Baldur’s Gate 3 Patch 8: New subclass for every class Guide
Key Takeaways:
- Patch 8 will revolutionize Baldur’s Gate 3 with 12 new subclasses, including exciting homebrew-inspired mechanics and enhanced class reactivity, making gameplay richer than ever.
- Crossplay functionality and a robust photo mode will connect players across platforms and give them creative freedom to capture their adventures in Faerûn.
- Larian Studios’ farewell to Baldur’s Gate 3 signals a bittersweet end to official updates, but the modding community promises to keep the magic alive.
If you’ve been holding out for a Divinity: Original Sin 2 upgrade or daydreaming about what’s next for Larian Studios, it’s time to switch gears. Baldur’s Gate 3’s highly anticipated Patch 8 is on the horizon, and it’s shaping up to be a game-changer. Launching in 2025, this update brings an array of exciting new features 12 subclasses, crossplay, a fully-featured photo mode, and much more. Whether you’re new to the game or eager for another run, Patch 8 promises fresh reasons to revisit the Forgotten Realms.
Patch 8 Brings 12 New Subclasses to Shake Up Faerûn
Perhaps the most exciting addition in Patch 8 is the introduction of 12 new subclasses, with one for every class in the game. Larian Studios is pulling inspiration from homebrew mechanics, classic Dungeons & Dragons lore, and their signature flair for creativity. These subclasses don’t just add new abilities they also come with unique animations, voice lines, visual effects, and gameplay enhancements that make every class feel fresh.
Here’s what you can expect from each subclass:
Bard – College of Glamour
For players who enjoy charming their way out of trouble, this subclass lets you charm enemies and inspire allies with temporary hit points. It’s all about dazzling your opponents and dominating the battlefield with charisma.
Barbarian – Path of Giants
Ever wanted to toss your enemies or your friends like rag dolls? The Path of Giants gives Barbarians the Giant’s Rage passive, mimicking the effects of giant potions. Whether you’re throwing enemies, allies, or random objects, this subclass delivers chaos with a side of comedy.
Cleric – Death Domain
The Death Domain brings grim power to Clerics. With abilities like the Toll the Dead cantrip, which deals increased necrotic damage to wounded foes, and corpse-detonating spells, this subclass channels the darker side of divine magic.
Druid – Circle of Stars
Harness the celestial energy of the cosmos with this subclass. Druids can summon a Starry Form to enhance support and damage abilities, making them a versatile choice for any party composition.
Paladin – Oath of the Crown
For those who uphold justice at any cost, the Oath of the Crown Paladin excels in tanking and battlefield control. Taunt enemies to focus their attacks on you and absorb damage intended for your allies.
Fighter – Arcane Archer
Finally, a Fighter subclass that embraces ranged combat. Arcane Archers can enchant arrows to banish foes to the Feywild, deal psychic damage, or even blind enemies who fail Wisdom checks.
Monk – Drunken Master
Monks get creative with the Drunken Master subclass, which allows them to drink alcohol to recover Ki points. Share drinks with enemies to make them drunk, weakening their defenses, then exploit their inebriation for powerful psychic attacks.
Ranger – Stormkeeper
Rangers command nature’s fury with three swarms: lightning-infused jellyfish, psychic-damaging moths, and piercing bees that can knock enemies back. Each swarm brings a unique flavor to combat.
Rogue – Swashbuckler
With flashy moves and unparalleled agility, the Swashbuckler excels at disarming enemies, dodging attacks, and confusing foes with dazzling maneuvers.
Sorcerer – Shadow Magic
Tap into the darkness with this Sorcerer subclass. Abilities like Hound of Ill Omen and Strength of the Grave keep you alive while dealing devastating shadow-infused attacks.
Warlock – Hexblade
Hexblades bind themselves to a mysterious patron from the Shadowfell, wielding cursed weapons and recovering health through necrotic damage. Their mix of offense and durability is perfect for players who love a dark, menacing playstyle.
Wizard – Bladesinging
Finally, the sword-wielding Wizard makes its debut. Bladesinging Wizards balance agility and magic, using their enhanced focus and unique animations to seamlessly blend melee combat with spellcasting.
These new subclasses aren’t just cosmetic; they’re designed to fundamentally alter your gameplay experience, offering fresh ways to tackle combat, roleplay, and exploration.
Crossplay: Breaking Barriers
One of the most requested features from fans, crossplay, is finally becoming a reality with Patch 8. Whether you’re playing on PC, PlayStation, or Xbox, you’ll be able to adventure alongside friends regardless of their platform. Larian Studios will use their proprietary Larian Network to make this possible, ensuring a seamless multiplayer experience.
This is a game-changer for Baldur’s Gate 3’s thriving community. Multiplayer campaigns can now unite players from across different systems, making it easier than ever to join forces or test friendships in the perilous lands of Faerûn.
A Photo Mode Worth Showing Off
In Patch 8, Baldur’s Gate 3 is getting a feature that many modern games now offer: a photo mode. But Larian Studios isn’t just delivering the basics they’re going all in.
Here’s what makes this photo mode stand out:
- Customizable poses: Choose from 40 animated and static poses for your party members, with additional variations for even more personality.
- Facial expressions: Adjust your characters’ expressions to match the mood of your shot.
- Post-processing options: Experiment with filters, frames, and stickers to add a creative flair to your photos.
- Toggleable NPCs: Remove NPCs from the frame for a cleaner, more focused image or keep them in to tell a story.
Whether you’re capturing a dramatic battle, a scenic vista, or a lighthearted party moment, the new photo mode offers endless possibilities.
What’s Next for Larian Studios?
Larian Studios has hinted that Patch 8 will be its final major update for Baldur’s Gate 3. After years of post-launch support and improvements including Patch 7’s enhanced cinematics, mod manager, and split-screen updates the developers are ready to move on to new projects.
While it’s bittersweet to say goodbye, the future of Baldur’s Gate 3 remains bright. With the release of official modding tools, the game’s passionate community is poised to create new adventures, characters, and features for years to come.
The Legacy of Baldur’s Gate 3
From its ambitious launch to its ongoing updates, Baldur’s Gate 3 has cemented itself as one of the best RPGs of all time. Patch 8 is a testament to Larian Studios’ commitment to their players, delivering features that enhance replayability, creativity, and community engagement.
Whether you’re diving into a new playthrough with a fresh subclass, coordinating cross-platform multiplayer sessions, or capturing the perfect screenshot, Patch 8 ensures that your journey through Faerûn will be unforgettable.
FAQs
Q: When will Patch 8 launch?
A: Patch 8 is scheduled to release in 2025, though an exact date has not been confirmed.
Q: What platforms will crossplay support?
A: Crossplay will work across all platforms where Baldur’s Gate 3 is available, including PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.
Q: Will there be any more updates after Patch 8?
A: Larian has indicated that Patch 8 will be the final major update. However, the game will continue to receive support through community mods and minor fixes if needed.
Q: Can I participate in the Patch 8 stress tests?
A: Yes, Larian will hold stress tests for Patch 8 in early January 2025. Details on how to register will be shared in an upcoming community update.
Q: Do I need to start a new campaign to access the new subclasses?
A: No, you should be able to access the new subclasses in your existing campaigns by respeccing your characters.
