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

On January 28th, a closed stress test for Baldur’s Gate 3 Patch 8 commenced on PC and consoles. This substantial update, the final major one for the game, introduces twelve new subclasses, cross-play functionality across all platforms, and a highly anticipated photo mode. Let's delve into how this update enhances one of gaming's most acclaimed titles.

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 summoning a hellhound to attack and restrain enemies, creating a veil of darkness visible only to the sorcerer, and, at level 11, teleporting between shadows.

Warlock: Pact Blade

Instead of relying on innate dark magic, this warlock forms a pact with a Shadowfell entity. From level 1, they can enchant a weapon, adding another enchantment at level 3, and a third at level 5, allowing for three strikes per turn. (This might seem overpowered!)

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Cleric: Death Domain

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

Wizard: Blade Song

Effective in melee combat, Blade Song grants ten turns where the wizard accumulates charges through attacks and spells, usable for healing allies or damaging foes.

Druid: Circle of Stars

Circle of Stars druids shift between constellations, gaining bonuses that adapt them to various battlefield roles, significantly enhancing their versatility.

Barbarian: Path of the Giant

Barbarians entering a rage grow in size, throwing weapons with increased damage and elemental effects (fire or lightning). The weapon then returns to their hand. They also gain improved throwing skills and increased carrying capacity.

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Fighter: Mystic Archer

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

Monk: Drunken Master

These monks leverage alcohol-fueled strength for devastating blows, leaving enemies vulnerable to follow-up attacks.

Rogue: Swashbuckler

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

Bard: College of Glamour

These bards are the rock stars of the Forgotten Realms, charming enemies and supporting allies with charisma-based abilities that can subdue foes, making them flee, approach, freeze, fall, or drop their weapons.

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Ranger: Swarmkeeper

Swarmkeepers command swarms of tiny creatures (bee, honey, or moth) to debuff enemies. Each swarm type offers unique effects (repelling, stunning, blinding), switched only upon leveling up.

Paladin: Oath of the Crown

Oath of the Crown paladins are the epitome of lawfulness and righteousness. They gain powerful abilities to boost allies, draw enemy attention, and absorb damage for their team, functioning as a tank-like support.

Photo Mode

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

Cross-Play

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

Gameplay, Combat, and Story Improvements

Patch 8 includes numerous enhancements:

• Improved item detection in Perception checks (mini-map and journal updates).
• Fixed display issues with ally abilities after dialogue in the High Hall.
• In-conversation use of items from unlocked containers.
• Neutral/friendly NPCs no longer become hostile when stepping on combat-created surfaces.
• Resolved character-climbing issues involving companions.
• Fixed moving platform issues in the Shan Trial.
• Corrected unwarranted combat initiation by neutral NPCs.
• Resolved unnecessary fights between Keris and Mintara.
• Fixed a 0% loading screen freeze in modded multiplayer.
• Improved server performance in the Adamantine Forge.
• Fixed an issue regarding informing Astarion about Gandrel's search.
• Resolved Mintara's getting stuck in Act 2.
• Fixed incorrect assumptions about Shadohurt's death.
• Discovered merchants now appear on the world map regardless of distance.

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