Larian Studios has released the last major update to Baldur’s Gate 3 with Patch 8, and the update not only adds new content to play but also adds more mod support and cross-play options to keep the game alive.
Baldur’s Gate 3 was first released in August 2023, and it’s had several major updates since then. While Patch 8 is the last major update that adds more content, there could (and probably will) be bug patches here and there.
A lot of things were added in Patch 8, including 12 new subclasses, crossplay between all systems, Photo Mode, more modding features, Steam Trading Cards, and hundreds of bug fixes and optimization changes.
First things first: the subclasses. There’s a new subclass for every class, and they’re as follows:
- Bard: College of Glamour (level 3)
- Barbarian: Path of Giants (level 3)
- Cleric: Death Domain (level 1)
- Druid: Circle of Stars (level 2)
- Fighter: Arcane Archer (level 3)
- Monk: Way of The Drunken Master (level 3)
- Paladin: Oath of the Crown (level 1)
- Ranger: Swarmkeeper (level 3)
- Rogue: Swashbuckler (level 3)
- Sorcerer: Shadow Magic (level 1)
- Warlock: Hexblade (level 1)
- Wizard: Bladesinging (level 2)
The new subclasses have their own abilities, summons, VFX, cantrips, and animations. Additionally, there’s voiced dialogue for the Oathbreaking Paladins in the Oath of the Crown subclass.
Larian released three videos for the new subclasses, broken up as follows:
Another important part of Patch 8 is the crossplay feature. Players can now play with friends across all systems (PC, PlayStation 5, Mac, and Xbox). Cross-save is also included in Patch 8.
Setting up a crossplay lobby and getting everyone invited can be a bit tricky. Larian released a video to help players start playing across systems, which players can find here if they’re struggling to do so.
Photo Mode is also finally here! Players can take pictures at any time. When everyone’s just adventuring around, characters can be moved around and posed. There are effects, frames, and stickers that can be added after the picture’s taken, too.
There are over 300 stickers natively in the game. However, there is modding support added for stickers, so expect to see more in the mods library. There’s also a Photo Mode tutorial video from Larian that players can watch here.
Steam Trading Cards for Baldur’s Gate 3 are also live. Players can collect these and get Steam emotes, profile animations, and more by simply playing the game.
As Larian Studios takes a step back from adding new content to the game, the developers updated the Modding Toolkit so players can take over and create their own content.
Part of this update includes partial level editing, which gives modders the power to override certain template types. While modders won’t be able to change buildings or speech-type things, they can create their own objects that have unique interactions.
Larian: Channel from Hell will also start their regular livestreams as fans wait for the studio’s next project. This will show off a behind-the-scenes look at Larian, including more facts about how Baldur’s Gate 3 was developed. Players can see all the bug fixes and optimization changes here.
To end the update on Patch 8 for Baldur’s Gate 3, a touching animated short was released with the help of Spud Gun Studios. Players can view it below:
Patch 8 was first revealed last year, and the stress test went live earlier this year.
