Baldur’s Gate 3 will finally add missing split-screen on Xbox Series S

Baldur’s Gate 3’s Patch 8 will bring split-screen co-op for Xbox Series S, giving us yet another reason (as if we needed one) to dive back into the Baldur’s Gate 3 achievements. Xbox Insiders can join the Patch 8 Stress Test now to help get things ready for for the last big update for one of the best Xbox RPGs out there.Xbox Series S will at last get split-screen capability with Baldur’s Gate 3’s Patch 8Xbox Insiders can now join in with the Patch 8 Stress TestPatch 8 will add a lot of new content and features, including Xbox Series S split-screenLarian Studios previously had issues optimizing the game’s split-screen co-op on Xbox Series S, leading to a delayed Xbox launchThe Stress Test for Patch 8 is live, with the patch itself “right around the corner,” according to Larian Studios. Xbox Insiders who own the game can take part in the test by heading to the Xbox Insider Hub, selecting Baldur’s Gate 3 under “Previews,” joining, and then installing the stress test version. “To return to the Patch 7 version of Baldur’s Gate 3, you will need to exit the Stress Test version via the Xbox Insider Hub. This will prompt an update and will revert your game to the previous version. Please bear in mind that any saves made within the stress test will not be compatible with the Patch 7 version once you revert back.”Patch 8 adds a lot, but one of the biggest points is that it last adds split-screen capability for Xbox Series S, which you can try out early via the Stress Test. This is a big deal, since it was those difficulties with optimizing split-screen co-op on Xbox Series S which contributed to the game’s delayed arrival for Xbox players, with Microsoft engineers needing to be brought on board to tackle the problem.Cross-play will also be added, as will a Photo Mode, 12 new subclasses, and a whole lot more. You can check out some Patch 8 highlights below, as shared by Larian Studios, but beware: there are some spoilers. There will be more to see when Patch 8 arrives, as well as more info on all of its fixes.HighlightsPhoto mode12 new subclassesCross-playXbox Series S split screenGameplayWhen you succeed a Perception check, the spotted item will now ping on the minimap and be listed in the combat log.Fixed an issue where the special abilities of some of your allies weren’t properly provided at the end of the dialogue with them at High Hall. Scrolls and potions inside unlocked containers in your party inventory can now be used when rolling in dialogues.Neutral and friendly NPCs will no longer become hostile when, outside of combat, they walk into surfaces created during combat that trigger passives (like electrified surfaces triggering Thunderbolt Strike). Take it easy, lads.Fixed Freecast being reset when any condition is applied.Fixed characters getting stuck when pathfinding via a ladder that’s already in use by another companion.Fixed a bug with the moving platform in the Gauntlet of Shar that would sometimes leave you behind, causing you to plummet to your death.CombatFixed an issue causing neutral NPCs to trigger combat for seemingly no reason.Cerys will stop getting involved in combats with Minthara from across the region. An eager beaver no longer.ModdingFixed an issue causing you to get stuck at a 0% loading screen when attempting to join a multiplayer session that uses mods.The Mod Verification window will now trigger regardless of where the request to connect to a multiplayer game is coming from.Replaced the third-party mod warning with clearer messaging.Performance and OptionsFixed the ruleset selector not appearing on the ‘Alter Custom Mode’ screen when accessing the ruleset settings via the multiplayer lobby.Improved server performance in the Adamantine Forge.Scripting and FlowFixed an issue where you could tell Astarion that Gandrel has been looking for him even if Gandrel refused to tell you the name of his prey.Fixed a savegame issue where you wouldn’t get the appropriate amount of Umbral Gems for the Gauntlet of Shar.Minthara now comments on the Emperor’s reveal.Reminded Minthara that ‘knocked out’ does not mean ‘dead’, so she’ll more reliably appear in Moonrise Towers.You can no longer teleport out of Moonrise while controlling Minthara unless you tell her to stay put.Minthara is now willing to talk to you after you tell her to wait in the torture chamber.Minthara no longer gets stuck babysitting Thaniel in Act II.Fixed an issue where you could talk about Art Cullagh as though he’s alive even if he isn’t.Your character will no longer think Shadowheart is dead if she isn’t when talking to Viconia.Characters who were in a relationship with Gale when he sacrifices himself in the endgame to defeat the Netherbrain will now receive a tonally appropriate (read: lovey-dovey) letter.Fixed a dialogue issue preventing Avatar Gale from talking about the orb to Lae’zel after consuming a magic item.UIDiscovered and available (non-hostile, alive, etc.) traders are now shown on the world map regardless of how far away you are from them.CinematicsShadowheart has agreed to stop repeatedly changing her hair colour during certain intimate moments.Tidied up and improved some cinematic animations for characters of different heights if you kiss during the evil ending.WritingFixed a duplicated dialogue option and the wrong version of another dialogue option appearing in Minthara’s main party dialogue.It’s a big deal that split-screen will at last be coming to Xbox Series S. Just recently, Xbox boss Phil Spencer doubled down on the importance of the Series S console and how the Xbox team has “a real advantage” from targeting the Xbox Series S. What do you think? Are you happy that split-screen will finally arrive for Xbox Series S with Patch 8? Will you be joining the Stress Test? Let us know in the comments!



Source link