Baldur’s Gate 3 patch 8 release date could mark a turning point in terms of post-launch support for Larian Studios’ wildly popular RPG. While the studio has a few more notable features in store for us, it is steadily winding down efforts to support the title as it sets its sights on new projects.
Its predecessor brought us long-awaited modding tools, split-screen improvements, and much more, which makes it a tough act to follow. Nevertheless, BG3’s Patch 8 Release Date could be a game changer for players who picked up the title on different platforms but want to adventure together using Crossplay.
Baldur's Gate 3 Patch 8 Release Date
Although the developer hasn’t touched upon the release date for BG3 Patch 8 just yet – it usually keeps things under wraps until close to the actual launch – it has confirmed that the update is underway and will arrive in Early 2025. The patch will receive early stress tests in January.
“We have one more major patch waiting around the corner. Arriving next year, this update will introduce some of the most eagerly awaited features to BG3: cross-play and photo mode, along with 12 new subclasses.” Larian Studios said on 27th November.
As of January 28, registrations are still available, granting access in waves.
- Baldur’s Gate 3 Patch 8 release date: Early 2025 (GameWatcher estimation)
It’s difficult to say when it might go live before the developer makes an official announcement, but we expect it to do so sometime in early 2025.
According to the post linked above, this seems to be still on track, in which the developer notes that the patch is “right around the corner.” And with that, the Patch 8 stress test is in fact now live for Xbox, PlayStation, and PC platforms.
While BG3 is quite a looker and has plenty of sights that take advantage of what a photo mode could offer, crossplay is the final significant feature left to implement in Patch 8. The fact that it is being worked on is sure to be good news for co-op enthusiasts who play on different platforms.
“During the Patch 8 stress test, Xbox, PlayStation, and PC players will be able to test out cross-play by either creating or joining a lobby. If you want to try out cross-play with your friends on other platforms and have now been given access to the stress test but your friends haven’t, you can request extra Patch 8 stress test keys for PlayStation and Steam (PC) by heading to: https://larian.com/account/connected and linking your game account with your Larian account. “ said Larian.
Patch 8 will also bring split-screen support to Xbox Series S consoles, perfect if you’re having friends over for a gaming session.
The Bard, Barbarian, Cleric, Druid, Paladin, Fighter, Monk, Ranger, Rogue, Sorcerer, Warlock and Wizard classes will each get a new subclass with fresh abilities, animations, VFX, summons, and cantrips. You can find out more about the subclasses here.
In addition, performance improvements in the Adamantine Forge are also coming, alongside several bug fixes, including one for getting stuck at 0% while attempting to load into a multiplayer game that uses mods.
Baldur's Gate 3 Patch Notes for Update 8
Highlights:
- Photo mode
- 12 new subclasses
- Cross-play
- Xbox Series S split screen
Gameplay:
- When you succeed a Perception check, the spotted item will now ping on the minimap and be listed in the combat log.
- Fixed an issue where the special abilities of some of your allies weren’t properly provided at the end of the dialogue with them at High Hall.
- Scrolls and potions inside unlocked containers in your party inventory can now be used when rolling in dialogues.
- Neutral and friendly NPCs will no longer become hostile when, outside of combat, they walk into surfaces created during combat that trigger passives (like electrified surfaces triggering Thunderbolt Strike). Take it easy, lads.
- Fixed Freecast being reset when any condition is applied.
- Fixed characters getting stuck when pathfinding via a ladder that’s already in use by another companion.
- Fixed a bug with the moving platform in the Gauntlet of Shar that would sometimes leave you behind, causing you to plummet to your death.
Combat:
- Fixed an issue causing neutral NPCs to trigger combat for seemingly no reason.
- Cerys will stop getting involved in combats with Minthara from across the region. An eager beaver no longer.
Modding:
- Fixed an issue causing you to get stuck at a 0% loading screen when attempting to join a multiplayer session that uses mods.
- The Mod Verification window will now trigger regardless of where the request to connect to a multiplayer game is coming from.
- Replaced the third-party mod warning with clearer messaging.
Performance and Options:
- Fixed the ruleset selector not appearing on the ‘Alter Custom Mode’ screen when accessing the ruleset settings via the multiplayer lobby.
- Improved server performance in the Adamantine Forge.
Scripting and Flow:
- Fixed an issue where you could tell Astarion that Gandrel has been looking for him even if Gandrel refused to tell you the name of his prey.
- Fixed a savegame issue where you wouldn’t get the appropriate amount of Umbral Gems for the Gauntlet of Shar.
- Minthara now comments on reveal.
- Reminded Minthara that ‘knocked out’ does not mean ‘dead’, so she’ll more reliably appear in Moonrise Towers.
- You can no longer teleport out of Moonrise while controlling Minthara unless you tell her to stay put.
- Minthara is now willing to talk to you after you tell her to wait in the torture chamber.
- Minthara no longer gets stuck babysitting Thaniel in Act II.
- Fixed an issue where you could talk about Art Cullagh as though he’s alive even if he isn’t.
- Your character will no longer think Shadowheart is dead if she isn’t when talking to
- Characters who were in a relationship with Gale when he will now receive a tonally appropriate (read: lovey-dovey) letter.
- Fixed a dialogue issue preventing Avatar Gale from talking about the orb to Lae’zel after consuming a magic item.
UI:
- Discovered and available (non-hostile, alive, etc.) traders are now shown on the world map regardless of how far away you are from them.
Cinematics:
- Shadowheart has agreed to stop repeatedly changing her hair colour during certain intimate moments.
- Tidied up and improved some cinematic animations for characters of different heights if you kiss during the evil ending.
Writing:
- Fixed a duplicated dialogue option and the wrong version of another dialogue option appearing in Minthara’s main party dialogue.
That is what we currently know about Baldur’s Gate 3’s patch 8 release date. While we wait for more details, check out our article on console commands and cheats for the RPG.
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