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Author: DylanReading:3
On January 28th, a closed stress test for Baldur's Gate 3's Patch 8 commenced on PC and consoles. This substantial update, the game's final major patch, introduces twelve new subclasses, cross-play functionality across all platforms, and a highly anticipated photo mode. Let's delve into how this update transforms one of gaming's most celebrated titles.
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, each boasting new spells, dialogue options, and visual effects.
Sorcerer: Shadow Magic
This dark subclass allows summoning a hellhound to attack and restrain enemies, creating a veil of darkness visible only to the sorcerer, and, at level 11, teleporting between shadows.
Warlock: Pact Blade
Forgoing inherent dark magic, this warlock forms a pact with a Shadowfell entity. From level 1, they can enchant a weapon, adding another enchantment at level 3, and a third at level 5, allowing for three strikes per turn. (This might seem…powerful!)
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Cleric: Death Domain
Specializing in necrotic spells that bypass enemy resistances, Death Domain clerics can resurrect the dead…or make corpses explode! Perfect for players who enjoy religious characters but prefer a less healing-focused role.
Wizard: Blade Song
Effective in melee combat, Blade Song grants ten turns where the wizard gains 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 to adapt to various battlefield roles, significantly enhancing their versatility.
Barbarian: Path of the Giant
Barbarians enter a rage, grow larger, and hurl weapons with increased damage and elemental effects (fire or lightning). The thrown weapon then returns to their hand. They also gain improved throwing skills and increased carrying capacity.
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Fighter: Mystic Archer
Mystic Archers blend magic and archery, firing enchanted arrows that blind, inflict psychic damage, or banish opponents. This subclass embodies classic elven combat styles.
Monk: Drunken Master
These monks leverage alcohol-fueled strength for devastating blows. Enemies struck become more vulnerable to subsequent attacks.
Rogue: Swashbuckler
A quintessential pirate archetype (perfect for Astarion fans!), Swashbucklers excel in close combat using dirty tricks like blinding sand, disarming thrusts, and demoralizing taunts.
Bard: College of Glamour
These glamorous bards charm enemies and support allies. Their charisma can subdue foes, making them flee, approach, freeze, fall, or drop their weapons.
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Ranger: Swarmkeeper
Swarmkeepers control swarms of tiny creatures—bee (repelling), honey (stunning), and moth (blinding)—switching swarms only upon leveling up.
Paladin: Oath of the Crown
Oath of the Crown paladins are paragons of law and righteousness. They gain abilities to boost allies, draw enemy attention, and absorb damage for teammates, functioning as a powerful tank.
Photo Mode
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A highly requested feature, the new photo mode offers extensive camera controls and advanced post-processing effects for creating stunning 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:
- Successfully identifying items during Perception checks now marks them on the minimap and logs them in the battle journal.
- Fixed an issue where certain ally abilities weren't displayed correctly after dialogue in the High Hall.
- Items (scrolls, potions) in unlocked containers are now usable 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 with companions.
- Fixed an issue with moving platforms in the Shan Trial, preventing falls.
- Corrected a glitch where neutral NPCs initiated combat without provocation.
- Keris will no longer unnecessarily fight Mintara.
- Resolved a 0% loading screen freeze when joining modded multiplayer sessions.
- Improved server performance in the Adamantine Forge.
- Fixed an issue allowing players to tell Astarion Gandrel was looking for him, even if Gandrel refused.
- Mintara no longer gets stuck watching Taniel in Act 2.
- Your character will no longer mistakenly believe Shadohurt is dead if she isn't.
- Discovered merchants 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 concentrate on bug fixes, with no further major updates planned.
