.

[@guevahect1231]

​@@Blood_RoninI really liked this build, I tried a fighter level, 6 monk and 3 assassin, but seeing your explanation, I feel that it is better the way you do it, 6 monk and 3 assassin, you are more solid at level 9

[@johnragmailcom]

This video is only 3 days old, but I'm not seeing the Dolor 7 Damage in combat log except for piercing damage. I don't know if I'm doing something wrong.

[@Blood_Ronin]

It is only applied to crits for weapons, not when using your fists.

[@Stargetsu]

For the Diadem of Arcane Synergy, dont you have to learn rogue levels first then monk for it to work?

[@Blood_Ronin]

Monks can use simple weapons by default. So you can use it whenever you wanted, assuming you had a weapon in main hand.

[@Stargetsu]

@@Blood_Ronin Thanks for the reply. I guess I confused myself when I read the wiki on this helmet. It states: "Synergetic Moments is a passive feature that adds damage equal to your spellcasting ability after inflicting a condition" So I assumed you had to learn Monk after rogue so that the spellcasting ability would work as only Arcane Trickster for a Rogue has spell ability. Kind of like if you wanted items to be based off of intelligence in a sorcerer build, you would have to learn sorcerer first then Wizard

[@Blood_Ronin]

@@Stargetsu no worries. Every class has a spell casting stat they use, even without spells since it can be applied to scrolls. Barbarian for example uses CHA when casting scrolls. Feel free to ask anything you like, I'm happy to help when I can.

[@Stargetsu]

@@Blood_Ronin I see. So since Rogue is intelligence, doest that mean this helmet is using the int from the Rogue or the Wisdom from the Monk or both? Or does the order in which you learn your class not matter for this helmet?

[@Blood_Ronin]

@@Stargetsu it uses wisdom in this case since your last level was in monk, and wisdom is the higher stat/stat used for monks spell casting.

[@und_ed]

How well does this hold up in honor mode? The main worry I have is that a lot of the damage comes from damage riders in this build, which vanishes in honor mode

[@Blood_Ronin]

All the buffs in this one work for honour mode. (Tested on stream). The tavern brawler is nerfed for throwing builds, but works fine for monk fists damage. My evil playthrough uses it, and it works great. Though early game you are squishy.