Controls & UI
Navigating the rich world of Baldur's Gate 3 is made intuitive through its well-designed controls and user interface. Whether you're exploring, engaging in dialogue, or locked in a fierce battle, understanding how to interact with the game is key to a smooth experience. The UI provides all the necessary information at a glance, from character stats and inventory to quest logs and combat readiness.
The primary interface elements include the character portrait and hotbar at the bottom of the screen, which displays your character's available actions, spells, and items. To the right, you'll find the combat log (during combat) and the dialogue log. The top left corner shows your party's portraits, health, and status effects. The minimap in the top right corner is invaluable for navigation, showing your current location, points of interest, and nearby enemies.
Key controls and UI features:
- Mouse & Keyboard: Left-click to interact, move, and select. Right-click for context menus and to cancel actions. WASD keys for camera movement.
- Controller: Intuitive mapping for movement, actions, and menu navigation.
- Hotbar: Customize this with your most-used spells, abilities, and items for quick access. You can drag and drop abilities from your spellbook.
- Inventory: Accessible via the 'I' key or by clicking the inventory icon. Here you can manage your gear, consumables, and quest items.
- Spellbook: Contains all learned spells and abilities.
- Character Sheet: Provides detailed information about your character's stats, skills, and proficiencies.
- Quest Log: Tracks your active and completed quests.
- Tooltips: Hovering over almost any element will provide a detailed explanation.
During combat, the UI becomes even more critical. You'll see initiative order, enemy health bars, and available actions. Pay close attention to status effects like 'Prone,' 'Restrained,' or 'Burning,' as they significantly impact combat. The 'End Turn' button is your final command, so ensure all your party members have acted optimally before proceeding. Familiarize yourself with the quick access buttons for saving, loading, and accessing the main menu.