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Patch 8 subclass roster and selection levels
Larian Studios’ Patch 8 notes list the full roster below. These are BG3 selection levels, not a statement about tabletop D&D progression.
| Class | Patch 8 subclass | Selectable at |
|---|---|---|
| Barbarian | Path of the Giant | Level 3 |
| Bard | College of Glamour | Level 3 |
| Cleric | Death Domain | Level 1 |
| Druid | Circle of Stars | Level 2 |
| Fighter | Arcane Archer | Level 3 |
| Monk | Way of the Drunken Master | Level 3 |
| Paladin | Oath of the Crown | Level 1 |
| Ranger | Swarmkeeper | Level 3 |
| Rogue | Swashbuckler | Level 3 |
| Sorcerer | Shadow Magic | Level 1 |
| Warlock | Hexblade | Level 1 |
| Wizard | Bladesinging | Level 2 |
That means Death Domain, Oath of the Crown, Shadow Magic, and Hexblade are available from level 1; Circle of Stars and Bladesinging arrive at level 2; the other six are selected at level 3. This timing can matter if you are planning a multiclass route or want a subclass-defining choice early in a campaign. Larian’s Patch 8 notes identify the complete list and levels.
What each subclass is about
The descriptions below reflect Larian’s launch overview and are orientation, not a complete mechanics guide or a ranking of power. The overview highlights selected abilities and themes; it does not establish comparative performance.
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- Evolved turn-based combat - based on the D&D 5e ruleset. Team-based initiative, advantage & disadvantage, and roll modifiers join combat cameras, expanded environmental interactions, and a new fluidity in combat that rewards strategy and foresight
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Path of the Giant Barbarian
For a Barbarian built around giant strength and imposing melee presence. Larian’s overview describes growing larger and using forceful play, including knocking enemies from ledges or throwing objects and companions.
College of Glamour Bard
A fey-influenced performer for players drawn to captivating enemies while protecting allies. The overview calls out Mantle of Inspiration and Mantle of Majesty.
Death Domain Cleric
A Cleric with death, necromancy, and undead themes. One highlighted ability, Bursting Sinew, uses a nearby corpse to harm surrounding enemies.
Circle of Stars Druid
A constellation-themed Druid. Its level-2 Starry Form is described as granting combat and healing bonuses.
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Arcane Archer Fighter
A ranged Fighter with arcane effects layered onto its attacks. The overview names Banishing Arrow and Shadow Arrow, and describes Curved Shot as redirecting a missed shot.
Way of the Drunken Master Monk
A Monk built around the drunken-master fantasy and abilities Larian describes as homebrewed for the game. Do not assume tabletop versions of this subclass work the same way in BG3.
Oath of the Crown Paladin
A new Paladin oath in the roster. Larian specifically notes voiced dialogue for the Oathbreaker Knight for this subclass; the launch descriptions cited here do not provide a full feature breakdown.
Swarmkeeper Ranger
A Ranger accompanied by small creatures that contribute in combat. The overview gives moths, jellyfish, and bees as examples associated with different damage effects.
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Swashbuckler Rogue
A mobile, pirate-flavored Rogue archetype. The launch overview establishes the theme, rather than a complete guide to its actions or damage.
Shadow Magic Sorcerer
A Sorcerer drawing power from the Shadowfell. The overview mentions movement between shadows and a Hound of Ill Omen summon.
Hexblade Warlock
A weapon-centered pact fantasy. Larian describes a bound weapon that curses targets and can raise defeated enemies as Accursed Spectres.
Bladesinging Wizard
A spellcaster combining magic with blade-focused movement and attacks, for a more martial-feeling Wizard.
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How to choose one for a new run
Decide when you want the subclass online
If you want the subclass choice at level 1, consider Death Domain, Oath of the Crown, Shadow Magic, or Hexblade. Circle of Stars and Bladesinging are the level-2 options. The remaining subclasses are selected at level 3, so their defining choice comes later.
Pick the combat fantasy you want to play
- Disruption and physical spectacle: Path of the Giant emphasizes size, strength, and throwing or knocking foes around.
- Ally support and control: College of Glamour is framed around captivating enemies and protecting allies.
- Necromantic or celestial themes: Death Domain centers death magic, while Circle of Stars draws on constellations and Starry Form.
- Ranged specialization: Arcane Archer adds arcane effects to bow attacks.
- Companions and summons: Swarmkeeper brings a creature swarm; Shadow Magic features a Hound of Ill Omen; Hexblade can raise Accursed Spectres.
- Spell-and-weapon play: Hexblade and Bladesinging both combine magic with weapon focus, through different class identities.
- Mobile, theatrical martial styles: Swashbuckler and Drunken Master offer distinct Rogue and Monk fantasies, respectively.
These are theme-based ways to narrow the list, not claims that one option is stronger. Larian’s published launch materials provide no named win rates, popularity figures, or comparative balance test establishing a best subclass.
What Patch 8’s subclass list does—and does not—say about tabletop D&D
Several concepts have tabletop source-book associations, but BG3 adapts subclasses for a video game. A tabletop feature, rule, or progression should not be assumed to transfer unchanged. D&D Beyond maps College of Glamour, Circle of Stars, and Path of the Giant to Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything or Bigby Presents: Glory of the Giants; Death Domain to the 2014 Dungeon Master’s Guide; Arcane Archer, Drunken Master, Swashbuckler, Shadow Magic, and Hexblade to Xanathar’s Guide to Everything; and Oath of the Crown to Sword Coast Adventurer’s Guide. These are lineage references, not requirements for playing BG3. D&D Beyond’s subclass source-book overview provides the tabletop mappings.
Patch 8 and modded play
Patch 8, version 4.1.1.6758295, was published on April 15, 2025. Larian called it the game’s final major patch; that description does not rule out later hotfixes or maintenance updates. The subclasses are part of the game update, not a mod prerequisite.
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For players using mods, compatibility can change with updates. Larian says cross-play and cross-platform progression are available on PC, Mac, Xbox, and PlayStation 5 through the Larian Network. For modded cross-play, every player in a lobby needs the same mod versions. The official notes state a console mod limit of 100 and say third-party mods cannot be used on consoles. Check the current in-game mod information and official notes for compatibility rather than assuming a particular mod setup will work.
The toolkit update allows certain template overrides and partial level editing, but Larian says the toolkit cannot add dialogue or alter static world elements such as buildings, scenery, or terrain. Those toolkit limits do not affect ordinary subclass selection.
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