"Latest Major Patch Details for Baldur's Gate 3 Revealed"

On January 28, the closed stress test for Patch 8 of Baldur’s Gate 3 kicked off on both PC and consoles, marking the final major update for this critically acclaimed game. This patch introduces 12 new subclasses, cross-play functionality, and a comprehensive photo mode, significantly enhancing the gameplay experience.

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.

Sorcerer: Shadow Magic

The Shadow Magic subclass is one of the darkest, allowing sorcerers to 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 strategic layer to their gameplay.

Warlock: Pact Blade

Warlocks with the Pact Blade subclass form 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, which might seem like 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 prefer a more aggressive approach to religious characters.

Wizard: Blade Song

The Blade Song subclass enhances wizards' effectiveness 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 versatility to their combat role.

Druid: Circle of Stars

Druids in the Circle of Stars can switch between constellations, gaining bonuses that allow them to adapt to various battlefield roles. This enhances their versatility and makes them a dynamic force in combat.

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 playstyle.

Monk: Drunken Master

Monks in the Drunken Master subclass rely 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 subclass 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 in 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

Swarmkeepers resemble beekeepers, 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

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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.

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 into the game.

Gameplay, Combat, and Story Improvements

Patch 8 brings several enhancements to improve the overall gameplay experience:

• 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.