Hello everyone,
This is it. Our concluding major update for Baldur’s Gate 3.
Baldur’s Gate 3 has surpassed our wildest expectations, thanks to your incredible support and enthusiasm. That passion has driven us to keep refining and enhancing the game perpetually. However, to move forward and create something new, we must now conclude the major updates.
Aside from minor bug repairs, Patch 8 will be the final one to introduce new content. This signifies that there will be no further narrative expansions or significant modifications to storylines, Origin characters, or companions. We have endeavoured to craft impactful and engaging stories and are committed to using our experiences to foster even greater creative endeavors going forward.
From the outset, your feedback has been vitally important to us and will continue to shape our future projects. As Swen articulated in the Baldur’s Gate 3 retrospective panel at PAX West last August, it is time for our team to return to the drawing board, metaphorically hang up our armor, and concentrate on developing our next project.
If you are already feeling nostalgic, you can click here to view our final Baldur’s Gate 3 panel. This panel offers a retrospective look at Baldur’s Gate 3, from early access to its release, and addresses some of your questions.
Patch 8 rounds off with the inclusion of cross-play, a Photo Mode, and 12 new subclasses. It enhances gameplay with features like the Magic Mirror to alter your appearance, Honour Mode for seasoned players, immersive cinematics for more nefarious playthroughs, and tools for creating supported mods.
To commemorate the conclusion of our final major patch, we’ve collaborated with Spud Gun Studios for a final animated short featuring Swen in his animated debut!
Let’s delve into the new additions in our final patch!
Baldur’s Gate 3 now includes Steam Trading Cards! Collect unique cards to craft badges and unlock exclusive profile backgrounds and emoticons for use on Steam. By the way, Baldur’s Gate 3 is currently available at a 20% discount until April 21st:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1086940/Baldurs_Gate_3/
With the new cross-play capability, players on PC, Mac, Xbox, and PlayStation 5 can enjoy Baldur’s Gate 3 multiplayer together. This includes full cross-platform progression and the ability to join or create cross-play lobbies via the Larian Network.
While enjoying cross-play, you can continue experimenting with mods. Keep in mind, all players in a lobby must have the same mod versions installed. When connecting to another game, you’ll encounter the Mod Verification window to alert you about required mods.
To join another player’s multiplayer game via cross-play:
- Select “Multiplayer” on the main menu.
- Choose the “Cross-Play” tab.
- Join the other player’s lobby.
- If discrepancies in mods exist, the Mod Verification window will inform you of mod requirements.
Steps to create a cross-play multiplayer lobby:
- Go to multiplayer.
- Select “Cross-Play”.
- Choose “Create”.
- Customize your options and select “Launch”.
Begin your cross-play journey by following our video guide!
Experiment with positioning and posing your party, and manipulate camera settings using the new Photo Mode in Patch 8!
Engage Photo Mode by pressing down both analog sticks on console, pressing F9 on PC, or by selecting the Photo Mode icon on the HUD minimap.
During your adventures, adjust your party’s positioning and experiment with various facial expressions and poses. You can explore camera, lens, and scene settings during combat but not during dialogues or cinematic scenes. However, post-processing effects like color-grading, frames, and stickers remain accessible.
Beyond the included 300+ stickers, modders can create and upload custom stickers via the BG3 Toolkit!
We appreciate the Photo Mode captures submitted during the stress test and want to showcase them:
Submitted by Yve Flynn on the Larian Studios Discord Server.
Submitted by Nyxxy on the Larian Studios Discord Server.
Submitted by Daz on the Larian Studios Discord Server.
Submitted by bg3ishwondergoth on the Larian Studios Discord Server.
Submitted by red_dragon_bish on the Larian Studios Discord Server.
Submitted by Puriti on the Larian Studios Discord Server.
Permanently capture your favorite memories, saving them in your media galleries on Xbox and PlayStation. For PC users, find them under C:\Users\[username]\Documents\Larian Studios\Baldur’s Gate 3\Screenshots, or ~/Pictures/Larian Studios/Baldur’s Gate 3/Screenshots for Mac.
We anticipate players devising creative methods to photograph companions in unique situations. For tips and tricks on using Photo Mode, watch the video below!
Each playable class has received a new subclass, complete with fresh abilities, animations, VFX, unique summons, and Oathbreaker Knight voiced dialogue for the Oath of the Crown Paladin subclass!
These new playstyles allow you to embody characters like the God of Thunder using Elemental Cleaver for shocking hammer attacks, or embrace a drunken monk’s antics with abilities that enhance future playthroughs. There’s certainly a subclass for everyone!
- Path of the Giant Barbarian
- College of Glamour Bard
- Death Domain Cleric
- Circle of Stars Druid
- Arcane Archer Fighter
- Way of the Drunken Master Monk
- Oath of the Crown Paladin
- Swarmkeeper Ranger
- Swashbuckler Rogue
- Shadow Magic Sorcerer
- Hexblade Warlock
- Bladesinging Wizard
Access the new subclasses when you reach the required level for your class, as detailed in the table below:
For an in-depth exploration of each subclass and to ease into Patch 8, refer to the videos in the following playlist. While this marks our last major patch, you haven’t heard the last from us! Join us on Twitch tomorrow for our first live stream hosted by Aoife Wilson, featuring a special appearance from Senior Systems Designer, Ross Stephens. We’ll be delving deeper into Patch 8, including the new subclasses!
There’s more to come as we invite you behind the scenes of Baldur’s Gate 3, sharing secrets and introducing the developers who brought this game to life, with a new stream every Wednesday at 1pm UTC. Stay tuned until we’re ready to unveil what’s next… we promise we’ll share more when the time is right.
In tandem with Patch 8, the Baldur’s Gate 3 Modding Toolkit is receiving an upgrade, enabling mod creators to experiment with partial level editing. Whether you wish to introduce a unique NPC, scatter a whimsical surplus of carrots, or creatively modify existing levels, the Toolkit now provides opportunities to overwrite certain level templates.
Partial level editing prohibits altering static world elements like buildings and terrain, but you can create interactive features like a teleporting chest, ensuring your belongings remain untouched or design a salami statue for your pocket. The possibilities are boundless!
The updated Toolkit’s fresh possibilities are augmented by revised modding guidelines, continuing the curation of console mods. Although new playable races cannot be curated for console, mod authors should review the new guidelines by clicking here.
We’ve collaborated with mod authors to minimize conflicts between game mods and patches, particularly affecting mods reliant on ImpUI. Though ImpUI is no longer maintained, changes to the Toolkit now permit mod authors to directly adjust mods involving UI adjustments during Character Creation.
Toolkit now natively supports the following changes:
- Action Resources
- Racial spells at LevelUp
- Race passives
- UI scrolling for Heads, Passives, Equipment, Class, Subclass, and Origin selection
- Feat passives
- Radial customization and descriptions
Special thanks to Djmr for their exceptional mod work and feedback during our conflict resolution processes, as well as Caites for their invaluable input, both of whom now hold a place in Baldur’s Gate 3 game credits, alongside other mod authors who assisted in testing Toolkit functionality!
As Patch 8 is released, we ask for patience and respect towards dedicated community members creating mods. Immediate functionality may not be guaranteed upon a new update, and mod updates might take time. If you’re eager to jump in but apprehensive about your mod list, we suggest starting a fresh playthrough to enjoy new subclasses and explore Photo Mode.
In addition to new features, Patch 8 addresses a plethora of issues, such as resolving Shadowheart’s penchant for impromptu hair color changes, and rectifying Cerys’ region-wide interaction with Minthara. We’ve also addressed the challenging moving platform within the Gauntlet of Shar, among other issues.
- Photo Mode
- 12 all-new subclasses for each class, including: Path of the Giant Barbarian, College of Glamour Bard, Death Domain Cleric, and others
- Cross-play
- Split-screen for Xbox Series S
- Rectified container inventory issues preventing key quest items from scattering and being potentially lost when destroyed.
- Resolved an issue where items picked up in multiplayer could impede movement when using a controller stick.
- Fixed malfunctioning Wild Shape: Panther’s Prowl and associated Prowling condition.
- Perception check results now mark detected items on the minimap and record them in the combat log.
- Corrected abilities not being conferred at conversation end with allies in High Hall.
- Usability of scrolls and potions within unlocked party inventory containers is now available during dialogue rolls.
- Neutral/friendly NPCs will no longer react hostilely when traversing combat passive-triggering surfaces outside of combat.
- Rectified issue affecting Freecast reset upon condition application.
- Amended character pathfinding complications arising from companions using the same ladder.
- Fixed the problematic moving platform within the Gauntlet of Shar causing accidental player deaths.
- The modded-class inclusive Self-Same Trial in the Gauntlet of Shar now presents an appropriate challenge.
- Addressed console game joining error on Xbox.
- Revised War Magic mechanics activating prior to Extra Attack, necessitating the use of bonus actions first.
- Eldritch Knights now process free Extra Attacks before War Magic attacks appropriately.
- Rectified Valiant Damage’s improper triggering.
- Addressed advantages against obscured targets not activating for Shadow Blade spells or Knife of the Undermountain King dagger.
- Addressed controller stick input unresponsiveness in specific directions.
- Ensured Jhannyl’s Gloves reliably trigger Defy Villainy passive for Lesser Restoration.
- Elemental Weapon damage types and upcast benefits at Levels 5 and 6 are now accurately supported.
- In-world surface examination now maintains tooltip display using the ‘Pin Tooltip’ keybind.
- Addressed mouse input disablement when interacting with enemy portraits upon their defeat.
- Eliminated potential user interface blockers when trying to use items while character is Knocked Down.
- Resolved game freeze during item dragging in trading or bartering scenarios.
- Fixed multiplayer issue causing black screen delay when transitioning into crime dialogue for host.
- Honour Mode High Hall error correction, preventing entire party death due to dominated member at stem’s top.
- Corrected skiff appearance glitches at Morphic Pool, including positioning issues.
- Rectified discrepancies with body type 1 duergar stats, mistakenly assigning halfling stats over dwarf.
- Resolved Gimblebock’s stuck state upon attack triggering a Reaction.
- Validated item pick-up response for characters encountering invalid savegame requests.
- Prevented non-Dark-Urge avatars from delivering Dark Urge lines, maintaining character accuracy.
- Corrected difficulty and game setting persistence issues post-Honour Mode Game Over.
- Neutral NPCs’ combat engagement errors have been addressed.
- Ceased Cerys’ unsolicited combat involvement with Minthara from afar.
- Addressed Honour Mode damage rider accumulation errors.
- Sneak Attack consistency issues with multi-projectile actions, such as Curving Shot, have been resolved.
- Resolved multiplayer session joining blockage at unresponsive 0% loading screen due to mods.
- Mod Verification window now activates irrespective of multiplayer game connection origin.
- Third-party mod warning now features clearer messaging.
- Rectified mod-leveling error for specific modded, unlevelable classes and subclasses.
- Addressed empty Mod Verification window issue when warned about insufficient storage, prior to full launch.
- Enabled navigation between the Mod Manager’s Installed tab columns utilizing a controller.
- Improved Character Creation functionality for mod-dependent games.
- The cross-play-compatible Mod Verification window now supports PC-related console issues.
- The Steam Deck’s default FSR setting is adjusted to FSR 2.2 with ‘Quality’ emphasis.
- The ‘Alter Custom Mode’ screen’s ruleset selector position has been rectified for multiplayer lobbies.
- Uploader performance improvements for Adamantine Forge server based operations.
- Achievements reviewed following the introduction of 12 new subclasses. Ensured Stunning Strike achievements now appropriately categorize armed and unarmed achievements.
- Monks’ Unarmed Strike bonus action now accurately contributes to the Action Surge achievement.
- Corrected narrative inconsistencies when discussing Gandrel without explicit identification of prey.
- Ensured appropriate Umbral Gem allocation for Gauntlet of Shar savegames.
- Guaranteed Halsin’s Act II camp appearance contingent upon his Act I salvation, independent of tiefling celebration absence.
- Minthara interaction error adjustments with the Emperor’s introduction.
- Reminded Minthara of the ‘knocked out’ versus ‘dead’ distinction for Moonrise Towers appearance reliability.
- Hindered teleportation from Moonrise when controlling Minthara without adhering to her stipulated location.
- Confirmed Minthara’s conversation readiness post-wait instruction in the torture chamber.
- Minthara no longer assumes responsibility for Thaniel’s supervision in Act II.
- Prevented posthumous discussion of Art Cullagh.
- Main character’s opinion on Shadowheart’s life status when interacting with Viconia. has been rectified.
- Established receipt of fitting correspondence to former Gale companions post-sacrifice against the Netherbrain
- Repositioned Avatar Gale’s orb-dialogue with Lae’zel after magic item consumption.
- Prevented premature Shadowheart inquiry on Shar devotion without Goblin Camp faith revelation.
- Shadowheart’s absent wound flares during Arabella’s Emerald Grove scene are adjusted for dialogue presence accuracy.
- Addressed numerous Background Goals inconsistencies to ensure accurate triggering.
- Included dance animations for previously exempt creatures, including ettercaps, kobolds, and harpies.
- Rectified Flaming Fist armor’s clipping and visual complications.
- Resolved Barbarian starting armor textual and clipping issues on body type 1 gnomes.
- Adjusted bouncing effects on Cleric starting armor when donned by body type 1 characters.
- Demonstrated distance-independent trader visibility for active, non-hostile traders on the world map.
- Corrected UI shortcut malfunctions.
- Fixed inaccurate tooltip values displayed by Reactions like Divine Allegiance.
- Rectified UI lock-up during rapid input alternation using keyboard/mouse and controller.
- Adjusted Main Menu controller operation to automatically select the ‘Resume’ feature.
- Eliminated necessity to de-select current passive during character respeccing.
- Specialized nomenclature changes made to condition tooltips, such as Corrosive Spit’s damage annotation.
- Enhanced condition clarity through Dilophosaurus’s Wild Shape Corrosive Spray spell tooltip updates.
- Tides of Chaos passive tooltip accuracy improvement, clarifying ability check limitations.
- Lifedrinker tooltip adjustments for alignment with reinforced ability pairing with Blade Pact.
- Resolved display issues for Hexblade’s Curse technical text within Character Creation and Level Up features.
- Allowed Acolyte of Nature passive tooltip display within Character Sheet.
- Rectified Larian Account cross-play login status indications on controller UI.
- Addressed unpopulated multiplayer session manager details for connecting players.
- Preserved report submission window integrity when user session request overlaps modal report submission.
- Addressed controller body type slider issue causing skipped selections.
- Eliminated pre-loading savegame message overlap on controller.
- Included developers contributing post-release, playtesters, moderators, and Toolkit testers within game credit updates. Revised voice actor credit priority to promote consequential roles.
- Addressed unexpected empty text-input window emergence impeding gameplay.
- Resolved rogue’s Character Creation presence via passive ‘%%% Empty’ feature indication.
- Addressed one-frame inventory swap glitch reflecting first character’s items in secondary character inventory.
- Ensured combat log tooltips’ appearance consistency using a controller when toggled active.
- Enriched special character pasting recognition for Larian Account password fields.
- Improved consistency for multiplayer lobby filtering capabilities.
- Rectified tooltip display absence for certain generic icons displaying passive features in Character Sheet.
- Revived white transparent visual effects above Party Line portraits during character portrait repositioning.
- Refined character tooltip presentation for Party Line portrait hover regions.
- Equipped item tooltip errors during trade initially failed but subsequently validated have been addressed.
- Eliminated controller input misfire causing uninterrupted Gameplay option slider’s unauthorized movement.
- Mitigated game pausing issue encountered when transitioning character perspectives while Character Sheet was open.
- Resolved replace spell UI scrolling challenges when leveling up using a controller.
- Added footwear slot manifestation functions within Character Sheet parameters.
- Corrected shaky console ‘Venture Forth’ text positioning during Character Creation while button press remained active.
- Incorporated a secret location for the easter egg song. Happy hunting!
- Restored some original music compositions for Anur’s scene prior to its reconfiguration.
- Shadowheart has agreed to refrain from repeatedly modifying hair colors during certain intimate scenes.
- Enhanced cinematic animation quality of different height characters engaging in intimate actions during dark finale.
- Fixed premature cut-off of VO for githyanki and drow characters entering Shadow-Cursed Lands.
- Resolved duplicated dialogue option and inappropriate dialogue positioning within Minthara’s primary party dialogue.
- Client-end split-screen initiation crash corrections for local host attempts.
- Reestablish login capabilities for Larian Account after internet disconnection.
- Enabled lobby invitations for clients with suspended games encountering persistent ‘Please wait…’ issue for host.
- Addressed inadvertent session timeouts and disconnects for multiplayer clients.