With the latest (and final) patch update for Baldur’s Gate 3, players can now explore new subclasses, including the much-awaited Way of the Drunken Master Monk. This subclass introduces exciting new melee abilities and alcohol-themed enhancements, making it ideal for a Tavern Brawler-style character. The Way of the Drunken Master lets you take full advantage of the surplus of alcohol found throughout the game, adding flair to your combat style. A standout feature of this subclass is its ability to eliminate the negative effects of alcohol, giving players an edge against inebriated foes.
Patch 8 of Baldur’s Gate 3 brings us the Way of the Drunken Monk, allowing gamers to utilize booze-centric items. I chose to create a Rock Gnome for this build to benefit from enhanced Saving Throws, but players can opt for any race to embody the Way of the Drunken Master. For optimal performance, prioritize Dexterity, Wisdom, and Constitution as your key stats. Plus, stock up on your favorite drinks—there’s no shortage of options throughout the game.
Understanding the Way of the Drunken Master Monk Subclass in BG3
Get Buzzed & Skip the Hangover
The hallmark of the Way of the Drunken Master subclass is the ability to drink alcohol without suffering its typical downsides, instead gaining unique buffs. Upon reaching Level 3, you unlock the Cheeky Tipple passive ability, which grants immunity to Disadvantage on Dexterity and Charisma checks for 5 turns, and also allows you to restore half of your Ki points once daily using booze. Additionally, Level 3 grants you the Drunken Technique bonus action.
Drunken Technique enables you to navigate around foes without provoking opportunity attacks, setting you up to inflict serious damage while maintaining distance.
Your Drunken Monk truly begins to shine at Level 4 when you gain the Intoxicating Strike ability and the Life of the Party passive. Intoxicating Strike has a chance to impose the Drunk status on your target, while Life of the Party enhances your AC and Attack Rolls against Drunk enemies. At this level, you can also acquire the Tavern Brawler feat, a crucial asset that pairs seamlessly with the Way of the Drunken Monk. Additionally, Levels 6 grants two new subclass features: Leap to Your Feet and Redirect Attack.
Leap to Your Feet reduces the cost of getting up after being knocked down, while Redirect Attack enables you to spend a Ki point for an unarmed attack against an enemy that just missed attacking you. In the later stages of the game, the Sobering Realization ability becomes available at Level 9, providing a powerful Psychic attack that targets drunk enemies. Start by getting them drunk with Intoxicating Strike, then hit them with Sobering Realization, and reap the rewards. Finally, at Level 11, you can obtain the Drunkard’s Luck passive, allowing you to use Ki points to mitigate disadvantage.
Top Build for the Way of the Drunken Master Monk in Baldur’s Gate 3
Party Hard with the Amulet of the Drunkard & Drunken Cloth Robes
For this Drunken Monk build, I recommend a few essential pieces of gear, primarily available in the mid to late game. The first must-have item is the Amulet of the Drunkard, which can be found in Act 3, sold by Hoots Hooligan at Sharess’ Caress. This amulet extends the duration of the Cheeky Tipple Drunk effect to 10 turns and restores hit points each turn while you’re drunk.
Another vital component is the Drunken Cloth, available from Severn in the Guildhall during Act 3. While wearing these robes, you gain Advantage on Constitution saving throws, plus temporary hit points equal to your Constitution modifier at the beginning of each turn. The Drunken Cloth and Amulet of the Drunkard are crucial for an impressive Way of the Drunken Master build, and there’s plenty of flexibility with other gear. Monks have numerous great glove options, but I particularly favor the Bracers of Defense.
Optimal Strategy for a Drunken Master Build
Get Them Drunk & Send Them Packing
This build follows a straightforward path, focusing purely on the Monk class. However, you might consider taking three levels in Rogue after obtaining the Level 9 Sobering Realization ability for an extra attack. The trade-off is losing an ASI and foregoing the Level 11 Drunkard’s Luck passive. Finding alcohol shouldn’t pose a challenge, and once you acquire the Amulet of the Drunkard, your drinking will be much more efficient, thanks to the extended duration of your Drunk state.
Your ideal approach with this build is to intoxicate your targets, dodge their hits using the Drunken Technique bonus action, and then return to unleash a Sobering Realization attack. Drink, rinse, and repeat. It’s a fun and easy-to-manage build that only requires a couple of key items to start messing with your foes. If you’re looking for an engaging new subclass from the latest patch for Baldur’s Gate 3, give the Way of the Drunken Master a shot and become the party’s main attraction.
