Summary
- Patch 8 of Baldur's Gate 3 brings bug fixes and new features like 12 new subclasses for more character customization options.
- New spells and skills are added for magic-using classes, with fresh animations for added personality in combat.
- Players can now enjoy cross-play across different platforms and use a customizable Photo Mode to capture memorable moments.
Patch 8 of Baldur’s Gate 3 has finally been released and, like Patch 7, brings many new features for players who want to once again explore the Forgotten Realms through the 3 Acts created by Larian Studios or simply enjoy the added novelties. Then, amid bug fixes and other corrections, several long-awaited updates were also included in this release, making the game even more complete for its fans.
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Thus, this update, which Larian Studios claims will be the final Major Patch for Baldur’s Gate 3, ensures that the game, already a milestone in modern RPGs, receives further polish from its developers. Therefore, players who decide to embark on a new journey will primarily find new classes to explore along with other improvements that refine the experience.
7 Bug Fixes
Patch 8 Fixed Various Bugs In Baldur’s Gate 3
Just as is standard for all Baldur’s Gate 3 updates, Patch 8 from Larian Studios comes with various bug fixes, so players can enjoy their journey more smoothly and without issues that might hinder progress. Even though most of these adjustments are not game-breaking, they range from bug fixes to other general tweaks.
In fact, even if they are minor changes, they are significant for the game, as the developer announced that the Patch Notes for this update exceed 40 pages. Thus, players who want every detail of what has changed in Baldur’s Gate 3 should prepare for a lengthy read before starting a new journey in the isometric RPG.
6 New Spells And Skills For Characters
Classes Added By Larian Studios Will Have New Abilities In Patch 8
One of the major features of Patch 8 for Baldur’s Gate 3 is undoubtedly the addition of new subclasses arriving in the game. However, in addition to offering new options for customizing characters natively and without external mods, Larian Studios has also developed other innovations to make them as engaging as those available in the base game at launch.
Thus, for magic-using classes such as Cleric, Wizard, Warlock, and others that utilize spellcasting, players can expect new options in their repertoire. For example, Warlocks who choose Hexblade as their subclass will gain access to new smites to deal even more damage to enemies between attacks, even enabling some incredible multiclass combinations with Paladin.
5 Subclasses Will Have New Animations
They Are Truly Unique In Baldur’s Gate 3
The subclasses added in Patch 8 for Baldur’s Gate 3, besides offering new abilities and spells, have also been released with fresh animations to add more personality. Thus, in options such as Arcane Archer, Drunker Master Path of Giants, and the other nine, players can expect several new movements during attacks and other actions that reflect each subclass’s style.
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In addition to these new visual effects, players can also expect new dialogue lines that these subclasses may shout during combat, further immersing those who begin a new run in Patch 8. Moreover, some of these new subclasses for Baldur’s Gate 3 are darker, ideal for those who enjoy engaging in a villainous roleplay in the RPG.
4 Split-Screen On The Xbox Series S
Players Will Finally Be Able To Play Together On This Console
Although split-screen is a feature available on most platforms offering Baldur’s Gate 3, the Xbox Series S, due to its lower processing power compared to other consoles, was one of the few lacking this functionality. Now, fortunately, players who own it can finally enjoy a local multiplayer journey for up to two players.
Thus, even with its modest hardware, Larian Studios managed to optimize the split-screen mode in Baldur’s Gate 3 to maintain stable performance as two players enjoy local co-op. In this way, it is possible to explore the world of Faerûn together on the same console, providing a smooth experience for Xbox Series S owners who wish to embark on an adventure with a friend.
3 It Will Be Possible To Play Baldur’s Gate 3 Across Different Platforms
Players Will Be Able To Enjoy Cross-Play In Patch 8
For players who have been waiting since 2023 for a way to play Baldur’s Gate 3 with friends on different platforms and consoles, Patch 8 will finally bring a means to connect with others regardless of where they own the isometric RPG. In fact, creating and joining a lobby is a relatively simple task, allowing invitations through the Larian Network.
Moreover, upon entering a lobby, the Launcher itself will indicate which mods the server host uses and need to be downloaded by other players to enable multiplayer. However, to ensure smoother play across platforms, the mod limit for PC players teaming up with console users will be set at 100, so that Baldur’s Gate 3 can run acceptably for everyone.
2 An Amazing Photo Mode To Capture Moments On The Journey
Players Can Customize Screenshots In Various Ways
One of the most anticipated features since the official launch, the Photo Mode for Baldur’s Gate 3 will finally be released in Patch 8, providing players with several tools to customize how they capture different moments of their journey. Camera control, postprocessing, and stickers are among the features offered by this mode developed by Larian Studios.
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However, players will likely spend the most time customizing their images in Baldur’s Gate 3 within the Characters Settings - one of the most interesting aspects of Photo Mode. Here, users can change the position, expression, or even the animation of each party member while composing a shot, giving them ample freedom to create unique scenes.
1 12 New Subclasses Available
This Is The Best Feature Of Patch 8 For Baldur’s Gate 3
Even though Patch 8 for Baldur’s Gate 3 comes with various interesting updates, none are as exciting as the 12 new subclasses added to the game. Thus, each of the classes featured in the base game will receive a new option for players to choose from, offering even greater potential for customization when creating a character or multiclassing.
In addition to adding more gameplay variety, these new subclasses for Baldur’s Gate 3 introduced in Patch 8 also come with new animations, abilities, and different themes. Moreover, many of them are not found in the Dungeons & Dragons 5e Player’s Handbook but rather in other modules developed by Wizard of the Coast, which makes this selection even more appealing for veteran tabletop RPG players. This approach ensures a unique experience, broadening tactical and roleplaying possibilities within the game.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 96 /100 Critics Rec: 97%
- Released
- August 3, 2023
- ESRB
- M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Larian Studios
- Publisher(s)
- Larian Studios
- Engine
- Divinity 4.0
- Multiplayer
- Online Co-Op, Local Co-Op
- Cross-Platform Play
- Full cross-platform play.
- Genre(s)
- RPG