Summary
The Patch 8 stress test forBaldur’s Gate 3has been released for select players on all platforms. While the update was accidently released for PlayStation 5 players on January 27, Larian now officially welcomes fans who signed up for the test and received an email to try out a number of new features inBaldur’s Gate 3, including a photo mode and new subclasses.
Released in August 2023,Baldur’s Gate 3has enjoyed monumental success, with the RPG praised by critics and players alike for its narrative, world, and characters. The title sold over 10 million copies by February 2024, with the later addition of modding support boosting the game’s player count even further by the end of the same year. In July 2024, Larian’s CEO Swen Vincke even noted thatBaldur’s Gate 3’s many accolades had impacted development, forcing the company to create teams that would rotate to attend each award ceremony. Nearly a year and a half since the title’s initial release, its developers are still giving players more to look forward to.
The Patch 8 stress test forBaldur’s Gate 3is now live for select players across Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC, with Larian Studios releasing a set of patch notes to share what to expect. The largest additions include a dedicated photo mode, 12 new subclasses, cross-play, and split-screen for those on Xbox Series S. Several changes to gameplay are also being made with the release of the new update, with players now able to use potions and scrolls found in their party inventory while rolling in dialogues, making it easier than ever to get the desired outcome. Thankfully, an issue causing neutral NPCs to trigger combat without reason has been addressed, and fans will now be able to see all traders on the world map, regardless of distance. While it’s unclearwhen Patch 8 forBaldur’s Gate 3will be availablefor everyone, many predict a late Spring 2025 release.
On January 27,someBaldur’s Gate 3players on PS5accidently gained early access to the Patch 8 stress test, with Larian Studios warning players of potential issues with their save files. The previous major update, Patch 7, was released in late 2024, adding additional cinematics for those playing as the Dark Urge, an in-game Mod Manager and modding toolkit, and revamped split-screen gameplay. While Patch 8 will reportedly be the last major update for the game, fans are pleased with how much support the development team has given to what has become one of the most beloved RPGs in recent memory.
Earlier in January, it was confirmed thatLarian Studios is now fully focused on its next game, which remains unannounced. In 2024, the developer opened another studio to assist with two upcoming RPGs, with many hoping thatDivinity: Original Sin 3was one of these mysterious projects.
Cinematics
Writing
Patch 8 will bring a multitude of fixes for various crashes and blockers, combat bugs, scripting and flow issues, and more. The full patch notes will be shared once Patch 8 goes live!
Reporting Bugs During The Stress Test
Internal playtesting has been ongoing for several weeks now, and thanks to the introduction of photo mode in Patch 8, our playtesters have discovered new means to highlight some interesting issues.While we don’t expect you to showcase every unexpected bug you run into (please, don’t do that), we would be grateful if you could report any issues you experience in the Patch 8 stress test using the existing bug reporting form. Please make sure to state “Patch 8” in the Game Version field!
Known Issues
As the Patch 8 stress test is a work-in-progress build, we’re aware of some issues, and have listed the ones relevant to the new features coming in Patch 8 below!
Modding
While it’s our hope that supported mods remain mostly unscathed with Patch 8, this stress test also helps us understand how your mods interact with the latest patch and identify any issues ahead of release.
Cross-Play & Multiplayer
UX
Keep an eye out for updates during the Patch 8 stress test as we continue working on fixing these issues!
Baldur’s Gate 3
WHERE TO PLAY
Abducted, infected, lost. You are turning into a monster, but as the corruption inside you grows, so does your power. Forge a tale of fellowship and betrayal, sacrifice and survival, and the lure of absolute power. Caught in a conflict between devils, deities, and sinister otherworldly forces, you and your party will determine the fate of the Forgotten Realms.THE ULTIMATE D&D EXPERIENCEChoose from a wide selection of D&D races and classes, or play as an origin character with a hand-crafted background. Adventure, loot, battle, and romance as you journey through the Forgotten Realms and beyond. Play alone or as a party of up to four in multiplayer – and select your companions carefully.A CINEMATIC STORYTELLING EPICForged with the new Divinity 4.0 engine, Baldur’s Gate 3 gives you unprecedented freedom to explore, experiment, and interact with a world that reacts to your choices. A grand, cinematic narrative brings you closer to your characters than ever before, as you venture through our biggest world yet. Romance, deceive, aid, obstruct, and grow alongside your friends thanks to Larian’s next-generation RPG engine.
