What is known about the latest major patch for Baldur's Gate 3

On January 28th, the highly anticipated closed stress test for Baldur's Gate 3 Patch 8 commenced on PC and consoles. This substantial update, the final major patch for the game, introduces twelve new subclasses, cross-platform play, and a much-requested photo mode. Let's delve into how this transformative update enhances one of the most celebrated RPGs of recent times.

Table of Contents

• New Subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3
• Photo Mode
• Cross-Play
• Gameplay, Combat, and Story Improvements

New Subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3

Each of Baldur's Gate 3's twelve classes receives a unique subclass, each boasting new spells, dialogue options, and visual effects.

Sorcerer: Shadow Magic

This dark subclass allows you to summon a hellhound to attack and restrain enemies, and create a veil of darkness visible only to you. At level 11, you gain the power of shadow-stepping, teleporting between shadowy areas.

Warlock: Pact Blade

Forgoing traditional dark magic, the Pact Blade Warlock forms a pact with a Shadowfell entity. From level 1, you can magically enchant a weapon, enhancing it further at levels 3 and 5, allowing for up to three attacks per turn—a potentially game-changing ability!

Image: x.com

Cleric: Death Domain

Specializing in necrotic spells that bypass enemy resistances, Death Domain Clerics can resurrect the dead…or even cause corpses to explode! Perfect for players who enjoy the religious aspects of a cleric but prefer a less healing-focused role.

Wizard: Blade Song

Effective in melee combat, Blade Song grants ten turns where attacks and spells generate charges, usable for healing allies or inflicting damage on foes.

Druid: Circle of Stars

The Circle of Stars Druid can shift between constellations, gaining bonuses that adapt to various battlefield situations, enhancing their versatility.

Barbarian: Path of the Giant

Path of the Giant Barbarians enter a rage, growing in size and throwing weapons with increased damage and elemental effects (fire or lightning). The thrown weapon then magically returns to their hand. This subclass also provides bonuses to throwing skills and carrying capacity.

Image: x.com

Fighter: Mystic Archer

Mystic Archers blend magic and archery, unleashing enchanted arrows that blind, inflict psychic damage, or banish enemies to another plane. This subclass embodies classic elven combat styles.

Monk: Drunken Master

These Monks rely on alcohol-fueled strength, delivering devastating blows that weaken enemies for subsequent attacks.

Rogue: Swashbuckler

The quintessential pirate archetype, perfect for Astarion fans. Swashbucklers excel in close combat, utilizing dirty tricks like blinding sand, disarming thrusts, and demoralizing taunts.

Bard: College of Glamour

These glamorous bards are the rock stars of the Forgotten Realms, charming enemies and supporting allies. Their charisma can manipulate foes, causing them to flee, approach, freeze, fall, or drop their weapons.

Image: x.com

Ranger: Swarmkeeper

Swarmkeepers control swarms of insects—bees (repelling enemies), honeybees (stunning with shock), and moths (blinding opponents)—switching swarms only upon leveling up.

Paladin: Oath of the Crown

Oath of the Crown Paladins are paragons of law and righteousness. They gain powerful abilities to boost allies, draw enemy attention, and absorb damage for their team, making them a formidable tank.

Photo Mode

Image: x.com

A highly anticipated feature, the new photo mode offers extensive camera controls and advanced post-processing effects for creating stunning screenshots.

Cross-Play

Cross-platform multiplayer is finally here, connecting players across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Windows, and Mac. The closed stress test focused heavily on refining cross-play functionality for a seamless experience.

Gameplay, Combat, and Story Improvements

Patch 8 includes numerous improvements:

• Successfully detecting items during Perception checks now marks them on the mini-map and logs them in the battle journal.
• Fixed an issue where certain ally abilities weren’t properly displayed after dialogue in the High Hall.
• Items (scrolls, potions) in unlocked containers can now be used during conversations.
• Neutral and friendly NPCs no longer become hostile when stepping on surfaces created during combat.
• Resolved a bug causing characters to get stuck climbing stairs occupied by companions.
• Fixed an issue with moving platforms in the Shan Trial location, preventing falls.
• Corrected a glitch where neutral NPCs would initiate combat without cause.
• Keris will no longer unnecessarily fight Mintara.
• Resolved a loading screen freeze at 0% when joining modded multiplayer sessions.
• Improved server performance in the Adamantine Forge.
• Fixed an issue where you could tell Astarion that Gandrel was looking for him, even if Gandrel refused to reveal his target.
• Mintara no longer gets stuck while watching over Taniel in Act 2.
• Your character will no longer mistakenly believe Shadohurt is dead if she isn’t.
• Discovered merchants will now appear on the world map regardless of distance.

Image: x.com

Patch 8 for Baldur's Gate 3 is slated for release in February or early March 2025. Following this update, Larian Studios will focus on bug fixes, with no further major updates planned.