On January 28, the closed stress test for Patch 8 of Baldur’s Gate 3 kicked off on both PC and consoles. This monumental update marks the final major patch for the game, introducing a wealth of exciting features including 12 new subclasses, cross-play functionality across different platforms, and a comprehensive photo mode. Let's delve into how this update elevates one of the most acclaimed games of our time.
Table of Content
- New Subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3
- Sorcerer: Shadow Magic
- Warlock: Pact Blade
- Cleric: Death Domain
- Wizard: Blade Song
- Druid: Circle of Stars
- Barbarian: Path of the Giant
- Fighter: Mystic Archer
- Monk: Drunken Master
- Rogue: Swashbuckler
- Bard: College of Glamour
- Ranger: Swarmkeeper
- Paladin: Oath of the Crown
- Photo Mode
- Cross-Play
- Gameplay, Combat, and Story Improvements
New Subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3
Each of the twelve classes in Baldur’s Gate 3 will receive a unique subclass, complete with fresh spells, dialogues, and visual effects, enhancing the depth and diversity of gameplay.
Sorcerer: Shadow Magic
One of the darkest subclasses, the Shadow Magic Sorcerer can summon a hellhound to attack and immobilize enemies. They can also create a veil of darkness where only they can see. At level 11, they gain the ability to teleport between shadows, adding a thrilling tactical element to their gameplay.
Warlock: Pact Blade
The Warlock's Pact Blade subclass shifts the focus from innate dark magic to forming a pact with an entity from the Shadowfell. From level 1, they can enchant a weapon to make it magical. By level 3, they can enchant another, and by level 5, they can strike three times per turn, a feature that might seem either a bug or an overpowered advantage!
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Cleric: Death Domain
Clerics in the Death Domain specialize in necrotic spells that bypass enemy resistances. They can resurrect the dead or even cause corpses to explode, making this subclass ideal for players who enjoy religious characters but prefer a more aggressive role.
Wizard: Blade Song
The Blade Song Wizard excels in melee combat. Activating Blade Song grants ten turns during which the wizard accumulates special charges through attacks and spells. These charges can then be used to heal allies or deal damage to foes, adding a dynamic layer to combat.
Druid: Circle of Stars
The Circle of Stars Druid can switch between constellations, gaining bonuses that allow them to adapt to various battlefield roles, enhancing their versatility and strategic options.
Barbarian: Path of the Giant
Barbarians on the Path of the Giant enter a rage, growing in size and throwing weapons with increased damage, adding fire or lightning effects. After throwing, the weapon returns to their hand. Additional bonuses include improved throwing skills and higher carrying capacity.
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Fighter: Mystic Archer
Mystic Archers combine magic and archery, firing enchanted arrows that can blind enemies, deal psychic damage, or banish opponents to another dimension. This subclass embodies traditional elven combat techniques, offering a unique blend of ranged and magical prowess.
Monk: Drunken Master
The Drunken Master Monk relies on alcohol-induced strength to deliver devastating physical blows. Enemies hit by the monk become more vulnerable to subsequent attacks, making them formidable fighters in close combat.
Rogue: Swashbuckler
The Swashbuckler Rogue is a true pirate archetype, perfect for fans of Astarion. They excel in close combat, using dirty tricks such as throwing sand to blind enemies, quick thrusts to disarm them, or taunts to demoralize opponents.
Bard: College of Glamour
Bards from the College of Glamour are the rock stars of the Forgotten Realms, charming enemies and supporting allies. Their charisma can enchant foes into submission, making them flee, approach, freeze, fall down, or drop their weapons.
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Ranger: Swarmkeeper
The Swarmkeeper Ranger resembles a beekeeper, commanding hordes of tiny creatures. These swarms debuff enemies and come in three types: bee swarms that repel enemies, honey swarms that stun with shock, and moth swarms that blind opponents. Switching swarm types occurs only upon leveling up.
Paladin: Oath of the Crown
Paladins following the Oath of the Crown are the most lawful and righteous. They gain powerful abilities that boost allies, draw enemy attention, and absorb damage for teammates. This tank-like subclass focuses on team-based play, making them invaluable in group dynamics.
Photo Mode
Players have long awaited the addition of a photo mode with extensive camera settings. Advanced post-processing effects will ensure high-quality screenshots, allowing players to capture and share their favorite moments from the game.
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Cross-Play
Cross-platform multiplayer will finally be available across all supported platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Windows, and Mac. Larian launched the closed stress test primarily to fine-tune cross-play functionality, aiming to eliminate bugs and smoothly integrate this feature, enhancing the community experience.
Gameplay, Combat, and Story Improvements
Patch 8 brings several enhancements to the gameplay, combat, and story:
- Successfully detecting items during Perception checks will now mark them on the mini-map and log them in the battle journal.
- Fixed an issue where certain ally abilities weren’t properly displayed after dialogue in the High Hall.
- Items like scrolls and potions inside 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 characters from falling to their deaths.
- Corrected a glitch where neutral NPCs would initiate combat without cause.
- Keris will stop engaging 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 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.
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Patch 8 for Baldur’s Gate 3 is expected to release in February or early March 2025. Following this update, Larian Studios will focus on bug fixes, with no further major updates planned, ensuring the game remains polished and enjoyable for all players.
