The release date for the final major patch for Baldur's Gate 3 has been set, and it includes several highly requested features from the community. Learn more about what to expect in the game's last major update, and what the future holds for the iconic franchise.

Baldur’s Gate 3's Final Major Update

Patch 8 Arrives on April 15

Baldur's Gate 3's final significant update, Patch 8, finally has a confirmed release date. Larian Studios announced on Twitter/X on April 11 that the patch will launch on April 15. They also announced a follow-up Twitch stream on April 16, where Senior Systems Designer Ross Stephens will provide a deep dive into the new content.

You can watch the stream on the Larian Studios Twitch page on April 16 at 1:00 AM UTC. Check the timetable below to see when it starts in your time zone:

What's in Patch 8

The update was first previewed in a Steam blog post from November 2024. At that time, Larian Studios highlighted upcoming content like twelve new subclasses, a Photo Mode, and other enhancements. The studio also promised ongoing support for the modding community with new tools, allowing players to craft their own narratives even after this final major patch.

The official announcement adds that players can expect new abilities, animations, visual effects, summons, cantrips, and unique voiced dialogue for the Oathbreaker Knight. Specific actions have also been adjusted to improve the role-playing experience through a touch of creative "homebrewing."

Furthermore, the patch introduces a Photo Mode packed with options to capture your adventures. Players will have extensive controls over camera settings, lenses, scene composition, post-processing effects, frames, and stickers to create the perfect screenshot.

Larian Studios Bids Farewell to Dungeons & Dragons

With this patch, Larian Studios will depart from the Dungeons & Dragons universe to embark on a new, original project. At the 2024 Game Developers Conference, studio founder and CEO Swen Vicke confirmed that there will be no DLCs, expansions, or a Baldur's Gate 4 from the team.

He stated, "We will always hold Baldur's Gate dear, and we are immensely proud of what we created. However, we are not going to continue with it. We won't be making the expansions or Baldur's Gate 4 that many expect. Instead, we are moving on—away from D&D—to start creating something new."

Despite this, the future of the Baldur's Gate series remains secure with D&D's owner, Wizards of the Coast. In an April 2024 interview with PC Gamer, Eugene Evans, Senior Vice President of Digital Strategy and Licensing at Hasbro and Wizards of the Coast, confirmed they are in discussions with potential partners to continue the franchise.

He explained, "We sincerely hope the gap between games won't be another 25 years, as it was between Baldur's Gate 2 and 3. We are taking the necessary time to find the right partner, the right strategy, and the right product that truly honors the future of Baldur's Gate. These decisions are taken extremely seriously within our portfolio, and we do not rush into choosing partners or determining which products to pursue."

While Larian Studios is concluding its work on Baldur's Gate, fans can be assured that the series will live on. Baldur's Gate 3 is available now on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. For the latest news and guides, be sure to check out our related coverage below!