Larian Studios has deployed Hotfix #35 for Baldur's Gate III, focusing heavily on stability across all platforms and delivering a noticeable visual upgrade for handheld players. While not a major content drop, this update addresses several specific crashes that have been plaguing console and Mac users.
Visual Clarity for Steam Deck
The standout feature in this patch is the upgrade to the default upscaling method on Steam Deck. Previously using FSR 1.0, the game now defaults to FSR 2.2. For those playing on the go, this is a significant change. FSR 2.2 offers much better temporal stability than its predecessor, meaning you should see significantly less "shimmering" on fine details like hair and foliage, along with generally sharper image quality without a massive hit to performance.
Console and Mac Stability Fixes
If you've been playing on PlayStation 5, you might have encountered a frustrating freeze specifically tied to the L2 button. Hotfix #35 resolves this, ensuring your controller inputs don't lock up the game. On the Xbox side, the focus is on multiplayer connectivity, with fixes deployed to stop crashes that were occurring during multiplayer sessions.
Mac and Steam Deck users also get a specific fix regarding crafting. Previously, the game could crash when managing saves related to crafting items; this has been smoothed out. Additionally, PC users with Nvidia GPUs should notice improved VRAM consumption, which helps maintain consistent framerates in dense areas like the Lower City.
Is there new story content?
While this is strictly a technical hotfix, Larian did include a nod to the ongoing community narratives, referencing "Burnadette" meeting the Lich Queen Vlaakith. While this doesn't change the in-game questlines, it continues Larian's trend of acknowledging specific player stories and community memes in their patch notes. For now, the focus remains on polishing the technical foundation as we move further from launch.