Baldur’s Gate 3 patch 8 is the next installment from Larian Studios, and as 2024 comes to a close, 2023’s best game has a big update on the cards. With the developer gradually winding up its masterful Dungeons and Dragons RPG to look ahead to new projects, one of the most-requested features is finally set to make its appearance. The introduction of crossplay between PC and consoles is just one of many additions, but with how major a change it is, Larian wants to ensure that it rolls out as smoothly as possible, and it needs your help.
Following studio founder Swen Vincke’s impassioned speech at The Game Awards 2024, the Baldur’s Gate 3 developer is preparing to launch yet another hefty round of additions for one of the best RPGs around. There’s a lot to look forward to in Baldur’s Gate 3 patch 8, including new subclasses, a photo mode, and the aforementioned crossplay tools. That means plenty of potential pitfalls, however, and so Larian is eager to ensure as smooth a rollout as possible by running a stress test first.
The introduction of Baldur’s Gate 3 crossplay “has been no easy task,” the studio writes, “and we want your help to test-drive this new functionality.” If you want to take part, you’ll need to register your interest. Larian says that access will be rolled out in waves, but notes that “registering your interest in the stress test does not guarantee access.” It also notes that save games created during the test may not necessarily remain compatible with the final release of the update.
As someone who completed a full campaign in four-player co-op, I can’t recommend it enough. It will be messy – you will absolutely break questlines, major characters will die, and you’ll find it difficult to progress the Baldur’s Gate 3 companion quests. But it’s a fantastic way to experience BG3 in a truly chaotic manner that feels like it honors the game’s DnD roots. I’m also very excited to try the new Baldur’s Gate 3 classes – I’m about to play a Path of Giants Barbarian in a real-life campaign, so I’m happy to see it get some love here.
You can register your interest to join the Baldur’s Gate 3 stress test on PC, PlayStation, or Xbox now. You’ll be sent an email if you’re granted access. Note that unfortunately players on GOG and Mac won’t be able to join. Head here to put your name down if you want to take part. Larian also notes that “supported BG3 mods should remain free of issues,” but is eager to monitor how they interact with patch 8’s new features.
Whether you’re joining the playtest or not, be sure to try the best Baldur’s Gate 3 builds for some explosive and fun options. You might also be curious to check out the best games like Baldur’s Gate 3, in which case we’ve picked out some of our favorites.
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