Learn the ins and outs of Wild Hearts controls, including button mappings for actions, camera, and menus. Understand HP, MP, and Charge gauges for optimal gameplay.
This section of the guide covers the controls, difficulty settings, and in-game gauges for Wild Hearts.
Controls:
| Button | Function |
|---|---|
| L1 | Hold down to display magic shortcut menu |
| L2 | Cycle through available targets while locked on |
| R1 | Engage or disengage target lock |
| R3 | Revert camera to default frontal view |
| D-Pad | Move cursor / Move cursor in command menu |
| Left Stick | Move character / Move Camera (when in first person mode) |
| Right Stick | Move camera |
| Start | Display main menu / Pause (during battle and cutscenes) / Skip events (during cutscenes) |
| Select | Toggle first-person view on and off |
| Circle | Confirm / Attack / Press while holding the L1 button to cast assigned spell / Cancel / Jump / Ascend when flying or swimming |
| Triangle | Special Commands (Talk/Open Chests/Save, etc.) / Use Special Abilities / Call Allies (battles) / Press while holding the L1 button to cast assigned spell |
| Square | Use abilities (Dodge Roll, etc.) / Descend when flying or swimming / Press while holding the L1 button cast spell |
| Cross | Confirm / Attack / Press while holding the L1 button to cast assigned spell |
Note: Pressing L1, L2, R1, R2, Start, and Select together performs a Soft Reset to the Start Menu. Pause and Soft Reset are disabled during certain scenes.
Difficulty Settings:
| Game Mode | Description |
|---|---|
| Final Mix: Beginner | Begin with rare items in easy mode. For players new to the game or who struggle with difficulty. Starts with 8 Strength Ups, 8 Defense Ups, 4 AP Ups, an EXP Necklace, and a Ribbon. |
| Final Mix | A balanced mode recommended for first-timers. Rebalanced since the original Kingdom Hearts, this mode is between Expert and Final Mix Proud. |
| Final Mix: Proud | Encounter tough enemies for thrilling battles. |
Gauges:
- HP Gauge (Green): Located in the bottom right corner for Sora and top right for companions. Shows remaining health. Flashes red and alarms sound when critically low.
- MP Gauge (Blue): Shows Magic Points, which decrease when spells are cast or some abilities are used.
- Charge Gauge (Orange): Fills up and converts to MP. Spells with low MP cost draw from this gauge first.
Experience Points and Rewards:
- Experience is earned by defeating enemies and executing certain actions (e.g., parrying), yielding Tech Points.
- Defeated enemies drop:
- Green Orbs: Restore HP.
- Clear Orbs: Refill the charge gauge.
- Yellow Orbs: Munny (in-game currency).
- Treasure Chests: Contain items.
- Larger orbs/chests indicate greater effect or value.
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