Patch 8 for Baldur's Gate 3: 12 New Subclasses Release Date Revealed

Baldur’s Gate 3 fans, take note—Larian Studios has officially confirmed that the highly anticipated Patch 8 update is set to launch on Tuesday, April 15, bringing a wealth of new features and enhancements to the award-winning Dungeons & Dragons role-playing game.

For some time now, Patch 8 has been undergoing rigorous stress testing. However, Larian has announced that it's finally polished and ready for full release next week, ensuring all players can experience the latest evolution of this groundbreaking RPG.

This major update introduces an impressive array of new content, including 12 brand-new subclasses, a long-awaited photo mode, support for cross-play, and even Xbox Series S split-screen functionality. For those eager to dive deeper, you can check out the full Baldur's Gate 3 Patch 8 patch notes.

Bard - College of Glamour

The College of Glamour Bard blends charm and control into a seamless battlefield presence. Use Mantle of Inspiration to grant allies 5 temporary hit points. If an enemy attacks while it’s active, they become Charmed—and with Mantle of Majesty, you can command them to flee, move closer, freeze in place, drop to the ground, or even drop their weapon. It's a powerful tool for turning the tide of battle through clever manipulation.

Barbarian - Path of Giants

Embrace raw, overwhelming strength with the Path of Giants. This subclass enhances your physical might and size through Giant’s Rage, allowing you to deal extra damage with thrown attacks and granting increased carry capacity. Say goodbye to inventory limits and hello to unbridled power as you send enemies flying across the battlefield.

Cleric - Death Domain

Channel the dark arts of necromancy with the Death Domain Cleric. You gain access to potent necrotic spells and three new necromancy cantrips, including Toll The Dead, which scales in damage based on your target’s current health. Additionally, you can summon explosive corpses to deal area-of-effect damage—perfect for clearing groups of weaker foes.

Druid - Circle of Stars

Look to the heavens for divine guidance with the Circle of Stars. Instead of traditional Wild Shapes, these Druids channel celestial constellations like the Archer, Chalice, and Dragon. Each form offers unique playstyles: radiant damage from afar, healing for allies, or enhanced Constitution rolls for powerful strikes. A stellar choice for those who want both beauty and utility.

Paladin - Oath of the Crown

Sworn to uphold law and order, Paladins of the Crown wield divine power to protect allies and disrupt enemies. Abilities like Righteous Clarity help guide your team in battle, while Divine Allegiance allows you to absorb damage and heal nearby companions. Your presence alone commands respect and inspires courage.

Fighter - Arcane Archer

Combine martial skill with arcane magic as an Arcane Archer. These Fighters enhance their ranged attacks with magical effects, such as banishing enemies to the Feywild or dealing Psychic damage that blinds foes unless they pass a Wisdom saving throw. New animations and spellcasting visuals add flair to every shot.

Monk - Drunken Master

Infuse your combat style with chaotic unpredictability as a Drunken Master. By consuming alcohol from your inventory or the environment, you can restore Ki. Land a punch infused with Intoxicating Strike to buff your Armor Class and accuracy against drunk enemies. Abilities like Sobering Realisation let you sober up opponents while dealing damage—making this one of the most entertaining and versatile Monk builds.

Ranger - Swarmkeeper

Harness nature’s fury with deadly swarms. The Cloud of Jellyfish delivers electric shocks, Flurry of Moths blinds enemies with Psychic damage, and Legion of Bees knocks foes back with piercing force. Each swarm also grants teleportation abilities, offering tactical mobility and crowd control options.

Rogue - Swashbuckler

Step into the shoes of a daring pirate with the Swashbuckler subclass. Toss sand to Blind enemies, flick weapons to Disarm foes, and use Fancy Footwork to avoid opportunity attacks during melee engagements. Ideal for players who thrive in fast-paced, unpredictable combat.

Sorcerer - Shadow Magic

Wield darkness itself as a Shadow Magic Sorcerer. Benefit from Superior Darkvision and the ability to Shadow Walk between areas of dim light or darkness. Summon the ominous Hound of Ill Omen to harry enemies and activate Strength of the Grave to stay standing longer—especially useful in Honour Mode challenges.

Warlock - Hexblade

Forge a pact with the Shadowfell as a Hexblade Warlock. Curse your enemies and raise their spirits from the battlefield using Summon Fallen Soul, which deals necrotic damage and heals you. Perfect for players who enjoy combining fear-based tactics with devastating offensive potential.

Wizard - Bladesinging

Merge spellcraft with swordplay as a Bladesinger. This subclass introduces dynamic spellcasting animations while wielding your weapon, along with the Bladesong ability, which boosts speed, agility, and concentration. Ideal for casters who prefer to fight on the front lines without sacrificing magical prowess.

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As stated by Larian Studios, Patch 8 marks the final major update for Baldur’s Gate 3—a fitting conclusion to a chapter that has defined the studio’s success over recent years. Since its debut in 2023, Baldur’s Gate 3 has enjoyed massive critical acclaim and sustained commercial momentum well into 2025.

While Larian prepares to shift focus to a new project (which remains under wraps following a media blackout), D&D owner Hasbro has hinted at future plans for the franchise. Speaking at GDC, Dan Ayoub, SVP of digital games at Hasbro, revealed that there are "a lot of people very interested in Baldur's Gate."

Though no concrete details were given about whether this interest will result in a direct sequel like Baldur’s Gate 4 or a crossover event similar to past collaborations with Magic: The Gathering, Ayoub did express a desire to eventually see another installment in the series.

"We're not in a hurry," he said. "We’re going to take a very measured approach... We've got a lot of plans, a lot of different ways to go about it."

In celebration of Patch 8’s launch, Larian will host a special Twitch livestream featuring senior systems designer Ross Stephens, who will walk viewers through the patch’s many additions and changes.