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Baldur’s Gate 3 Commands and Controls: PC Keybinds, Controller, and Steam Deck

A practical guide to common Baldur’s Gate 3 PC keybinds, controller layouts, Steam Deck controls, and checking your current assignments.
Length2 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
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On PC, Baldur’s Gate 3’s common keyboard defaults include W/A/S/D for moving the camera, I for Inventory and Equipment, M for Map, and Z for Jump. Controller inputs use a separate layout. Check Options > Keybinds in your game to confirm or change assignments, since defaults and interface details can vary with your setup and updates.

How to check or change Baldur’s Gate 3 keybinds

  1. Open the game’s options using the prompts shown for your input device and platform.
  2. Select Keybinds to inspect the current assignments. On PC, the path is Options > Keybinds.
  3. Choose a listed binding to change it, following the prompts shown in your game.

Larian’s Patch 2 notes describe an earlier reorganization of the Keybinds menu into categories and updates to controller interfaces. Those are historical changes, not a guarantee that any particular command changed in the latest version. Larian’s Baldur’s Gate 3 support page provides links to patches and hotfixes; for the controls currently active in your installation, the in-game menu is the practical reference. (Larian Patch 2 notes; Larian support)

Common Baldur’s Gate 3 PC keyboard and mouse commands

The following are common keyboard defaults listed by the community-maintained BG3 Wiki Options reference. Treat them as a starting point, not a guarantee for customized bindings or every patch.

Camera controls

Key Default action
W / A / S / D Move the camera backward / left / forward / right
Q / E Rotate the camera
Page Up / Page Down Zoom the camera
Home Center the camera on the character

W/A/S/D move the camera in this reference; they are not character movement keys.

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Menus and character information

Key Default action
I Inventory and Equipment
Tab Party View
N Character Sheet
K Spellbook
J Journal
M Map
P Inspiration
H Alchemy

Actions

Key Default action
Z Jump
C Hide
V Shove
X Throw

The Options reference notes that macOS users should substitute left Command for left Alt in the bindings it lists. Check the in-game assignments if a shortcut differs from the reference.

Controller controls are a separate layout

Do not translate a keyboard shortcut into a controller button by assumption. The BG3 Wiki Options reference lists controller-specific PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S inputs for camera actions and interaction. It also uses blank controller fields where no direct shortcut is assigned; those actions must be reached through a menu rather than by expecting an equivalent button.

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For your controller’s current button prompts and available actions, check the controller layout in-game and follow the symbols shown there. The community reference is useful for orientation, but it is not a guarantee for every platform, patch, or customized setup. (BG3 Wiki Options reference)

Recommended Steam Deck layout

Larian Studios’ Steam Deck support FAQ recommends setting the controller scheme to Official Layout for Baldur’s Gate 3 – Gamepad with Joystick Trackpad. In the game’s controller settings, select that scheme if available and use the on-screen prompts to verify the active layout.

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Choosing keyboard and mouse or controller

The sources document different input approaches, but do not establish one as universally better. Choose based on your device, preferred way to navigate, frequently used actions, and comfort.

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  • Keyboard and mouse: Consider this if direct access to letter-key shortcuts suits how you play. Check that the defaults match your preferences.
  • Controller: Consider this if you prefer controller-specific prompts and menu or radial navigation. A keyboard shortcut may not have a direct button equivalent.
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