Baldur’s Gate 3: Upcoming Patch 8 Content & Changes

The one year anniversary since the release wasn't the end for Baldur’s Gate 3 and fans have been eagerly awaiting news of what’s next for their favorite RPG. Well, Larian Studios announced that Patch 8 is on the horizon and it's huge. It promises features that could change how players experience the game. Let's see what they have prepared for us in the near future.

New Subclasses for Every Class

Huge news! One of the most exciting parts of Patch 8 is the introduction of 12 new subclasses—one for every class in the game. These subclasses bring unique playstyles, abilities, and features that enhance role-playing and combat strategies. Among the highlights are:

• Bard – College of Glamour: Charm enemies and inspire allies with Feywild magic.
• Barbarian – Path of Giants: Grow in size and strength, increasing Throw damage.
• Cleric – Death Domain: Wield necrotic spells, including Corpse Explosion and Toll the Dead.
• Druid – Circle of Stars: Take on celestial forms like Archer, Chalice, or Dragon.
• Fighter – Arcane Archer: Blend magic with archery using enchanted arrows.
• Monk – Drunken Master: Gain Ki by drinking and debuff enemies with Intoxicating Strike.
• Paladin – Oath of the Crown: Absorb damage and protect allies with righteous power.
• Ranger – Swarmkeeper: Command swarms (bees, moths, or jellyfish) for extra damage and teleportation.
• Rogue – Swashbuckler: Dodge, disarm, and blind enemies with agile techniques.
• Sorcerer – Shadow Magic: Teleport in shadows and summon a spectral hound.
• Warlock – Hexblade: Summon cursed weapons and raise spirits to aid in battle.
• Wizard – Bladesinging: Combine swordplay with spellcasting for enhanced agility and focus.

These sound so exciting! Especially the Bladesinging Wizard, Death Domain Cleric, and the Shadow Magic Sorcerer. Think of all the possibilities! Every subclass comes with new animations, visual effects, and unique dialogue to enhance the storytelling and immersion.

Cross-Play Finally Arrives

Another long-awaited feature that will be introduced with BG3 Patch 8 is full crossplay, allowing players across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Mac to play together seamlessly. Cross-progression will also be supported, letting adventurers switch platforms without losing progress. 

Photo Mode

We all know Baldur's Gate 3 is a beautiful game so Larian is introducing a photo mode. You'll be able to capture the most breathtaking moments during your gameplay. Players can adjust camera angles, lens settings, and lighting, and even apply post-processing effects like contrast and saturation. Add stickers, frames, or poses to bring your screenshots to life. This feature will be a great addition to the fandom (I'm looking at you Astarion fangirls).

Bug Fixes and Seasonal Surprises

In addition to the headline features, Patch 8 will include bug fixes and quality-of-life improvements. Larian has also teased a festive surprise for December, with puzzles and rewards for players to uncover during the holiday season.

Stress Testing and Early 2025 Release

Patch 8 is scheduled for a stress test in January 2025, where players can preview the new content and help Larian fix bugs and other issues before its full release. 

Conclusion

Baldur's Gate 3 has no stopping. The fandom is still alive and going. Now that the game is becoming even more accessible, the future is bright. We love seeing that Larian Studios still has as much love for this game as we do.