From Karlach’s new ending to stealth nerfs and mod support, here are 10 hidden or overlooked updates in Baldur’s Gate 3’s massive Patch 8 send-off.
From Karlach’s new ending to stealth nerfs and mod support, here are 10 hidden or overlooked updates in Baldur’s Gate 3’s massive Patch 8 send-off. Read More Technology
I was a latecomer to Baldur’s Gate 3, and Patch 8—the final update for one of the greatest games ever—feels like an everything-must-go sale at an awesome store you just discovered a week ago.
You’re happy to get all this cool stuff at a discount, but I’m still like, “Dang, but it’s really over, huh?”
In any case, Patch 8 is enormous. It’s so big you may have missed some pretty important pieces on your first spin through on patch day (April 15). No worries. Here are 10 updates from the patch that you might have missed.
The Cinematic Epilogue Is Not to Be Skipped
I saw the headlines about the new epilogue, but I had no idea Larian Studios would go this hard creating layers and expanding on the beautiful cinematic screens that are arguably the charm of the game. There are over 3,000 different narrative combinations based on how you played. If you saved the owlbear cub, romanced Gale, or decided to completely ghost Wyll, Patch 8 brings consequence and closure for the decisions you’ve made.
Patch 8 Puts Some Respect on Karlach’s Name
Speaking of cinematic scenes, Karlach’s departure felt like the death of a small-part actor in Game of Thrones. For months, fans pushed Larian to give Karlach a send-off befitting the impact the character had on users.
Patch 8 makes it possible—if you choose the right path. There’s a dope moment that I won’t spoil too much, but if you can pull the right levers, you’ll see it.
Withers Has New Drip
Withers’ wardrobe has been upgraded. He also has some new lines. This isn’t a major addition, but fans of the character will notice the newness.
Relationships Are Rewarding
If you’ve established good relationships with your companions, you’ll be rewarded with new lines. They’ll mostly surface late in the game and in post-game interactions. These are pretty rare, but when you spend hundreds of hours playing a game—especially one that seemingly draws you closer to the characters you encounter along the way—the little things matter.
Mod Support? Check
Larian has made it clear they aren’t just allowing modders to have at it with their masterpiece—they’re giving them tools to add as much longevity to the game as possible.
Many in the community have pointed out the addition of backend support for modders that will build on what has already been available.
No More Stealth Cheesing Boss Fights
Remember when you could wipe out Act 3 bosses by just crouching your way to victory? Yeah… that’s been patched. Some of the final fights now adapt to stealth more dynamically, forcing you to actually engage.
The cheese was real.
Custom Dice Got Smoother
The animated dice visuals have been buggy forever, but most users simply looked over them in the way old-school gamers often worked around known issues in games.
In any case, those have been cleaned up, making smoother animations with fewer stutters, transitions, and better compatibility when switching skins mid-campaign.
Is that a stone left unturned? Larian is like, “We got that too.”
Post-Patch Halsin Is a New Man
Before Patch 8, Halsin was like Sting in his prime against a mid-card wrestler—he was no-selling your finisher. Post-Patch 8, he reacts more authentically and in ways that match what you’ve done in the story.
Before the patch, you might have handled the Shadow Curse in Act 2, and Halsin would’ve barely reacted. Post-patch Halsin is cutting a promo when you do something cool.
Don’t Forget Scratch and the Owlbear Cub
What did I say about unturned stones? Patch 8 added minor but recognizable touches to the good boys. They have new animations, idle behaviors, and soft interactions during camp scenes.
There’s a Secret Tomb Callback in the Epilogue
We talked about the additions to the epilogue, but there are some Easter eggs as well. One links back to a tomb side quest from Act 1.
What did you do with that corpse and that journal? You know the one I’m talking about. If you did certain things (trying hard not to expose anything), you’ll get a new haunting line of dialogue during the ending.
I think I’m convinced—Patch 8, which feels like a deep love letter to a legion of fans—might be the best title update I’ve ever analyzed. For all the details of Patch 8, click here.
