Baldur’s Gate 3 To Get 12 New Subclasses, Photo Mode, and Cross-play
Larian’s grand fantasy RPG Baldur's Gate 3 is concluding its run of post-launch updates with a massive addition introducing much-requested features like cross-play and a new subclass for every class.
Baldur’s Gate 3 hasn’t been shy with its post-release support, and for the final free update, Patch 8, developer Larian looks to be going all out again. The next Baldur’s Gate 3 update will introduce 12 new subclasses – one for each of the classes in the game – cross-play support, and a photo mode. There’s no release date yet for the update, but Larian promises it is “around the corner” and will arrive in 2025.
New subclasses
If ever you needed an excuse to start a new playthrough of Baldur’s Gate 3, this is probably it. Every core class in the game will be getting a new subclass with new abilities and spells. The expanded details are available on Larian’s blog, but here’s an overview of each one you can look forward to.
- Barbarian - Path of the Giants: Gain increased strength and size for hurling objects, enemies, and allies, along with increased carry capacity.
- Cleric - Death Domain: Gain a necrotic focus with new spells and cantrips like the escalating Toll of the Dead.
- Druid - Circle of Stars: Take on three Starry Forms which enhance different aspects, including damage, healing, and constitution.
- Paladin: - Oath of the Crown: Uphold the law and smite your enemies with new abilities like Righteous Clarity or the ally boosting Divine Allegiance.
- Fighter - Arcane Archer: New skills an animations arrive as one with new magical attacks that let you banish foes or potentially blind them.
- Monk - Drunken Master: Down alcohol mid-fight to recover Ki points, then douse your enemies in liquor to gain an improved hit chance against Drunk enemies.
- Ranger - Swarmkeeper: Jellyfish, moths, and bees are at your disposal as the Swarmkeeper, along with new teleportation powers.
- Rogue - Swashbuckler: Play the pirate with ungallant actions like tossing sand to blind your opponents, disarming them mid-fight, or using Fancy Footwork to avoid opportunity attacks.
- Sorcerer - Shadow Magic: Deal death from darkness with the ability to Shadow Walk between dim areas and summon the Hound of Ill Omen.
- Warlock - Hexblade: Gain powerful weapons through a pact with a Shadowfell entity. Eliminate most enemies and you can raise them as an undead ally which will heal you with every strike.
- Wizard - Bladesinging: Quit cowering on the backlines as a wizard by blending might blades with magic. New animations reflect casting spells with your weapon, and the Bladesong ability grants speed, agility, and focus.
©Larian
Cross-play
Full cross-play and cross-progression support is coming, with the ability to invite friends via the Larian Network, regardless of the platform they’re playing on. That includes PS5, PC, Mac, and Xbox.
Photo mode
Finally, an extensive photo mode will be added in Patch 8, activated via a button by the minimap or through the hotkey (F9 on PC, clicking both analog sticks on console). In addition to the usual lenses, camera tricks, and post-processing options, you can choose facial expressions and over 40 static and animated poses. There are even stickers to slap on as you set up selfies for your adventuring party.
It should be noted that, while this is the final major update for Baldur's Gate 3, Larian will continue to support the game's mod tools, and promises "big updates still to come - including adding even more functionality to let you tell your own stories."