BG3 Patch 8: Massive Update Requires Stress Testing

Larian Studios has released a crucial update to the Patch 8 Stress Test for Baldur's Gate 3, ensuring a smoother transition when the full patch goes live. Dive deeper to learn more about the stress test, its implications, and what Patch 8 holds in store.

Patch 8 Stress Test Update 1 Arrives With Bug Fixes

Only Available To Testers

Larian has rolled out an update to the Patch 8 Stress Test build, addressing several bugs, crashes, and scripting errors. A notable fix ensures that Gale properly consumes magical items as intended. This update is exclusively available to those participating in the Patch 8 stress test, meaning only testers can download it on their designated consoles. Those not involved in the testing phase will need to wait for the final, polished patch to enjoy the new enhancements and content.

Key improvements in this update include ensuring containers in inventories retain their contents even when destroyed, simplifying screenshot capabilities in Photo Mode for Steam Deck users, refining pose responsiveness, enhancing cross-play functionality, updating the Booming Blade tooltip values when cast, and resolving several crash issues. For a comprehensive rundown of all changes, visit the official Baldur’s Gate 3 website's news section.

As one of the last major updates before Larian moves on from the world of Faerûn, Patch 8 is poised to be a significant release, necessitating thorough stress testing. The patch will introduce platform cross-play, over 12 new subclasses—including a Death Domain Cleric, a Path of Giants Barbarian, and an Arcane Archer Fighter—and the much-awaited Photo Mode.

Photo Mode Is As Customizable As It Can Be

While eagerly awaiting Patch 8, players can get a detailed sneak peek into the upcoming Photo Mode through a dedicated video. Larian aims to help players maximize Photo Mode from the get-go.

Photo Mode is accessible almost anywhere in the game—during adventures, in combat, and in multiplayer sessions led by the host player. You can pose companions and characters as you envision, with or without party members, or even include quirky elements like a jumping frog dominating the frame. The free-moving camera adds to the flexibility, allowing players to capture the perfect shot from any angle.

Enhance your shots further with post-processing effects, stickers, and frames. However, during dialogues and cinematic cutscenes, you can only apply post-process effects; pose manipulation is not available.

This sneak peek is just the beginning. Larian plans to release additional tips and tricks videos to inspire and guide players in unleashing their creative potential through Photo Mode.