Patch 8 Stress Test Now Live for Baldur’s Gate 3
- The stress test for Patch 8 of Baldur’s Gate 3 has commenced for select players.
- Participants should check their email for invitations to join the test.
- New features include a photo mode, 12 subclasses, cross-play, and additional enhancements.
The highly anticipated Patch 8 stress test for Baldur’s Gate 3 is now available to a select group of players across all gaming platforms. Originally, an early version was inadvertently launched for PlayStation 5 users on January 27; however, Larian Studios has now officially rolled out the invitation process for dedicated fans who signed up for testing. This update introduces several exciting new features, including a photo mode and a variety of new character subclasses.
Since its release in August 2023, Baldur’s Gate 3 has achieved tremendous success, captivating both critics and players with its rich storytelling, immersive world, and complex characters. By February 2024, the game surpassed the milestone of 10 million copies sold. The addition of modding support later in 2024 further propelled its popularity, solidifying its place as a favorite in the RPG genre. Larian’s CEO, Swen Vincke, remarked that the game’s numerous accolades necessitated the formation of dedicated teams to represent the studio at various award ceremonies. Nearly a year and a half after its debut, Larian continues to provide enticing updates for the community.
The Patch 8 stress test includes a host of new features, such as a dedicated photo mode, the introduction of 12 subclasses, cross-play functionality, and split-screen support for Xbox Series S users. Additionally, gameplay adjustments have been made to enhance the player experience, including the ability to utilize potions and scrolls from the party inventory during dialogue interactions. This update also resolves a frustrating issue where neutral NPCs would inexplicably initiate combat. Players will now be able to identify all traders on the world map, regardless of distance. While the exact timeline for a public release of Patch 8 remains uncertain, many speculate it could arrive in late Spring 2025.
On January 27, a subset of Baldur’s Gate 3 players on PS5 unintentionally accessed the Patch 8 stress test, prompting Larian Studios to advise caution regarding potential issues with save files. The previous substantial update, Patch 7, became available in late 2024 and included new cinematics for players following the Dark Urge storyline, an in-game Mod Manager, and improved split-screen gameplay. Although Patch 8 is likely to be the final significant update for the acclaimed title, players have expressed appreciation for the ongoing support from the development team.
In a recent update, Larian Studios confirmed its complete focus on creating a forthcoming game, details of which have yet to be announced. Additionally, in 2024, the studio inaugurated another facility to assist in developing two new RPGs, leading to speculation that Divinity: Original Sin 3 may be one of these projects.
Patch Notes for Baldur’s Gate 3 Patch 8 Stress Test
Key Highlights
- Introduction of a photo mode
- Launch of 12 new subclasses
- Cross-play capabilities
- Split screen available for Xbox Series S
Gameplay Enhancements
- Items discovered via successful Perception checks will now ping on the minimap and log in the combat log.
- Fixed an issue preventing allies’ abilities from activating correctly after dialogues at High Hall.
- Utilize potions and scrolls from unlocked party inventory while in dialogues.
- Neutral and friendly NPCs will no longer mistakenly become hostile upon entering combat-related surfaces.
- Resolved the reset of Freecast when any condition is applied.
- Fixed pathfinding issues that caused characters to get stuck on ladders being used by others.
- Corrected a bug in the Gauntlet of Shar concerning a moving platform that could lead to player deaths.
Combat Changes
- Neutral NPCs will no longer initiate unprovoked combat.
- Cerys will no longer intervene in fights with Minthara from afar.
Modding Updates
- Fixed a loading screen hang for players attempting to join modded multiplayer sessions.
- The Mod Verification prompt will now appear regardless of multiplayer lobby entry point.
- Enhanced clarity in third-party mod warning messages.
Performance Improvements
- Resolved issues with the ruleset selector in ‘Alter Custom Mode’ in multiplayer lobbies.
- Improved server performance, particularly in the Adamantine Forge location.
Scripting and Flow Adjustments
- Fixed an inconsistency allowing misleading dialogue about Gandrel.
- Adjusted savegame mechanics to ensure proper distribution of Umbral Gems in the Gauntlet of Shar.
- Minthara’s commentary has been updated for various interactions.
- Minthara’s surrender will no longer lead to her being incorrectly treated as deceased by players.
- Corrected dialogue continuity issues regarding relationships and interactions with characters.
User Interface Enhancements
- Traders will now be marked on the world map, irrespective of the player’s proximity.
Cinematic Improvements
- Shadowheart will maintain a consistent hair color during key cinematic moments.
- Refinements made to animations in intimate scenes for consistent character height compatibility.
Writing Refinements
- Corrected duplicated and incorrect dialogue options in conversations with Minthara.
Patch 8 aims to address numerous crashes, combat glitches, scripting issues, and more. Complete patch notes will be made available once Patch 8 officially launches!
Reporting Bugs During the Stress Test
Following extensive internal playtesting, players participating in the Patch 8 stress test are encouraged to report any bugs encountered. As the photo mode feature potentially uncovers new issues, participants can utilize the existing bug reporting form, specifying “Patch 8″in the Game Version section.
Known Issues
The ongoing nature of the Patch 8 stress test has led to the identification of several known issues associated with new features:
Modding Issues
It is anticipated that most supported mods will function properly; however, this stress test will help identify any mod-related concerns with the latest patch.
- Users of ImpUI may notice visibility problems with radial descriptions and functionality glitches in menu options. It’s advisable for testers to either create a new save or load a non-modified save.
Photo Mode Glitches
- Visually corrupted displays can occur when using Vulkan in Photo Mode.
Cross-Play & Multiplayer Bugs
- Some lines in the cross-play settings remain unlocalised.
- Movement input issues may arise for players in multiplayer lobbies post-item pickup.
User Experience Issues
- Certain keyboard shortcuts and controller inputs may fail after engaging in trades with merchants.
Members of the community are urged to stay updated on the progress of the Patch 8 stress test as Larian Studios continues to address these issues!
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