As Baldur’s Gate 3 continues its legacy as a genre-defining RPG, Larian Studios is preparing for its most ambitious update yet. Patch 8, set to release in 2025, is packed with game-changing features: 12 new subclasses, cross-play functionality, a photo mode, and a slew of gameplay refinements. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, this update promises something fresh for every adventurer.
Here’s a detailed look at everything coming in Patch 8.
A New Way to Play: 12 New Subclasses
Patch 8 introduces a new subclass for each of the game’s 12 core classes. These subclasses enhance customization and roleplay potential with unique abilities, animations, and even voiced dialogue lines. Let’s explore them all:
1. Bard – College of Glamour
The College of Glamour draws inspiration from the Feywild, offering support and control:
- Mantle of Inspiration: Grants allies temporary hit points and charms enemies who attack them.
- Mantle of Majesty: Lets you issue commands to charmed enemies, forcing them to flee, move closer, or drop weapons.
This subclass shines in tactical encounters, balancing healing and battlefield control.
2. Barbarian – Path of Giants
Harness the might of titans with this powerful subclass:
- Giant’s Rage: Increases size, strength, and damage output during rage.
- Throw Damage Bonus: Enhanced damage when hurling objects or enemies.
- Increased Carry Capacity: Your Barbarian can carry (or throw) more than ever before.
Path of Giants is perfect for players who enjoy raw physical dominance with a touch of creativity.
3. Cleric – Death Domain
Tap into necrotic power with dark and destructive abilities:
- Necrotic Damage Spells: Specialize in spells that inflict devastating necrotic damage.
- Toll the Dead: A cantrip that deals 1d8 damage to enemies, scaling up if the target has already taken damage.
- Exploding Corpses: Cause nearby corpses to detonate, dealing area damage.
This subclass transforms the traditional support role into a deadly force.
4. Druid – Circle of Stars
Celestial Druids look to the constellations for guidance and power:
- Starry Forms: Choose between three forms—
- Archer: Radiant ranged attacks.
- Chalice: Healing for allies.
- Dragon: Constitution bonuses and elemental damage.
- Astral Aesthetic: Unique animations and star-themed abilities.
Circle of Stars offers versatility for healers, strategists, and combat-focused players.
5. Fighter – Arcane Archer
Blend magic with martial precision in this hybrid subclass:
- Arcane Shots: Infuse arrows with magical effects—
- Banishing Arrow: Temporarily removes enemies from the battlefield.
- Psychic Arrow: Blinds enemies who fail a Wisdom saving throw.
- Enhanced Animations: Spellbinding new shooting effects.
Arcane Archers bring a new layer of depth to ranged combat.
6. Monk – Drunken Master
Add a touch of chaos with this unconventional Monk subclass:
- Recover Ki from Alcohol: Drink potions or nearby alcohol to restore Ki points.
- Intoxicating Strike: Inflict the Drunk status on enemies, reducing their accuracy.
- Sobering Realisation: Sober up enemies for bonus physical and psychic damage.
Drunken Masters deliver utility and humor while remaining effective in combat.
7. Paladin – Oath of the Crown
Defenders of order and justice, these Paladins excel in protecting allies:
- Divine Allegiance: Absorb damage meant for allies while healing them.
- Righteous Clarity: Buff allies with unwavering focus in combat.
- Strategic Taunts: Draw enemy aggression to control the battlefield.
This subclass suits players who prefer a support tank role.
8. Ranger – Swarmkeeper
Command swarms of creatures to harass foes and enhance mobility:
- Swarms: Choose between—
- Jellyfish: Shock enemies with lightning damage.
- Moths: Inflict psychic damage and blind foes.
- Bees: Pierce enemies and knock them back.
- Teleportation: Use your swarms for rapid repositioning.
Swarmkeepers blend ranged combat with crowd control and utility.
9. Rogue – Swashbuckler
Bring flair and finesse to combat with this dashing subclass:
- Fancy Footwork: Avoid opportunity attacks after melee strikes.
- Disarm: Knock weapons out of enemies’ hands.
- Toss Sand: Blind enemies to disrupt their attacks.
Swashbucklers offer dynamic and stylish combat options.
10. Sorcerer – Shadow Magic
Masters of darkness, these Sorcerers thrive in dim light:
- Superior Darkvision: See through magical darkness.
- Shadow Walk: Teleport between areas of dim light.
- Hound of Ill Omen: Summon a spectral hound to hunt foes.
- Strength of the Grave: Cheat death with this lifesaving ability.
Shadow Magic Sorcerers are perfect for stealthy and strategic playstyles.
11. Warlock – Hexblade
Strike bargains with dark forces to create cursed weapons:
- Hexblade’s Curse: Deal additional damage to cursed foes.
- Summon Revenants: Raise defeated enemies to fight for you.
- Soul Healing: Steal enemy vitality to heal yourself.
Hexblades excel in close combat while maintaining Warlock versatility.
12. Wizard – Bladesinging
Combine swordplay and spellcraft for a unique Wizarding style:
- Bladesong: Boost speed, agility, and concentration while fighting.
- Spellcasting Animations: Wield your weapon while casting spells.
- Constitution Bonus: Gain enhanced survivability in combat.
Bladesingers offer a rare mix of agility and magic, ideal for solo adventurers.
Cross-Play: A Unified Faerûn
Patch 8 introduces cross-play, allowing players to join multiplayer lobbies across platforms, including PC, PS5, Xbox, and Mac. This feature ensures seamless gameplay with friends, regardless of their device.
Key Features
- Platform Integration: Create cross-play lobbies via the Larian Network.
- Progression Sync: Transfer save files across platforms.
- Community Testing: Stress tests begin in January 2025 to fine-tune functionality.
Photo Mode: Create Cinematic Magic
With Photo Mode, players can capture stunning moments in Faerûn, whether it’s a dynamic battle or a serene landscape.
Features
- Camera Tools: Adjust angles, zoom, and focus.
- Scene Settings: Poses, lighting, and stickers for creative compositions.
- Post-Processing: Add filters, adjust contrast, and enhance saturation.
Whether you’re a seasoned screenshot enthusiast or a casual player, Photo Mode offers endless creative possibilities.
Additional Updates in Patch 8
Patch 8 isn’t just about new features—it also includes essential refinements:
- Cinematic Enhancements: Improved animations and polished cutscenes.
- Bug Fixes: Addressing known issues for smoother gameplay.
- Modding Tools: Expanded functionality for community-created content.
With Patch 8, Baldur’s Gate 3 is leveling up in every sense of the word. Whether you’re mastering a new subclass, connecting with friends across platforms, or creating art with the photo mode, this update promises something for everyone.
