Baldur’s Gate 3 is set to receive a massive update with Patch 8 in 2025. This patch will introduce several highly requested features, including Photo Mode, cross-platform multiplayer, and twelve brand-new subclasses. These subclasses will feature a combination of official Dungeons & Dragons content and original homebrewed ideas crafted specifically by Larian Studios for Baldur’s Gate 3.
Each of the game’s twelve existing classes will gain a new subclass, adding fresh spells, cantrips, dialogue options, and visual effects. Many of these subclasses introduce darker themes, offering intriguing new roleplaying possibilities.
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New Spellcasting Subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3
Sorcerer: Shadow Magic
The Shadow Magic Sorcerer embraces darkness, making it an excellent choice for characters like Drow or those with ties to the Shadowfell. This subclass features the Hound of Ill Omen, a homebrewed familiar, and Strength of the Grave, a feature that forces a Charisma saving throw when reduced to 0 hit points, giving Sorcerers increased survivability in combat.
Warlock: Hexblade
The Hexblade Warlock, deeply connected to the Shadowfell, forms a pact with an enigmatic entity from this shadowy plane. A fan-favorite from D&D, the Hexblade allows Warlocks to wield magical weapons crafted in the Shadowfell, raise the dead, and inflict necrotic damage. Its inclusion is among the most anticipated features in Patch 8.
Wizard: Bladesinging
Bladesinging infuses the Wizard with swordplay, granting supernatural agility and speed. Traditionally an elven craft, this subclass uses the Wizard’s Intelligence modifier for combat abilities, blending magic and martial prowess seamlessly.
Cleric: Death Domain
Clerics of the Death Domain focus on necrotic damage, wielding abilities like the iconic cantrip Toll the Dead and a homebrewed spell that makes corpses explode. This subclass offers a darker alternative for Clerics, ideal for those who worship gods like Kelemvor or for players seeking non-healer builds.
Druid: Circle of Stars
The Circle of Stars empowers Druids with constellations, offering versatility in combat. Players can adapt to healing, fighting, or strategic roles, thanks to bonuses to Constitution rolls and celestial forms beyond traditional Wild Shape.
New Martial Subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3
Barbarian: Path of Giants
Path of Giants enhances Barbarians with size and strength boosts, eliminating the need for potions to grow. This subclass favors players who prefer throwing objects or enemies, improving both Throw damage and carry capacity.
Fighter: Arcane Archer
The Arcane Archer combines precision archery with magic. Players can unleash abilities like Banish, Blind, or waves of Psychic damage using their bow. This subclass is perfect for Fighters seeking to mix martial prowess with magical effects.
Monk: Drunken Master
The Drunken Master Monk uses alcohol to enhance their Ki points, gaining extra AC and Hit chances. Intoxicating Strike debuffs enemies, making them easier targets and turning Drunken Masters into formidable physical combatants.
Rogue: Swashbuckler
Swashbucklers bring pirate flair to the Rogue class. They excel in melee combat, using abilities like Blind and Disarm while avoiding opportunity attacks with their Fancy Footwork passive. This subclass is a natural fit for Baldur’s Gate’s pirate themes.
New Hybrid Subclasses in Baldur’s Gate 3
Bard: College of Glamour
The College of Glamour turns Bards into charismatic Feywild-inspired performers. Abilities like Mantle of Inspiration boost ally hit points while dissuading enemies. Glamour Bards can charm opponents with commands such as flee or drop weapons, making them powerful crowd controllers.
Ranger: Swarmkeeper
The Swarmkeeper Ranger commands tiny creatures like jellyfish, moths, and bees to overwhelm foes. Each swarm offers unique damage types—lightning, psychic, and piercing—while providing teleportation abilities and debilitating enemy effects.
Paladin: Oath of the Crown
The Oath of the Crown Paladin exemplifies Lawful Good, with abilities that boost allies and taunt enemies. These Paladins gain new dialogue and reactivity with the Oathbreaker Knight, enriching their roleplaying opportunities.
Balancing New Mechanics with Core Gameplay
The addition of these twelve subclasses promises to expand Baldur’s Gate 3’s already robust character customization options. By blending official D&D content with Larian’s creative homebrewed mechanics, Patch 8 ensures that players can look forward to deeper storytelling, dynamic combat, and even greater replayability.
