Let’s focus on the positives, though! This final update is pretty huge, 48-page changelog huge actually, and I’m SO excited for the new subclasses and photo mode. I might even finally hang up my daggers and try a class that isn’t rogue. I’ve got my eye on Circle of Stars Druid, Arcane Archer Fighter, or Shadow Magic Sorcerer. This also means that the ban I had to enforce on myself, after one too many 3 am work nights, might finally be lifted (sorry Dark0ne).
So let's get into it, and here is everything we know about Patch 8!
Modding for Patch 8
Modding Guidelines Update
First off, an important heads-up to all mod authors: the guidelines have changed with this patch, so it’s worth reading them in full here. However, they’ve made sure to mention that any mods introducing new playable races are unable to be curated for consoles.
Toolkit
Alongside Patch 8, the BG3 Modding Toolkit has also received an update, allowing for partial level editing. That means you can now create and add interactive objects or override certain template types in existing levels. So why not give creating your own NPC a go? I’d personally love to see some using the modded races.
Partial level editing means that you can now create your own interactive objects, like a chest that teleports away every time you get close to it. But unfortunately, you won’t be able to add dialogues or change static parts of the world, such as buildings, scenery or terrain.
UI Functionality Improvements
Larian has been working with mod authors to ensure there are fewer conflicts between game mods and new patches, particularly for those that have ImpUI as a dependency. While the ImpUI mod has been updated for Patch 8, it's worth reading Djmr's update in the mod description for full clarity on how it will be working moving forward, but they have made it clear that it should only be used if other custom UI mods require it. As Larian has introduced minor changes to how some functionalities are handled in the Toolkit to keep things running smoothly and support the creativity of the BG3 modding community.
You can now make changes directly for mods that rely on UI tweaks during Character Creation. The changes now supported natively in the Toolkit include:
- Action Resources
- Racial spells at LevelUp
- Race passives
- UI scrolling for Heads, Passives, Equipment, Class, Subclass, and Origin selection
- Feat passives
- Radial customisation and descriptions
Existing Mods in Patch 8
A reminder from both Larian and us: please be patient and respectful of mod authors. With the new update, you may find some of the mods you use might have stopped working and will take time to be updated. However, you can check which mods are already Patch 8 compatible, or have been updated to be, by using the ‘Patch 8 Compatible’ tag for Baldur’s Gate 3. Mod authors can add this tag to their mods if they’re compatible already, or once they’ve been updated.
Cross-Play
We can all now play together, yay! Whether you are on PC, Mac, Xbox, or PlayStation 5, you and your friends can all enjoy the multiplayer system, with full cross-platform progression and cross-play. To do so, though, you’ll need to use the Larian Network to join and create cross-play lobbies.
Cross-Play & Mods
You’ll still be able to play with mods in cross-play, however, all players joining the lobby must have the same version of mods installed. So, when joining a host’s game, you’ll be prompted with the Mod Verification window to either enable, upgrade, downgrade, or install any missing mods.
Just a heads up for PC players creating cross-play lobbies. Larian have included some specific advice for playing with users on console in the changelog under "Cross-Play & Mods". To summarise, if you're playing with others on console, it's better if they host the lobby to avoid sync issues.
12 New Subclasses
Every core class now has an additional subclass for us to explore, offering even more build variety and roleplaying options.
Barbarian - Path of the Giants
This new subclass will have you throwing your enemies around like it’s nothing or just chucking big things at them for a nice lil one-hit. Your new Giant’s Rage passive means you no longer have to knock back a potion for extra strength or size, as it grants both. Also, for any fellow loot goblins, you’ll be happy to hear you also have increased carry capacity.
Bard - College of Glamour
With this subclass, you’ll have the power to heal your allies and command enemies. By casting Mantle of Inspiration, you can give your allies 5 temporary hit points, and if an enemy attacks them, they’ll potentially find themselves charmed. Meaning you can play to your advantage with Mantle of Majesty as well, giving you the ability to target charmed enemies and command them to flee, move closer, freeze, drop to the ground or drop their weapon.
Cleric - Death Domain
Like things a little macabre? Perfect. With Death Domain, you get a bunch of new spells that specialise in necrotic damage, alongside 3 new necromancy cantrips. Including Toll the Dead, a cantrip that causes 1~8 damage when your cleric rings the bell of Impending Doom, a number that scales if your target has already taken damage. You also have the ability to explode nearby corpses, which will also damage enemies. So that’s fun!
Druid - Circle of Stars
This one lowkey gives magical girl vibes, and I’m so here for it. Offering powers beyond the classic wild shapes, you can take one of three Starry Forms, either the constellations of the Archer, Chalice, or Dragon. With each one favouring a different play style and strategy. The Archer deals radiant damage with astral arrows, Chalice takes on a more healer role, restoring hitpoints to you and others nearby, and Dragon allows you to deal damage with an added bonus to constitution rolls.
Fighter - Arcane Archer
It’s a 2-4-1 with this new subclass, mastering both magic and marksmanship by infusing your arrows with magical properties and offering unique new skills and shooting animations. Banish your enemies to the Feywild, removing them from the battlefield for a turn, or unleash psychic damage that forces them to make a Wisdom saving throw or be blinded until the start of their next turn. You can also use Curving Shot if your ranged attack misses, to curve your shot to a new enemy instead, which was always your intention anyway, right?
Monk - Drunken Master
With Drunken Master, you’ll be able to consume alcohol straight from your inventory, as well as drink from bottles you see around the world, in order to recover Ki. Share the love with your enemies by using Intoxicating Strike to give them a lil smack and knock them off balance, whilst generating a buff towards your Armour Class and giving a chance to hit drunk targets. Once they’re a bit bevved, they’ll be susceptible to your other abilities, like Sobering Realisation, which sobers them up whilst dealing both physical and psychic damage, much like my weekend hangovers.
Paladin - Oath of the Crown
Be the defender of law and order, with loyalty to society and civilisation being above all else. It’s a morally grey, lawful neutral subclass with brand new dialogue options, so it’ll be interesting to see how that pans out. Cast Divine Allegiance on your allies to absorb their damage whilst restoring health, or taunt enemies with interrupts, and guide your companions in combat with Righteous Clarity.
Ranger - Swarmkeeper
Control three kinds of deadly swarms to assist you in combat, protecting you from harm, aiding you across difficult terrain, and knocking enemies back. The Cloud of Jellyfish deals extra lightning damage to potentially shock your enemies. The Flurry of Moths deals psychic damage, giving you the chance to blind your enemies (and feels very reminiscent of when a moth just will not leave you alone). Finally, the Legion of Bees deals piercing damage and forces your foe to make a Strength-saving throw, which, if failed, knocks them back 15 feet. Each swarm also provides you with the ability to teleport. Nice.
Rogue - Swashbuckler
If it’s a pirate’s life for you, you can look forward to a range of new animations. Play it dirty and throw sand at your enemies to blind them, or flick your weapon to disarm them. You can also use your new Fancy Footwork passive whilst attacking, taking away any chance for your opponent to attempt opportunity attacks for the rest of your turn.
Sorcerer - Shadow Magic
For those born in the darkness, moulded by it, you can Shadow-walk between places of dim light or darkness, see through even magical darkness with your superior dark vision, and withstand attacks that would otherwise kill you by using Strength of the Grave. And my favourite, the ability to call forth your good boy, the Hound of Ill Omen.
Warlock - Hexblade
Good job, you've made a pact with an entity from the Shadowfell, I’m sure that’ll go swimmingly for you. It does, however, mean that it manifests in the form of magical weapons, which is pretty cool. It also means that any enemies that die by your hand fall under your curse, and you can force their souls to do your bidding, raising them from the dead to deal necrotic damage for 10 turns. Your new undead pal will also rip away chunks of your enemies’ souls to heal you, which is nice.
Wizard - Bladesinging
With this, you’ll be combining magic with swordplay. You’ll have incredible speed, agility and focus, thanks to your new Bladesong ability. You also get a bonus for any Constitution saving throws, can dodge with ease, and channel your magic into some pretty deadly blows, all whilst enjoying new spellcasting animations.
Photo Mode
It’s here, it’s finally been implemented into the game, and I can’t wait to see all the new images on the Media Section flood in. Maybe even a new screen archery competition incoming to celebrate! So, how will it work?
- There’ll be lots of customisation options and the ability to edit in-game photography.
- Photo Mode will be available whilst adventuring, during combat, or in the middle of cinematic dialogues and cutscenes.
- The camera settings will let you choose a focus character to adjust the camera position around, including summons and wild-shaped characters in your party.
- Each tab on the Photo Mode menu lets you adjust your shot. With lens settings, you’ll be able to alter field of view, exposure, depth of field and focus.
- Scene settings will let you toggle visibility for various characters, and set their facial expressions, whilst choosing from over 40 static and animated poses.
- You can’t adjust the lens and camera settings during the cinematic captures, however, you will still be able to use post-processing effects.
- Finally, you can add finishing touches to your photos with a selection of frames and over 300 stickers (you’ll also be able to create and upload your own via the Toolkit).
And that’s that! Let me know if you plan on trying out any of the new subclasses. In the meantime, you’ll find me throwing image endorsements out on the Media Section and digging through the ‘Patch 8 Compatible’ tag.
23 comments
I have yet to complete the game...due to how buggy Act 3 is...it gets to a point that it is no longer fun to play.
Could I keep going and finish the game?
Yes...but why should I when it frustrates me and ups my blood pressure instead of lowering my stress.
and thanks for a 'Patch 8 compatible' tag.