Baldur's Gate 3's Final Big Patch Feels Like a Free DLC

On January 28, the closed stress test for Patch 8 of Baldur's Gate 3 began on PC and consoles. According to Larian, this will be the final major update for the game. Let’s break down what makes Patch 8 exciting and how it will change one of the most acclaimed RPGs in recent years.

It’s no secret that Larian had started working on a full-fledged expansion for Baldur’s Gate 3 — or even a potential fourth installment — before ultimately canceling the project. The studio has decided to part ways with Dungeons & Dragons and move away from developing games under Wizards of the Coast’s license.

Patch 8 introduces twelve new subclasses with unique abilities and fresh animations. Fans speculate that these may be the very subclasses originally planned for the canceled expansion. Essentially, we are getting content that could have been sold as DLC — for free.

College of Glamour (Bard)

This bard subclass is primarily a support role. It can imbue allies with a Mantle of Inspiration, granting them temporary hit points and allowing them to move without provoking opportunity attacks. Additionally, starting at level 6, the bard can use Enthralling Performance to charm multiple creatures, making them view the bard as an awe-inspiring presence.

Path of the Giant (Barbarian)

Path of the Giant barbarians grow in size when they rage, gaining increased reach and extra bonuses when throwing objects — or even creatures. They can also hurl melee weapons with devastating effects, imbuing them with elemental properties like fire or lightning damage. The best part? Thrown weapons return to the barbarian’s hands automatically.

Arcane Archer (Fighter)

This subclass allows fighters to use special Arcane Shot options, empowering their ranged attacks with magical effects. Some arrows can even banish enemies to another plane of existence. While Arcane Archer is often considered underpowered in tabletop Dungeons & Dragons, BG3 has significantly buffed it, increasing the number of Arcane Shots available per rest.

Death Domain (Cleric)

Traditionally reserved for villains in tabletop campaigns, the Death Domain cleric is now a playable option. This subclass enhances necrotic spell damage, ignoring enemy resistances, and allows spells like Toll the Dead to be cast on two targets simultaneously.

Way of the Drunken Master (Monk)

An unconventional monk subclass that thrives in chaos. This subclass excels at redirecting enemy attacks, gaining extra movement, and even making enemies drunk — by hitting them. A drunk opponent becomes easier to manipulate and is more vulnerable to follow-up attacks.

Circle of Stars (Druid)

A powerful support subclass, the Circle of Stars druid can assume different Starry Forms, each providing distinct benefits. For instance, the Dragon constellation grants the ability to fly and unleash breath-like magical attacks. At higher difficulty levels, the Chalice constellation becomes particularly valuable, significantly enhancing healing spells.

Oath of the Crown (Paladin)

This subclass is built for frontline tanking and team support. An Oath of the Crown paladin can force enemies to attack them instead of allies and even absorb damage meant for nearby companions, as long as they are close enough.

Swarmkeeper (Ranger)

A unique ranger subclass that commands a swarm of creatures in battle. The swarm’s effect depends on the chosen type:

The swarm type can only be changed upon level-up, not at will.

Swashbuckler (Rogue)

Perfect for players who enjoy dueling and swift movement. Swashbucklers gain bonuses when fighting one-on-one, can make attacks without needing advantage, and even charm enemies using their Panache ability. They can also disorient foes with dirty tricks like Blinding Sand Attack, which hinders enemy accuracy. A fantastic subclass for Astarion — it fits his personality perfectly.

Shadow Magic (Sorcerer)

This sorcerer subclass harnesses the power of darkness. Its key abilities include:

Bladesinger (Wizard)

One of the strongest wizard subclasses in tabletop D&D, and now even more powerful in BG3. The Bladesong ability boosts AC, movement speed, and concentration, making the wizard highly effective in melee combat. The subclass also gains special charges that can be spent on healing or dealing extra damage.

Hexblade (Warlock)

This warlock subclass can bond with a weapon, making it magical and allowing them to use Charisma instead of Strength or Dexterity for attack rolls. According to players testing Patch 8, at level 3, Hexblades can seemingly rebind their weapon multiple times, leading to a potential bug that lets them attack three times per turn at level 5 — though this might be unintended.

Patch 8 doesn’t just introduce new subclasses — it also adds several new spells. Among the most intriguing are three additional cantrips. Booming Blade — a melee attack that deals thunder damage if the target moves afterward. Toll the Dead — a necrotic damage-dealing cantrip that is more powerful against already wounded enemies — perfect for a Death Domain cleric. Bursting Sinew — a unique spell created by Larian that causes corpses to explode, dealing AoE damage. It is available to clerics and wizards.

Patch 8 finally introduces a photo mode to Baldur’s Gate 3 — something players have been requesting since launch. Given how much the game focuses on party interactions, the ability to capture memorable moments with companions in the scenic landscapes of Faerûn is a welcome addition.

Additionally, cross-play is being implemented, allowing players on different platforms to play together. The closed stress test is largely focused on ensuring cross-play stability.

The final version of Patch 8 is expected to release either in February or early March. After that, don’t expect any more major updates. However, this doesn’t mean Larian will completely abandon Baldur’s Gate 3 — they will still fix bugs, but substantial new content is unlikely.

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Some players may be disappointed that Baldur’s Gate 3 support is coming to an end, but Larian has already spent nearly two years investing in the game beyond expectations. Now, it’s time for new adventures — the Belgian studio can finally focus entirely on next project.

What do you think? Has Larian supported Baldur’s Gate 3 long enough, or would you have liked a few more years of updates? Share your thoughts in the comments!