Larian Studios Announces Major Updates for Baldur’s Gate 3

Larian Studios, the renowned developer behind the critically acclaimed Baldur’s Gate 3, has unveiled details about Patch 8, set to release in 2025. This highly anticipated update will bring several exciting features, including crossplay across all platforms, a new subclass for each of the game’s twelve existing classes, and the introduction of a photo mode.

New Subclasses for Every Class

Each of the game’s twelve classes will receive a unique subclass, offering players fresh ways to customize their characters. Here’s the full list:

• Bard: College of Glamour
• Barbarian: Path of Giants
• Cleric: Death Domain
• Druid: Circle of Stars
• Paladin: Oath of the Crown
• Fighter: Arcane Archer
• Monk: Drunken Master
• Ranger: Swarmkeeper
• Rogue: Swashbuckler
• Sorcerer: Shadow Magic
• Warlock: Hexblade
• Wizard: Bladesinging

According to Larian’s community update, these subclasses will introduce new abilities, animations, visual effects, summons, and cantrips. Additionally, the Oathbreaker Knight will gain unique voiced dialogue and story reactivity, enhancing role-playing depth.

A Closer Look at Subclasses

Among the highlights is the Drunken Master subclass for Monks, which allows players to drink alcohol directly from their inventory. This mechanic not only boosts the Monk’s abilities but also lets them share alcohol with enemies, creating tactical opportunities.

Similarly, the Hexblade Warlock can summon spirits from fallen enemies for strategic advantages, while the Bladesinging Wizard combines elegant swordplay with spellcasting, perfect for fans of the battlemage archetype.

Crossplay and Photo Mode

A significant update in Patch 8 is the addition of crossplay, enabling players across all platforms—including PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Mac—to team up seamlessly. Cross-progression will also be supported, allowing players to continue their campaigns across multiple devices without losing progress.

The new photo mode will let players capture memorable moments in Faerûn. Equipped with features like lens adjustments, post-processing effects, and frames, this mode aims to give players creative freedom to document their adventures.

Community Engagement and Financial Success

Larian plans to stress-test Patch 8 with the community in January 2025, ensuring a polished release later in the year. This level of engagement reflects the studio’s ongoing commitment to its player base, which earned the game a nomination for “Best Community Support” at the Game Awards.

The studio’s efforts have paid off financially, too. In 2023, Larian reported a staggering €249 million pre-tax profit, a sharp contrast to its €214,000 loss in 2022. Much of this success is credited to the enduring popularity of Baldur’s Gate 3, which has seen a 20% increase in daily active users in 2024 and a rise in peak concurrent players on Steam.

Sources: Official Larian Studios Community Update