Baldur's Gate 3's patches just keep on getting better and better, proving that Larian is committed to improving their masterpiece of a game. Nothing showcases that dedication more than Patch 5 from November 30th, 2023.
Along with the traditional fixes and improvements to gameplay, this patch adds several interesting features that not only improve a current playthrough but will encourage fans to go through the adventure again if they have not done so already. Even with all these patches coming at players so fast, it should still be said that Baldur's Gate 3 was released in a smoother state than most other RPGs of its size.
Baldur's Gate 3 is forgiving even in its hardest difficulty mode, Tactician. Players can save their progress as much as they want and reload a previous save if things go array. Assuming they have a solid enough party with the right spells, even the hardest battles can be rolled through with ease.
Honour Mode takes all this away and makes players fight tooth and nail for every victory. There is only one save file, bosses have new moves, and the run is over if the party is eliminated. For most people, it is not about beating the game but about seeing how far they can get.
For a more in-depth explanation of Honour Mode, read the dedicated guide here.
There are many different endings along with the numerous branching character arcs for companions, and that is even assuming most party members make it to the end in the first place. Though the ending is big and varied enough in the first place, extra closure is added with a new epilogue where players can talk to their companions one last time before closing the book on that playthrough.
Baldur's Gate 3 is like a giant book. It takes so long to beat there is a sense of loss along with the catharsis once the journey is over, so this new epilogue's chance for a last goodbye is a more-than-welcome addition
Players who already beat the game can reload a save near the end of their playthrough, beat the last boss, and then see the epilogue.
If a game like Baldur's Gate 3 can support multiple languages, even ones that do not universally receive localization like Ukrainian, then pretty much any game of its budget and resources should have no problem doing the same.
Larian is once again going above and beyond in this department with Korean being added to the list of available languages. Even if somebody knows English or another language that is already supported, there is something nice about playing the game in one's native tongue.
For a CRPG, Baldur's Gate 3 runs surprisingly well on consoles. It came out later on the PS5 (and even later on XBOX) and some patch notes are specifically for these versions.
Patch 5 adds dynamic resolution to the game, meaning the resolution changes depending on the action happening on screen to ensure the frame rate remains as smooth as possible. Unless one is really looking for it the change in resolution is not noticeable. Frame-rate dips are easy to see, however, so the trade-off to prioritize performance is acceptable.
Nightsong, or Aylin, is an integral part of the story that is talked about heavily before even being seen. Once players find her, they have a variety of choices to make. Assuming she makes it through Act II, she can once again be betrayed in Act III in Ramazith's Tower.
If players do this, there is a new fight in place of the prior, much easier battle. This one is actually tough instead of just reflecting a story decision like it used to be. It would make one think twice about betraying Aylin, that is for sure.
One of the game's main villains, Orin, has a fairly iconic suit ripe for cosplay opportunities. It seemed unfair that players could not don this armor for any of their companions in the game.
Patch 5 remedies this and players can now loot the armor from Orin after their defeat. Of course, players need to stick to their morals. Orin should be defeated because of her reprehensible plans, and not simply because she has a cool outfit.
On top of four different difficulty modes, Custom Mode now allows players to manually set numerous parameters for their play through. This goes far beyond combat and can affect rolls, the way the game transmits information to the player, and supplies needed for camp.
The game can be made as simple or as complex as one desires. Not everything is fully adjustable and it is certainly not a god mode that lets players steamroll through the whole campaign, but it offers a level of customization few other titles match.
For a full breakdown of all the settings adjustable in Custom Mode, read the dedicated guide here.