A massive patch rolled out over the weekend for Baldur’s Gate 3, and with it came the debut of the Druids class and a number of big changes as well.
Here are some of the patch notes and the video posted revealing Patch 4:
“With Patch 4: Nature’s Power, Druid characters will be able to use the Wild Shape ability to transform into a variety of different animals, each of which has their own unique abilities. Dire Wolf, Deep Rothe, Aberrant Shape, and Polar Bear forms offer new heavy attack options in combat, while Cat, Raven, Spider, and Badger provide additional strategic and defensive maneuvers – through stealth, flight, web-spinning, and burrowing, respectively.”
New
Added the Druid class, with two unique subclasses – The Circle of the Moon and the Circle of the Land. –Circle of the Moon – Transformation is no problem for most Druids, but those who keep the ways of the moon gain the ability to morph into more powerful combative Wild Shapes – like the Polar Bear. –Circle of the Land – Keepers of the Old Faith, these Druids gain additional power based on the region and what type of geography they’re connected to.
Wild Shape: Embodying nature’s adaptability, Druids can assume the shape of a host of distinct and potent creatures using the power of their magic. Oftentimes during Baldur’s Gate 3’s journey you’ll be called upon by your party to destroy opponents. For such occasions, the Druid enlarges, gaining the killing form of a Dire Wolf or, in the case of Druids of the Circle of the Moon, a Polar Bear. Combat could also be affected if the Druid were to transform into a sinuous Spider, entrapping enemies in their sticky webbing. In traversing Faerun, the party may rely on their Druid to scout the surrounding countryside or cityscape as a Cat, from beneath as a Badger, or from the soaring skies as a Raven. Lastly, in truly desperate circumstances, the Druid may decide to embrace the tadpole – implanted in their brain by the Mind Flayers. In doing so, the Druid transforms into the mysterious Aberrant Shape, and reaps the terrible and powerful consequence. -Wild Shapes included: Deep Rothe, Dire Wolf, Badger, Spider, Polar Bear, Raven, Cat & an Aberrant Intellect Devourer form
Druidic Spells being added: –Entangle – Animate vines, weeds and creeping roots to snare and restrain your foes in a specific area. –Flame Blade – Summon a scimitar of flame, shedding bright light around you and swinging it to scorch enemies. –Moonbeam – Create a damaging pillar of radiant moonlight. –Produce Flame – Light dark areas with this flickering flame in your palm, illuminate torches, and immolate patches of flammable liquid. –Shillelagh – When more powerful spells fail the Druid, this Cantrip imbues a melee weapon like a club or staff with glowing energy and makes it hit much harder. –Thorn Whip – This prickly vine lasso cuts your enemies and yanks them closer to you. –Barkskin – The Druid turns their skin, or an ally’s, as hard as the bole of an oak tree. –Destroy Water – Remove damaging fog or hazardous puddles in your path. –Enhance Ability – Give an ally or yourself Bear’s Endurance, Bull’s Strength, Cat’s Grace, Eagle’s Splendor, Fox’s Cunning or Owl’s Wisdom. –Flaming Sphere – A ball of fire that sticks around, Druid’s can keep this blazing orb rolling into the path of their foes. –Goodberry – These berries grant some healing that can be carried in your inventory or eaten right away. –Heat Metal – Superheating metal can have harmful – or even deadly – effects, especially if an opponent of yours is wearing that metal. –Protection From Poison – This spell neutralises toxins in the blood and also acts as a silver bullet against all known forms of poison. –Spike Growth – Druids can transform nearby terrain into a nest of barbs that slows and damages their foes.
Added reactivity for Druids -Additional paths in multiple dialogues that reflect your druidic training and history. -There are now big additions to the Druids grove, where Druid players can gain additional options and insights into the activities and challenges there. -Gain powerful new magic items and depending on your actions become the Faithwarden. -New reactivity and options for talking to animals while in a Wild shape form.
Rebuilt and refined combat encounters. Druid NPC’s are now true druids; following the same ruleset as the player character. All potential combats within the Druid’s Grove have been rebuilt to reflect the new abilities and spells these NPC’s can use.
Anthony DiMoro
Covering Content Creators, Twitch, YouTube, Streamers & the digital culture. Anthony has written for publications such as Forbes and the Huffington Post, among others, during his career.