BG3 Combat UI Explained: Complete Beginner's Guide to the Battle Interface (with Diagrams)

The Combat Interface at a Glance

When combat starts, the BG3 interface transforms. Understanding every element is the difference between confused clicking and tactical mastery.

Bottom Center: The Hotbar (Action Bar)

This is your most important tool. It shows everything your character can do this turn.

The Action Economy Display:

Left Side: Character Portraits

What each portrait shows:

Critical UI tip: Click on any portrait to switch characters during combat. The turn order at the top shows EVERYONE’s position — allies, enemies, and neutral NPCs. Plan your turns by checking who goes before you.

Bottom Left: Combat Log

The combat log is the most underused tool by beginners. It shows exactly WHY something happened.

How to read an attack entry:

Astarion attacked Goblin Brawler
  Attack Roll: 17 (1d20) + 3 (DEX) + 2 (Proficiency) = 22
  Target AC: 13
  Hit!
  Damage: 6 (1d6+3 piercing) + 5 (3d6 Sneak Attack) = 11

Hover over any entry to see the full breakdown. This is how you discover you’re missing because of Disadvantage, Low Ground, or an enemy buff.

Right Side: Minimap & Turn Order

The minimap shrinks during combat. Red dots = enemies. Blue dots = allies. Yellow dots = neutral NPCs. The initiative tracker above the minimap shows the exact turn order for the entire encounter.

End Turn Button

The large button on the right side of the hotbar. Before pressing it, check three things:

1. ✓ Did you use your Action (green circle)?
2. ✓ Did you use your Bonus Action (orange triangle)?
3. ✓ Is your character in a good position for next turn?

If you answered “no” to any of these — look again. Unused actions are wasted damage or utility.

How to Set Up Your Hotbar for Maximum Efficiency

1. Unlock the hotbar — Click the small padlock icon on the far right
2. Group by frequency — Left side: attacks and cantrips. Middle: limited-use abilities. Right side: items and scrolls.
3. Remove clutter — Drag rarely-used items off the bar. You can always find them in your inventory or spellbook.
4. Use custom tabs — Create a “Boss Fight” tab with your strongest abilities. A “Utility” tab for out-of-combat spells.
5. Lock it — Re-lock the padlock to prevent dragging things mid-combat.

Understanding Enemy Information

Right-click any enemy → Examine. This opens a panel showing:

• HP and AC — Know how hard they are to hit
• Ability Scores — Target their weakest save (low WIS? Cast Hold Person)
• Resistances/Immunities — Don’t waste fire spells on fire-resistant enemies
• Vulnerabilities — Double damage. Exploit these.
• Conditions/Buffs — Remove enemy buffs with the right spells

This costs zero actions. Examine every enemy at the start of every fight. It’s free information.

Quick Reference: Combat UI Hotkeys