Best Way of Open Hand - Monk Build - Baldur's Gate 3 (BG3)

Way of Open Hand Monk Build

Going with Monk there are a few alternatives, and it mostly depends on your subclass. With Way of the Open Hand, you get effective ways of utilizing bonus actions - bonus damage and debilitating effects.

So this build can outdamage most of the other combatants early in the game. It is also possible to create exploding punches if you plan on using Ki Resonation. This is optional and will have minimal impact on the build.

Here is the setup of the build:

Level	Class	Selection
1	Monk	STR - 8, DEX - 17, CON - 15, INT - 8, WIS - 16, CHA - 8
		Skills: Acrobatics, Insight
2	Monk	-
3	Monk	Subclass: Way of the Open Hand
4	Monk	Feat: Tavern Brawler​ +1 CON or Ability Improvement +2 DEX
5	Monk	-
6	Monk	-
7	Rogue	-
8	Rogue	Skills: Perception, Athletics, Acrobatics
9	Rogue	Subclass: Thief
10	Monk	-
11	Monk	Feat: Ability Improvement +2 WIS or Alert​
12	Monk	-

Build variations

As mentioned you can also take a different approach - obtaining a third feat. It's not mandatory as the option above already covers all the necessities. However, if you are not interested in Resonating Ki mechanic, pick below:

1. Monk Level 8 - less Ki, and no Resonating Ki actions
2. Rogue Level 4 - Unlocks third Feat, to improve combat capabilities. For example +2 WIS or Alert​

Strength vs. Dexterity

There is also the question of the main ability points. There is an extremely useful feat - Tavern Brawler, and it works with strength. The caveat is that no matter what Monk needs Wisdom and Dexterity. So third ability will thin out the build effectiveness.

There is a solution - Elixir of Hill Giant Strength. It is available early in Act 1 and can be stockpiled for the rest of the game. With it, you will have, high, Strength - to use Tavern Brawler, Dexterity - initiative and Armour Class, Wisdom - Armour Class and bonus elemental damage.

Here is a guide on how to farm Elixir of Hill Giant Strength. After you reach Act 3, in a similar manner you can get an upgraded version - Elixir of Cloud Giant Strength for a boost to 27 Strength.

Potions, Elixirs and Consumables

Let's take a look at what consumables we can use to further empower the build.

Potions

These are general consumables, and most of them are activated for a few turns. Potions are separate from Elixirs and can be active together.

Consumable	Description
Potion of Speed	In case you or your other casters have a Concentration spell slot taken and cannot cast Haste, use this potion. It acts similarly, but the effect is just for 3 turns.
Potion of Invisibility	Can be used to get a perfect position before the encounter starts.

Elixirs

Unfortunately, only one Elixir can be active at a time. However, the good thing is that they last until a long rest, making them very useful and economical.

Be sure to activate them before combat as otherwise, you will need to use Bonus Action.

Consumable	Description
Elixir of Bloodlust	As you will be able to easily kill at least the weakest foe, this ensures additional attacks per turn. I would go with this option once you have 22 base strength, otherwise look at the options below.
Elixir of Vigilance	For some encounters, you will want to go first. This elixir will ensure that it overcomes even surprise mechanics.
Elixir of Hill Giant Strength	Sets strength value to 21 until the Long Rest. With this option, you can easily gimp on strength in the early game. You can put those points in Dexterity or Strength. Here is a farming guide for Elixir of Hill Giant Strength
Elixir of Cloud Giant Strength	An upgraded version that is available mostly in Act 3 via crafting or purchasing. Sets Strength to 27, the highest value possible. if using this one, you could set the strength to 8 via respec.

Illithid Powers

This is a special mechanic in Baldur's Gate 3, that allows you to consume tadpoles and unlock special Illithid Powers. These range from somewhat useful, to extremely deadly. I would like to leave a few recommendations:

Base Illithid Powers

Order	Illithid Power	Description
1	Favourable Beginnings	Very useful power to take as it does not have any costs, and provides only benefits on the first hits.
2	Luck of the Far Realms	Guarantees a critical hit, a very powerful action to have.
3	Concentrated Blast	Taking only for progression, to unlock the next power.
4	Cull the Weak	Passive feature that does not cost anything and automatically deals bonus psychic damage around the target, once it is close to death.
5	Shield of Thralls	Taking for progression, to unlock the next power, but it also provides a good bonus as temporary health.

Elite Illithid Powers

These become unlocked later in the game as you progress. They are extremely powerful additions to the build.

Order	Illithid Power	Description
1	Freecast	Removes any cost of Ki from using Monk actions.

Equipment Recommendations

Now I would like to go through some gear recommendations to maximize the Open Hand Monk build. Items are especially important as they take the build to the next level thanks to their unique effects.

Act 1

Slot	Item	Description
Melee (One - Handed)	Corellon's Grace	This weapon gives bonus unarmed damage and also deals 1d8 damage, which is better than your fists. However, you should remove it once you have Gloves of Cinder and Sizzle or Tavern Brawler​ feat.
Ranged	Bow of Awareness	Gives bonus initiative, allowing one to go earlier in combat
	Hunting Shortbow	Excellent bow against monstrosities. There are plenty of them in Act 1.
Head	Haste Helm	Provides increased speed at the start of the combat.
Cloak	The Deathstalker Mantle	The only option in Act 1 that is okay, is by providing once-per-turn invisibility. Only available to Dark Urge origin.
Armor	The Graceful Cloth	Gives +2 Dexterity making it a very good choice for the end of Act 1 and the start of Act 2.
	Armour of Uninhibited Kushigo	Somewhat relatable first unarmed build armor. It is nothing special as I do not think you will utilize the effect.
Gloves	Gloves of Cinder and Sizzle	Gives fire damage, increasing the variety of damage types that you do.
	The Sparkle Hands	Amazing gloves that after the first hit will give Lightning Charges. These then provide bonus 1 damage lightning and can stack up with more Lightning Charges.
Boots	Disintegrating Night Walkers	Avoids slipping on various terrains and most importantly unlocks Misty Step each short rest. These boots can last till Act 3, as walking on icy surfaces can be deadly for melee build. The item removes this problem.
	Boots of Genial Striding	Allows the Monk to walk freely on difficult terrain.
Amulet	Sentient Amulet	Great amulet that will be useful for most of the game. With its actions, it is the perfect choice for Monk.
Rings	Crusher's Ring	Improves movement speed, making it easier to reach your next target.
	Ring of Protection	Gives defensive bonuses to Armour Class and Saving Throws.

Act 2 - mid-game

Act 2 changes the landscape and there will be a lot of dark areas. Moreover, it will provide some amazing items for you to find, that will improve the build damage.

Slot	Item	Description
Melee (One-handed)	-	Not using any weapons
Ranged	Darkfire Shortbow	I recommend using this one if you need to cast Haste​ before combat. Otherwise, feel free to use the ones from Act 1.
Head	Haste Helm	The helmet is still useful for high mobility.
Cloak	Cloak of Protection	Improves survivability and Saving Throw success.
	The Deathstalker Mantle	If you have this, it is still a solid choice.
Armor	The Graceful Cloth	Still a solid option throughout Act 2 due to bonus Dexterity.
	Yuan-ti Scale Mail	If you can wear medium armor, this is an amazing choice even if you lose the benefits of Unarmoured Defence.
Gloves	Flawed Helldusk Gloves	Deals bonus necrotic damage with unarmed attacks and can apply bleeding. The best thing for Act 2.
Boots	Evasive Shoes	Bonus armor class for higher survivability.
	Disintegrating Night Walkers	The boots are still a good option in Act 2.
Amulet	Sentient Amulet	The amulet is great as it allows to restore Ki, which can now be easily used up using multiple hits.
	Surgeon's Subjugation Amulet	Can be an effective amulet against humanoid enemies, and fully paralyze them.
	Amulet of the Harpers	Allows casting Shield spell, can be a lifesaver if attacked heavily for one turn.
Rings	Risky Ring	Provides an Advantage on attack rolls. This ring is only useful if you did not take Tavern Brawler​ feat.
	Callous Glow Ring	The ring effect can be activated easily by having someone cast Light on the monk. It does not work together with Shadow-Cloaked Ring.
	Shadow-Cloaked Ring	An offensive ring that gives bonus damage against obscured enemies.
	Shifting Corpus Ring	Gives two useful spells that allow becoming invisible or decrease the enemy's chances of hitting you.
	Ring of Protection	Bonus armor class is a good bonus, and the ring still takes place.

Act 3 - Final Build setup

This is the last act of the game, where you will get access to the most powerful items. To get them as early as possible you will need some planning, but overall, it should not be a problem.

Here there are a lot of options for glove slots. Each element has its own pairs. However, there will be only one most powerful legendary gloves close to the end.

Slot	Item	Description
Melee (One - Handed)	-	Not using any weapons
Ranged	The Dead Shot (BiS)	Increases critical range, and is perfect for improving damage.
	Hellrider Longbow	Gives a big boost to the initiative, guaranteeing that you can go first.
Head	Horns of the Berserker	The best headwear for Open Hand Monk gives a solid damage boost. Just be sure not to have your HP full, decrease it a little.
	Scabby Pugilist Circlet	Early Act 3 helmet, that improves damage when surrounded.
Cloak	Cloak of Displacement (BiS)	Improves the chances of attacks missing the wearer until getting hit for that turn.
	Cloak of Protection	Bonus armor class is good for improved survivability.
Armor	Vest of Soul Rejuvenation	The best option for Open Hand Monk with unarmored clothing. Another aspect is that it provides additional reaction options when enemies miss you. To top all of this it gives +2 Armour Class.
	Garb of The Land and Sky	Best for additional armor class, other effects will require you to use bonus action, so it's best to activate them before combat.
Gloves	Gloves of Soul Catching (BiS)	The best gloves for Open Hand monk build. Provides 1d10 force damage boost.
	Gauntlets of Frost Giant Strength	The only option for gauntlets is if you do not plan on using Elixir of Hill Giant Strength. However, without it, you lose other glove options with cool damage effects.
	Servitor of the Black Hand Gloves	Each of these gloves provides a different element damage bonus and various spells. Choose the element that you deal the least damage with, this way you will variety of damage. You want to be able to deal damage to enemies that will be resistant to Blunt attacks.
	Seraphic Pugilist Gloves
	Snow-Dusted Monastery Gloves
	Thunderpalm Strikers
Boots	Boots of Uninhibited Kushigo	The best boots hands down for Monk build. Be sure to have at least 16 Wisdom, to best utilize these.
Amulet	Sentient Amulet (BiS)	The upgraded version of the amulet is a perfect choice for Monk.
	Amulet of Greater Health	It makes any Constitution ability investment redundant as it maximizes it to 23 points. Gives a huge survivability boost. However, I would only use this, if your Monk has problems with survivability.
	Khalid's Gift	The amulet gives +1 to Wisdom. However, to take full effect you will need to respec, to have Wisdom at either 19 or 17, to get that +1 proficiency bonus.
Rings	Shadow-Cloaked Ring (BiS)	A perfect ring for bonus damage. It requires the enemy to be obscured, so check the stealth icon, whether the sun is half-empty or full-empty.
	Callous Glow Ring	The ring effect can be activated easily by having someone cast Light on the monk. It does not work together with Shadow-Cloaked Ring.
	Ring of Protection	Bonus armor class is a good bonus, and the ring still takes place.

Conclusion

Thank you for reading the Open Hand Monk build for Baldur's Gate 3. I hope you enjoyed reading the build. This should cover everything that you need to become the ultimate unarmed martial. The leveling is simple and it's easy to fill the build with very good items.

Cheers!