It’s not like Baldur’s Gate 3 really needed much in the way of improvement and additional content, but not satisfied with its GOTY-hoarding base game, Larian Studios has been bolstering the RPG with major content updates ever since launch. It has now revealed plans for BG3 Patch 8, the game’s final update before the studio fully moves onto its next project, and quite rightfully, it’s a big one. Photo mode, cross-play and a dozen new subclasses are all coming to Baldur’s Gate 3.
If anyone tries to argue that Baldur’s Gate 3 isn’t one of the best PC games of all time, you tell ‘em where to go. The unbelievably deep RPG is an all-timer and a must-play, and Patch 8 looks to be the perfect update to cap off its development and post-launch support.
First, let’s take a look at those 12 new subclasses that are going to be added to BG3. Each class will be getting one fresh subclass, which is great to see. Some of the most intriguing-looking subclasses include Path of Giants, the new Barbarian subclass that sees you channel giant energy to become super-strong and super-sized; Arcane Archer, the Fighter subclass that sees you “mastering the dual arts of magic and marksmanship” with a bow and arrow in hand; and Hexblade, the new Warlock subclass that lets you resurrect certain types of slain enemies to become necrotic damage-dealing spirits.
Cross-play support is also finally arriving, allowing PC players to team up with friends on consoles. This also includes cross-progression, so you can play out your adventure on multiple devices, should you wish to.
Then finally, the third big addition in Patch 8 is Photo Mode, and while players have been crying out for this ever since Baldur’s Gate 3 released last year, it looks like it’ll be worth the wait. Larian has not skimped on this feature, with frames, stickers, lens settings, post-processing effects, over 40 static and animated poses for characters, toggles to remove NPCs and other characters that may be ruining your shot, and so much more.
While Larian hasn’t given a firm release date for Baldur’s Gate 3 Patch 8 yet, it does state that it will be arriving in 2025. It also says that stress testing for Patch 8 will begin in early January, so unless some major issues are uncovered there, I’d certainly expect it to arrive in the first few months of the year.
To check out the full announcement post outlining all of the new subclasses and features coming in Patch 8, head here. If you’re yet to commit to Larian’s exceptional RPG, it’s also 20% right now, so it’s a good time to jump in.
For more, make sure you take a look at our guides on the best BG3 mods and the best BG3 builds.
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