Baldur’s Gate 3 Patch 8 Unveils Split-Screen Co-op for Xbox Series S
Larian Studios, the masterminds behind the critically acclaimed Baldur’s Gate 3, have kicked off the stress test for Patch 8, introducing a plethora of new features for lucky participants to sample. This highly-anticipated update, available for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, has been generating buzz since its announcement, with split-screen co-op support for Xbox Series S stealing the spotlight as the newest addition.
The journey to Patch 8 began back in November when Larian teased gamers with promises of 12 new sub-classes, cross-play functionality, revamped camera features, and much more. The studio emphasized the need for a closed stress test to iron out any potential kinks before the full release, prompting eager players to register for the opportunity.
After a slight delay, the stress test is now in full swing, with lucky participants diving into the new content. In a detailed blog post, Larian shared crucial information about the release, including guidelines for using mods during cross-play and instructions for obtaining additional keys to involve friends in the testing phase.
Despite the wealth of exciting updates, the real standout feature of Patch 8 is the long-awaited split-screen co-op functionality for Xbox Series S. This addition has been a thorn in Larian’s side, causing setbacks that led to the exclusion of the feature from the game’s Xbox launch in December 2023. The studio struggled to optimize split-screen for the Series S, ultimately deciding to defer its implementation.
To the surprise of many fans, Larian has now confirmed that split-screen co-op will finally debut in Patch 8, marking a triumphant return after a year-long hiatus. Although details about this feature are scarce, stress test participants on Xbox can relish the opportunity to test it out ahead of the official release.
As for the duration of the stress test and the subsequent release of Patch 8, Larian has yet to provide a concrete timeline. However, eager Baldur’s Gate 3 enthusiasts can still sign up on the studio’s website to express their interest in participating. The road to Patch 8’s full release is paved with excitement and anticipation, promising a thrilling adventure for all who embark on this epic journey.