Games get patched all the time, but how often do you see patches get patched? Hotfix 17 was recently unveiled for Baldur’s Gate 3, however, the patch notes needed to be updated after players reported some confusion. They hotfixed the hotfix!
As the top-selling game on Steam in 2023 and the recipient of many prestigious accolades, including the Game of the Year 2023 at The Game Awards, Baldur’s Gate 3 has undeniably established itself as a worthy sequel to the classics before it. However, the celebrated Dungeons & Dragons CRPG by Larian Studios is not exempt from bugs and glitches, and even its updates may need a second look.
Case in point: within the same day of Larian releasing Hotfix 17, it had to amend the patch notes after feedback from BG3 players.
Thank you for sharing your feedback with us!
We have amended the Hotfix #17 patch notes to make sure that we’re remaining transparent, and can provide you with further clarification in relation to some of the fixes.
Read the updated patch notes here: https://t.co/zJodDeip4N pic.twitter.com/13qlHCQsTH
— Larian Studios (@larianstudios) January 16, 2024
Hotfix 17 is another step towards refining Baldur’s Gate 3, showcasing Larian’s commitment to providing ongoing support for the game. The update not only addresses save game concerns but also implements improved compression, reducing the overall file size and removing redundant data, such as summons not in use. The complete and updated patch notes can be found here.
One of the bug fixes, that stops Gale from permanently leaving a party when players are unable to offer him magic items, is temporary. This is due to an unresolved issue from Hotfix #16 that centered on access to quest-related items.
The temporary fix in Hotfix #17 works well enough, but if players are not careful when Gale asks for a magic item (like the now-infamous magic boot trope), selecting specific dialogue options will still lead to his permanent departure from the party.
Larian has diligently worked towards rectifying technical issues and adding content through five major updates, with Patch 5 even introducing the Epilogue to Baldur’s Gate 3. Nevertheless, there are persisting concerns, notably the delayed updates for the macOS version of the game.
Plus, there are also the ongoing Xbox technical problems, where players have grappled with severe save game issues. But to be fair, Microsoft made a commitment to addressing the save game issue by offering a potential solution with a firmware update for Xbox players within this week.
Despite the hiccups, the dedication of Larian Studios to addressing player concerns and refining the game’s mechanics bodes well for the future of this critically acclaimed title. While there is an absence of any official announcement regarding DLCs or expansion packs, Larian’s track record, as seen in the Divinity: Original Sin games, hints at the possibility of a Definitive Edition for Baldur’s Gate 3 in the future.
