Larian Studios surprised the Baldur’s Gate 3 community with the announcement of Patch 8, promising exciting new features like photo mode, crossplay, and 12 new subclasses. Initially believed to be the final major update, Patch 7 is now followed by this substantial addition, slated for a 2025 release. Each class in the acclaimed Dungeons & Dragons RPG will receive a unique subclass, complete with distinct abilities and animations. Let’s explore each new subclass coming to Baldur’s Gate 3 in Patch 8.
New Subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3 Patch 8
Bard: College of Glamor
College of Glamor Bard in combat in Baldur's Gate 3
Drawn from Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, the College of Glamor Bard subclass focuses on captivating performances that inspire allies and instill fear in enemies. Larian Studios emphasizes the subclass’s ability to “heal friends and command enemies in equal measure.” Two confirmed abilities include:
- Mantle of Inspiration: Grants allies 5 temporary hit points. Attacking enemies during the casting are Charmed.
- Mantle of Majesty: Allows control over Charmed enemies, commanding them to flee, approach, freeze, drop prone, or disarm.
Barbarian: Path of Giants
Barbarian Path of Giants in Baldur's Gate 3
Embrace the might of giants with the Path of Giants subclass, adapted from Bigby Presents — Glory of the Giants. This subclass not only grants the strength of a giant but also their immense size, significantly impacting combat. The highlighted ability is:
- Giant’s Rage: This passive ability increases strength and size, boosting damage with Throw attacks and increasing carry capacity.
Cleric: Death Domain
Death Domain Cleric in combat in Baldur's Gate 3
The Death Domain Cleric, originating from the Dungeon Master’s Guide, delves into the necromantic aspects of clerical power. In addition to three new necromancy cantrips, a homebrewed ability allows for exploding nearby corpses to damage enemies. One confirmed cantrip is:
- Toll The Dead: Inflicts 1-8 damage with the bell of impending doom. Damage scales with pre-existing injuries on the target.
Druid: Circle of Stars
Circle of Stars Druid wildshaping in Baldur's Gate 3
From Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, the Circle of Stars Druid harnesses the power of starlight, granting access to cosmic abilities beyond traditional wild shapes. The key feature is:
- Starry Forms: Transform into constellations – Archer, Chalice, and Dragon – each offering unique playstyles. The Archer delivers radiant damage, the Chalice heals, and the Dragon enhances damage output.
Paladin: Oath of the Crown
The Oath of the Crown Paladin, from the Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide, pledges allegiance to their nation and upholds the law. Two abilities supporting this oath are:
- Righteous Clarity: Guides companions in battle.
- Divine Allegiance: Absorbs enemy health to restore the Paladin’s own.
Fighter: Arcane Archer
Arcane Archer Fighter in combat in Baldur's Gate 3
Xanathar’s Guide to Everything introduces the Arcane Archer Fighter, blending archery with magic for unique combat skills. Abilities include banishing foes to the Feywild, temporarily removing them from battle, and inflicting psychic damage that can blind enemies.
Monk: Way of the Drunken Master
Drunken Master Monk in Baldur's Gate 3
The Way of the Drunken Master Monk, from Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, uses alcohol for both ki point recovery and unique combat abilities. Key abilities include:
- Intoxicating Strike: Sharing a drink buffs Armor Class and hit chance against Drunk targets.
- Sobering Realization: Inflicts physical and psychic damage while sobering up drunk targets.
Ranger: Swarmkeeper
Swarmkeeper Ranger in combat in Baldur's Gate 3
Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything provides the Swarmkeeper Ranger, commanding swarms of nature spirits for various combat effects. All swarms enable teleportation, while specific swarms offer unique damage types:
- Cloud of Jellyfish: Deals lightning damage.
- Flurry of Moths: Deals psychic damage and can blind.
- Legion of Bees: Deals piercing damage and can knock back enemies.
Rogue: Swashbuckler
The Swashbuckler Rogue, from Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, embodies the pirate archetype. Abilities include blinding enemies with sand and disarming them with a flick of their weapon. A key passive ability is:
- Fancy Footwork: Prevents opportunity attacks while in melee combat.
Sorcerer: Shadow Magic
Hound of Ill Omen in Baldur's Gate 3
The Shadow Magic Sorcerer, from Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, draws power from the Shadowfell for stealth and deadly magic. Key features include Superior Darkvision and the following abilities:
- Shadow Walk: Teleports between dimly lit or dark areas.
- Hound of Ill Omen: Summons a shadow hound to harass enemies.
- Strength of the Grave: Prevents falling in combat.
Warlock: Hexblade
The Hexblade Warlock, from Xanathar’s Guide to Everything, forms a pact with a Shadowfell entity, manifesting powers through magical weapons. One described ability raises the spirit of a dead creature to fight as an Accursed Specter.
Wizard: Bladesinger
Bladesinging Wizard in combat in Baldur's Gate 3
The Bladesinger Wizard, from Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, combines spellcasting with swordplay, channeling magic through bladed weapons. A crucial ability is:
- Bladesong: Enhances speed, agility, and focus, granting a bonus to Constitution saving throws.
