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-play functionality across all platforms, and a much-requested photo mode. Let's delve into how this update transforms one of the year's most celebrated RPGs.

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, create a veil of darkness visible only to you, and, at level 11, teleport between shadows.

Warlock: Pact Blade

Instead of relying on inherent dark magic, Pact Blade Warlocks forge a pact with a Shadowfell entity. From level 1, they can enchant a weapon, adding an additional enchantment at levels 3 and 5, ultimately allowing for three attacks per turn. (This might seem overpowered!)

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Cleric: Death Domain

Death Domain Clerics specialize in necrotic spells that bypass enemy resistances. Their abilities include raising the dead...or making corpses explode! Perfect for players who enjoy a religious character without the healing focus.

Wizard: Blade Song

The Blade Song Wizard excels in melee combat. Activating Blade Song grants ten turns to accumulate charges through attacks and spells, usable for healing allies or damaging foes.

Druid: Circle of Stars

Circle of Stars Druids can shift between constellations, gaining bonuses that adapt them to various battlefield roles, greatly 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). Their thrown weapons magically return to their hand. They also gain improved throwing skills and increased carrying capacity.

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Fighter: Mystic Archer

Mystic Archers combine magic and archery, unleashing enchanted arrows that blind, inflict psychic damage, or banish opponents. This subclass embodies classic elven combat techniques.

Monk: Drunken Master

Drunken Master Monks leverage alcohol-fueled strength for devastating physical blows. Their attacks leave enemies vulnerable to subsequent strikes.

Rogue: Swashbuckler

The quintessential pirate archetype (perfect for Astarion fans!), Swashbucklers excel in close combat, employing 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 compel foes to flee, approach, freeze, fall, or drop their weapons.

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Ranger: Swarmkeeper

Swarmkeepers command swarms of tiny creatures—bee (repelling), honey (stunning), and moth (blinding)—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 bolster allies, draw enemy attention, and absorb damage for their team, making them formidable tanks.

Photo Mode

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A highly anticipated feature, the new photo mode offers extensive camera settings 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 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 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, preventing character falls.
• Corrected a glitch where neutral NPCs would initiate combat without provocation.
• 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 will now appear on the world map regardless of distance.

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