Larian Studios has exciting news for fans of *Baldur's Gate 3*: the much-awaited Patch 8 is set to launch on Tuesday, April 15. After being available in a stress test form for some time, the developers have confirmed that it's now fully ready for all players to enjoy next week.
Patch 8 brings a plethora of new content to the critically acclaimed Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game, including 12 new subclasses that promise to enhance your gameplay experience. Additionally, players can look forward to a new photo mode, cross-play functionality, and split-screen support for Xbox Series S. For a detailed rundown of all the new features and improvements, be sure to check out the Baldur's Gate 3 Patch 8 patch notes.
Baldur’s Gate 3 Patch 8 New Subclasses:
Bard - College of Glamour
As a College of Glamour Bard, you’ll harness the power to heal allies and command foes. With Mantle of Inspiration, you can grant your allies 5 temporary hit points, and if an enemy attacks while it's active, they'll be Charmed. Utilize Mantle of Majesty to manipulate Charmed enemies, commanding them to flee, approach, freeze, drop to the ground, or relinquish their weapon.
Barbarian - Path of Giants
Choosing the Path of Giants allows you to tap into your immense strength, making it easier to throw both allies and enemies. The Giant’s Rage passive increases both your size and strength, enhancing your Throw attacks' damage. Plus, enjoy an increased carry capacity without the need for potions.
Cleric - Death Domain
As a Death Domain Cleric, you'll unlock dark new abilities, including spells that inflict necrotic damage and three necromancy cantrips. Toll The Dead causes 1-8 damage, escalating if the target is already hurt. You'll also gain the ability to explode nearby corpses, dealing damage to enemies.
Druid - Circle of Stars
Circle of Stars Druids draw power from the constellations, adopting one of three Starry Forms: the Archer, Chalice, or Dragon. Each form supports a different playstyle - the Archer deals radiant damage with astral arrows, the Chalice heals you and nearby allies, and the Dragon enhances constitution rolls while dealing damage, offering versatile strategic options.
Paladin - Oath of the Crown
Sworn to uphold the law, as an Oath of the Crown Paladin, you'll gain abilities to support your allies and disrupt foes. Righteous Clarity aids your companions in battle, while Divine Allegiance absorbs their damage and restores their health.
Fighter - Arcane Archer
The Arcane Archer subclass blends magic with marksmanship, providing unique skills and new shooting animations. Banish enemies to the Feywild for a turn or inflict Psychic damage that may blind them until their next turn.
Monk - Drunken Master
As a Drunken Master Monk, you can consume alcohol from your inventory or around the Sword Coast to recover Ki. Intoxicating Strike lets you share a drink with enemies, boosting your Armour Class and hit chance against drunk targets. Use Sobering Realisation to sober up drunk enemies, causing physical and Psychic damage.
Ranger - Swarmkeeper
Swarmkeeper Rangers can summon three types of deadly swarms in combat: Cloud of Jellyfish for extra lightning damage, Flurry of Moths for Psychic damage and potential blindness, and Legion of Bees for piercing damage and knockback. Each swarm also grants teleportation capabilities.
Rogue - Swashbuckler
The Swashbuckler subclass introduces new actions perfect for a piratical lifestyle. Blind enemies by tossing sand, disarm them by flicking your weapon, or use Fancy Footwork to prevent opportunity attacks after meleeing.
Sorcerer - Shadow Magic
Shadow Magic Sorcerers thrive in darkness, gaining Superior Darkvision and the ability to Shadow Walk between dim light or darkness. Summon the Hound of Ill Omen to harass foes and use Strength of the Grave to avoid being downed, especially useful in Honour Mode.
Warlock - Hexblade
Hexblade Warlocks form a pact with a Shadowfell entity, wielding magical weapons. Curse enemies and control their souls, raising them as summons that deal necrotic damage and heal you by ripping away chunks of the enemy's soul.
Wizard - Bladesinging
Bladesinging Wizards combine swordplay with wizardry, featuring new spellcasting animations when using a weapon. The Bladesong ability grants supernatural speed, agility, and focus, as well as a bonus to Constitution saving throws.
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Patch 8 marks the final major update for *Baldur's Gate 3*, concluding a remarkable journey for Larian Studios. The game, which launched to critical acclaim and commercial success in 2023, has continued to thrive into 2025.
In a surprising move, Larian announced their departure from *Baldur's Gate 3* and Dungeons & Dragons to focus on a new, undisclosed game. This shift has left fans curious about what's next for the studio, especially after Larian imposed a media blackout to concentrate on their new project.
Meanwhile, Hasbro, the owner of D&D, has hinted at continuing the *Baldur's Gate* series. Speaking to IGN at the Game Developers Conference, SVP of digital games at Hasbro, Dan Ayoub, mentioned that with Larian moving on, there's significant interest in *Baldur's Gate*. Hasbro is currently formulating plans for the future, with announcements expected soon. Ayoub expressed a desire for a *Baldur's Gate 4* but noted that its development would be a lengthy process, approached with careful consideration.
To celebrate the launch of Patch 8, Larian will host a Twitch livestream featuring senior systems designer Ross Stephens, who will provide an in-depth look at the new changes and additions to the game.
