Larian Studios is preparing to release the final major patch for Baldur’s Gate 3, and it brings more than just bug fixes. Patch 8 introduces 12 new subclasses, adding fresh gameplay options across every class in the game. For players looking to experiment with new builds, role-play different archetypes, or simply experience the game from a different angle, now is the perfect time to start over.
With cross-play finally arriving, multiplayer sessions are more accessible than ever. The Baldur’s Gate 3 update also includes a Photo Mode, allowing players to capture the best moments of their adventure. However, the real reason to return in 2025 lies in the sheer variety offered by the new subclasses, each providing unique abilities that shake up combat, exploration, and role-playing.
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What Do You Think of Custom Campaigns in Baldur’s Gate 3?
The dedication of modders for BG3 has continued to surprise me. Ever since the game was released I had a small hope of one day being able to play additional chapters, custom campaigns, and add-on / DLC-like content. However, I had not expected to see such progress by early 2025. There are already several additional chapters, custom campaigns, and remakes in progress as mods for the game, and if any of them get to a point of completion I will be so ready to sink a concerning amount of hours into the game.
New Subclasses Reinvent Baldur’s Gate 3 Builds
Each of the 12 classes in Baldur’s Gate 3 is getting a new subclass, offering fresh playstyles that cater to different strategies and preferences. Some focus on crowd control, while others enhance role-playing opportunities or introduce new ways to approach combat.
The Bard’s College of Glamour emphasizes enchantment, allowing players to charm enemies and inspire allies in ways that reshape encounters. Meanwhile, the Barbarian’s Path of Giants makes strength-based characters even more imposing, granting them increased size and the ability to throw enemies with devastating force. The Fighter’s Arcane Archer blends ranged combat with magic, giving archers new ways to control the battlefield.
Other additions focus on utility and support. The Druid’s Circle of Stars introduces celestial forms that grant healing, damage buffs, and constitution bonuses. The Cleric’s Death Domain leans into necromantic power, with abilities that exploit enemy corpses for offensive spells. The Paladin’s Oath of the Crown shifts the class into a defensive role, offering group-wide protection and battlefield control.
Fresh Ways to Approach Role-Playing and Combat in BG3
Many of the new subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3 enhance role-playing opportunities, encouraging different interactions and story choices. The Warlock’s Hexblade, for example, allows for a pact with a Shadowfell entity that manifests through cursed weapons, changing how the character’s power is acquired and used. The Rogue’s Swashbuckler brings a more theatrical approach to combat, introducing duelist-style abilities that reward quick reflexes and agility.
Some subclasses introduce new mechanics entirely. The Monk’s Drunken Master recovers Ki by consuming alcohol, adding a layer of risk and reward to its playstyle—not to mention a bit of humor for those who find the game’s drunk humor funny, such as the trophy for consuming alcohol at camp. The Sorcerer’s Shadow Magic subclass grants teleportation between dark areas and a spectral hound that weakens enemies. The Wizard’s Bladesinging subclass combines magic with melee combat, allowing spellcasters to fight up close while benefiting from speed and agility boosts.
For players who enjoy party synergy, the Ranger’s Swarmkeeper brings a tactical element with insect swarms that deal elemental damage or provide teleportation options. Whether optimizing a team or experimenting with different builds, the new subclasses encourage more strategic planning, and the potential for hilarious ways to destroy enemies.
Cross-Play and New Features Make a BG3 Restart Worthwhile
Patch 8 isn’t just about new subclasses. Cross-play support removes platform barriers, making it easier for friends to team up regardless of where they play.
Cross-play is particularly beneficial for those who enjoy cooperative campaigns but previously faced platform restrictions.
The addition of Photo Mode also provides new ways to engage with the game. Whether capturing action-packed battles or highlighting character moments, this feature enhances immersion. Combined with the expanded class options, these updates ensure that restarting Baldur’s Gate 3 in 2025 offers a fresh, engaging experience.
- Released
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August 3, 2023
- ESRB
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M for Mature: Blood and Gore, Partial Nudity, Sexual Content, Strong Language, Violence