The CLASSIC MONK - BG3 Dex Monk / Astarion Honour Build Guide

[@marasawr]

YES! My first full playthrough was a dex monk that I eventually multiclassed with thief rogue. No charisma to speak of, punched my way through everything, had an absolute blast :)

[@Kakkakemeralelectra]

Same for me, such a satisfying thing was to apply resonating punches on all enemy’s and just blast them in massive AOE

[@marasawr]

@@Kakkakemeralelectra Yup the day I discovered resonating blast x cull the weak was a glorious one

[@alexmashkin863]

It was my third playthrough, redeemed Urge, no tadpole powers :-) Although I was using TB with elixirs, had a lot of fun punching along :-))

[@bryceezekai2898]

Mine was also a monk, but Gith expertise in CHA skills, and 1 level of knowledge cleric, then rogue for proficiency in everything. She also had GWM on a quarterstaff, but ended up doing far more damage with unarmed strikes anyway, so i respeced to get DEX 22 WIS 18 CON 20

[@jasonchanslor8776]

Same for me. It was a lot of fun!

[@lologoaty]

Used this build in one of my previous runs and about to use it again in my first Tactician playthrough. I'm so disinterested in the Tavern Brawler/elixir shenanigans, but find this build still so viable and useful.

[@Copper_Penny]

This week I put together a dex based shadow monk who is an evil nurse, wielding a trepan and syringe with poison and acid damage. Far from meta, but is bringing me so much enjoyment. I'm looking forward to seeing your build!

[@annie_1718]

Oh my god, so fun. I love this!

[@HornApocalypse2]

You know if there’s anything I’ve learned from running a bunch of uber meta builds and camp casting in Honour Mode, it’s that uber meta builds and camp casting isn’t even remotely necessary to comfortably beat Honour Mode

[@Rapunzel879]

My god, that sounds rad!

[@Princess_Salami]

As someone who came over from D&D, I'm so happy someone made a Dex monk build that's also viable! I really feel like the BG3 changes to not only Tavern Brawler, but also the stat used for the Stunning Strike DC, have made the BG3 monk much more Strength based, and Elixir based, and much less Wisdom based. Truly, the fact that Open Hand's special Flurries, and Stunning Strike, both have their DC calculated off of the highest of STR or DEX, instead of D&D's WIS, brought up the effectiveness of those abilities by a LOT.

[@TKDB13]

I appreciate the tip about being able to make this a party face! I'd like to try a monk build in a party sometime (especially since BG3 is so generous with monk-specific magic items), but I don't like building companions too far off from their canon identity, and I also prefer to keep my own character as the party face. Good to know I can have my cake and eat it too!

[@stevesweeney4457]

Solid monk guide, and thank you for this. I just wanted to state that I appreciate not going Alpha-mode with Monk builds and prefer the more challenging road. In fact, my most current monk honor run build consists of 2 levels in Tempest Cleric and 5 levels in Monk (currently level 7, just entered Act 2). I went with 4 Elements Monk with the thought of 'what if I applied thunder or lightning damage using monk's options but still wanted to have multi-attack options? Strategy in mind is the cleric's spell slots once used won't come back without any items until long rest whereas the 'spells' from 4 Elements via Ki usage will come back after short rests, similar to Warlock spells. The Tempest Cleric channel triggers when using Fist of Four Thunders (Thunderwave) and Sphere of Elemental Balance (Chromatic Orb, lightning and thunder variants) to ensure max damage is applied. Interesting enough, 4 elements usage in game is defined as 'class actions' so I am curious if this will trigger the hag's legendary action ability for use of any spells. I updated this build to after defeating the hag so couldn't confirm. Like your guide, I roll with high Dex so I can use longbow +1 currently until I get decent crossbows whenever dealing with range and use of lightning arrow will also proc the tempest channel option. My melee weapon is the Undermountain King short sword. Of course, I still have stunning strike and flurry when in melee range. I am currently wearing the full dex armor from Last Light Inn and shield from Dammon (+1 saving throws). I would love your take on this and identify if it holds up throughout the game, and if this too should go at least 3-4 levels rogue for additional bonus action or climb Monk to add more Ki points to build more spells per short rest. Thanks again!

[@jejo63660]

I was so happy to get Otto’s Irresistible Dance on my last playthrough as a bard. I told myself, “sure it’s a level 6 spell, but it takes an enemy out *guaranteed* for at least one turn where they can’t use an action! That level of control is worth a level 6 spell for sure!” Imagine my surprise when I started my new playthrough as a monk and got stunning Strike, which takes away all resources (not just action and movement like Otto’s) with a resource you can use multiple times per short rest starting at level 5 😅 No exaggeration, the only thing I see going for Otto’s over stunning strike is that it could potentially last 10 turns , but then the enemy gets a saving throw every turn. It’s crazy that this skill is stronger than possibly the best singe target CC spell in the game, so much so that it’s hard to have fun using this skill

[@SoI_Badguy]

Stunning strike is a con save, which is a way worse save to target. Also in 5e, it's saving throw is based off of your wisdom (which generally isn't very high). It might be based on dex in Bg3 though, I'm not sure. Also, if you use your lvl 6 spell slot, that's just your lvl 6 spell slot. You can still do everything else. If you blow through all of your ki points on stunning strike, your monk now sucks and can barely do anything at all.

[@OddConrad]

The first character I played through a full tabletop campaign with was a Dex monk plasmoid. They had 70 feet of flat movement from level 10 monk, Mobile feat, and DM loot of a transmuter's stone. Between that and slippers of Spider Climb, they could hit and grapple an enemy, run thirty-five feet up a wall and drop them for lots of bonus damage. It was SO much fun

[@Daskard]

I've started a run recently with a build just like this in mind. I recommend using the radiating orb items (the rings, which pair well together, maybe the gloves in addition) to decrease enemies' attack rolls. This indirectly increases not only your AC (by decreasing the enemies' attack rolls), but the AC of your whole group.

[@רבידמטסאס]

wow, I just today started a new playthrough wanting to make Astarion a rogue/monk build to spice it up and wondered whether there was a guide for it. So this came in clutch! thank you for the awesome build guide I will defenitely be using it

[@InnocentLock-er6et]

It’s kind of funny that you released this when I just started a dex based monk build for Laezel in my current playthrough. Plan is 12 monk using Great Weapon Master with the legendary Gith long sword. Don’t plan on cheesing from Voss, but will be grabbing it from his camp visit in act 1 (durge playthrough so why not)

[@JS-gk7rn]

There’s a range of gloves that add elemental damage riders which are enjoyed by monks. 👍🏻 Though I’d prob boost wisdom to 18 for the last ASI with those boots.

[@A_Saban]

Nice, only thing I would have change is the monk subclass to the way of shadow, seems more fitting for Astarion

[@berylman]

Great stuff! This is my first monk run as a monk and went dex and needed some guidance

[@Cephalopocalypse]

Awesome, glad it helped!

[@SeemsLogical]

I know Shadowheart can give you guidance. Bring her along.

[@Austingoo0505]

Just found this build as I’m coming back to the game and love this idea for a character. Quick question though. I’ve always loved the spear or staff using monk fantasy. Thoughts on taking polearm master to use quarterstaff for this?

[@WaddelingProductions]

I love staying true to the Dex based monk. All 12 levels as well. Lucked out and got Auntie Ethel’s boon and ended up with 22 Dex and 20 Wis at max level. Had so much fun

[@michadybczak4862]

How did you get DEX 22 with WIS 20 at the same time? When you start DEX 17 and WIS 15, you can take two ability increases to DEX 20 and WIS 16. Then you get Ether's boon, to DEX 21 and +1 DEX from mirror of loss. Then you can take third stat increase to WIS, and the end result will be DEX 22 and WIS 18. So how did you get additional 2 WIS?

[@WaddelingProductions]

@@michadybczak4862 start with 17 dex, 16 wis. Ethel’s boon to 18 dex. First ASI goes +2 to Wis for 18. Next ASI goes to wis again for 20. Last ASI goes to dex for 20. Then mirror of loss for +2 to Dex to end up with 22

[@crofoegbu6535]

​@@michadybczak4862 late to the party but if you haven't had it answered by now, hag hair to wisdom means you can be wis 16 dex 18(17+1) with no feat. ASI each brings that up to wis 18 dex 20. Third ASI puts you at WIS 20. Mirror of Loss puts you at Dex 22.

[@e-duh3529]

Honey wake up new build vid dropped

[@nicholaskersey3771]

Can we stop with this comment.

[@CalebMajeski]

One of my favorite builds was a sword dancer of Eilistraee that ended up as a (Dex) Open Hand Monk, Swords Bard multiclass, with a level of Cleric for dialogue options thrown in. It's a multiclass that really shouldn't work and it wouldn't in table top, but it was incredibly flavorful and pulled its own weight up through tactician, without having to use any of the absurdly overpowered Monk builds. I'm nervous to try it out on honor mode, but that's coming eventually.

[@watan_5913]

How did you use that combo? Im struggling to see it

[@CalebMajeski]

@@watan_5913 Striker/Mobile Melee Controller, basically Their WIS just isn't great, but because of how BG3 calculates save DC on monk abilities and ki points, it doesn't need to be. It does lose out on some of the unarmored AC from monk, but there are items to compensate for that, and from the one level of cleric, warding flare from light domain and shield of faith can go a long way in the early game. Not optimal, but definitely flavorful.

[@Ducksonqrack]

I ended up going tavern brawler anyways on a dex monk using the giant’s club dual wielding. Bulldozed through everything

[@gregoberski5897]

When hitting Monk 6, and getting the various Manifestation abilities, *DONT FORGET TO GO INTO YOUR PASSIVE SCREEN AND SELECT WHICH ONE YOU WANT TURNED ON!* They are OFF by default. The best almost always is Radiant damage.

[@crofoegbu6535]

Unless you have the Resonance Stone, then psychic is where it's at

[@Gangerworld]

Awesome build. I wanted to do a Monk for my LP but not use TB because being dependent on elixers didn't fit my rp. This is perfect. I wonder what you think about staff as a weapon for this build since you said not to use any 2H weapon here. And also would this build similairly work with a 4E monk or is that a bad idea? Thanks hope you see this!

[@alexmoran8662]

I went with this build on my first play through. I avoid tavern brawler for cheese reasons but dex based monk still owns. If you haste and use stillness of mind you get 2 actions and 3 bonus actions all of which can be dashes. You can make a lap around the iron throne in a single turn. Lol

[@FinalOven_Mint]

Honestly for a Dex Monk 9/3 might be better for ki resonation blast

[@Elypsen]

i'd go for 7/5 multiclass just because i like having more sneak attack damage even if i lose one feat doing that. My gameplay result into fury of blows the guy to make him prone and stab him to death :D

[@emperortime4380]

Of course I find this video AFTER I’ve hoarded 100 Elixers of Hill Giant Strength

[@Aramis2-]

What is the armour that you have on Astarion? it looks very dignified and solemn, I think it fits him well.

[@zamboozled322]

the only issue I think i have with this build is the fact that early game, when we don't have the boots to convert wisdom into damage, we kinda need the strength for the unarmed strikes

[@Cephalopocalypse]

Monk uses dexterity for their unarmed strike (or proficient weapon) damage if it's higher than strength - that's the beauty of it!

[@zamboozled322]

@@Cephalopocalypse thank you for the explanation

[@meekrab9027]

You have 46 feet of movement speed because it's really 14 meters and a meter is a little bigger than a yard :)

[@Cosmotium]

I just had the most satisfying 1st fight against Orin's father with this build ( with war cleric shadowheart, karlach , and full ranger minsc ) but i was the mvp for SURE tysm

[@christinehede7578]

Astarion would not be the best choice for me as a monk because I just cannot allow him to complete the ritual.

[@itsJPhere]

Why did Larian make tavern brawler op? No downside feels wrong for such a strong buff.

[@Cephalopocalypse]

I genuinely don't know - I think it's totally fine for balance on lower difficulties, where it doesn't matter if stuff is overpowered, but I wish they had nerfed it for honour mode alongside haste etc

[@joshhobbs4862]

🔥🔥🔥

[@ellewoodford262]

why did i get a subclass choice a level before you?anda feat on level 4 instead?

[@Cephalopocalypse]

Sounds like you didn't take the level of rogue at level 1! The subclass selection comes at level 3 monk, and the feat at level 4 in any class - here we get those on character level 4 and 5 respectively because we started with one level of rogue.

[@ellewoodford262]

@Cephalopocalypse oh I see! Thanks! I'm not actually doing an honor mode so I don't need the min max lol, it's working fine in my party of 4 without while my main character has rogue

[@Cephalopocalypse]

Awesome!

[@MarekFischer854]

please please darkness party buiild king

[@Fabelynx]

I love your guides in general, the way you present things and combo. I discovered a lot with you. Nevertheless I feel you could smooth things by making the videos a little shorter. And to finishe with, I don't understand why you always say wood elf bonus movement is great with all and everything typically here where monk doesn't need more mvt. It's not bad, but they already compensate low mvt by their class feature. So I feel we can run easier a race with low mvt speed actually with monk, rogue (cunning action dash), tempest sorcerer or ranged character. In my opinion there is especially paladins, clerics, warriors, druids, and melee archetype of casters' class. It's cause I like your vid and theory crafting about BG3 that I feel so annoyed 😅

[@Cephalopocalypse]

Monks get extra movement, but also use movement better than any other class - more is better

[@louhodo5761]

LOL 16AC is not good. My wizard at level 3 usually has a 18AC. My martial characters should be at 19AC. Hell my druid wearing +1 hide found in the owlbear cave and in the Emerald Grove had a 17AC and I avoided wearing metal armor. At level 3 with a 16dex you should have a minimum 18AC. Mage armor + bracers of defense or a shield + dex bonus = 18.

[@emptyfish8992]

Potion is too good. Nerf potion and or buff dex monks. Even better just buff Dex monks. They feel busted to play when Your lvl 5 and can attack 4 times and knock an enemy prone.

[@Cephalopocalypse]

Honestly they don't even need a buff - it's just that Tavern Brawler and elixirs are way over curve. Imo they should have nerfed those for honour mode alongside haste etc

[@emptyfish8992]

@@Cephalopocalypse See you got it all wrong my friend we need buffs not nerfs. Instead look for an even harder mode to play. That way your Dex monk gets even better.

[@MartinBueno-xf3hc]

good builds but the game isn't as fun now, is there another good game?

[@ybo3006]

hi Cephalopocalypse! is it possible to have your email?

[@Cephalopocalypse]

Contact info is in the channel description! I only use email for business contacts though, so if it's a game question feel free to ask here :)