BG3 exit turn-based mode – How to leave turn-based mode on PC and PS5 in Baldur’s Gate 3

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Want to learn how to exit turn-based mode in Baldur’s Gate 3? With both PC and PS5 players hunting for Faerun’s secrets, some adventurers have found it difficult to switch between real-time exploration and turn-based mode for combat and trap evasion. While it’s okay to accidentally trigger it, here’s a handy guide that clears it up for you.

How to exit turn-based mode in Baldur’s Gate 3?

On PC, press Shift + Space buttons on your keyboard to exit turn-based mode in BG3. As for PS5 players, hold RT to open the wheel and then select the turn-based mode option. This lets you return to the real-time mode provided that you aren’t in combat or in a hostile environment with enemies. 

Baldur's Gate 3 how to exit turn-based mode: An image of the party looking at Harpers in the game.
Traversing through Shadow-cursed lands is deadly, but easier with turn-based mode on. Captured by VideoGamer

What is turn-based mode?

Turn-based mode offers tactical advantages and minute control over your party in a way that real-time gameplay wouldn’t be able to offer. Being able to pause, consider your weapons, and how to spend a bonus action go a long way in a deliberate combat encounter. And with online multiplayer, you won’t have to worry about high ping for precise movements. Turn-based combat system heightens the stakes of missions and battlefield tussles alike. BG3 does things a little differently from Divinity: Original Sin 2’s action points. While they are both turn-based games, there are loads of intricacies to each game’s approach to conflict. In combat, here’s what each turn offers in a character’s turn in BG3:

  • Move Action – move up to their total speed (can be modified by actions).
  • Standard Action – perform an attack, use an item, cast a spell, or interact with an object.
  • Bonus Action – usually class-specific, this can be performed in addition to regular actions.

This can let your Baldur’s Gate 3 companions gain a high-ground advantage or shift to different locations in combat encounters. You can also team up to deal devastating combos. For instance, your Wizard could cast grease to trip enemies before another character uses Fire Bolt to set them ablaze. Tracking your enemies’ turns with a turn order timeline at the top of the screen lets you prioritize targets without delay. You can also sidestep the arcane turrets in the Arcane Tower by entering turn-based mode.

✓ Turn-based mode makes pickpocketing easier

Use a Rogue to pickpocket enemies and leave the vicinity in turn-based mode. It is much easier than in real-time, which  can often lead to getting caught, no matter how well you set everything up.

Turn-based mode can be used for several things outside combat in the Dungeons & Dragons RPG:

  • Pickpocketing vendors or characters is made easier with turn-based mode. 
  • You can also use it to solve puzzles and disarm traps before being dealt damage. 
  • It’s also perfect for sneaking past enemy guards or patrols in dangerous areas.
  • You can complete time-sensitive challenges far easier, like avoiding a building on fire, a trapped maze, and more.
Baldur's Gate 3 how to exit turn-based mode: An image of the party fighting against shadows in the game.
All combats are automatically in turn-based mode. Captured by VideoGamer

Can’t end turn bug explained and troubleshooting fixes for Baldur’s Gate 3

Some players have experienced a bug where they are unable to end their turn, halting their adventure. While updates and hotfixes have greatly minimized this, here’s a fix in case you ever run into it. Loading a quick save or reverting to an earlier save should fix the ‘Can’t End Turn’ bug in BG3. Note that the environmental turn happening can also prevent you from quickly getting to your turn.

That covers how to exit turn-based mode in Baldur’s Gate 3. The turn-based mode adds even more depth and complexity to Larian Studios’ latest game. While we wouldn’t recommend it on your first playthrough, Baldur’s Gate 3 cheats can make your Faerun adventure even more exciting. Just remember to rest up. Here’s how to get more camp supplies in Baldur’s Gate 3 to do that. And if you’re looking for a simpler option to tinker with gameplay, consider some of the best Baldur’s Gate 3 mods out there.

About the Author

Antony Terence

Antony Terence is a Guides Writer for VideoGamer. While he is particularly fond of city-builders, shooters, and strategy titles, he won’t turn down a good JRPG or a turn-based roguelike.

Baldur’s Gate 3

  • Platform(s): macOS, PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series S/X, Xbox Series X
  • Genre(s): Adventure, RPG, Strategy
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