Adventurer's Codex — Patch 8
Baldur's Gate 3 Patch 8: 12 New Subclasses & Companion Picks
Patch 8 is the final major content update for Baldur's Gate 3, and it delivers what fans have been asking for since launch: twelve brand-new subclasses, one for each class in the game. From the Hexblade Warlock to the Bladesinging Wizard, these subclasses dramatically expand build options. This guide breaks down all 12 new subclasses and recommends the best one for each companion.
I. The 12 New Subclasses
| Class | New Subclass | Playstyle |
|---|---|---|
| Barbarian | Giant | Grow large, throw enemies, deal massive damage |
| Bard | Glamour | Charm and control enemies with mantle of inspiration |
| Cleric | Death | Necrotic damage and touch-based death magic |
| Druid | Circle of Stars | Star map forms: Archer, Chalice, Dragon |
| Fighter | Arcane Archer | Magical arrows with special effects |
| Monk | Drunken Master | Flurry of blows with unpredictable movement |
| Paladin | Oath of the Crown | Tanky protector with taunts and spirit guardians |
| Ranger | Swarmkeeper | Swarm of insects that moves and damages enemies |
| Rogue | Swashbuckler | Mobile duelist with free disengages |
| Sorcerer | Shadow Magic | Darkness-based spells and shadow teleportation |
| Warlock | Hexblade | Charisma-based melee with cursed weapons |
| Wizard | Bladesinging | Melee wizard with bladesong defense |
II. The Standout Subclasses
Hexblade (Warlock)
The Hexblade is arguably the most anticipated subclass in Patch 8. It lets Warlocks fight in melee using their Charisma for both attacks and damage, making them single-ability-dependent (SAD) and incredibly powerful. The Hexblade's Curse adds bonus damage and crit range, while the ability to use Charisma for weapon attacks opens up powerful multiclass options with Paladin and Sorcerer. This is the strongest new subclass for both solo and companion builds.
Bladesinging (Wizard)
The Bladesinging Wizard combines martial combat with full spellcasting. Bladesong grants a bonus to AC, concentration saves, and movement speed, making the wizard surprisingly tanky in melee. It rewards a hybrid playstyle — weave cantrips and weapon attacks together — and is a fantastic option for players who want a gish character without sacrificing spell progression.
Circle of Stars (Druid)
The Circle of Stars Druid is a versatile caster with three star map forms: Archer (bonus ranged attack), Chalice (bonus healing), and Dragon (bonus to attack rolls and concentration). It is one of the most flexible new subclasses, able to fill damage, support, or control roles depending on the situation.
Swashbuckler (Rogue)
The Swashbuckler is a mobile duelist who can disengage for free after attacking, making it nearly impossible to pin down. It rewards aggressive, single-target play and pairs beautifully with the Rogue's Sneak Attack. A top pick for players who love hit-and-run tactics.
III. Best Subclass for Each Companion
| Companion | Base Class | Recommended Subclass | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wyll | Warlock | Hexblade | Fits his blade-pact lore; Charisma SAD makes him a melee powerhouse |
| Gale | Wizard | Bladesinging | Adds survivability to his squishy caster kit |
| Astarion | Rogue | Swashbuckler | Mobile duelist matches his charming, hit-and-run style |
| Karlach | Barbarian | Giant | Maximizes her raw damage and throwing potential |
| Shadowheart | Cleric | Death | Fits her Shar-worshipping, shadowy theme |
| Lae'zel | Fighter | Arcane Archer | Adds ranged utility to her martial kit |
| Halsin | Druid | Circle of Stars | Versatile caster that complements his nature theme |
| Minthara | Paladin | Oath of the Crown | Tanky protector fits her commanding presence |
| Jaheira | Druid | Circle of Stars | Flexible support/damage for her veteran role |
| Minsc | Ranger | Swarmkeeper | Adds control to his straightforward damage |
IV. Multiclass Synergies
The new subclasses open up powerful multiclass combinations:
- Hexblade + Paladin: The classic "Padlock" — Charisma SAD melee with smites. One of the strongest builds in the game.
- Hexblade + Sorcerer: "Sorlock" — quickened Eldritch Blast plus melee options.
- Bladesinging + Fighter: Action Surge with bladesong for burst rounds.
- Swashbuckler + Fighter: Extra Attack with free disengages for a mobile skirmisher.
V. Final Thoughts
Patch 8 is a love letter to Baldur's Gate 3 players. The twelve new subclasses add enormous replay value, and the Hexblade alone is worth a fresh playthrough. Whether you are building a new Tav or respeccing your favorite companion, the options above will set you up for success in the final version of the game.