On January 28, the closed stress test for Patch 8 of Baldur's Gate 3 commenced on both PC and consoles. This monumental update marks the final major patch for this critically acclaimed game, introducing 12 new subclasses, cross-play functionality across all platforms, and a sophisticated photo mode. Let's delve into how this update elevates one of the most celebrated games of recent times.
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, enriching the game's already deep mechanics.
Sorcerer: Shadow Magic
This subclass embodies darkness, enabling the sorcerer to summon a hellhound to immobilize enemies and shroud themselves in a veil of darkness, visible only to them. 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 forge a pact with a Shadowfell entity, enchanting weapons from level 1. By level 3, they can enchant another, and at level 5, they can unleash three strikes per turn, a feature that might raise eyebrows for its potency.
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Cleric: Death Domain
Clerics specializing in the Death Domain wield necrotic spells that bypass enemy resistances, capable of resurrecting the dead or causing explosive corpse reactions. This subclass appeals to players who prefer a darker, more aggressive approach to religious roles.
Wizard: Blade Song
Wizards in the Blade Song subclass excel in melee combat, accumulating special charges over ten turns through attacks and spells. These charges can be utilized to either heal allies or inflict damage on foes, making wizards versatile on the battlefield.
Druid: Circle of Stars
Druids of the Circle of Stars can switch between constellations, gaining bonuses that allow them to adapt seamlessly to different combat roles, enhancing their strategic depth and versatility.
Barbarian: Path of the Giant
Barbarians on the Path of the Giant enter a rage, increasing their size and throwing weapons with enhanced damage, possibly imbued with fire or lightning. The weapons return to their hand, and additional bonuses improve their throwing prowess and carrying capacity.
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Fighter: Mystic Archer
Mystic Archers blend magic with archery, firing enchanted arrows that can blind, deal psychic damage, or banish foes to other dimensions. This subclass encapsulates the essence of elven combat techniques.
Monk: Drunken Master
Drunken Master monks harness alcohol-induced strength to deliver powerful physical blows, making enemies more vulnerable to subsequent attacks. This subclass presents a unique take on martial prowess.
Rogue: Swashbuckler
Swashbucklers are the quintessential pirates, excelling in close combat with tricks like blinding sand, quick disarming thrusts, and demoralizing taunts, perfect for fans of Astarion.
Bard: College of Glamour
Bards from the College of Glamour are the rock stars of the Forgotten Realms, using their charisma to enchant enemies into submission, causing them to flee, approach, freeze, fall, or disarm.
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Ranger: Swarmkeeper
Swarmkeepers command hordes of tiny creatures, debuffing enemies with bee, honey, or moth swarms, each offering unique effects like repulsion, stunning, or blinding. Swarm types can only be changed upon leveling up.
Paladin: Oath of the Crown
Paladins adhering to the Oath of the Crown are the epitome of law and righteousness, gaining abilities that boost allies, draw enemy attention, and absorb damage, emphasizing team-based play.
Photo Mode
A highly anticipated feature, the photo mode comes with extensive camera settings and advanced post-processing effects for capturing high-quality screenshots of your adventures.
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Cross-Play
Cross-platform multiplayer will now be available across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Windows, and Mac. The closed stress test focuses on refining cross-play functionality, aiming for a seamless and bug-free experience.
Gameplay, Combat, and Story Improvements
Patch 8 brings a multitude of enhancements to gameplay, combat, and story:
- Items detected during Perception checks are now marked on the mini-map and logged in the battle journal.
- Ally abilities are now correctly displayed after dialogues in the High Hall.
- Items inside unlocked containers can now be used during conversations.
- Neutral and friendly NPCs no longer turn hostile when stepping on combat-created surfaces.
- Characters no longer get stuck climbing stairs occupied by companions.
- Resolved issues with moving platforms in the Shan Trial location, preventing falls.
- Fixed a glitch causing neutral NPCs to initiate combat without reason.
- Keris will no longer engage 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 a dialogue issue where you could mention Gandrel's search for Astarion even if Gandrel hadn't revealed his target.
- Mintara will not get stuck while watching over Taniel in Act 2.
- Your character will correctly recognize Shadohurt's status.
- 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 shift focus to bug fixes, with no further major updates planned.
