Key Highlights:
- Baldur’s Gate 3 Patch 7 coming in September.
- New features include dynamic split-screen, evil ending cinematics, and modding toolkit.
- Honour Mode improvements and numerous bug fixes.
- Closed beta for Patch 7 starts July 22nd.
Quick Links:
Larian Studios is set to release a substantial update for their critically acclaimed role-playing game, Baldur’s Gate 3, this September.
Patch 7 promises to introduce a host of new features, improvements, and bug fixes, catering to both casual players and dedicated modders alike.
The full patch notes were shared via the official Steam page, but we’re gonna break down exactly what’s coming in the next update in this article.
Dynamic Split-Screen
One of the most significant additions is the dynamic split-screen functionality for co-op play. This innovative feature allows players to seamlessly transition between split and single-screen views as characters move closer together or further apart.
Players can access this option directly from the HUD and within the game settings, both in and out of combat.
The new system aims to enhance the cooperative experience by providing a more fluid and intuitive interface.
Evil Endings and Cinematics
For players with a penchant for villainy, Patch 7 will introduce new cinematics for evil endings.
These additional scenes will provide a more satisfying conclusion for those who choose to embrace their dark side, whether playing as the Dark Urge, avatar Origin characters, or pursuing nefarious paths with custom characters. While Larian has teased some of these new endings, they’ve kept most details under wraps to preserve the element of surprise.
Official Modding Toolkit
Perhaps the most significant addition is the official modding toolkit. This comprehensive set of tools will empower creators to develop a wide range of mods, including:
- Items – Equipment like weapons, armour, consumables, and miscellaneous items
- Cosmetics – Including different hair, beards, and other textures
- Classes and Subclasses – Creating new variants or modifying existing ones
- Races – Creating and editing races, including appearance, powers, and abilities
- Dice Skins – Editing or redesigning the appearance of dice skins
- User Interface – Extensions and restyling of the game UI
- Quality of Life Improvements – Mods that enhance gameplay without relying on unsupported elements
Larian has been working closely with mod authors during a closed alpha phase to refine the toolkit.
Early feedback suggests that the new tools will significantly streamline the modding process, making it more accessible to both novice and experienced modders.
Mod authors have already created various mods, including new Dragonborn scale colours, FaerûnColors for modifying in-game colours, and other visual enhancements.
Honour Mode Improvements
The game’s most challenging difficulty setting, Honour Mode, will receive further refinements. Several creatures will gain additional Legendary Actions, including:
- The bulette
- Malus Thorm
- Githyanki Ch’r’ai Tska’an, Ch’r’ai Har’rak, and Ptaris
- Dror Ragzlin, who will now be able to use a new spell called Arachnid Compulsion to rally nearby spiders
Bug Fixes and Character Improvements
The update addresses numerous bugs and issues across various aspects of the game as expected.
Origin characters, in particular, will see improvements to their dialogues, romances, and quest triggers. Notable fixes include:
Wyll:
- Fixed issues with triggering romance scenes
- Improved dialogue reactivity during the epilogue
- Added more opportunities to kiss Wyll during the epilogue
Astarion:
- Improved facial animations during kissing cinematics
- Enhanced companion reactions to Astarion losing his ability to withstand sunlight
Lae’zel:
- Increased wait time at her recruitment site
- Added more varied idle animations at camp
- Fixed an issue where resurrecting her on the beach in Act I could block progress
Karlach:
- Added reaction to finding Dammon dead
- Fixed a visual bug in her final Avernus scene
- Resolved a dialogue block related to romance scenes
Gale:
- Refined the magical item donation UI
- Fixed issues with the final dialogue between Gale and Mystra
- Resolved a bug that cut off an endgame kissing scene
Shadowheart:
- Fixed issues with the Spear of Night quest
- Resolved amnesia bugs related to Viconia
- Improved various kissing scenes and animations
Dark Urge:
- Fixed combat trigger issues when attacking party members
- Improved Minthara’s reactions to the player losing Bhaal’s influence
- Added the ability for a certain bard to temporarily join the party
General Improvements:
- Enhanced party banter in multiplayer, allowing characters controlled by different players to interact
- Fixed issues with accessing romance party banters while adventuring
- Improved the Blade of Frontiers’ behaviour around shorter races
Closed Beta and Future Plans
To ensure the update’s stability, Larian is inviting players to participate in a closed beta for Patch 7, commencing on July 22nd. Interested parties can register through the game’s aforementioned Steam page for a chance to test the new features and provide valuable feedback.
Larian Studios has also confirmed that Patch 7 will not be the final update for Baldur’s Gate 3.
The developer has plans for future enhancements, including highly requested features such as crossplay support and a photo mode. These additions, along with further gameplay tweaks and performance optimisations, are slated for future updates.
New Merchandise
Alongside the game updates, Larian has announced new merchandise, including:
- Two new original t-shirt designs by Anna Hollinrake
- The Baldur’s Gate 3 OST on cassette with an exclusive bonus track, “Down By The SynthWave”
- An ornate mind flayer poster
As Baldur’s Gate 3 approaches its first anniversary since launch, the continued support and substantial updates just go to show how much of a success the RPG has been since its hugely successful release.
The upcoming Patch 7 looks set to offer players new ways to experience the game, whether through enhanced cooperative play, more satisfying evil playthroughs, or the limitless possibilities opened up by the modding toolkit. With more updates planned for the future, fans can look forward to an ever-evolving and improving Baldur’s Gate 3 experience.