Since its debut last year in August, Larian Studios’ acclaimed CRPG, Baldur’s Gate 3, has been evolving with frequent updates, featuring new content and ironing out bugs. Now, the journey is gearing up for its final major update with Patch 8, and fans have plenty to be excited about.
We’re looking at an entrance of long-awaited features like cross-play support and an official Photo Mode. These additions reflect the developers’ keen ear for community feedback, enhancing the gaming experience significantly.
Scheduled for a 2025 release, Patch 8 will open up cross-play, letting you team up with friends whether they’re on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, or PS5. Additionally, players will be able to test drive the patch in early January, and the developers will provide details on how to sign up for this test shortly.
Right from its emergence from Early Access in August 2023, Baldur’s Gate 3 has captured players’ imaginations, and updates have only fueled this momentum. The September-released Patch 7 was a game-changer, adding mod support and refining the co-op experience. With Patch 8 on the horizon, the excitement builds further.
Cross-play support is a standout, finally allowing players to connect, no matter their system. You’ll be able to traverse the world of Faerûn with friends on diverse platforms, including Mac—no exclusions! Also, the Photo Mode adds a creative avenue for capturing breathtaking in-game moments without fiddly camera adjustments.
The Photo Mode is quite detailed, offering options to customize camera angles, scene settings, and lenses, plus gestures for every party member with over 40 poses. Add frames and a plethora of stickers to your heart’s content, ensuring your shots are as dramatic or whimsical as you’d like.
On the horizon is also a fresh subclass for each of the game’s 12 classes, directly inspired by the D&D ruleset. This diversity brings fresh gameplay opportunities, perfect for those eager to experiment with new strategic dynamics. Imagine your Barbarian as a formidable giant in “Path of Giants” or your Warlock wielding the legendary Hexblade.
The subclass that particularly piques my interest is the Drunken Master for the Monk class. It’s a unique concept I’ve longed to see in action, and I can already envision running through the game with a “drunk build” for maximum fun.
Patch 8 not only introduces these features but ensures further stability and improvements across the board. Although it marks the final large-scale update, Larian is committed to continually addressing bugs and enhancing modding tools. Modding has taken off in a big way, with Patch 7 alone sparking over a million mod installs in just a day.
As a top-tier RPG, Baldur’s Gate 3 stands out in any game collection, often recommended for anyone passionate about immersive storytelling and strategic play. If you’ve been on the fence, consider taking advantage of the current discount at GOG, where you can snag it for $47.99—an excellent opportunity to dive into one of the year’s most talked-about gaming experiences.
