Technologies
Baldur’s Gate 3’s Last Patch Is So Good It Feels Like a Whole New Game
Baldur’s Gate 3 gets a major send-off with new tools, new classes and some hidden gems.
Baldur’s Gate 3 is closing out its development with a massive final patch, and it’s a gift to fans who’ve stuck with one of our best PC games since its launch.
Larian Studios’ Patch 8 is the last major content update for the roleplaying game, but it’s much more than bug fixes. This latest patch introduces cross-platform multiplayer, an all-new photo mode and a full set of new subclasses that shake up how every class plays. In short, it’s a major update and one that cements the game’s legacy as the studio prepares to move on.
Whether you’re just getting your sea legs with a brand-new game of Baldur’s Gate or you’re a seasoned player ready to see it through to the end, here’s everything that’s packed into this epic send-off.
Cross-play means no more walls between platforms
The biggest feature of Patch 8 is full cross-play across PC, Mac, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. You can now jump into multiplayer sessions with friends on any supported platform, with cross-save support also letting you carry your progress between devices if you’re using a linked Larian account.
Getting started is simple: Connect your game to your Larian profile, enable cross-play in the gameplay settings, and add friends using their Larian usernames. After that, you can join or host multiplayer sessions no matter what system you or your friends play on.
Mod support is also part of the mix, but with some caveats. Everyone in a cross-play session needs the exact same mod setup, and console users are capped at 100 mods. Mods must be installed via Larian’s in-game manager (not through third-party tools), so keep that in mind when you’re looking for a new favorite to try out.
A dozen new subclasses refresh every class
Each of the game’s 12 core classes now has a brand-new subclass option, expanding the possibilities for players who want to try something different in their next campaign. Whether you’re into arcane sniping, necrotic magic or charming enemies into submission, there’s a new flavor for everyone.
Some highlights include the Swashbuckler for Rogues, bringing fast, flashy melee combat; the Circle of Stars for Druids, which draws on celestial energy; and the Hexblade for Warlocks, who forge pacts with sentient weapons.
These subclasses aren’t just cosmetic changes — they include unique mechanics, new spells and custom animations that meaningfully change how each character plays. Here’s the complete list of new subclasses you can now choose from:
- Path of the Giant Barbarian
- College of Glamour Bard
- Death Domain Cleric
- Circle of Stars Druid
- Arcane Archer Fighter
- Way of the Drunken Master Monk
- Oath of the Crown Paladin
- Swarmkeeper Ranger
- Swashbuckler Rogue
- Shadow Magic Sorcerer
- Hexblade Warlock
- Bladesinging Wizard
You can unlock each new subclass after you reach each required level, which will change depending on your class. For instance, a Cleric, Sorcerer, Paladin or Warlock can choose a new subclass at Level 1, but a Druid and Wizard must wait until Level 2. A Barbarian, Bard, Fighter, Monk, Ranger or Rogue must wait until Level 3.
Photo mode is a game changer for creators
If you’ve ever wanted to freeze the action and line up the perfect screenshot (or just fawn over Astarion in the moonlight), now’s your chance. Patch 8 for Baldur’s Gate 3 introduces an official photo mode, and it’s more than just a camera tool. Players can adjust lighting, add filters, change facial expressions, shift character poses and more — all in real time.
Photo mode can be activated by pressing F9 on PC or clicking both thumbsticks on a controller. You can use it during combat or exploration, though it won’t be available during dialogue or prerendered scenes. Once snapped, images are saved directly to your system, whether you’re on a PC, a Mac or a console.
Steam cards, modding tools and a farewell short
Patch 8 for Baldur’s Gate 3 gives PC players something extra to look forward to: Steam Trading Cards are now live. Collecting them lets you craft profile badges and unlock exclusive emotes and backgrounds tied to Baldur’s Gate 3.
The patch also brings improvements to Larian’s official modding tools. Creators now have more freedom to add NPCs, create interactive environments and build new experiences within the existing world — though editing fixed terrain is still off-limits for now.
To mark the arrival of the final Baldur’s Gate 3 update, Larian released a lighthearted animated short featuring the game’s main cast and a cameo from studio founder Swen Vincke. It’s a charming little tribute that reminds players just how much personality the team brought to this RPG. If you haven’t played it yet, you’re probably going to want to after this.
No DLC coming, but support continues
Larian has confirmed that Patch 8 is the final major update for Baldur’s Gate 3. There are no expansions or sequels in the pipeline, and the team is officially moving on to new projects. However, that doesn’t mean the game is being left behind entirely. Bug fixes, quality-of-life tweaks and backend improvements will continue for the foreseeable future.
In the meantime, this final patch is a powerful way to wrap up this epic role-playing game. It smooths out rough edges, adds meaningful content and gives players new tools to enjoy the game in even more creative ways. Whether you’re rolling a new character, testing out a subclass or finally convincing your Xbox friend to join your campaign, Patch 8 makes Baldur’s Gate 3 feel new again, just in time to say goodbye.
You can read the full patch notes here.
Technologies
Adorn Your Wrist With a 45mm Pixel Watch 3 for Just $200 This Black Friday
Both Amazon and Walmart are selling Google’s Pixel Watch 3 for just $200, but for how long?
There are tons of reasons to pick up a new smartwatch, not the least of which is monitoring your health and tracking your fitness goals. If you’re in the Android world, there are plenty of options to choose from right now. The Pixel Watch 3 is a solid choice, and it was our favorite Android smartwatch until the new Pixel Watch 4 took its place in the lineup. But the Watch 3 still boasts some great features that can help you stay on top of your wellness goals into the new year as well. And both Amazon and Walmart are running Black Friday deals that make it significantly cheaper than the Pixel Watch 4.
Both retailers are selling the bigger 45mm model with a solid $100 discount, so you can pick one up for just $200. That’s $100 less than the Pixel Watch 4’s Black Friday price. Again, this offer is available at both Walmart and Amazon, so take your pick as to where you place your order. Just do it soon because we don’t know how long these Black Friday deals will last.
The impressive watch was previously our top Android smartwatch because of its attractive design, large screen and speedy charging. It no longer requires a Fitbit Premium membership to access your readiness score, and it has plenty of great tools for runners. However, although the watch comes with Google Assistant, it doesn’t include Gemini, Google’s AI.
Lisa Eadicicco, a former senior editor, said in her CNET review, «The Pixel Watch 3’s upgrades are enough to keep it as my top pick for a general-purpose Android smartwatch. If you’re anything like me and consider yourself a casual runner in need of a general-purpose Android watch that’s sleek and comfortable, the Pixel Watch 3 won’t disappoint.»
If this isn’t the Pixel Watch for you, take a look at our full roundup on the best Pixel Watch deals going on right now.
SMARTWATCH DEALS OF THE WEEK
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$339 (save $60)
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$280 (save $70)
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$300 (save $50)
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$150 (save $100)
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$49 (save $30)
Why this deal matters
Google Watches don’t go on sale often. These rare discounts on the Pixel Watch 3 are thanks to the release of the Pixel Watch 4 earlier this year. This deal drops the 45mm model to just $200 — a new all-time low, and a strong value for one of the most versatile Android smartwatches available.
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Technologies
I Regularly Buy Belkin Gear at Full Price, but You Can Save Up to 63% for Black Friday
Belkin makes excellent mobile accessories, from cables to wireless charging stands. Snag some of our favorites for less this Black Friday.
You can never have too many charging options, especially when you can stock up during an epic sale. We’re just hours away from Black Friday, and Belkin is offering up to 65% off its mobile accessories at Amazon. Belkin regularly shows up in our best lists, including our roundup of top wireless chargers.
The brand makes excellent gear at reasonable prices, and those prices just got even lower. Whether you’re looking for a charging station for your nightstand or a sleek power bank for travel days, there’s a Belkin Black Friday deal for you.
The Belkin MagSafe three-in-one wireless charging stand landed on our list of best wireless chargers for its impressive fast-charging performance. Our expert, David Carnoy, praised the stand’s convenient design and its ability to fast charge Apple’s entire ecosystem. That means you’ll be able to charge your iPhone, Apple Watch and any AirPods with a wireless charging case — all at once. Carnoy’s only complaint was the price; however, it’s substantially discounted for Black Friday. Belkin’s MagSafe three-in-one wireless charging stand is now just $78 — 35% off the usual $120 price.
If you spend a lot of time in your car, be it a long commute or regular road trips, a good car mount is a must. The Belkin MagSafe car mount is another one of our favorite accessories. The magnets provide a strong, secure hold for your phone, and you can rotate it for easy access. The mount plus charger is currently available for $55, down from $80.
Speaking of road trips, if you’re traveling this holiday season, you definitely need a portable power bank. Belkin has a 10,000 mAh power bank with a built-in USB-C power delivery cable for $15. This 20-watt charger typically retails for $40, so you’re saving 63%. There are four colors, but this price only applies to the black model. Other colors are available for $30.
If you’ve got a Nintendo Switch 2 or you’re gifting it to a loved one, you’ll love Belkin’s Switch 2 travel case. It’s lightweight with a hard shell and has storage pockets for up to 12 game cards. Snag one right now for $22. Just make sure you click the on-page coupon to get the full discount.
Belkin also has huge discounts on headphones and earbuds if those are on your gift list this year.
Why this deal matters
Phone accessories, including chargers and earbuds, can wear quickly and are easy to lose. Third-party retailers like Belkin offer a solid selection of mobile accessories for all budgets. This Black Friday deal makes now an excellent time to shop with up to 63% off top-rated charging stations, car mounts and even headphones.
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