Unlock the Shadows: Becoming a Way of Shadow Monk in Baldur’s Gate 3
Unlock the Secrets of Darkness with This Optimized Way of Shadow Monk Build
Baldur’s Gate 3 Ultimate Shadow Monk Build guide
When it comes to creating a character in Baldur’s Gate 3, one of the most exciting choices you can make is to become a monk. Monks are masters of hand-to-hand combat and possess unique abilities that set them apart from other classes. Within the monk class, there is a subclass known as the Way of Shadow. This subclass allows monks to tap into the power of shadows, becoming elusive and deadly fighters.
🌑 Way of Shadow Monk Features Overview 🌑
Way of the Shadow monks specialize in using shadows to their advantage. These melee attackers can teleport to enemies from a hidden position and even create a dark cloud to hide in, evading attacks. Ki is the resource that fuels a monk’s special abilities, and it can be replenished by taking a short or long rest.
Here are the key features you’ll gain as you level up in the Way of Shadow monk subclass:
- Level 3: Gain the spell Minor Illusion and access to Shadow Arts, which allows you to cast spells like Hide, Pass Without Trace, Darkness, Darkvision, and Silence.
- Level 5: Gain the ability Cloak of Shadows.
- Level 6: Gain the ability Shadow Step.
- Level 11: Gain the abilities Shadow Strike and Shadow Strike: Unarmed.
These unique features make the Way of Shadow monk a thrilling option for players who enjoy sneaking around like a ninja, taking out enemies one at a time. You’ll be a shadowy force to be reckoned with!
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🎭 Best Race for a Way of Shadow Monk 🎭
In terms of race, the wood elf is an excellent choice for a Way of Shadow monk. Their increased movement speed from the Fleet of Foot ability gives them a base movement of 10.5m or 35ft, allowing them to maneuver swiftly around the battlefield. Wood elves also enjoy proficiency in shortswords, longswords, shortbows, and longbows, which are all recommended weapons for a Way of Shadow monk. Additionally, their Darkvision passive lets them see in the dark up to 12m or 40ft.
👊 Best Starting Ability Scores for a Way of Shadow Monk 👊
When it comes to ability scores, there are a few key attributes to focus on for a Way of Shadow monk:
- Strength: Invest in Strength, as you’ll later gain the Tavern Brawler feat, which benefits from a higher Strength score.
- Dexterity: Prioritize Dexterity to boost your initiative and armor class. Being the first to attack and stunning enemies with Stunning Strike can give you a significant advantage while minimizing damage.
- Wisdom: Increase Wisdom to improve abilities that use Ki and enhance your armor class. Since you’ll be using clothing for this build, any increase to your armor class is crucial.
Here’s a suggested starting ability score distribution for a Way of Shadow monk:
- Strength: 15
- Dexterity: 16
- Wisdom: Above 10
These scores will set you on the path to becoming a formidable Way of Shadow monk.
📚 Best Level-by-Level Build for a Way of Shadow Monk 📚
While your primary focus will be in the monk class, branching out into the rogue class can enhance your abilities as a Way of Shadow monk. Investing three levels in the rogue class mid-game can provide a tremendous boost.
At rogue level three, choose the thief subclass to gain the Fast Hands passive, which allows you to take an additional bonus action during your turn.
Here’s a breakdown of the suggested level-by-level build for a Way of Shadow monk:
- Level 1: Class – Monk
- Level 3: Subclass – Way of Shadows
- Level 4: Feat – Tavern Brawler (Strength +1)
- Level 7-9: Class – Rogue
- Level 10-12: Class – Monk
- Level 11: Feat – Ability Improvement (Dexterity +2)
This build maximizes the synergy between the monk and rogue classes, giving you a versatile skill set to utilize in combat.
🛡️ Best Equipment for a Way of Shadow Monk 🛡️
A Way of Shadow monk benefits from foregoing armor, allowing for increased mobility. However, there are specific pieces of equipment that complement this playstyle.
Best Early-Game Equipment for a Way of Shadow Monk
| Equipment | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing: The Graceful Cloth | Armor Class: 10 + Dexterity modifier Cat’s Grace: Increase Dexterity by 2 (up to 20) Nimble as a Cat: +1 to Dexterity saving throws and increased jump distance. |
Act 1: Lady Esther at Rosymorn Monastery Trail |
| Headwear: Haste Helm | Smooth Start: Gain momentum for 3 turns. | Act 1: Chest in the Blighted Village |
| Cloak: Cloak of Protection | Armor class +1 Saving throws +1 |
Act 2: Quartermaster Talli at Last Light Inn |
| Gloves: Gloves of Dexterity | Set wearer’s Dexterity score to 18 (if not already higher) +1 to attack |
Act 1: A’jak’nir Jeera in Crèche Y’llek |
| Footwear: Evasive Shoes | Armor class +1 Acrobatics +1 |
Act 2: Mattis at Last Light Inn |
| Amulet: Periapt of Wound Closure | Wound Closure: Automatically stabilize when downed at the start of the turn Potent Healing: Maximize the number of hit points restored. |
Act 1: Lady Esther at Rosymorn Monastery Trail |
| Ring 1: Crusher’s Ring | Increase movement speed by 3m/10ft. | Act 1: Looted from Crusher in the Goblin Camp |
| Ring 2: Ring of Twilight | Treader by Twilight: +1 bonus to armor class while obscured | Act 2: Chest in the Ruined Battlefield |
Best Late-Game Equipment for a Way of Shadow Monk
| Equipment | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Clothing: Vest of Soul Rejuvenation | Armor Class: 10 + Dexterity modifier Defier’s Rejuvenation: Regain 1~4 hit points when succeeding on a saving throw against a spell Greater Kushigo Counter: Make an unarmed strike against any attacker that misses. +2 to armor class |
Act 3: Rolan in Sorcerer’s Sundries in the Lower City of Baldur’s Gate |
| Headwear: Mask of Soul Perception | Soul Perception: +2 bonus to attack rolls, initiative rolls, and perception checks | Act 3: Chest on the second floor of Devil’s Fee in the Lower City of Baldur’s Gate |
| Cloak: Cloak of Displacement | Displacement: Enemies have disadvantage on attack rolls targeting you until you take damage | Act 3: Entharl Danthelon in Wyrm’s Crossing |
| Gloves: Gloves of Soul Catching | Soul Fist: Unarmed attacks deal an additional 1d10 force damage Soul Catching: Regain 10 hit points on an unarmed hit or gain advantage on attack rolls and saving throws |
Act 3: Received as a reward from Hope if you rescue her in the House of Hope |
| Footwear: Boots of Uninhibited Kushigo | Experienced and Deadly: +Wisdom modifier to unarmed strike damage | Act 3: Retrieved from Prelate Lir’i’c’s body in the Astral Prism at the start of Act 3 |
| Amulet: Amulet of Greater Health | Set wearer’s Constitution score to 23 (if not already higher) Advantage on Constitution saving throws |
Act 3: Looted from a pedestal in the Archive Room located in the House of Hope |
| Optional Ring Upgrade: Killer’s Sweetheart | Executioner: When killing a creature, your next attack roll becomes a critical hit. Refreshes after a long rest | Act 2: Picked up from the ground of the Self-Same Trial at the Gauntlet of Shar |
With this equipment, you’ll have everything you need to become a master of shadows, striking fear into the hearts of your enemies.
🔪 Best Weapons for a Way of Shadow Monk 🔪
As a martial artist, your fists will be your primary weapon, benefiting from the numerous bonuses provided by your equipment. However, a few weapons can further enhance your effectiveness:
Best Early-Game Weapons for a Way of Shadow Monk
| Weapon | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Darkfire Shortbow | 1d6+8 (Piercing damage) Weapon Enchantment +2 Grants Resistance to fire and cold damage Spell: Haste |
Act 2: Dammon in Last Light Inn |
| Corellon’s Grace | 1d8+6 (Bludgeoning damage) Natural Pugilist: +1 bonus to Unarmed Attack Rolls and damage Unhampered Resistance: +2 bonus to saving throws |
Act 1: Auntie Ethel (Hag) or looted from her body |
Best Late-Game Weapons for a Way of Shadow Monk
| Weapon | Description | Location |
|---|---|---|
| The Dead Shot | 1d8+8 (Piercing damage) Improved Critical: Reduced roll requirement for critical hits by 1 Keen Attack: Doubles proficiency bonus for ranged attacks (unless disadvantaged) Weapon Enchantment +2 |
Act 3: Fytz in the Lower City of Baldur’s Gate |
Embrace the power of your fists and this selection of weapons, and you’ll become a true master of unarmed combat.
💡 Unleash Your Shadowy Prowess in Baldur’s Gate 3
Becoming a Way of Shadow monk offers a thrilling and unique playstyle, perfectly suited for those who relish the idea of slipping through the shadows like a swift, deadly ninja. With teleportation and the ability to hide in plain sight, you’ll be a formidable force on the battlefield.
Are there any other classes or subclasses you want to learn more about in Baldur’s Gate 3? Let us know in the comments!
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