After more than two years of updates, patches, and community feedback, Baldur’s Gate 3 has reached a major milestone. Developer Larian Studios officially released its final major update — Patch 8 — on April 15, 2025, marking the end of an era for one of the most acclaimed RPGs ever made.
⚔️ Patch 8: The Final, Ultimate Update
According to Larian’s official news post, Patch 8 is the last major content update for Baldur’s Gate 3. It brings a wealth of new features, improvements, and long-requested additions:
🆕 Major Additions:
- 12 New Subclasses across multiple classes, offering fresh build diversity and new playstyles.
- Photo Mode, allowing players to capture cinematic in-game moments with filters, poses, and lighting tools.
- Cross-Play Support, enabling seamless multiplayer between PC, Mac, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
- Split-Screen on Xbox Series S, finally bringing parity with other platforms.
- Updated Modding Toolkit, giving creators more freedom to design custom content and overhaul gameplay.
- Hundreds of Bug Fixes and Performance Improvements, addressing lingering issues from previous versions.
(Source: Baldur’s Gate 3 official site, IGN)
💌 Larian’s Farewell Message
Alongside the release of Patch 8, Larian Studios included a heartfelt farewell message to fans. The studio thanked the community for its passion and creativity, acknowledging how player feedback shaped the game since its early access launch in 2020.
Larian confirmed that while Baldur’s Gate 3 will continue to receive minor hotfixes and small bug patches, no further major content updates are planned. This marks the official completion of the team’s work on the game.
🧭 What’s Next for Larian Studios?
In interviews and community posts, studio founder Swen Vincke stated that Larian will not be developing DLC or expansions for Baldur’s Gate 3. Instead, the team is moving on to new original projects, including a brand-new RPG built on lessons learned from Divinity: Original Sin 2 and Baldur’s Gate 3.
Vincke hinted that their next game will be set in a new universe, separate from Dungeons & Dragons, and will “push narrative and player choice even further.”
(Source: IGN, Dungeons & Dragons Fan)
🧩 The State of the Game in 2025
Even with development concluded, Baldur’s Gate 3 remains one of the most-played RPGs on Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. Its community continues to thrive through:
- Modding Support — The updated toolkit has sparked a new wave of fan-made content, from visual overhauls to entirely new quests.
- Roleplay Servers and Fan Campaigns — Players are organizing multiplayer story sessions inspired by tabletop D&D.
- Speedrunning and Challenge Modes — The community keeps innovating with solo runs, permadeath challenges, and custom difficulty mods.
🏆 Legacy and Awards
Since its full release in August 2023, Baldur’s Gate 3 has earned dozens of accolades, including:
- Game of the Year (2023) at The Game Awards
- Best RPG from multiple outlets including IGN and PC Gamer
- Outstanding Storytelling and Performance Awards for its cast and writing
Even two years later, it remains a benchmark for narrative-driven RPGs and a model for how player choice can shape storytelling.
🔮 Final Thoughts
With Baldur’s Gate 3 now complete, Larian Studios has closed one of the most celebrated chapters in modern gaming. The release of Patch 8 ensures that the game’s legacy will endure — polished, cross-platform, and endlessly replayable.
While the gates of Baldur’s Gate may have closed for now, the spirit of adventure continues — both in the thriving modding community and whatever new world Larian builds next.
Sources:
- Baldur’s Gate 3 Official News
- IGN – Patch 8 Notes and Larian’s Farewell
- Dungeons & Dragons Fan
- BG3 Wiki – Patch Notes
BG3 Platforms
Baldur’s Gate 3 continues to expand its reach across gaming platforms while adding exciting new features for players. The critically acclaimed RPG from Larian Studios is currently available on PC (via Steam and GOG), PlayStation 5, Xbox, Mac, and GeForce NOW. The upcoming Patch 8 will introduce cross-play functionality, allowing players on different platforms to join multiplayer sessions together for the first time.
Fans have even more to look forward to in 2025, as the developers are preparing to release a dedicated Photo Mode with extensive customization options. This feature will let players capture their favorite moments throughout their adventures in the Forgotten Realms. Additionally, the patch will introduce 12 new subclasses, significantly expanding character creation options and replayability for this already massive RPG experience.
Larian Studios is currently running a Patch 8 stress test, inviting players to help ensure the cross-play functionality works smoothly across all platforms before the official release. This continued support demonstrates the studio’s commitment to enhancing the game well beyond its initial launch, with major new features still arriving more than a year after release.
Key Takeaways
- Baldur’s Gate 3 is available on multiple platforms including PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox, Mac, and GeForce NOW.
- Cross-play functionality will allow multiplayer sessions between different platforms when Patch 8 releases.
- The upcoming update includes Photo Mode and 12 new subclasses to enhance gameplay options.
Gameplay and Features
Baldur’s Gate 3 offers players an immersive role-playing experience with unprecedented freedom. The game leverages the Divinity 4.0 engine to create a living world where player choices genuinely impact the unfolding story.
Classes and Subclasses
Baldur’s Gate 3 features a robust character creation system with numerous classes and subclasses drawn from Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition rules. Players can choose from classic options like Fighter, Wizard, and Rogue, each with unique abilities and playstyles.
The upcoming Patch 8 will expand these options further with new subclasses, giving players even more ways to customize their adventure. Each class offers distinct approaches to combat and social interactions.
A fighter might rely on brute strength to overcome obstacles, while a rogue could use stealth and cunning. Wizards and other spellcasters have access to powerful magic that can dramatically change the battlefield.
Character builds can be tailored to specific playstyles, allowing for creative problem-solving throughout the game.
Multiplayer Aspects
The multiplayer experience in Baldur’s Gate 3 allows friends to adventure together in a shared story. Players can join with up to three others to create a party of four characters.
Cross-play functionality is coming in a major update, allowing gamers across different platforms to play together seamlessly. This means PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Mac users will all be able to adventure together.
Each player maintains agency over their character’s decisions, sometimes creating interesting conflicts when party members disagree. The cooperative experience extends to combat, where coordinating tactics and abilities becomes essential for success.
Players can drop in and out of sessions, making the multiplayer experience flexible for different schedules and commitment levels.
Exploration and Adventure
Baldur’s Gate 3 presents a vast world filled with secrets, side quests, and memorable characters. The game rewards curiosity, with hidden areas containing valuable loot or story revelations.
Choices matter significantly in how the adventure unfolds. Different dialogue options can lead to wildly different outcomes, and the game remembers past decisions. This creates a highly personalized experience for each playthrough.
The upcoming Photo Mode will allow players to capture stunning moments from their adventures. Environmental puzzles challenge players to think creatively, while dangerous battles test combat skills.
Romance options with companion characters add emotional depth to the journey. Relationships develop naturally based on player choices and companion personalities, creating unique storytelling opportunities in each playthrough.
Platform Availability and Technical Features
Baldur’s Gate 3 has expanded its reach across multiple gaming platforms while continuously improving its technical capabilities. The game now offers enhanced cross-play features and modding options that significantly improve the player experience.
Compatibility and Cross-Play Support
Baldur’s Gate 3 is currently available on PC (both Steam and GOG), PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Mac, and GeForce NOW. This wide availability allows players across different systems to experience the critically acclaimed RPG.
The upcoming Patch 8, described as the “final major patch” for the game, focuses heavily on improving cross-play functionality. This update will allow PC players to seamlessly connect with PlayStation and Xbox users, removing previous barriers between platforms.
Cross-play improvements particularly benefit PS5 players, who will now be able to join sessions with friends on other systems without compatibility issues. The PlayStation version supports up to 4 online players with PS Plus membership, though online play remains optional.
For local multiplayer enthusiasts, the game offers split-screen co-op on consoles, allowing 1-2 players to enjoy the adventure on the same screen.
Modding Capabilities
Baldur’s Gate 3’s modding support has evolved significantly since release. PC players currently enjoy the most robust modding options through integration with Mod.io and dedicated mod managers.
The game’s modding community has created everything from minor gameplay tweaks to major content additions. Most mods are available through Steam Workshop or third-party sites, making installation straightforward for PC users.
While console modding capabilities remain more limited compared to PC, Larian Studios has indicated potential expanded mod support in future updates. The development team recognizes modding as a key factor in extending the game’s longevity.
PC mods currently range from graphical enhancements to additional character options and gameplay mechanics. Players seeking to modify their experience should check compatibility with their specific platform and the current game version.
Frequently Asked Questions
Baldur’s Gate 3 has launched across multiple platforms with specific release dates and features. The game offers cross-play functionality and various pricing options for players.
What is the release date for Baldur’s Gate 3?
Baldur’s Gate 3 was released on August 3, 2023, for PC. The game launched on PlayStation 5 on September 6, 2023.
Mac users gained access to the game on September 22, 2023. Xbox Series X|S players received the game on December 12, 2023.
The PC version released at 8 am Pacific Time (GMT -7) on its launch day.
On which platforms will Baldur’s Gate 3 be available?
Baldur’s Gate 3 is currently available on multiple platforms. These include PC through both Steam and GOG distribution services.
Console players can enjoy the game on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. Mac users can also play the game on compatible systems.
Additionally, the game is available through GeForce NOW cloud gaming service.
Will Baldur’s Gate 3 be released on Xbox Series X|S?
Yes, Baldur’s Gate 3 was released on Xbox Series X|S on December 12, 2023. This release came after the PC and PlayStation 5 versions.
Xbox players now have full access to the complete game. The game utilizes the Divinity 4.0 engine across all platforms including Xbox.
Is Baldur’s Gate 3 coming to PlayStation 5?
Baldur’s Gate 3 is already available on PlayStation 5. The game was released for PS5 on September 6, 2023.
This release came shortly after the PC version but before the Xbox and Mac releases. PlayStation 5 players have access to the full game experience.
What is the pricing structure for Baldur’s Gate 3?
The pricing information for Baldur’s Gate 3 varies by platform and region. The game is sold as a complete package rather than using a free-to-play model.
Players purchase the full game once to access all core content. Additional pricing details can be found on the respective platform stores.
Are there any plans for cross-play functionality in Baldur’s Gate 3?
Yes, Baldur’s Gate 3 supports cross-play functionality. This feature allows players on different platforms to play together.
Xbox, PlayStation, and PC players can join the same multiplayer sessions. Players can create or join lobbies across platforms, as demonstrated during the Patch 8 stress test.
