In Baldur’s Gate 3, Patch 8’s “bees” belong to the Swarmkeeper Ranger, while “booze attacks” belong to the Way of the Drunken Master Monk. Those are two of 12 new subclasses—one for each playable class—added in Larian Studios’ April 15, 2025 patch. The update also added Photo Mode and cross-play, and Larian called it the game’s final major patch.
What do the bees and booze attacks do?
Swarmkeeper Ranger: choose a swarm
The Swarmkeeper can summon different creatures for different effects: moths deal psychic damage, jellyfish deal lightning damage, and bees round out the swarm options. It is a Ranger subclass, available when Rangers choose a subclass at level 3.
Way of the Drunken Master Monk: turn alcohol into Ki
The Drunken Master can regain Ki by consuming alcohol and use attacks that make enemies drunk. Larian Senior Community Manager Salomé Moreira García described the subclass to Xbox Wire on April 15, 2025: “They regain Ki through alcohol and are immune to getting drunk.” Its Sobering Realisation attack deals psychic damage and sobers the target.
All 12 Patch 8 subclasses and when they unlock
Subclass selection happens at different levels depending on class. This table lists the new subclass for each class and the level at which players can choose it.
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| Class | Patch 8 subclass | Choose at | Notable play style or feature |
|---|---|---|---|
| Barbarian | Path of the Giant | Level 3 | Grows in size and physical strength; can throw enemies or companions. |
| Bard | College of Glamour | Level 3 | Fey-taught charm and control that can protect allies and command enemies. |
| Cleric | Death Domain | Level 1 | Draws on death and undead; Bursting Sinew can make a nearby corpse explode. |
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| Monk | Way of the Drunken Master | Level 3 | Consumes alcohol to regain Ki and uses attacks that can sober enemies with psychic damage. |
| Paladin | Oath of the Crown | Level 1 | Supports and protects allies in service of civilization and order. |
| Ranger | Swarmkeeper | Level 3 | Summons moths, lightning-dealing jellyfish, or bees. |
| Rogue | Swashbuckler | Level 3 | Pirate-flavored combat, pocket sand, and movement in and out of combat. |
| Sorcerer | Shadow Magic | Level 1 | Draws on the Shadowfell, teleports between shadows, and summons a Hound of Ill Omen. |
| Warlock | Hexblade | Level 1 | Begins with a bound weapon that curses targets; defeated cursed enemies may rise as Accursed Spectres. |
| Wizard | Bladesinging | Level 2 | Combines blade attacks with magic and builds toward a Bladesong Climax. |
How to choose among the new subclasses
Start with the role you want the character to fill rather than looking for a universal winner. The official descriptions highlight different play patterns, but do not establish a comparative tier list or damage ranking.
- Damage and control: Swarmkeeper brings damage types through its summoned creatures; Death Domain uses death-themed abilities, and College of Glamour emphasizes charm and control.
- Ally support: Oath of the Crown focuses on protecting allies, while Circle of Stars includes healing benefits.
- Mobility and positioning: Shadow Magic can teleport between shadows, and Swashbuckler is built around moving in and out of combat.
- Weapon-and-magic combinations: Arcane Archer uses magical arrows, Hexblade binds a weapon, and Bladesinging combines blade attacks with spellcasting.
- Subclass timing: Cleric, Sorcerer, Paladin, and Warlock choose at level 1; Druid and Wizard at level 2; and Barbarian, Bard, Fighter, Monk, Ranger, and Rogue at level 3.
Patch 8 release and availability
Larian released Patch 8 on April 15, 2025, describing it as “our final patch” and saying it brings “12 new subclasses for you to enjoy.” Alongside the subclasses, the update added Photo Mode and cross-play. Larian’s announcement says players on PC, Mac, Xbox, and PlayStation 5 can use cross-play and cross-platform progression. The subclasses are part of the game update, not a separately identified purchase.
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