For anyone familiar with the vast world of Baldur's Gate 3, the concept of playing a character class incorrectly might seem unthinkable. Yet, this was the experience of one player who discovered they had been handling the Monk class erroneously for over 100 hours.
The Monk class in Baldur's Gate 3 has often been seen as an intriguing choice, especially for thrill-seekers attempting to push the game to its very limits. With some players creating impressive character builds and racking up unexpected achievements, the Monk class has indeed proven to be quite dynamic.
From dishing out jaw-dropping amounts of damage ranging from 168 to 320 per turn to traversing entire game zones in a blink, the Monk class has demonstrated its exceptional potential. However, this does not automatically translate into smooth gameplay for all, as one player learned after a staggering 100 hours of game time.
This player took to a public forum to share their story of misunderstanding, even referring to themselves as 'stupid' for playing the Monk class in the incorrect way. It was a candid admittance that sent ripples through the gaming community.
Their mistake, in essence, concerned the 'unarmed' aspect of the Monk class. In their misunderstanding, 'unarmed' was misconstrued as the 'unarmed strike' bonus action, instead of literally playing with no weapon equipped in the character's weapon slot.
This misconception had dire consequences on their gameplay, most notably their damage output. They wondered why their damage was significantly lower than what other players claimed, especially when they were wielding the Ice Staff from the Underdark stage of the game.
The player lamented, 'This whole time I've been playing Fist Monk wrong…I didn't even know Monk could surpass 48 damage, let alone 80.' It was an earnest admission of their blunder, one which they'd carried on unknowingly for more than 100 hours of gameplay.
However, instead of pouring criticism and mockery on the player for his blunder, the Baldur's Gate 3 community rallied around him, providing much-needed guidance and tips for better gameplay.
Some players recommended getting past level six and stocking up on decent Monk gear before giving up on the weapon completely for damage scaling. Others suggested considering the Open Palm subclass for its additional damage capabilities.
Contrary to previous perceptions, the Monk class is no longer considered underrated. On the contrary, it has emerged as one of the most creative and enjoyable build options in the game.
Players have discovered the power of stealth builds, especially with the Way of the Shadow subclass. By focusing on dexterity, constitution, and the power of darkness, players can easily overpower formidable foes.
Thanks to the support he received, the player was able to correct his misunderstanding and proceed to optimize his Monk class character effectively. And as the gaming community encouraged him, he is now better equipped to unlock his character's unarmed potential and wield it to great effect in the game.
This incident serves as a reminder of the complexities and details hidden in the various classes of Baldur's Gate 3, as well as the gaming community's readiness to support, advise, and rally around fellow gamers.