Latest Major Patch for Baldur's Gate 3: Key Details Revealed

On January 28, the closed stress test for Patch 8 of Baldur’s Gate 3 kicked off, marking a significant milestone for both PC and console players. This final major update promises to revolutionize the gameplay experience with the introduction of 12 new subclasses, cross-play functionality across all platforms, and a much-anticipated photo mode. Let's dive into how this update elevates one of the most acclaimed games of our time.

New Subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3

Each of the twelve classes in Baldur’s Gate 3 will now boast a unique subclass, each equipped with new spells, dialogues, and visual effects, enhancing the depth and variety of gameplay.

Sorcerer: Shadow Magic

The Sorcerer's Shadow Magic subclass delves into the darker arts, allowing players to summon a hellhound to pin down foes and cloak themselves in a veil of darkness, visible only to themselves. At level 11, they can teleport between shadows, offering strategic advantages in combat.

Warlock: Pact Blade

Warlocks opting for the Pact Blade subclass forge a pact with a Shadowfell entity, enabling them to enchant weapons from level 1, with the ability to strike up to three times per turn by level 5. This subclass adds a thrilling edge to combat, possibly teetering on the brink of overpowered.

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Cleric: Death Domain

Clerics choosing the Death Domain specialize in necrotic spells that ignore enemy resistances. They can raise the dead or cause corpses to explode, appealing to those who prefer a more sinister approach to their religious roles.

Wizard: Blade Song

Wizards with the Blade Song subclass become formidable in melee, accumulating special charges over ten turns which can be used to heal allies or damage enemies, blending magic and combat seamlessly.

Druid: Circle of Stars

Druids in the Circle of Stars can switch between constellations, gaining bonuses that enhance their adaptability on the battlefield, making them even more versatile than before.

Barbarian: Path of the Giant

Barbarians on the Path of the Giant can enter a rage that not only increases their size but also allows them to throw weapons with enhanced damage, including fire or lightning effects. The weapon returns to their hand, showcasing their prowess and increased carrying capacity.

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Fighter: Mystic Archer

Mystic Archers merge magic with archery, shooting enchanted arrows that can blind, deal psychic damage, or even banish enemies, embodying the elegance and power of elven combat.

Monk: Drunken Master

Monks of the Drunken Master subclass harness the power of alcohol to deliver devastating physical attacks. Enemies struck become more vulnerable to subsequent attacks, making these monks formidable in combat.

Rogue: Swashbuckler

Swashbucklers, the quintessential pirates, thrive in close combat, employing dirty tricks like blinding foes with sand, disarming them with quick thrusts, or demoralizing them with taunts, perfect for fans of characters like Astarion.

Bard: College of Glamour

Bards from the College of Glamour charm and manipulate with their charisma, turning enemies into obedient pawns who may flee, approach, freeze, fall, or disarm themselves at the bard's command.

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Ranger: Swarmkeeper

Rangers as Swarmkeepers command swarms of tiny creatures to debuff enemies. These swarms come in three types: bees to repel, honey to stun with shock, and moths to blind, with the ability to switch types upon leveling up.

Paladin: Oath of the Crown

Paladins sworn to the Oath of the Crown embody righteousness and lawfulness, gaining abilities to boost allies, draw enemy attention, and absorb damage, making them essential in team-based strategies.

Photo Mode

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The long-awaited photo mode arrives with Patch 8, offering extensive camera settings and advanced post-processing effects for capturing the game's beauty in high-quality screenshots.

Cross-Play

Cross-platform multiplayer will now be available across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Windows, and Mac. The closed stress test focuses on perfecting this feature, ensuring a seamless gaming experience across all platforms.

Gameplay, Combat, and Story Improvements

Patch 8 introduces numerous enhancements to gameplay, combat, and story:

• Perception checks now mark detected items on the mini-map and log them in the battle journal.
• Fixed an issue where ally abilities were not properly displayed after dialogue in the High Hall.
• Items like scrolls and potions in unlocked containers can now be used during conversations.
• Neutral and friendly NPCs no longer become hostile when stepping on combat-created surfaces.
• Resolved a bug causing characters to get stuck climbing stairs occupied by companions.
• Fixed moving platform issues in the Shan Trial location to prevent character deaths.
• Corrected a glitch where neutral NPCs would initiate combat without cause.
• Keris will no longer engage in unnecessary fights with 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 about Gandrel's search 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 will now appear on the world map regardless of distance.

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Patch 8 for Baldur’s Gate 3 is set to launch in February or early March 2025. After this update, Larian Studios will shift their focus to bug fixes, with no further major updates planned, ensuring a polished and complete gaming experience.