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

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

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Want to learn how to exit turn-based mode in Baldur’s Gate 3? With PS5 players joining the hunt 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.

If you’re just entering the D&D Forgotten Realms setting, here’s how to rest in Baldur’s Gate 3. And if you are injured in combat, here’s how to heal and revive in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Baldur's Gate 3 how to exit turn-based mode: An image of the party looking at Harpers in the game.

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 a hostile environment with enemies. 

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. D&D 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 Baldur’s Gate 3 Arcane Tower by entering turn-based mode.

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Turn-based mode also lets you pickpocket with ease

Use a Rogue to pickpocket enemies and leave the vicinity in turn-based mode.

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.
Baldur's Gate 3 how to exit turn-based mode: An image of the party fighting against shadows in the game.

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. This halts 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. Special abilities reward a deliberate approach that takes advantage of Baldur’s Gate 3 abilities like Charisma and Dexterity. This is in stark contrast to the real-time combat system from previous games in the series like Baldur’s Gate 2.

While I 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. The game is out on PC and PS5. As for Xbox Series X|S, you’ll have to wait for a release date.

Baldur’s Gate 3 exit turn-based combat FAQ

Can you turn off turn-based combat BG3?

BG3 combat will always be turn-based.

Is Baldur’s Gate 3 combat turn-based?

Yes, combat is turn-based in Baldur’s Gate 3.