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On January 28th, a closed stress test for Baldur's Gate 3 Patch 8 commenced on PC and consoles. This substantial update, the final major one for the game, introduces twelve new subclasses, cross-platform play, and a highly anticipated photo mode. Let's delve into how this update enhances 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, boasting new spells, dialogue options, and visual effects.
Sorcerer: Shadow Magic
This dark subclass allows summoning a hellhound to attack and restrain enemies, and creates a veil of darkness visible only to the sorcerer. At level 11, shadow-to-shadow teleportation unlocks.
Warlock: Pact Blade
Forgoing inherent dark magic, this warlock pacts with a Shadowfell entity. From level 1, weapon enchantment is possible, increasing to two enchantments by level 3 and three strikes per turn by level 5. (This might seem… potent!)
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Cleric: Death Domain
Specializing in necrotic spells that bypass enemy resistances, Death Domain clerics can resurrect the dead—or unleash devastating corpse explosions! Perfect for players who enjoy the religious aspect without the healing focus.
Wizard: Blade Song
Effective in melee combat, Blade Song grants ten turns to accumulate 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 for adaptability and battlefield versatility.
Barbarian: Path of the Giant
Barbarians enter a rage, increase in size, and hurl weapons with enhanced damage and elemental effects (fire or lightning). The weapon magically returns to their hand. Further bonuses include improved throwing 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 enemies. This subclass embodies classic elven combat.
Monk: Drunken Master
These monks utilize alcohol-fueled strength for devastating blows, leaving enemies vulnerable to follow-up attacks.
Rogue: Swashbuckler
The quintessential pirate archetype (perfect for Astarion fans!), Swashbucklers excel in close combat using tricks like blinding sand, disarming thrusts, and demoralizing taunts.
Bard: College of Glamour
These glamorous bards charm enemies and support allies. Their charisma can compel foes to flee, approach, freeze, fall, or drop their weapons.
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Ranger: Swarmkeeper
Swarmkeepers command swarms of tiny creatures (bee, honey, or moth) to debuff enemies. Swarm type changes 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 their team, making them formidable tanks.
Photo Mode
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A highly requested feature, the new photo mode offers extensive camera settings and advanced post-processing for stunning screenshots.
Cross-Play
Cross-platform multiplayer arrives on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Windows, and Mac. The stress test focused heavily on refining cross-play functionality for a seamless experience.
Gameplay, Combat, and Story Improvements
Patch 8 includes numerous enhancements:
- Perception checks now mark discovered items on the mini-map and in the battle journal.
- Fixed an ally ability display issue in the High Hall.
- Items in unlocked containers are now usable during conversations.
- Neutral/friendly NPCs no longer become hostile when stepping on combat-created surfaces.
- Resolved character-climbing issues involving companions.
- Fixed moving platform issues in the Shan Trial.
- Corrected a bug causing unwarranted neutral NPC combat initiation.
- Keris will no longer unnecessarily fight Mintara.
- Resolved a 0% loading screen freeze in modded multiplayer.
- Improved Adamantine Forge server performance.
- Fixed an issue regarding informing Astarion about Gandrel's search.
- Mintara no longer gets stuck watching Taniel in Act 2.
- Fixed a false Shadohurt death flag.
- Discovered merchants now appear on the world map regardless of distance.
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Patch 8 is anticipated for February or early March 2025. Following this, Larian Studios will focus on bug fixes, with no further major updates planned.
