The Ultimate Monk’s Guide to Gloves in Baldur’s Gate 3

The best gloves for a Monk in Baldur’s Gate 3 are undoubtedly the Gloves of Soul Catching. These gloves, acquired from the House of Hope quest, add a massive 1d10 Force damage to every unarmed strike, offering substantial damage output. What sets these gloves apart is their unique ability to restore health when you land an unarmed attack, making your Monk incredibly resilient. Furthermore, they grant a +2 bonus to Constitution, enhancing your hit points and concentration saves. They’re the pinnacle of Monk gear in BG3, transforming your character into an unstoppable force.

Diving Deep: Monk Gloves in BG3

The Monk class in Baldur’s Gate 3 thrives on unarmed combat, making the selection of gloves an absolutely crucial decision. While the Gloves of Soul Catching stand above the rest, other options offer unique advantages, and understanding these alternatives is essential for tailoring your Monk to your specific playstyle and party composition. Let’s delve into the world of Monk gloves, exploring the best options and the scenarios where they truly shine.

Top Contenders for Monk Gloves

1. Gloves of Soul Catching: As mentioned, these gloves are the undisputed champions. The combination of added damage, healing, and a Constitution boost makes them almost essential for any Monk build, especially in the late game. Their acquisition from the House of Hope marks a significant power spike.
2. Helldusk Gloves: These gloves are a strong contender, especially for Monks focused on fire damage. They add 1d6 fire damage to your unarmed attacks and grant the Burning Fists ability, which ignites enemies on hit. The Helldusk Gloves are obtained in the House of Hope. They offer a fantastic boost to damage and provide excellent crowd control through the burning effect. They are perfect for the Four Elements Monk subclass.
3. Servitor of the Black Hand Gloves: Found in the Grymforge, these gloves grant the wearer the ability to cast “ray of sickness”. This is a solid set of gloves in the early game for a monk build.
4. Seraphic Pugilist Gloves: These gloves are obtained in act 1 and are very strong in the early game. When the wearer makes an unarmed attack, they gain Momentum for 2 turns. The wearer also gains the ability to cast “Blade Ward” on themself.
5. Flawed Helldusk Gloves: These gloves are another excellent option, granting the wearer resistance to fire damage. They are great to wear if you are fighting enemies that deal fire damage.
6. Gloves of Crushing: These gloves add a flat +2 damage to your unarmed attacks and grant a +1 bonus to attack rolls. While seemingly simple, this consistent damage boost and accuracy make them a solid choice, particularly in the early to mid-game before you acquire the Gloves of Soul Catching.
7. Gloves of Cinder and Sizzle: These gloves are similar to the Helldusk Gloves, but deal less fire damage. They inflict burning on hit, and add 1d4 fire damage to unarmed attacks.
8. Gloves of Belligerent Skies: These gloves inflict reverberation on hit, and are obtained in act 2 from the Moonrise Towers. Reverbation is a debuff that decreases an enemies movement speed, and also deals thunder damage if stacked high enough.

Early-Game Options and Temporary Solutions

While the Gloves of Soul Catching are the ultimate goal, Monks need viable options throughout their adventure. Keep an eye out for gloves that provide any bonus to attack rolls, damage, or useful abilities. Even gloves with seemingly minor buffs can make a difference in the early game, helping you bridge the gap until you acquire the top-tier items.

Beyond the Gloves: Complementary Gear for Monks

Remember that gloves are just one piece of the puzzle. To truly maximize your Monk’s potential, consider how your gloves synergize with other gear. Items that boost your Dexterity, Wisdom, or movement speed are always valuable. Additionally, look for items that complement the specific benefits of your chosen gloves. For example, if you’re using the Helldusk Gloves, consider items that further enhance fire damage. The Games Learning Society also emphasizes the importance of strategic thinking in game design, highlighting how equipment choices impact gameplay dynamics. You can learn more about such strategic elements at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are the Gloves of Soul Catching truly the best for all Monk subclasses? Yes, in most situations. The flat damage bonus and healing are universally beneficial. However, some specialized builds might benefit more from the elemental damage of the Helldusk Gloves.

2. Where exactly do I find the Gloves of Soul Catching? They are a reward for completing the House of Hope questline, which becomes available in Act 3. You must save Hope to acquire the gloves.

3. What if Hope dies during the House of Hope quest? If Hope dies, you will not be able to get the Gloves of Soul Catching.

4. Do the Gloves of Soul Catching stack with other unarmed damage bonuses? Yes, the 1d10 Force damage is added on top of your regular unarmed damage and any other relevant bonuses.

5. What stats should I prioritize for my Monk in BG3? Dexterity is paramount for attack rolls and AC, followed by Wisdom for Ki abilities and saving throws. Constitution is also important for hit points, and the Gloves of Soul Catching helps shore this up.

6. Can other classes use the Gloves of Soul Catching effectively? While any class can equip them, they are most effective on Monks due to their focus on unarmed attacks.

7. How does the healing effect of the Gloves of Soul Catching work? When you hit an enemy with an unarmed attack, you regain 1d4 hit points. This healing is invaluable for maintaining your Monk’s survivability.

8. What weapons are considered Monk weapons in BG3? Any simple weapon or shortsword that you are proficient with. However, the best Monk builds focus on unarmed combat, rendering most weapons obsolete.

9. Do shields count as weapons for the Monk’s unarmed combat abilities? No, equipping a shield does not prevent you from using your Monk’s unarmed attacks and abilities.

10. What armor proficiency should I aim for as a Monk? Monks typically do not wear armor, relying instead on their Unarmored Defense feature, which adds their Wisdom modifier to their Armor Class.

11. How does multiclassing affect my Monk’s unarmed damage? Multiclassing can potentially enhance or diminish your unarmed damage depending on the classes you choose. Ensure that you choose classes that synergize with unarmed combat.

12. Are there any feats that significantly benefit Monk’s unarmed combat? Yes, the Tavern Brawler feat is amazing, as it doubles your Strength modifier to unarmed attacks. Also, the Mobile feat helps Monks move around the battlefield more effectively.

13. How do I increase my Monk’s unarmed damage in the early game? Focus on increasing your Dexterity and Wisdom. Also, look for items that grant bonuses to attack rolls or flat damage.

14. What is the most OP class in Baldur’s Gate 3? The Paladin is considered the strongest class and subclass due to its damage output, survivability, and versatility.

15. Does the Open Hand subclass make the Gloves of Soul Catching even more powerful? Yes, the Open Hand subclass enhances unarmed combat, making the Gloves of Soul Catching even more potent due to the increased frequency and power of your unarmed strikes. This combination creates a truly devastating Monk build.

Final Thoughts: Mastering the Monk in BG3

Choosing the right gloves is a critical step in building a powerful and effective Monk in Baldur’s Gate 3. While the Gloves of Soul Catching are the gold standard, understanding the alternatives and how they synergize with your overall build will allow you to tailor your Monk to any challenge. Good luck, adventurer, and may your fists strike true!