Baldur's Gate 3: Patch 8 - all the major new features of the update

Larian Studios is adding one last major update with Patch 8 - and the update has it all. The extensive update has been live since 15 April and delivers many long-awaited features as well as new content for all those who haven't had enough of Faerûn yet.

• Baldur’s Gate 3: Beginner's guide - Character creation
  
  

Cross-play at last - on all platforms

Probably the biggest highlight: Cross-Play is there. From now on, players can go on an adventure together regardless of their platform - whether on PC, PS5, Mac or Xbox. Thanks to the new cross-platform lobby in the Larian Network, the connection now works smoothly and without detours.

Your progress is also transferred: Your scores travel with you, no matter where you log in. Particularly good news’s for Xbox Series S users: Local co-op in split screen is now also available on this console.

12 new subclasses - a breath of fresh air for every class

Patch 8 gives each class an additional subclass - including unique abilities, new animations and fresh story elements. Here is a quick overview:

• Barde – College of Glamour: Charming support with Mantle of Majesty.
• Barbar – Path of Giants: Become giant, throw opponents around.
• Cleric – Death Domain: Dark spells, exploding corpses - what more could you want?
• Druid – Circle of Stars: Heavenly shapes with individual play styles.
• Paladin – Oath of the Crown: Defender of order with a group focus.
• Fighter – Arcane Archer: Magic arrows with special effects.
• Monk – Drunken Master: Fighting with style - and alcohol.
• Ranger – Swarmkeeper: Swarms as allies and as weapons.
• Schurke – Swashbuckler: Agile, evasive fighters with style.
• Magician – Shadow Magic: Shadow powers and death as an opponent.
• Warlock – Hexblade: Necrotic power and healing through curses.
• Magician – Bladesinging: magic meets swordsmanship with speed.
  
  

Whether you're a role-playing purist or a build tinkerer - there's something for everyone here.

Faerûn In focus: The new photo mode

With the new integrated photo mode, you can now capture your most epic moments in pictures. Use the hotkey (F9 on the PC) or the HUD to call up an extensive set of tools: from camera settings and lenses to depth of field and composition.

Plus: over 300 stickers, film-ready frames and numerous poses - animated or static - with which you can perfectly capture battles, romances or chaos scenes. Whether as a memento or for your next post on social media - Faerûn now looks as good on the outside as it does in your head.

• Baldur’s Gate 3: Beginner's guide - Exploring
  
  

Conclusion: A patch that feels like a small add-on

Patch 8 is far more than just a bug fix: cross-play, new subclasses and the extensive photo mode make Baldur’s Gate 3 even more rounded - and even more beginner-friendly. Whether you're just starting out or on your third run, there are plenty of new reasons to dive back in.

 (Image source: Larian Studios)