So I was replaying Baldur’s Gate 3 last weekend and got obsessed with this tavern brawler punch build idea. Heard people arguing whether Monk or Barbarian works better for it, so I grabbed some snacks and tested both classes myself from level 1 to 6. Here’s exactly what went down.
First Attempt – Barbarian Setup
Rolled a Half-Orc Barbarian because big muscles = big punches right? Grabbed Tavern Brawler feat immediately at level 4. Raged, threw barrels at goblins near Druid Grove. Felt awesome watching things explode, but got annoyed when rage ran out mid-fight. Like punching with noodle arms suddenly. Also kept failing dialogue checks – Barb charisma sucks unless you invest in it.
- Pros: Insane early damage during rage
- Cons: Rages limited per rest, useless when calm
Switched to Monk Testing
Made a Human Open Hand Monk next. Used basic quarterstaff until level 3 when Ki points unlocked. Game changer! Punched gnolls with Flurry of Blows every turn, no rest limits like Barb rage. Jumped across battlefields like a cricket thanks to monk mobility. Better dialogue options too since you want high Wisdom anyway.
- Pros: Consistent punching power, crazy movement
- Cons: Squishy until level 5
Tavern Brawler Showdown
Slapped Tavern Brawler feat on both at level 4. Monk became an absolute wrecking ball – throwing imps across rooms then punching bosses into paste next turn. Barbarian hits harder during rages but monk could do it constantly. Plus monk gets extra bonus action attacks later.
Tried throwing weird stuff too. Barbarian threw dead kobolds well, but Monk threw barrels AND punched same turn. Big difference in flexibility.
Final Verdict
Monk wins for pure punch machine fantasy. You just never stop throwing hands. Barb hits bigger numbers sometimes, but Monk punches every turn while bouncing around like a pinball. Went with Monk for my playthrough. Now my dude’s punching mindflayers while high-fiving party members between turns. No regrets!