BG3 Patch 8 Is So Big, It Needs To Be Stress Tested

Larian Studios has announced a Stress Test update for the eagerly awaited Patch 8 of Baldur's Gate 3. This move is to ensure that the substantial update is thoroughly tested before its official release. Here's everything you need to know about the stress test and the upcoming Patch 8.

Patch 8 Stress Test Update 1 Arrives With Bug Fixes

Only Available To Testers

Larian has released an update to the Patch 8 Stress Test build, addressing several bugs, crashes, and scripting errors. This update ensures that Gale correctly consumes magical items as intended. Access to this update is exclusive to those participating in the Patch 8 stress test, who can download it on their designated console. Non-testers will need to wait for the full, polished version of the patch to enjoy the new improvements and content.

Key updates include containers in inventories retaining their contents even when destroyed, enhanced screenshot functionality in Photo Mode for Steam Deck users, more responsive character poses, improved cross-play functionality, updated Booming Blade tooltip values, and resolution of several crash issues. For a comprehensive list of these enhancements, visit the official Baldur's Gate 3 website's news section.

As one of the final feature-rich updates before Larian bids farewell to Faerûn, Patch 8 promises to be a significant update. It introduces platform cross-play, over 12 new subclasses such as the Death Domain Cleric, Path of Giants Barbarian, and Arcane Archer Fighter, and the much-anticipated Photo Mode.

Photo Mode Is As Customizable As It Can Be

While awaiting the release of Patch 8, players can explore a detailed sneak peek video showcasing the full potential of the upcoming Photo Mode. Larian encourages all players to maximize their use of Photo Mode right from the start.

Photo Mode is highly versatile, accessible almost anywhere—during adventures, in combat, and even in multiplayer sessions by the host player. You can arrange companions and characters to pose as desired, with or without party members, and even include whimsical elements like a jumping frog that dominates the scene. The free-moving camera allows for capturing the perfect shot from any angle.

Once you've set up your shot, you can enhance it with post-processing effects, stickers, and frames. However, during dialogues and cinematic cutscenes, you're limited to adding post-process effects without the ability to adjust poses.

This sneak peek is just the beginning. Larian plans to release a tips and tricks video to further inspire creativity among the game's budding photographers.