All Subclasses Being Added In Patch 8, Ranked

Key Takeaways

• New subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3 Patch 8 enhance customization for players, each with unique abilities and playstyles.
• Death Domain for clerics, Arcane Archer for fighters, and College of Glamour for bards add versatility and strategy to combat.
• Oath of the Crown for paladins, Swarmkeeper for rangers, and other subclasses bring exciting options for different playstyles.

The universe of Baldur’s Gate 3 continues to expand as Larian Studios works on significant updates for the isometric RPG. Among the highlights of the upcoming major update, the much-anticipated Patch 8, are the addition of a photo mode and new subclasses for each of the game’s 12 main classes. The latter will further enhance customization options for players.

While the specific abilities and progressions of the subclasses haven’t been detailed yet, all follow the core material of Dungeons & Dragons, giving players a clear idea of what to expect. This allows for the anticipation of combinations and builds to create even more unique characters, solidifying the exploration and combat experience the game offers.

12 Death Domain (Cleric)

An Excellent Option For Dealing More Damage

• Source: Dungeon Master’s Guide

The Death Domain is a powerful subclass for Clerics aiming to maximize damage. Through spells like Toll The Dead and Inflict Wounds, clerics can quickly eliminate enemies, especially single targets. This subclass excels at causing significant damage spikes, making it a lethal choice in battles.

However, the Death Domain lacks support abilities, requiring the team to adapt to compensate for this deficiency. While the Cleric focuses on intense offensives, allies will need to assume healing and field control roles to maintain group effectiveness. Players will need good synergy to utilize it fully.

11 Arcane Archer (Fighter)

Unique Ranged Attack Options

• Source: Xanathar’s Guide to Everything

For players interested in creating a character that attacks from a distance, but doesn’t want to choose Ranger, Fighters will have a new option with Patch 8. The subclass for them is Arcane Archer, which mixes magical abilities with good marksmanship.

In addition to new attack animations using the bow, Arcane Archers also receive various abilities, from heavy damage-dealing options to ways to control the field by banishing foes from battle for a turn. However, it can be more situational compared to other Fighter options.

10 College Of Glamour (Bard)

Fun And Versatile For Those Who Like Field Control

• Source: Xanathar’s Guide to Everything

The College of Glamour is a subclass for bards that combines healing and control abilities. Mantle of Inspiration grants temporary hit points to allies and charms enemies that attack during the spell’s duration. Meanwhile, Mantle of Majesty lets players command charmed enemies to flee, approach, or immobilize.

Despite its high capacity for battlefield manipulation, the College of Glamour subclass falls short when it comes to direct support. Therefore, players need to adapt the overall party composition to compensate for this limitation, ensuring all classes have good synergy to leverage the abilities of this Bard subclass.

9 Oath Of The Crown (Paladin)

An Excellent Option To Protect The Team

• Source: Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide

The Oath of the Crown will reward players with various abilities focused on protecting the group as a whole, increasing the class’s tanking capacity. So, for those struggling to keep allies alive, this can change the game.

According to information from Larian, this new subclass in Patch 8 can guide allies on the battlefield, as well as interrupt enemy attacks. Additionally, the Oath of the Crown can absorb damage the party suffers while still being able to restore their HP, making it an excellent option for compositions.

8 Swarmkeeper (Ranger)

One Of The Best Subclasses For The Ranger

• Class: Ranger
• Source: Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything

As indicated by Larian, the Swarmkeeper will undergo some changes when added to Baldur’s Gate 3 compared to the Dungeons & Dragons books. Still, the class has the potential to remain fun. Through it, players can summon different types of swarms, each with unique damage and characteristics.

The Swarmkeeper will be able to control positioning on the battlefield, just as each of the swarms can be used in various different situations. In the tabletop RPG, this is one of the subclasses with the most raw damage among the Ranger’s options. Hopefully, it will remain the same when added to Baldur’s Gate 3.

7 Way Of The Drunken Master (Monk)

A Funny Concept For Tabletop RPG Characters

• Source: Xanathar’s Guide to Everything

Monks have unique characteristics for melee classes in Dungeons & Dragons, such as high mobility and the large number of attacks they can make. This has been translated into Baldur’s Gate 3. The Way of the Drunken Master will give even more flavor to this class.

However, this subclass will undergo some changes compared to what players are accustomed to in the TTRPG. One example is the ability to drink alcohol to recover the monk’s Ki points. Additionally, it will be possible to intoxicate enemies, causing more damage to those affected by this condition.

6 Shadow Magic (Sorcerer)

An Excellent Option For Honour Mode

• Source: Xanathar’s Guide to Everything

The Shadow Magic subclass for Sorcerers will be an excellent option for players trying to complete Honour Mode. This is because it will have abilities that prevent the character from being knocked down in combat.

Moreover, Shadow Magic is a subclass that shines during combat in areas with plenty of shadows. These areas are quite common in Baldur’s Gate 3, especially in Act2. Thanks to Superior Darkvision, it will be possible to move through dimly lit places. This mobility can be extremely useful for catching unprepared enemies.

5 Circle Of Stars (Druid)

A Flexible Subclass

• Source: Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything

With a well-crafted build, the Druid can be one of the best classes in Baldur’s Gate 3. And with the addition of the Circle of Stars in Patch 8, this versatility can get even better. Players can choose between three starry forms, each granting powerful abilities.

Thus, whether as a healer, fighter, or even a ranged attacker, each of these forms makes the druid a flexible option that can fit into many different compositions. On the other hand, players need to keep careful track what needs to be done, as it’s difficult to switch forms during combat.

4 Bladesinging (Wizard)

For Wizards Who Wish To Expose Themselves In Fights

• Source: Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything

The new Wizard subclass for Baldur’s Gate 3, Bladesinging, aims to add mobility to the Wizard class so that their usual fragility is not a problem for them during combat. Thus, it will be possible to combine physical attacks with magic with this subclass.

Larian is also working on creating new animations for when Bladesingers use spells, as weapons will be the catalysts for these new abilities. Additionally, it’s a subclass known for the significant damage it can cause.

3 Swashbuckler (Rogue)

A New Charismatic Subclass

• Source: Xanathar’s Guide to Everything

The Swashbuckler subclass brings a more agile and charismatic playstyle to rogues. Inspired by duelists and fearless adventurers like pirates, it allows players to enjoy unique combat and mobility abilities.

With the Swashbuckler, rogues gain advantages in one-on-one combat, being able to apply Sneak Attack more consistently. Additionally, the ability Fancy Footwork allows characters to avoid attacks of opportunity, providing a more dynamic approach.

2 Path Of Giants (Barbarian)

One Of The Most Fun Subclasses

• Class: Barbarian
• Source: Bigby Presents: Glory of The Giants

Barbarians are among the best tanks in both Baldur’s Gate 3 and Dungeons & Dragons. Some subclasses, like the Path of Giants, also show a bit of the versatility the class possesses. Despite still retaining the main characteristics, like causing a lot of damage, new abilities are added.

Thus, the Path of Giants Barbarian, in addition to increased size and reach, can use new abilities gained to reposition allies by literally throwing them across the battlefield. Enemies and weapons can also be tossed, causing even more damage to adversaries, making it a fun subclass.

1 Hexblade (Warlock)

A Favorite Subclass Of Many Warlocks

• Source: Xanathar’s Guide to Everything

One of the most popular subclasses among Warlocks is the Hexblade, which was initially left out of Baldur’s Gate 3 but will be officially added with Patch 8 of the game. Along with the ability to create magical weapons, this option will also allow players to curse enemies, forcing souls to obey commands.

For those who missed Hexblade Warlocks in Baldur’s Gate 3 and resorted to mods to solve this, it will now be possible to experience Larian’s take on this subclass, which combines physical attacks with necromancy abilities. Thus, characters will have access to an extremely powerful choice.