Baldur's Gate 3 HUGE Patch 8 Update! (12 New Subclasses Coming, Cross-play, Photo Mode...)

Summary

Patch 8 for *Baldur's Gate 3* brings exciting new features, including crossplay, 12 free subclasses, and a highly customizable photo mode. Players can now enjoy multiplayer across platforms with full progression, while the new subclasses add depth to every class with unique abilities and role-playing options. The new photo mode offers extensive controls for capturing and editing in-game moments, including character poses, camera settings, and special effects. A stress test for Patch 8 will begin in January, and Larian Studios has earned a nomination for Best Community Support at the 2024 Game Awards. Overall, this update promises to enhance the game’s immersive experience.

Takeaways

• 😀 Full crossplay and cross-platform progression coming to Baldur's Gate 3, allowing PS5, PC, Mac, and Xbox players to join multiplayer lobbies and invite friends regardless of platform.
• 😀 Patch 8 will introduce 12 new subclasses for free, adding fresh abilities, animations, and roleplaying options for existing classes like Bard, Barbarian, Cleric, and more.
• 😀 The Bard's College of Glamour subclass brings powerful support and crowd control abilities, including healing buffs and charms that manipulate enemies.
• 😀 The Barbarian’s Path of Giants subclass grants increased strength, size, and throw damage, along with an enhanced carrying capacity.
• 😀 The Cleric’s Death Domain subclass introduces necrotic spells, including the *Toll the Dead* cantrip, and the ability to explode corpses for additional damage.
• 😀 The Druid’s Circle of Stars subclass adds starry forms like Archer, Chalice, and Dragon, each providing unique powers such as radiant damage, healing, and constitution boosts.
• 😀 The Paladin’s Oath of the Crown subclass offers support and defense capabilities, including abilities that help protect allies and deal damage to enemies.
• 😀 The Fighter’s Arcane Archer subclass blends magic and archery, adding new abilities like banishing enemies to the Feywild and dealing psychic damage.
• 😀 The Monk’s Drunken Master subclass allows characters to recover abilities by consuming alcohol, with unique drunken moves and buffing skills for combat.
• 😀 Photo Mode is coming to Baldur's Gate 3, allowing players to capture stunning in-game moments with advanced customization options like camera angles, poses, stickers, and post-processing effects.
• 😀 Larian Studios will hold a Stress Test for Patch 8 in early January, available for PC and console players, allowing them to try out new features like crossplay and subclasses.
• 😀 Larian Studios has been nominated for Best Community Support at The Game Awards 2024, reflecting their ongoing commitment to player engagement and continuous updates for Baldur’s Gate 3.

Q & A

When will the stress testing for Patch 8 of Baldur's Gate 3 begin?

The stress testing for Patch 8 will begin in January 2024, with registration details to follow in a community update.

Which platforms will support crossplay in Baldur's Gate 3 after Patch 8?

Patch 8 will enable crossplay across PC, PS5, Xbox, and Mac, allowing players from different platforms to join each other’s lobbies and play together.

What is the significance of the new subclasses being added to Baldur's Gate 3?

The new subclasses, one for each of the 12 existing classes in the game, will bring fresh abilities, unique role-playing opportunities, and new gameplay mechanics. Each subclass introduces distinct features, such as new spells, animations, and even interactive role-playing elements.

Which classes will receive new subclasses in Patch 8, and what are some of the highlights?

The 12 classes receiving new subclasses include Bard, Barbarian, Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Fighter, Monk, Ranger, Rogue, Sorcerer, Warlock, and Wizard. Highlights include the Bard's College of Glamour, the Barbarian’s Path of Giants, and the Sorcerer's Shadow Magic.

How will cross-platform progression work in Baldur's Gate 3 with Patch 8?

Cross-platform progression will allow players to carry their progress across different platforms, meaning that the achievements and character progress made on one platform (e.g., PC) will carry over if they play on another platform (e.g., PS5).

What new features are included in the photo mode introduced in Patch 8?

The photo mode in Patch 8 offers full customization, including adjustable camera angles, facial expressions, over 300 stickers, various frames, and the ability to modify post-processing effects such as saturation, brightness, and contrast. Players can also pause the game during combat or dialogue to take snapshots.

Can players choose which characters to appear in their photos in the new photo mode?

Yes, players can choose which characters appear in their photos by selecting from their party members, summons, and even those in wild shape. NPCs and enemies can be toggled off to avoid ruining the shot.

What is the 'Oath of the Crown' Paladin subclass and what does it offer?

The Oath of the Crown Paladin subclass focuses on law and order, granting abilities that help protect allies and disrupt enemies. It includes powers like Divine Allegiance, which absorbs damage for allies, and Righteous Clarity, which helps guide companions in battle.

What is the unique ability of the Ranger's Swarmkeeper subclass?

The Ranger’s Swarmkeeper subclass summons a variety of swarms to aid in combat. Players can call upon swarms of jellyfish, moths, or bees, each dealing different types of damage (lightning, psychic, and piercing) and providing utility such as teleportation capabilities.

What makes Larian Studios’ updates for Baldur's Gate 3 stand out compared to other companies?

Larian Studios is known for its commitment to delivering free, high-quality updates that enhance the game’s content. This includes substantial features like the 12 new subclasses, crossplay, and photo mode, all while maintaining a strong connection with the player community. The studio’s consumer-friendly approach and regular engagement set it apart in the gaming industry.