Larian Studios is gearing up to release the much-anticipated Patch 8 for Baldur’s Gate 3. Some players have already accessed it through a stress test. However, recent updates have introduced changes that might surprise some of us.

One significant adjustment involves the Booming Blade cantrip. Initially, during the stress test, this spell was notably powerful because it could be combined with the Extra Attack feature. This combination allowed players to deal substantial damage by striking with a melee weapon and then causing additional thunder damage if the target moved. This made progressing through challenging modes like Honour Mode considerably easier.

Recognizing this imbalance, Larian Studios has now limited Booming Blade to once per turn. This means that while it’s still a valuable option for characters like Rogue Tavs on the Arcane Trickster path or those pursuing a Sorcadin build, its previous overpowering advantage has been toned down. Some community members have noted that even with this limitation, Booming Blade remains more potent than its traditional Dungeons & Dragons 5th Edition counterpart.

Beyond gameplay mechanics, the patch addresses some unexpected areas. For instance, in the game’s Photo Mode, developers have disabled physics for certain body parts. This change aims to prevent awkward distortions when switching between poses, ensuring a more polished and less distracting experience for those of us who enjoy capturing in-game moments.

These updates reflect Larian Studios’ commitment to refining Baldur’s Gate 3, ensuring both balanced gameplay and an immersive experience. As we await the full public release of Patch 8, it’s clear that the developers are attentive to both player feedback and the finer details that enhance our overall enjoyment of the game.