Patch 8 is one of the largest updates since the release ofBaldur’s Gate 3, and the big feature of this update is the release of 12 new subclasses. Alongside the new subclasses, the patch also brings a new photo mode and cross-play, which makes BG3 a much bigger draw.
The subclasses feature new abilities, animations, visual effects, unique summons, and powerful cantrips. These subclasses have different features that set them apart from the other subclasses of their ilk, and they have been ranked in order of how powerful the new abilities are.
12Drunken Master
Monk
TheWay Of The Drunken Master Monkhas the level four intoxicating strike, which gives you the ability to hit an enemy with your bare fists, and in doing so, get them drunk. This gives your enemy disadvantage on dexterity and charisma checks until the effect wears off.
The move isn’t all that special, but when you get to level seven, you get the life of the party ability, which activates every time you perform the intoxicating strike move. This move increases your attack rolls against drunken targets, and it has no stacking limit.
11Arcane Archer
Fighter
The Arcane Archer Fighter subclass gives you access to magical arrow effects that you can use a few times per rest, and there’s not much difference to the other fighter subclasses. This move presents different arcane shot options which you can switch between at different levels.
One of my favorite arcane shot options is the banishing arrow, which can banish enemies to the feywild, which in turn levels the battlefield in battles against lots of foes. This is a great option, especially with the sheer amount of arrow charges you get at higher levels.
10Swashbuckler
Rogue
The Swashbuckler Rogue subclass allows you to master the art of the blade, and you have quick feet and wit, which allows you to excel in single combat. This subclass allows you to attack and evade opponents quickly, which gives you the proper hit-and-run playstyle.
At level four, you get the dirty trick moves as a main class mechanic, which makes your character a cunning one. Also, you have the ability to throw pocket sand into your enemies' eyes, which blinds them and gives you the upper hand in battle. It’s a really versatile and characterful way to play.
9Swarmkeeper
Ranger
TheSwarmkeeper subclassallows you to choose from three different swarms of spirits to join you in battle, and you can change the different types each time you level up. The legion of bees can push enemies around and let you teleport away from enemy attacks, for example.
The cloud of jellyfish is particularly awesome as it can shock enemies and add extra effect to your attacks. The more you level up, the more powerful your swarms are, and they can deal a lot of damage at later stages of the game.
8College Of Glamour
Bard
The College of Glamour is the purest support subclass for Bards, with the mantle of inspiration that allows you to give five temporary hit points to allies. When these blessed allies get hit by a melee attack, their enemies become charmed, which is pretty sweet.
As you level up, the number of allies you can apply this effect to and the value of the temporary HP increases, making it super useful. The College of Glamour also gives the mantle of majesty command spell which allows you to command your enemies to move towards you. The only downside of this move is that it can only be used once per long rest.
7Death Domain
Cleric
Death Domain is the subclass for the Clerics, which helps the character deal more damage. The base level class feature is reaper, which makes the necromancy cantrip hit two targets instead of the usual one, and also deals double damage.
This attack is quite useful in the first rounds of the battle, as it has a lot of damage potential. Clerics' channel divinity for this subclass is Touch of Death, which lets you deal a bunch of extra necrotic damage when you hit an enemy with a melee attack, letting the spellcaster hit the front lines with ease.
6Path Of The Giants
Barbarian
The Path Of The Giants subclass allows your barbarian character to increase in size, which should be reason enough to pick it, but your rage bonus doubling on throw attacks is a very nice boon. Once you level up a bit, you may start kicking your enemies across the battlefield, too.
At level six, you get an elemental cleverer ability which makes your weapon reappear in your hands once you have thrown them. This ability also makes your weapon deal acid, cold, fire, lightning, or thunder damage, and it lasts until the end of your rage.
5Bladesinging
Wizard
The Bladesinging is thesubclass for the wizard, and this subclass comes with bladesong, which is a great move. It can only be used twice per long rest, to begin with, and is a superb self-buff.
Bladesong also gives you a bonus to your armour class, your movement speed increases by three meters, and a bonus to constitution saving throws, which equals your proficiency bonus.
4Oath Of The Crown
Paladin
The Oath of the Crown is for paladin characters, and the subclass makes it easy for them to protect allies. At base level, you may increase your allies' attack roles. At level three, you can even taunt enemies, and you can heal your allies by justshouting.
At a much higher level, you get the divine allegiance, which allows you to redirect the damage an ally takes as long as they are within range, which is a fantastic defensive tool.
3Shadow Magic
Sorcerer
The biggest part of the sorcerer’s Shadow Magic subclass is the ability to see in the dark, and you can use this move to create a dark cloud which blinds your enemies. As you progress and level up, you get the ability to summon a demon hound, which you can apply powerful omens to.
As you apply omens to your hound, it can apply debuffs to the enemies it attacks, and if you hit the enemy with the elemental damage that matches the omen type, you’ll then regain sorcery points. Win-win!
