author: Adrian Piotrowski
Druids Join the Party in Latest Baldur's Gate 3 Update
In the latest episode of The Panel from Hell, the developers at Larian Studios revealed some of the major changes that await Baldur's Gate 3 players. Patch 4 will introduce the Druid class to the game.
In a nutshell
- Update number 4 will add Druids as a playable class to the game;
- Other changes include multiplayer mode, the d20 system, and cutscenes;
- The release date of the update is unknown, but it will appear in the very near future.
The second edition of The Panel From Hell, Larian Studios' periodic show focused on the upcoming third installment of the Baldur's Gate series, has ended. The main topic of today's episode was update number 4, announced by the creators as the biggest so far. Indeed, this patch introduces many significant changes to the gameplay, but the most important of them is the addition of a new playable class, the Druids. Hence the update's name - the Power of Nature. The release date and the list of all changes introduced in Patch 4 is not yet known, but the creators promised that we'll know both of them soon.
WARNING: changes introduced by Patch 4 are so big that after downloading it the game will no longer support existing save files! If we want to continue playing, we have to block automatic updates. To do this, you need go to the "BETA" tab in "Properties" and check "Patch 3" in the "Select the beta you want to participate in" box. On the other hand, if you just want to keep the existing save files, go to your game collection on Steam, right-click on Baldur's Gate 3 and select "Properties". Then just go to the "Updates" tab and in the "Automatic Updates" box, check "Update this game only when it starts".
Druids - new playable class
When BG3 launched in early access, Druids were one of the key features that fans missed the most. This changes with the latest update. According to the developers, the new class is the most versatile, as it can both heal its companions and simultaneously deal with enemies. Guardians of the nature will bring to the game world more than 30 new spells, including Wild Shape - a spell that enables us to take the shape of the selected animals. The developers announced that it will be possible to take the form of a polar bear, raven, wolf, cat, spider, rothe (a huge ox), monstrous toad and badger. Transforming into wild animals will unlock new dialogue options, e.g. a druid in bear form can communicate with other bears.
Players will be able to choose which Circle their Druid will belong to. Following the path of the Circle of Earth will enable you to gain an additional power depending on what type of terrain the hero will be associated with. The range of possibilities is huge. From the arctic wastelands, through forests, deserts and the land of the Underworld. Choosing the Circle of the Moon gives a bonus to those using the Wild Shape spell, as it unlocks the ability to metamorphose into the most powerful battle creatures. Both paths also affect the hero's character, their morals, and attitude towards other characters.
Other important changes
Cinematic cutscenes will gain new life, mainly thanks to improved lighting and animation. Moreover, cutscenes when using the Speak with Dead spell and when the character starts a conversation as an animal have been significantly reworked. The animations of NPCs casting spells in the Druid's Grove will also be improved.
The latest patch introduces an option to balance out the random factor in the d20 system. This mode makes it impossible for the player to throw the worst or best score several times in a row. This change only applies to dialogues. Damage throws will remain unchanged.
In multiplayer mode, players will be able to view the inventory, spells, and character sheet of their fellow players. However, there is currently no function to lock their treasures, so players will have the opportunity to steal from each other.
Many improvements will be introduced to the game that will affect gameplay comfort. With the latest patch, all you have to do to target an enemy or ally with a spell is to click their portrait. Buttons for fleeing battle and lighting torches have also been added.
The game is currently in early access on Steam, GOG.com and Google Stadia. The official release of Baldur's Gate 3 will probably take place later this year.
