Larian Studios has shared insights into the forthcoming Patch 8 for Baldur’s Gate 3, currently undergoing stress testing. This update promises a series of adjustments aimed at refining the balance of newly introduced subclasses, alongside the anticipated bug fixes that players have come to expect. However, one notable omission is any substantial alterations to the much-discussed Booming Blade cantrip, which is poised to significantly influence the game’s dynamics and potentially establish a new subclass champion.
Patch Enhancements and Bug Fixes
The upcoming patch addresses a variety of issues, including crashes, bugs, and scripting errors that emerged with the initial changes of Patch 8. Among the enhancements is a focus on improving the long-awaited crossplay feature, which has been a point of interest for the community. Additionally, quality of life improvements are set to elevate the experience in the game’s new photo mode.
On the balance front, several bugs and unintended interactions have been rectified. The Death Domain Cleric has received a slight buff to its new cantrips, while its Reaper passive has been adjusted, now requiring players to target two different creatures with their double cast, preventing them from striking the same target twice.
Meanwhile, the previously underwhelming Eldritch Knight subclass has undergone a transformation, allowing players to unleash three attacks per turn by level seven, and four by the game’s conclusion. Remarkably, this can be achieved without depleting resources such as spell slots, superiority dice, or channel divinity charges. This newfound power has sparked a lively debate among the community, particularly among the dedicated enthusiasts on the BG3builds subreddit, who are divided on whether this shift is a boon or a bane for the game’s meta.
While the thrill of wielding a thunderous spellsword is undeniably appealing, there lingers a concern that the straightforward, risk-free build of Hexblade 1 / Eldritch Knight 11 could overshadow other character options, especially with the impending introduction of the Bladesinging spellsword class. Nevertheless, optimism prevails as it seems likely that these changes will carry through to the final patch.
Baldur’s Gate 3 has already introduced a plethora of powerful builds, such as the Open Hand Monk / Thief or College of Swords Bard / Fighter / Thief, encouraging players to continually explore new strategies. Even with the potential dominance of Booming Blade-wielding Eldritch Knights in Patch 8, many players, including myself, are inclined to embark on our first run with the newly unveiled Arcane Archer subclass.
