Baldur’s Gate 3 adds playable Bards, Gnomes, and more in Patch 8

Strike a chord with Baldur’s Gate‘s newest class

Bards are officially rocking the stage in Baldur’s Gate 3. Larian Studios is adding the Bard class to Baldur’s Gate 3 today, alongside Gnomes as a playable race and more updates in Patch 8.

Shown off during the Panel From Hell, Bards can spur on the party and wreak havoc with their music. They can inspire teammates to greater heights, or just insult the enemy to bring them down. And crucially, they can rock a tune.

The Bard will get two subclasses, under the College of Valour and College of Lore. Valour Bards get Combat Inspiration, allowing them to stir something within their allies to add a bit to their prowess. That something being an extra D6 bonus on their next Attack Roll, Ability Check, or Saving Throw.

Lore Bards, meanwhile, use their Cutting Words to distract and insult enemies. It’s kind of the inverse of Inspiration, where the foe receives a 1d6 penalty to Attack Rolls, Ability Checks, and damage dealt until your next turn. But crucially, it also means insults. Larian says it has recorded 97 “bespoke” insults.

Bards can also perform music anywhere, and not only will certain NPCs react or join in, but they might even reward players for a good performance.

Metrognome

Gnomes are also being added in Patch 8, as the first new playable race since Baldur’s Gate 3 went into Early Access. Plus, a few neat features are on the way like Swarm AI for minor enemies, ranged critical hit killcams, improved hair and hairstyles, and better stability for multiplayer.

Baldur’s Gate 3 is still in Early Access, and will stay that way until at least the new year. But with every patch, it does get exciting see the groundwork being laid for the full RPG experience. Bards seem like a really fun option for a new character roll, and it gives me a little hope that we see the sonorous Tiefling Alfira join the party. Or at least join in with her song.

Patch 8 goes live in Baldur’s Gate 3 today.