Just when you thought you could settle into a cozy November 2025 playthrough of Baldur’s Gate 3, Larian Studios dropped Hotfix 35, sending modders scrambling and save files into potential disarray. While intended to squash crashes and boost Steam Deck performance, this seemingly innocuous update has once again thrown a wrench into the intricate clockwork of the game’s modding community.
It’s a familiar dance: Larian tweaks the engine, and the army of dedicated modders adjusts their creations accordingly. But is this a sign of things to come, now that Larian is shifting focus to new horizons?
Hotfix 35 is primarily a maintenance patch, addressing a range of crashes across PlayStation 5, Xbox, Steam Deck, and Mac. Think of it as digital pest control, ensuring a smoother experience for the vast majority of players.
For Steam Deck users, the update brings a welcome upgrade from FSR 1 to FSR 2.2, promising sharper visuals on the go. This enhancement aims to provide a more visually appealing experience on the handheld device.
Patch Notes Highlights
The hotfix includes several key improvements:
- Crash fixes on PS5, Xbox, Steam Deck, and Mac.
- Steam Deck’s FSR updated to version 2.2 for improved visuals.
- Fixes for external controller issues on Steam Deck.
- Loading time improvements.
The downside? As with previous updates, Hotfix 35 temporarily breaks compatibility with many existing mods. This is the “modding tax” – the price players pay for venturing beyond the vanilla experience. The official subreddit is already buzzing with reports of broken mods and pleas for updates.
If you’re running a heavily modded version of BG3, proceed with caution. Either update your mods before launching the game, or prepare for potential instability. This is a familiar routine for seasoned mod users, but a frustrating one nonetheless.
“Anyone using a modded setup should update their mods before launching the game, or expect Baldur’s Gate 3 to fail to work correctly,” as noted in coverage of the update.
Larian Studios has largely moved on to new, unannounced projects, but they’re still providing limited maintenance support for Baldur’s Gate 3. Expect occasional small patches like Hotfix 35 in the future, but don’t hold your breath for any major content additions. Patch 8, released back in April, was the final major content update.
The studio’s commitment to continued, albeit limited, support is a testament to the game’s success and the dedication of its fanbase. It’s also a smart move, ensuring a positive legacy for a game that has redefined the RPG landscape.
While details on Larian’s next projects remain shrouded in mystery, one thing is clear: Baldur’s Gate 3 has set a new standard for the studio, and the gaming world at large. And while Hotfix 35 might cause a temporary headache for modders, it’s a small price to pay for the continued stability of a modern classic.
