Baldur’s Gate 3 Patch 8 Introduces Cross-Play, Photo Mode, And More

Baldur’s Gate 3 is getting one last big update in Patch 8, which will introduce cross-play between all consoles, PC, and even Mac. But before Larian puts the latest patch through a stress test with players, the developer has shared more details about what to expect.

Photo mode and 12 new subclasses are among the new features that stand out in Patch 8. There are also a number of bug fixes and in-game mod improvements. Larian’s latest update notes that there have been 100 million mod downloads to date. The company also promised that more mods are being approved for console players.

Mac players also have new minimum specs for Baldur’s Gate 3. Larian now suggests that Mac users update their system to macOS 14 (version 14.7.1) or later. Older Macs that can’t be updated to that level can still play Baldur’s Gate 3 through Patch 6.

Players can register to preview the patch in the upcoming stress test. However, Mac players won’t be able to use cross-platform play during that period. The Patch 8 stress test will let Xbox, PlayStation, and PC players try out the cross-platform play by creating or joining a lobby to find friends through the Larian Network. Xbox players will need to download the Xbox Insider Hub app to register for the stress test. However, Larian notes that the stress test will be going out in waves of players, and registering for it doesn’t guarantee that players will be able to participate.

Larian recently announced that it is now focusing on a new project, codenamed Excalibur. Any potential sequel to Baldur’s Gate 3 will be developed by other studios. You can find the Patch 8 bug notes below, but beware of some of the spoilers in there.

Incoming Bug Fixes

Along with the new features, we’re continuing to clean up animation pops, clipping, and have fixed bugs, including the likes of:

• Fixed a savegame issue where you wouldn’t get the appropriate amount of Umbral Gems for the Gauntlet of Shar.
• Fixed an issue causing you to get stuck at a 0% loading screen when attempting to join a multiplayer session that uses mods.
• Your character will no longer think Shadowheart is dead if she isn’t when talking to
• Halsin will now show up to your camp in Act II as long as you save him, even if you happen to skip the celebration with the tieflings at camp.
• Improved performance in the Adamantine Forge.
• Minthara will now comment on reveal.
• Cerys will stop getting involved in combats with Minthara from across the region. An eager beaver no longer.
• We’ve also reminded Minthara that ‘knocked out’ does not mean ‘dead’, so she’ll more reliably appear in Moonrise Towers.
• Fixed companions’ lines getting cut off prematurely after Gale at the end of the game.
• Fixed a bug preventing Wyll from commenting on Astarion holding a blade to your throat during Astarion’s recruitment dialogue by the beach.
• Barcus is no longer Mike Wazowski’d by various items like cauldrons and bottles blocking him off from view when you talk to him at Last Light.

In-Game Mod Manager Improvements

• Removed the third-party mods warning and replaced it with clearer messaging.
• The Mod Verification window will now trigger regardless of where the request to connect to a multiplayer game is coming from.