In recent comments from the BG3 developers, we learned two very important things: first, Patch #7 (expected to launch sometime in September) will not be their last, and second, they are still planning on bringing crossplay to the game:
It Ain’t Goodbye Just Yet!
It’s hard to believe it’s almost been an entire year since we launched Baldur’s Gate 3. But the journey isn’t over yet.Patch 7 won’t be the final update for Baldur’s Gate 3. We still have a few things up our sleeve – including many community-requested features like crossplay and a photo mode to capture and share your unforgettable moments. And we’re working on a host of other enhancements, from gameplay tweaks and quality-of-life improvements to bug fixes and performance optimizations.
We’ll keep you looped in on when those are likely to hit a little further down the line. In the meantime, stay in touch with us on our socials, stay tuned, and don’t forget to wear sunscreen.
– Larian Studios
We already know that Patch #7 won’t bring cross-play to the game, and most of the community is expecting Patch #8 to be the last major update for the game. So when you connect the dots, that only leaves only one option. If all the current thinking holds true, Patch #8 will be the one that brings cross-play to BG3. Cross-play would finally allow players on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S to play together.
Baldur’s Gate 3: Patch Release History
While Baldur’s Gate 3 was officially released in August 2023, Larian Studios has maintained a consistent schedule of updates and patches to improve the game and address player feedback. This table summarizes the notable patch releases since the game’s launch:
| Patch Number | Launch Date | Major Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | August 25, 2023 | Over 1000 bug fixes and performance improvements |
| #2 | September 3, 2023 | Improved performance, UI tweaks, additional epilogues for certain companions |
| #3 | September 22, 2023 | Upgraded Karlach’s ending, Withers’ Wardrobe of Wayward Friends, more bug fixes |
| #4 | November 2, 2023 | Enhanced multiplayer functionality, added loaded dice feature, quality of life improvements |
| #5 | November 30, 2023 | Introduced new content for certain companions, addressed crashes and bugs |
| #6 | February 16, 2024 | Expanded story with additional scenes and dialogue, added Withers’ Bane of the Weaver spell, and more |
| #7 | Expected September 2024 | ‘Evil Endings’, Mod Manager, Revamped split screen gameplay. Many other improvements and polishes to improve the overall split screen experience. |
| #8 | Unknown | Expected to include “community-requested features like crossplay and a photo mode to capture and share your unforgettable moments” |
Please note: The details for Patch #7 and Patch #8 are not yet fully available as it is still in development. As soon as Larian Studios releases more information, I will update the table accordingly.
Cross-Platform Coming To Baldur’s Gate 3?
It’s now expected that Cross-play will be introduced as part of Patch 8, the game’s final major update. This feature has been highly requested by the community and is expected to create a more inclusive and connected gaming experience. While an exact release date for Patch 8 is not known, fans are eagerly anticipating more details about the update.
Larian’s Commitment to Cross-Play
Larian Studios, the developer behind the critically acclaimed Baldur’s Gate 3, has reiterated its commitment to bringing cross-play functionality to the game. This means players on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S will eventually be able to join forces and embark on epic adventures together, regardless of their chosen platform.
Timeline Remains Uncertain
While Larian has confirmed that cross-play is still in development, no specific release date has been announced. The studio is focused on delivering a polished and seamless experience, ensuring that cross-play works flawlessly across all platforms.
If we go with the idea that Patch #8 will be the one that includes cross-play, we can look at the ‘time between patches’ to get an idea of when that could come about. The shortest patch update cycles took 9 – 19 days; we can definitely rule those out as it wouldn’t really make sense.
The longest cycle we’re on (between Patch #6 and Patch #7) will end up being closer to 210 days, or about 7 months. So if we figure that 7 months to be the peak, we should have the Patch #8 release before the end of April 2024. That’s just a guess at this point, but it might make sense, given how the patches have slowed down.
Community Anticipation
The prospect of cross-play has generated significant excitement within the Baldur’s Gate 3 community. Players are eager to team up with friends and family who may own the game on different platforms, fostering a more inclusive and connected gaming experience.
Potential Benefits of Cross-Play
- Expanded player base: Cross-play would significantly increase the pool of potential players for multiplayer sessions, making it easier to find groups and embark on adventures.
- Platform flexibility: Players wouldn’t be restricted to playing with others on the same platform, allowing for greater freedom and convenience.
- Enhanced social experience: Cross-play would facilitate connections and collaboration between players across different platforms, fostering a more vibrant and diverse community.
Challenges and Considerations
Implementing cross-play in a complex RPG like Baldur’s Gate 3 presents certain challenges. Larian needs to ensure seamless synchronization of game data, balance gameplay across different platforms, and address potential technical hurdles.
Looking Ahead
While the wait for cross-play continues, Baldur’s Gate 3 players can still enjoy the game’s rich single-player and platform-specific multiplayer experiences. Larian’s dedication to delivering cross-play in the future underscores its commitment to providing the best possible gaming experience for all players
Key Takeaways
- Cross-play is coming to Baldur’s Gate 3 in Patch 8
- Patch 8 will be the last big update for the game
- Players on PC and consoles will be able to play together online
Upcoming Features in Patch 8
Patch 8 brings exciting updates to Baldur’s Gate 3. Players can look forward to cross-play, game improvements, and modding tools.
Cross-Play Functionality
Cross-play is coming to Baldur’s Gate 3. This lets PC, Xbox, and PS5 players join games together. Friends can team up no matter what system they use.
Larian Studios worked hard to make this happen. It was a top request from fans. Cross-play will work through Steam for PC users.
The feature aims to grow the player base. It should make finding co-op partners easier. Larian plans to test it well before release.
Enhancements and Optimizations
Patch 8 focuses on making the game run better. It will fix many bugs players have reported.
Performance updates are planned for all systems. This should mean faster load times and smoother gameplay.
Graphics tweaks will improve how the game looks. Larian is also adding quality-of-life changes. These are small updates that make playing more fun.
The user interface is getting some changes too. This should make menus and controls easier to use.
Modding Capabilities
Larian is adding official mod support to Baldur’s Gate 3. This will let players create their own content.
New modding tools will come with Patch 8. These will help people make custom quests, items, and more.
The tools aim to be user-friendly. Even new modders should be able to try them out.
Larian hopes this will lead to lots of new content. It could keep the game fresh for a long time. The studio plans to support modders with guides and resources.
Impact on Gaming Community
Larian’s decision to add cross-play to Baldur’s Gate 3 in Patch 8 will change how players interact. This final update opens up new ways for fans to enjoy the game together.
Community and Reviewer Reception
Players are excited about cross-play coming to Baldur’s Gate 3. Many fans have been asking for this feature since the game’s release. Gaming sites like Eurogamer have reported on the news. They see it as a big win for the RPG community.
Reviewers praise Larian for listening to player feedback. The studio’s director of publishing said they want to give fans what they want. Cross-play lets more people team up, no matter what system they use. This move shows Larian cares about making the game better even after launch.
Expanded Accessibility
Cross-play makes Baldur’s Gate 3 more open to all players. Friends can now play together even if they have different consoles or PCs. This breaks down barriers between gaming platforms.
The update also adds to other accessibility features. These include cross-saves and split-screen co-op. Players can now switch devices and keep their progress. Or they can play side-by-side at home.
Modding support is still strong on PC. This lets fans create new content. The mix of official updates and community mods keeps the game fresh. It gives players more ways to enjoy the Baldur’s Gate world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Patch 8 for Baldur’s Gate 3 will add cross-play support. This update will let players on different platforms join games together. Here are key details about the upcoming cross-play feature.
When is Patch 8, which includes cross-play, scheduled for release for Baldur’s Gate 3?
Larian Studios has not announced an exact date for Patch 8 yet. The developers are still working on cross-play. They have said it will come “further down the road” after other updates.
Will cross-play in Baldur’s Gate 3 support all platforms, including PC, Xbox, and PS5?
Cross-play is planned to work across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox platforms. This will let friends play together no matter which system they own the game on.
How will cross-platform multiplayer work in Baldur’s Gate 3 post-Patch 8 update?
The full details of cross-play have not been shared yet. It will likely use online accounts to connect players across platforms. More info should come closer to the patch release.
What are the requirements for enabling cross-play in Baldur’s Gate 3?
The exact requirements are not known yet. Players will probably need an internet connection and the latest game version. There may also be an in-game option to turn cross-play on or off.
Are there any platform-specific limitations for cross-play in Baldur’s Gate 3?
No platform limits have been announced so far. The goal seems to be full cross-play between PC and consoles. Any limits would likely be shared before the patch comes out.
Will existing Baldur’s Gate 3 players on different platforms need to take any action to enable cross-play after Patch 8?
Players may need to update their game and settings. The process should be simple. Clear steps will likely be given when cross-play launches.
