Larian Studios has just rolled out the first update for the Baldur’s Gate 3 patch 8 stress test, tackling various issues such as problems with Gale’s magical items and missing descriptions in the radial menu. This update, now available for PC, Xbox, and PS5, also brings improvements to the game’s photo mode, cross-play, user interface, art, scripting, subclasses, and fixes for crashes.
Baldur’s Gate 3 has been a massive hit, praised by both players and critics, earning the top accolade at The Game Awards and surpassing 10 million copies sold since launch. Despite this roaring success, Larian Studios has consistently supported the game with updates packed with new content and fixes. Their current focus is on patch 8, which is undergoing stress testing as the final major content update for the game.
Participants in the Baldur’s Gate 3 patch 8 stress test can now access update 1, which enhances several aspects of the game. Notable fixes include resolving a bug that hindered Gale’s ability to utilize magical items, along with addressing an issue causing Oath of the Crown paladins to lose spell slots instead of gaining them upon leveling up. Additionally, a glitch that made items lose their conditions when added to the inventory has been rectified.
For fans of photography within the game, the photo mode has been updated, introducing an in-game pop-up accessible in the journal. Steam Deck users can now also access their snapshots more conveniently from the Steam Screenshots page. Other tweaks to the photo mode include fixing blurry screens on split-screen and resolving game freezes when toggling between tabs.
Regarding cross-play, the update fixes a persistent loading screen bug when the client unfriends the host and a PS5 issue where splash screens failed to appear correctly. It also addresses crash problems at the start of combat. The user interface has received significant attention too, now featuring fixes in character creation, more reliable button inputs, and resolving a controller bug in the main menu, among various other improvements.
Artistic and scripting issues, such as clipping with the Flaming Fist armor and unlocking new achievements related to subclasses, have also been tackled. Despite not setting a definite release date for Baldur’s Gate 3 patch 8, speculation points towards a launch in mid to late February.
Baldur’s Gate 3 Stress Test Update 1 Patch Notes
Gameplay
- Containers no longer misplace key quest items when destroyed.
- Oath of the Crown paladins now gain spell slots correctly during level-ups.
- Movement is no longer blocked when picking up items in multiplayer.
- Resolved issues with the Panther’s Prowl action and the Prowling condition in Wild Shape.
- Items in the inventory retain their conditions, including buffs like Elemental Cleaver.
- Shadow Blade maintains its caster-locked behavior when upcast.
Photo Mode
- An informative pop-up for Photo Mode is introduced at the start of the game.
- Screenshot integration with Steam’s system on the Steam Deck for easy access.
- Prevented character intrusions into cutscenes during multiplayer Photo Mode activation.
- Enhanced features like camera shutter sound effects, depth-of-field adjustments, and more.
Cross-Play
- Fixed loading screen issues related to friendship status changes with the host.
- PS5 splash screens now display correctly.
- Resolved crash occurrences at the start of combat.
Subclasses
- Updated tooltips like Booming Blade to reflect accurate values.
- Toll the Dead and Bursting Sinew now deal half damage on saves when used with Potent Cantrip.
Art
- Corrected an issue with Flaming Fist armor animation glitches.
UI
- Resolved problems with Gale’s item donation UI.
- Enhanced character creation, fixed button inputs, and solved avatar display issues in multiplayer rooms, among other tweaks.
Scripting
- Achievements reviewed for new subclasses, ensuring accuracy in recognition.
Crashes
- Multiple UI-related crash fixes, improved stability when initiating games from a lobby, and crash resolution specific to Vulkan during Photo Mode captures.
These updates provide further polish and stability, enriching the player experience as Larian Studios preps for the full rollout of patch 8.
