Baldur’s Gate 3: New Patch 8 Update Major Changes Overview | New Bard Class, New Spells, Gnome Race, and More

There’s no doubt that the Patch 8 update for Baldur’s Gate 3 is HUGE. It adds a ton of new content, as well as some graphical improvements, that make the game a lot more fun and enjoyable than before. Not only that, but the patch also added the bards and gnomes which fans have been requesting for a while now.

That said, let’s have a look into all of the details regarding the newest additions to Baldur’s Gate’s Path 8 update.

New Patch 8 Update Major Changes Overview, New Bard Class, New Spells, Gnome Race, and More in Baldur’s Gate 3

Baldur’s Gate 3 is still in Early Access, so it’s only normal for the developers to add new stuff and content into the game until it’s ready for full release. However, the newest patch that’s been added actually makes the game close to adapting all of the standard classes and races in the DnD handbook.

The introduction of the 10th class, which is the Bard, means that the only ones missing are the Monk and Paladin. Alongside that, the new Gnome class is added as well, leaving only the Half Orc and the Dragonborn as the remaining races.

From the look of things, it’s likely that Baldur’s Gate 3 will hit full release sometime in 2023.

A Look at the Bard Class

The Bard class has been hinted at by Larian Studios for quite a while now, and it’s finally been added into the game alongside the Patch 8 update. For those who aren’t familiar, the Bard is a spellcaster that plays more of a support role with its arsenal of support skills. A few good examples include healing, buffs, and even status effects.

Apart from the Bard, new musical instruments were added into the game as well, with one available for free for the Bards at character creation. These new instruments include the viola, hand drum, flute, lyre, and lute. Any character that manages to reach level 4 and picks the Performer Feat will gain the ability to play instruments.

A New Race of Gnomes

Another major addition to Patch 8 is the race of Gnomes. Gnomes will have +2 Intelligence and the Gnome Cunning ability that grants you an Advantage on Charisma, Intelligence, and Wisdom Saving Throws. The race even comes in three different subraces to choose from. There are the Deep Gnomes, the Forest Gnomes, and the Rock Gnomes.

The Deep Gnomes normally live in Faerun’s underbelly, allowing them to gain Superior Darkvision. Meanwhile, the Forest Gnomes are highly proficient at illusions, stealth, and escape. Lastly, the Rock Gnomes excel at tinkering stuff, making them proficient in making certain devices.

New Spells to Master

Patch 8 also introduces a handful of new spells which include Enthrall, Calm Emotions, Vicious Mockery, Phantasmal Force, and Heroism. These spells are great in their own way and excel in particular situations. Enthrall, for example, draws individuals to the caster when they fail their saving throw. Then there’s Heroism which provides a temporary boost in hit points and immunity to Frightened for a single target.

New Items

There’s not really new items added by the new update, but it does have a very handy feature that’s reminiscent of Larian Studio’s Divinity Original Sin series. That’s none other than digging! With a shovel in hand, you can now pick a spot to dig for any treasure beneath.

Game Balancing

The new update also introduces game balancing in terms of Classes and NPC Interactions. A notable example is that players can now attempt to complete a pacifist playthrough as they can now earn XP when knocking out NPCs. However, this will make thieving sprees more difficult as every NPC will be on full alert for repeat offenders.

As for the classes, Rangers were able to receive some significant buffs. In particular, their Familiars and Summon Companions can now gain health benefits from Short Rest. Apart from that, summons will persist even after a Long Rest. The only caveat is that you can only cast them within the Ranger’s line of sight.

New Animations and Other Visual Upgrades

Players are in for a treat with some major changes to Baldur’s Gate 3s visuals. Some notable examples are changes to hairstyles, granting players the ability to add highlights. The Elven race also has some new unique animations added, and new facial animations bring more depth and emotion to every character as well.

These are just a few of the massive changes in the newest Patch 8 update. Some will be waiting for you to discover inside the game.

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