After already solidifying itself as one of the most enduringly popular RPGs in recent history,Baldur’s Gate 3is still being supported with an upcoming update of an unprecedented scale. Following promises that the mod support of Patch 7 would be the last major addition to the game, Larian Studios has now announced that new subclasses will be coming to every single class option in the game in Patch 8. The value of bringing that many new playstyles intoBaldur’s Gate 3cannot be understated, but one particular choice has come in the wake of countless fan requests.
While similar builds have been possible,Dungeons and Dragons' Hexblade subclass for Warlockhas always been notably absent fromBG3despite its popularity. In what would commonly be a DLC-scale release nowadays, Larian is going to officially provide this option as a free update.
Playing a Hexblade Warlock Was Only Thought to Be Possible in Baldur’s Gate 3 Through Modding
The Notable Omission of One of DnD’s Most Popular Subclasses
InD&D, Hexblade Warlocks are known for their pact with an entity from the Shadowfell which typically allows them to summon a magical weapon and inflict curses upon enemies. Despite that plane itself actually appearing at theend ofBaldur’s Gate 3Act 2, there is no explicit connection to the Warlock class in the same way. While Wyll’s use of melee may have evoked the Hexblade initially, many players have since settled for mods to get their desired features.
Players Have Settled for Analogs in the Base Game
It’s reasonable that one of the more melee-based Warlock subclasses would earn a reputation as a desirable playstyle with a dark flair, and players have managed to imitate it outside directly by adding theHexblade through mods inBaldur’s Gate 3. Multiclassing into Paladin for an increased melee focus under a shared Charisma modifier has risen to prominence, for example, largely because most players have adapted after they never anticipated an official update to the Warlock.
Baldur’s Gate 3’s Upcoming Hexblade Subclass is Poised to Be Faithful to the Source Material
New Features Go Beyond Pact of the Blade Alone
After over a year of players resorting to similar features in the vanilla game,Baldur’s Gate 3Patch 8 subclass additionsare finally allowing the Hexblade to shine with its hallmark abilities. The announcement post by Larian doesn’t go into direct detail about the new gameplay options by name, but it’s been made clear that elements like summoning a pact entity as a weapon and a summon similar to Accursed Specter are on the table. If the example of the more detailed descriptions of the other new subclasses is to be followed, it’s likely that the Hexblade will be handled faithfully with some possible adjustments that fit within its theme.
The Extent of the Warlock’s Expansion Remains Yet to Be Seen
It’s not known how farBG3’s next update is going in iterating on the game’s classes, as the likes of Warlock have exclusive feature selection in the form of Eldritch Invocations. Building out the array of these could further complement the new Hexblade, as it has typically been paired with some that have only been available in tabletop. In terms of supporting a melee powerhouse, Eldritch Smite can further bolster damage via Warlock spell slot, while Relentless Hex allows the player to teleport to a visible enemy affected by Hex. No matter the extent to which Larian tailors the game around the subclass, the Hexblade Warlock is almost guaranteed to be elevated to one of the most viable mixedspellcasters inBaldur’s Gate 3Patch 8.
Baldur’s Gate 3
WHERE TO PLAY
Abducted, infected, lost. You are turning into a monster, but as the corruption inside you grows, so does your power. Forge a tale of fellowship and betrayal, sacrifice and survival, and the lure of absolute power. Caught in a conflict between devils, deities, and sinister otherworldly forces, you and your party will determine the fate of the Forgotten Realms.THE ULTIMATE D&D EXPERIENCEChoose from a wide selection of D&D races and classes, or play as an origin character with a hand-crafted background. Adventure, loot, battle, and romance as you journey through the Forgotten Realms and beyond. Play alone or as a party of up to four in multiplayer – and select your companions carefully.A CINEMATIC STORYTELLING EPICForged with the new Divinity 4.0 engine, Baldur’s Gate 3 gives you unprecedented freedom to explore, experiment, and interact with a world that reacts to your choices. A grand, cinematic narrative brings you closer to your characters than ever before, as you venture through our biggest world yet. Romance, deceive, aid, obstruct, and grow alongside your friends thanks to Larian’s next-generation RPG engine.
