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 platforms, and a highly anticipated photo mode. Let's explore how this update enhances one of the most acclaimed games of recent times.

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 teleportation unlocks.

Warlock: Pact Blade

Instead of relying on inherent dark magic, this warlock forms a pact with a Shadowfell entity. From level 1, they can enchant a weapon, adding more enchantments at levels 3 and 5, allowing up to three strikes per turn.

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Cleric: Death Domain

Specializing in necrotic spells that bypass resistances, Death Domain clerics can resurrect the dead or even trigger corpse explosions—perfect for players who prefer a darker, less healing-focused religious character.

Wizard: Blade Song

Effective in melee, 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 shift between constellations, gaining bonuses for adaptability and versatility across various battlefield roles.

Barbarian: Path of the Giant

Barbarians enter a rage, growing in size and throwing weapons with increased damage and elemental effects (fire or lightning). Thrown weapons return to their hand. Additional bonuses include improved throwing and increased carrying capacity.

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Fighter: Mystic Archer

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

Monk: Drunken Master

These monks leverage alcohol-fueled strength for devastating physical blows, weakening enemies for subsequent attacks.

Rogue: Swashbuckler

A pirate archetype, ideal for Astarion fans. Swashbucklers excel in close combat using tricks like blinding sand, disarming thrusts, and demoralizing taunts.

Bard: College of Glamour

These bards are charismatic performers, charming enemies into submission (fleeing, approaching, freezing, falling, or dropping weapons) while supporting allies.

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Ranger: Swarmkeeper

Swarmkeepers control swarms of creatures (bee, honey, or moth) with varying effects: repulsion, stunning, and blinding. Swarm type changes only upon leveling up.

Paladin: Oath of the Crown

Oath of the Crown paladins are exceptionally lawful and righteous, gaining abilities to boost allies, draw enemy attention, and absorb damage—a tank-like subclass focused on team play.

Photo Mode

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

Cross-Play

Cross-platform multiplayer arrives on 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:

• Perception checks successfully identifying items now mark them on the mini-map and battle journal.
• Fixed a display issue with ally abilities after dialogue in the High Hall.
• Items in unlocked containers (scrolls, potions) are now usable during conversations.
• Neutral/friendly NPCs no longer become hostile when stepping on combat-created surfaces.
• Resolved character-climbing issues on stairs occupied by companions.
• Fixed moving platform issues in the Shan Trial, preventing falls.
• Corrected a bug causing neutral NPCs to initiate unwarranted combat.
• Keris will no longer unnecessarily fight Mintara.
• Resolved a 0% loading screen freeze in modded multiplayer.
• Improved server performance in the Adamantine Forge.
• Fixed an issue allowing players to tell Astarion about Gandrel even if Gandrel didn't reveal his target.
• Mintara no longer gets stuck watching Taniel in Act 2.
• Fixed a false belief that Shadohurt is dead when she isn't.
• Discovered merchants now appear on the world map regardless of distance.

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Baldur’s Gate 3 Patch 8 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.