Larian Releases Update on Changes in Baldur’s Gate 3 Patch 8

Larian Studios has rolled out the first update for Baldur’s Gate 3’s patch 8, addressing a variety of issues that players have encountered. This update is now available for PC, Xbox, and PS5. Among the key fixes are those related to Gale’s magical items and the absence of descriptions in the radial menu. Additionally, improvements have been made to the photo mode, cross-play capabilities, user interface, art assets, scripting elements, subclasses, and a few crash issues.

Baldur’s Gate 3 has been a massive hit since its launch, winning accolades from gamers and critics alike, clinching the top prize at The Game Awards, and selling over 10 million copies. Despite this success, Larian Studios has remained committed to enhancing the game with frequent updates to enrich the content and mend any glitches. Currently, they’re preparing to release patch 8, the last significant content update, which is being stress-tested at the moment.

Players involved in the stress test have received update 1, which brings multiple bug fixes and enhancements. Notably, it resolves an issue preventing Gale from equipping himself with magical items. Additionally, a bug causing Oath of the Crown paladins to lose spell slots upon leveling has been fixed, along with an issue where some items lost their conditions once added to inventory.

Among other enhancements, the photo mode has seen some updates. Players will now notice a new in-game pop-up for photo mode available in the journal. Steam Deck users will benefit from an improved screenshot function, making it easier to access snapshots from the Steam Screenshots page. Other tweaks include solutions for issues like screen blurriness in split screen mode and the game freezing when switching tabs.

Cross-play enhancements were also made, addressing a client loading screen glitch and a PS5 issue where splash screens weren’t appearing correctly. A crash occurring at the start of combat was fixed, and the UI received comprehensive improvements. These included resolving character creation issues, rectifying button and keyboard shortcut inputs, and fixing controller-related bugs in the main menu, among others.

Artwork, scripting, subclasses, and crash-related issues were also tackled in the update, ensuring a smoother experience. While there is no official word on when patch 8 will be fully released, many speculate it might drop between mid to late February.

Baldur’s Gate 3 Stress Test Update 1 Patch Notes

Gameplay:

• Containers in inventories now scatter their contents if destroyed, preventing the loss of crucial quest items.
• Fixed a bug where Oath of the Crown paladins lost spell slots during level-up.
• Resolved issues with picking items off the ground in multiplayer, ensuring it no longer obstructs movement.
• Corrected Wild Shape: Panther’s issues, ensuring Prowl action and condition work as intended.
• Resolved bugs causing item conditions to disappear from inventories, affecting imbued weapons like the Elemental Cleaver.
• Shadow Blade will now behave as expected, being caster-bound when upcast.

Photo Mode:

• Introduced a new pop-up for Photo Mode at the beach starting point, accessible via the Journal.
• Upgraded the Steam Deck screenshot function to leverage Steam’s native feature for easier access.
• Removed the possibility of characters interrupting private cutscenes when activating Photo Mode in multiplayer.
• The ‘Toggle Photo Preview’ option is now hidden when taking screenshots through Steam.
• Rectified issues causing the screen to blur during split-screen Photo Mode sessions.
• Introduced a camera shutter sound for Photo Mode captures.
• Corrected wolf poses and removed unwanted crosses during thick vignette settings.
• Made sure creatures acknowledge the ‘Look At Camera’ feature.
• Addressed freezing issues while rapidly switching between tabs.
• Enhanced depth of field sliders for better scaling and correspondence.
• Corrected dragonborn tail placement.
• Grasping Vine poses now function properly.

Cross-Play:

• Fixed a bug that could freeze a client on the loading screen after unfriending and re-adding a host.
• Ensured PS5 splash screens appear as expected.
• Resolved a crash experienced at the start of combat.

Subclasses:

• Updated Booming Blade tooltip to reflect its upcast values.
• Corrected Rakish Audacity tooltip’s bonus figures.
• Adjusted Toll the Dead and Bursting Sinew to align with Potent Cantrip, now facilitating half damage on saves.
• Fixed the addition of Pact of the Blade’s Extra Attack to Deepened Pact for non-compatible choices.

Art:

• Addressed clipping and anomalous behavior issues with Flaming Fist armor.

UI:

• Corrected a UI bug blocking Gale’s ability to consume magical items.
• Ensured Hexblade’s actions and features appear accurately during Character Creation.
• Fixed inconsistent button and keyboard input functionality.
• Resolved tooltip inaccuracies in Reactions like Divine Allegiance.
• Fixed controller-induced UI lockups.
• Ensured seamless navigation in settings, rectifying wrap-around option visibility.
• Addressed Character Sheet issues related to Illithid Powers.
• Ensured player avatars are visible in multiplayer and cross-play lobbies.

Scripting:

• Validated achievements with the 12 new subclasses, including fixes for Unarmed Strike bonuses and achievements like Fists of Fury and Action Surge.

Crashes:

• Fixed a crash upon multiple game start attempts from a lobby.
• Resolved several UI-related crashes and freezes.
• Corrected a Vulkan crash during Photo Mode capturing.

With these refinements, Larian Studios continues to polish Baldur’s Gate 3, demonstrating their commitment to creating a seamless gaming experience. Keep your eyes peeled for the final release of patch 8!