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 explore how this update enhances one of gaming's recent triumphs.

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, boasting new spells, dialogue options, and visual effects.

Sorcerer: Shadow Magic

This dark subclass allows summoning a hellhound to attack and restrain enemies, and creates a veil of darkness visible only to the sorcerer. At level 11, shadow-stepping teleportation unlocks.

Warlock: Pact Blade

Instead of inherent dark magic, this warlock pacts with a Shadowfell entity. From level 1, weapon enchantment is possible, increasing to two enchantments by level 3, and three strikes per turn by level 5. (This might seem… potent!)

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Cleric: Death Domain

Specializing in necrotic spells that bypass resistances, Death Domain clerics can resurrect the dead—or spectacularly, cause corpses to explode! Perfect for players who enjoy the religious aspect without the healing focus.

Wizard: Blade Song

Effective in melee, Blade Song grants ten turns of accumulating 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 for adaptability and versatility across various battlefield roles.

Barbarian: Path of the Giant

Barbarians rage, grow larger, and hurl weapons with increased damage and elemental effects (fire or lightning). The weapon returns to their hand after throwing. Further bonuses include enhanced throwing 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 opponents. This subclass embodies classic elven combat.

Monk: Drunken Master

These monks leverage alcohol-fueled strength for devastating physical blows. Hit enemies become more vulnerable to subsequent attacks.

Rogue: Swashbuckler

A 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. Their charisma can compel foes to flee, approach, freeze, fall, or drop their weapons.

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Ranger: Swarmkeeper

Swarmkeepers control swarms of tiny creatures (bee, honey, or moth) for battlefield debuffs. Swarm type changes only upon leveling up.

• Bee swarm: Repels enemies.
• Honey swarm: Stuns with shock.
• Moth swarm: Blinds opponents.

Paladin: Oath of the Crown

Oath of the Crown paladins are the epitome of law and righteousness. They gain abilities to boost allies, draw enemy attention, and absorb damage for teammates, functioning as a powerful tank.

Photo Mode

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

Cross-Play

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

Gameplay, Combat, and Story Improvements

Patch 8 includes numerous enhancements:

• 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 are now usable 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, preventing character falls.
• Corrected a glitch where neutral NPCs would initiate combat without cause.
• Keris will no longer unnecessarily fight Mintara.
• Resolved a 0% loading screen freeze 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 watching over Taniel in Act 2.
• Your character will no longer mistakenly believe Shadohurt is dead if she isn’t.
• 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, Larian Studios will focus on bug fixes, with no further major updates planned.