The Witcher 3

Basic Controls and Techniques

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Controls - Controller.jpg
This page contains information on the basic controls and settings in the game The Witcher 3. Read on to see the functions of each button when swimming, on the ground and during combat, as well as when sailing or horse riding.

Controls

Ground and Combat

PS4 Switch Function
O button.png B Jump / Climb / Dodge (Combat Only)
X button.png A Interact / Roll (Combat Only)
X button.png (Hold) A (Hold) Sprint
Square button.png Y Fast Attack
Triangle button.png X Strong Attack
Dpad up.png Up Consumable 1
Dpad down.png Down Consumable 2
Dpad left.png Left Sheathe Steel Sword / Draw Steel Sword
Dpad right.png Right Sheathe Silver Sword / Draw Silver Sword
L stick.png Left Stick Movement
R stick.png Right Stick Camera Movement
L3 button.png L3 Call Horse
R3 button.png R3 Select or Deselect Target (Combat Only)
L1.png L Quick Access Menu
L2.png ZL Counter Attack (Combat Only)
L2.png(Hold) ZL (Hold) Witcher Senses / Parry (Combat Only)
R1.png R Throw
R2.png ZR Cast Sign
Touchpad.png + Game Menu
PS button.png - Pause Game

Horse Riding

PS4 Switch Function
O button.png(Hold) B (Hold) Dismount
X button.png(Double Tap) A (Double Tap) Gallop
Hold X button.png A (Hold) Canter
Triangle button.png or Square button.png X or Y Attack / Draw Sword
O button.png B Jump
Dpad up.png Up Consumable 1
Dpad down.png Down Consumable 2
Dpad left.png Left Sheathe Steel Sword / Draw Steel Sword
Dpad right.png Right Sheathe Silver Sword / Draw Silver Sword
L stick.png Left Stick Movement
R stick.png Right Stick Camera Movement
L1.png L Quick Access Menu
R2.png ZR Cast Sign
L2.png (Hold) ZL (Hold) Witcher Senses

Swimming

PS4 Switch Function
X button.png A Interact
X button.png (Hold) A (Hold) Swim Quickly
Square button.png Y Sumberge
O button.png B Surface
Dpad up.png Up Consumable 1
Dpad down.png Down Consumable 2
L stick.png Left Stick Movement
R stick.png Right Stick Camera Movement
L1.png L Quick Access Manu
L2.png (Hold) ZL (Hold) Witcher Senses

Sailing

PS4 Switch Function
X button.png A Accelerate
Square button.png Y Stop
O button.png B Disembark
L stick.png Left Stick Movement
R stick.png Right Stick Camera Movement
R3 button.png R3 Select / Deselect Target
L2.png (Hold) ZL (Hold) Witcher Senses
L1.png L Quick Access Menu

Techniques

Switching Consumables

Controls - Switching Consumables-min.jpg
Holding Up or Down on the D-Pad after opening the quick access menu switches the currently equipped consumable, giving you easy access to 2 more items without opening the Inventory.

Quick Meditation

Controls - Quick Meditation-min.jpg
You can quickly start meditation without opening the Game Menu by holding L1 and pressing the Square button on PS4 or holding the L button and pressing Y on Switch. This is especially useful when you need to recover HP quickly after a battle.

Changing Bolts

Controls - Changing Bolts-min.jpg
Switching Bolts for your crossbow can easily be done without opening the Invontory by accessing the Quick Game Menu and pressing the Left or Right Button while selecting the Crossbow.

Doing a Somersault

Controls - Roll-min.jpg
When holding the run button, you can then jump and then press the run button right upon landing to make Geralt do a somersault. The most useful application of this is to stop-drop-and-roll when you are on fire. Somersaulting will immediately extinguish a fire.

The Witcher 3 Related Links

Beginner
See All Beginner Tips & Guides

Completing the Story
Controls and Techniques Difficulty Level Differences
Does Dialogue Matter? How to Fast Travel
Most Important Side Quests for the Story Romance Guide
List of Endings and How to Get the Best Ending What is Enemy Upscaling?
Things to Know Before Starting Witcher 3 What is New Game+?
Should You Simulate a Witcher 2 Save File? Which Version to Buy?
Fighting Like a Pro
Combat Guide and Tips Sign Tier List
Healing During Battle & Meditation Is Repairing Weapons and Armor Worth It?
What are Adrenaline Points? How to Fight on Horseback
How to Fight Underwater What is Toxicity?
What are Mutations What are Mutagens
Leveling Up & Getting Beefy
How to Level Up Fast Place of Power Locations
Best Character Builds Best Early Game Skills and Builds
Skills Ranking and Tier List Top Five Best and Most Useful Skills
How to Get Magic Acorn How to Reset Ability Points
Best Death March Build and Tips for Survival Max Level and Level Cap for Geralt
Obtaining Weapons & Armor
Best Early Game Weapons and Armor The Best Weapons, Armor and Equipment Sets
How to Upgrade Weapons and Armor Most Rewarding Side Quests and Contracts
Witcher Gear Locations Where to Find Blacksmiths and Armorers?
Which Trophy is the Best? Best Crossbow and Bolts
Managing Money & Items
Managing Your Inventory Best and Worst Items to Sell
Where to Sell Junk Where to Find Ingredients and Crafting Materials
Should You Loot Everything? How to Dismantle Items
How to Make Money Fast Can You Cook Food?
What Items to Buy From Shops -
Just for Fun
List of Hairstyles Best Looking Armor for Geralt
How to Get Paintings How to Win Horse Races

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