Summary
Monksrepresent one of the unique classes inBaldur’s Gate 3, relying on unarmored defense and unarmed combat. Monks' effectiveness in combat depends on three core stats:Dexterityfor armor class and initiative,Strengthfor Tavern Brawler synergy, and Wisdom for improved unarmored defense and late-game damage.
The diverse attribute dependency allows monks tobenefit from several synergistic and stat-boosting items. The following is a curated list of items best suited for Monks, granting them significant power spikes and efficiency in combat.
10Gloves Of Soul Catching
Bonus +1d10 Unarmed Force Damage & +2 Boost To Constitution
The Gloves of Soul Catchingadd 1d10 Force damage to every melee attack, increasing the amount of damage Monks can do per turn. Moreover, the gloves’ Soul Catching ability allows Monks toeither heal for 10 HP or gain a +5 bonusto their next attack roll or saving throw after landing an unarmed strike.
The Gloves of Soul Catching are an excellent end-game item for Way of the Open Hand Monks, who can deal serious damage with their Flurry of Blows.
9The Graceful Cloth
Grants +2 Bonus To Dexterity, Cat’s Grace Condition, & Increases Jump Distance
TheThe Graceful Clothis incredible clothing for Monks who wish to boost their Dexterity in the mid-gamewithout having to invest in the Ability Score Improvement feat. Additionally, the Graceful Cloth grants permanent Cat’s Grace,giving its wearer advantage on Dexterity checks and halving fall damage.
The Graceful Cloth synergizes with the Monk’s Unarmored Defense and Step of the Wind abilities,raising their Armor Class, initiative, and mobility. It’s also excellent for characters who want to increase their odds of success whenpickpocketing.
8Helldusk Gloves
Grants +1d6 Necrotic Damage To Unarmed Attacks
TheHelldusk Glovesare an excellent pair of gloves thatdeal an additional 1d6 necrotic damage with unarmed attacks. These gloves synergize exceptionally well with the Way of the Open Hand Monk’sManifestation of Body class ability, allowing the wearer to deal an additional 1d4 necrotic damage + Wisdom modifier.
Moreover, the Helldusk Gloves allow their wearer to cast the Rays of Fire cantrip once per short rest andgrant a +1 bonus to spell save DC and spell attack rolls, making them a valuable item for Monks — especially Open Hand Monks.
7Amulet Of Greater Health
Sets Constitution To 23
TheAmulet of Greater Healthis a powerful item for just about every class, as equipping itgrants a massive boost to the wearer’s HP. Since Monks tend to be on the front line, the Amulet of Greater Health ensures their survival. Moreover, the amuletgrants advantage on Constitution saving throws, enabling Monks to concentrate on powerful spells likeHaste.
Monks using the Amulet of Greater Health should consider respeccing to reassign ability points previously invested in Constitution to other valuable stats, such as Dexterity and Wisdom.
6Khalid’s Gift
Grants +1 Bonus To Wisdom
Khalid’s Gift is an important item for Monks because it’s theonly amulet inBaldur’s Gate 3that boosts Wisdom. Monks can start with 17 Wisdom, use the Ability Score Improvement feat to further raise their Wisdom to 19, andequip Khalid’s Gift in Act 3 to reach 20 Wisdom.
The amulet also lets its wearer castAidas a third-level spell, gaining 10 additional HP that lasts until a long rest.
5Boots Of Uninhibited Kushigo
Additional Damage Equal To Wisdom Modifier
TheBoots of Uninhibited Kushigoare a must-have pair of footwear for Monks with high Wisdom. These boots allow their wearer todeal additional unarmed damage equal to their Wisdom modifier. Monks with 20 Wisdom can add +5 damage to their unarmed attacks, making them even more deadly in Act 3.
Way of the Open Hand Monks benefit greatly from these boots, as they are able to double the damage with their Flurry of Blows Ki ability.
4Bracers Of Defence
Grants +2 AC When Not Wearing Armor
TheBracers of Defenceare an excellent pair of early game bracers for Monks, asthey provide +2 AC to unarmored characters. The bonus stacks with other effects that also boost AC.
For Monks, the Bracers of Defence are one of the most important early-game acquisitions andremain valuable throughout the game; especially for builds that focus on Wisdom to improve Unarmored Defense. Moreover, these bracers synergize well with allMonk subclasses.
3Sentient Amulet
Restore 2 Ki Points Per Long Rest & Cast Shatter
The Sentient Amulet is a Monk-specific item that lets themrestore 2 Ki points once per long rest. This bonus can be especially useful in late Act 1 and throughout Act 2, allowing Monks better control over Ki point management.
The wearer of this amulet can also cast a 2nd-levelShatterspell once per short rest, but they must succeed on a Wisdom saving throw immediately or risk losing a turn to Monk’s Laughter (Tasha’s Hideous Laughter).
Players can obtain a greater variant of the Amulet by choosing tofight the cursed monk in Act 3.
2Vest Of Soul Rejuvenation
Grants +2 Bonus To Armor Class & Greater Kushigo Counter
TheVest of Soul Rejuvenationis an excellent piece of clothing for Monks that not onlygrants +2 to Armor Class, but alsoheals them for 1d4 hit pointswhenever the wearer succeeds on a saving throw.
The vest also allows the wearer to retaliate against missed enemy attacks with theGreater Kushigo Counter reactionto make an unarmed attack. The Vest of Soul Rejuvenation is a must-have endgame clothing for Monks with high Wisdom.
1Elixir Of Cloud Giant Strength
Sets Strength to 27 (Until Long Rest)
TheElixir of Cloud Giant Strengthis the single most powerful consumable inBaldur’s Gate 3, setting thedrinker’s Strength to 27. This elixir is a must-have forTavern Brawler Monks, who gain both near-perfect accuracy when attacking and massive damage on hit.
The Elixir of Cloud Giant Strength allows Monks to ignore Strength and invest their ability points in other key stats like Wisdom, Dexterity, and Constitution, while still benefiting from the +8 Strength modifier while the elixir is active.
