Mastering The Pause Function In Baldur's Gate 3: A Comprehensive Guide

Baldur’s Gate 3 is a hell of a lot of fun, even if you’ve never tackled any of the previous games. Okay, it’ll probably put you off calamari for life but that’s a small price to pay for its fantastic fantasy shenanigans. But what if you’re mid-game and something comes up and you need to step away? You’ll want to know just how to pause your game in Baldur’s Gate 3. Here’s the answer!

For players diving into the world of Baldur’s Gate 3, one of the most pressing concerns is how to manage your gameplay effectively, especially when real life interrupts your gaming session. Unlike many other games, this title doesn’t have a straightforward pause function, which can be perplexing for newcomers. Whether you’re caught in an intense cutscene or exploring the vast landscapes, knowing how to pause your action can save you from potential in-game mishaps.

In this guide, we’ll explore the various methods for pausing your game, including the clever use of turn-based mode and other techniques. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with all the knowledge necessary to navigate interruptions while enjoying your gaming experience to the fullest!

Here’s How to Pause the Action in BG3

Baldur’s Gate 3 does not officially have a pause function. Even if you go to the setting’s menu, the game will just keep rolling along. If the doorbell rings and you’re mid-cutscene, there’s not a lot you can do. You can always load an earlier save and replay it, but that scene’s going to carry on playing whether you’re in front of your machine or not. What you can do is the next best thing.

Even if you’re not in combat, you can switch the game into turn-based mode, as signified by the circle at the bottom of the screen. The easiest way to do that is to hit Shift + Space. You’re now in turn-based mode. Once you’ve moved, the scenery gets a turn. It sounds absurd, but I’m not making this up. And it’s not a great way to roam around Baldur’s Gate 3’s world, honestly. But as long as it’s your turn and you’re not touching the keyboard, nothing’s going to sneak up on you, activate, or so on.

Alternative Methods to Pause the Game on PC

If you’re playing it on the PC, there’s another way of pausing Baldur’s Gate 3, conjured up by IT consultant Hajo Kirchhoff. It’s slightly fiddlier, but it pauses the game in its tracks, suspending the Baldur’s Gate 3 windows process. This works for both cutscenes and in-game action.

He tested it with the GOG release of BG3 but I can confirm it also works with the Steam version. There’s always a risk involved in meddling with Windows, but this is using Microsoft’s own tools so you should, hopefully, be okay. You can find an explanation of this method on his blog.

Tips to Enhance Your Gameplay Experience

And if you’re looking for any other tips to make this sprawling RPG a little bit more manageable, take a look through our full coverage. With the right strategies and techniques, you can make your adventure in Baldur’s Gate 3 even more enjoyable.

Whether you’re a veteran player or new to the franchise, understanding how to manage interruptions will greatly enhance your gaming experience. So, gear up, get ready, and dive into the rich world of Baldur’s Gate 3 with confidence!

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