Introduction

This guide outlines an optimized monk build for Zodi, the second companion you typically recruit in Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire. Designed for both Real-Time with Pause and Turn-Based Mode, the guide is updated for patch 5.0 and focuses on maximizing Zodi’s potential as a Sister of the Reaping Moon, a melee-focused monk subclass. If you’re looking to turn Zodi into a devastating striker, this is the build for you.

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Recruiting Zodi

Zodi is first found in Port Maje, shortly after starting your journey. Once you encounter her, you’ll choose her class configuration:

• Single-Class Monk
• Single-Class Priest
• Multiclass Contemplative (Monk + Priest)

This choice is permanent, so choose based on your intended playstyle. For a pure striker role, single-class monk is the most effective route, taking advantage of subclass features that are lost in support or ranged builds.

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Why Choose Monk for Zodi?

Subclass Perks – Sister of the Reaping Moon

• +3 Wounds on melee kill: A perfect fit for aggressive, up-close combat.
• +1 Wound cost for abilities: A fair tradeoff considering the consistent wound generation in melee.

Strong Synergy with Core Monk Abilities

• Wound generators like Mortification of the Soul and Dance of Death feed high-impact skills like Torment’s Reach, Skyward Kick, and Whispers of the Wind.
• Fists scale with power level, often outperforming most weapons until very late game.

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Build Overview

Early Game Strategy

• Open with Mortification of the Soul and Dance of Death for early wound generation.
• Use a two-handed weapon with Torment’s Reach and Skyward Kick since they are primary attacks.
• Switch to fists later when Flagellant’s Path and Whispers of the Wind are unlocked.

Real-Time with Pause

• Prioritize Dexterity for fast attacks.
• Use Swift Strikes and Dance of Death to keep wounds flowing and your DPS high.
• Activate Thunderous Blows before big hits or against high-armor enemies.

Turn-Based Mode

• Focus on fists for most encounters until stronger monk skills become available.
• Combine Torment’s Reach with movement positioning to maximize AoE cone damage.
• Skyward Kick is your finisher—save wounds for it.

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Key Monk Abilities for Zodi

Ability	Use & Notes
Swift Strikes	+5 Dexterity and +15% action speed for 10s. Essential for sustained DPS (especially in RTwP). Upgrade to Lightning Strikes.
Mortification of the Soul	Fast and safe wound generation. Use often.
Dance of Death	Boosts wound gain and accuracy. Best when Zodi isn’t drawing aggro.
Torment’s Reach	Cone AoE primary attack that staggers enemies. Key damage source from level 5.
Blade Turning	Reflects melee attacks. Use when surrounded or in danger.
Thunderous Blows	Boosts Might and Penetration. Activate during tougher fights to cut through armor.
Rooting Pain	AoE and interrupt when gaining wounds. Powerful passive effect.
Flagellant’s Path	Mobility and full attack. Essential gap closer for reaching backline threats.
Skyward Kick	High-damage single-target attack with stun. Prioritize strong or armored enemies.
Whispers of the Wind	Devastating AoE across multiple enemies. Late-game powerhouse.

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Equipment & Playstyle Tips

1. Weapons

• Start with two-handers for abilities like Torment’s Reach and Skyward Kick.
• Transition to fists in the late game when scaling makes them more effective.
• Avoid using Zodi’s lantern—its resource regen doesn’t justify the damage penalty in this build.

2. Multiclassing

• Avoid multiclassing with this build, as it locks out Whispers of the Wind, one of the strongest monk skills.

3. Survivability

• Invest in Athletics for Second Wind healing.
• Use Blade Turning defensively in high-pressure situations.

4. Haymaker (Optional)

• In Real-Time: Often not worth it due to attack speed penalty.
• In Turn-Based: Can be viable early on for disabling enemies.

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Conclusion

Zodi as a Sister of the Reaping Moon monk excels in fast-paced, high-damage melee combat. With proper wound management, smart skill choices, and tactical ability use, she becomes one of the strongest frontliners in the game. This build rewards aggression, mobility, and timing—so take the fight to the enemy and make every strike count.

Stay tuned for more Pillars of Eternity II: Deadfire companion guides and class breakdowns!

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