BG:EE Monks are actually pretty damn good
![IkMarc](https://forums.beamdog.com/uploads/userpics/246/nHFE7RBIBCKA4.jpg)
After all the discussions I read about it here I figured I would try a monk build. I was expecting it too be frustratingly bad given the troubles I read here, but the contrary appeared to be true.
I have played for a few hours, am only at level 3 and it is turning into a power-build already. It has decent/good defense and attack combined with speed and sun soulray. With the right gear and items to extra enhance its defense it becomes a beast.
Check the screenshot after a potion of defense below.... just wait till it gets its hands on Twinkle and whatever else I will find to fit ^^ Will keep you guys/girls updated on how it develops.
![image](http://i59.tinypic.com/10wjexe.jpg)
(Rasaad still sucks in BG:EE by the way)
I have played for a few hours, am only at level 3 and it is turning into a power-build already. It has decent/good defense and attack combined with speed and sun soulray. With the right gear and items to extra enhance its defense it becomes a beast.
Check the screenshot after a potion of defense below.... just wait till it gets its hands on Twinkle and whatever else I will find to fit ^^ Will keep you guys/girls updated on how it develops.
![image](http://i59.tinypic.com/10wjexe.jpg)
(Rasaad still sucks in BG:EE by the way)
8
Comments
Monks aren't really 'bad' but they are at the bottom of the list in BG1. They start to shine in BG2 once they get a few levels under their belt.
A Priest of Helm or Lathander will also be much more deadly in combat than the Monk. Same with a Swashbuckler or Blade.
If we make a list of all classes in BG:EE and try to match them up against a monk it would be.
Rogue (Swashbuckler) > Monk
Cleric (Priest of Lathander/Helm) > Monk
Fighter > Monk
Paladin > Monk
Ranger > Monk
Mage (Arcane spells) > Monk
Druid (Level 5 divine spells) > Monk
Bard (Blade) > Monk
Barbarian > Monk
Sorcerer > Monk
So the monk is actually the weakest class in BG1. Druid, Mage and Sorcerer will outperform him with spells. The rest of the classes can out perform him in Melee.
And yes the monk can be a great tank and have a low AC. But most other classes can reach this as well.
The only problem I see here is that the potions of defense/invulnerability are really really rare until you get to the city of BG. Oh, and don't count on being able to use Rasaad's boots for very long... Or the glimmering bands for that matter...
They won't need Moonwalker or Glimmering Bands as they have Full plate and a large shield +2.
To make a list for you.
Helm of Balduran (+1 AC)
Full plate (AC 1)
Large shield +2 (+2 AC)
Those are items that the monk can't use. Now throw in all the AC items the monk can use and you're still far beyond him in AC. I was aiming for an arrow to the winner, but you're right!
Yeah sure those things are all true, I've been here before and this will end up in a battle of mathematical BG equations not a lot less complicated than quantum mechanics... I pass this time.
I am not looking to argue that all the hypothetical builds with other classes might or might not be stronger at any point in the game whatsoever... I'm Just figuring out that the Monk can from early on be a nice class to use despite the general consensus it utterly sucks and I figured I'd share the progress.
Respect to you for playing a monk though!
monks can do it but they are one of the (if not THE) weakest class for BGEE.
They rely mostly on kiting due to superior speed and on potions (potion of defense is indeed great).
But any fighter-type will be stronger
Also, BG2EE handles monk AC differently which creates problems :
- in BGEE, monks get a bonus. This works great with AC bracers or potions of defense
- In BG2EE, their base AC changes, thus nullifying the effect of potions and AC bracers. Furthermore, exporting is currently bugged as your imported character will benefit from both which will yield abnormaly good AC.
It also made me stop DMM run.
(I also tried to play a monk as a barbarian...with lots of different buffing potions simulating "frenzy"...quite funny)