"Baldur's Gate 3: Details on Latest Major Patch Revealed"

On January 28, the closed stress test for Patch 8 of Baldur's Gate 3 commenced on both PC and consoles. This monumental update, set to be the final major patch for the game, introduces 12 new subclasses, cross-play functionality across all platforms, and an advanced photo mode. Here’s how this update elevates one of the most acclaimed games of the modern era.

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 variety 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 strategic layer to combat.

Warlock: Pact Blade

The Warlock's Pact Blade subclass forges a pact with a Shadowfell entity. From level 1, they can enchant a weapon, making it magical. By level 3, they can enchant another, and by level 5, they can strike three times per turn, a feature that could be seen as 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 it an ideal choice for players who prefer a darker take on religious characters without the typical healing focus.

Wizard: Blade Song

The Wizard's Blade Song subclass excels in melee combat. Activating Blade Song grants ten turns during which the wizard accumulates charges through attacks and spells. These charges can be used to heal allies or deal additional damage to foes.

Druid: Circle of Stars

The Circle of Stars druid can switch between constellations, gaining bonuses that enhance their adaptability on the battlefield. This subclass increases the druid's versatility, allowing them to fit into various combat roles effectively.

Barbarian: Path of the Giant

Barbarians following the Path of the Giant enter a rage, growing in size and throwing weapons with increased damage, which can be enhanced with fire or lightning effects. After throwing, the weapon returns to their hand, and they gain additional bonuses like improved throwing skills and higher carrying capacity.

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Fighter: Mystic Archer

The Mystic Archer subclass combines magic and archery, firing enchanted arrows that can blind enemies, deal psychic damage, or banish them to another dimension. This subclass embodies traditional elven combat techniques, offering a unique playstyle.

Monk: Drunken Master

The Drunken Master monk relies on alcohol-induced strength to deliver devastating physical blows. Enemies struck 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 foes.

Bard: College of Glamour

Bards of the College of Glamour are the rock stars of the Forgotten Realms. With their charisma, they can charm enemies into submission, causing them to 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 that debuff enemies. The swarms come in three types: bee swarms that repel enemies, honey swarms that stun with shock, and moth swarms that blind opponents. Switching swarm types is only possible 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, making them a tank-like subclass focused on team-based play.

Photo Mode

Players have eagerly awaited the addition of a photo mode with extensive camera settings. With advanced post-processing effects, players can now capture high-quality screenshots of their adventures.

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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 ensure a seamless integration of this feature.

Gameplay, Combat, and Story Improvements

Patch 8 brings several enhancements to the game:

• 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.