BG3 Character Won’t Move? | Quick Fix Guide

Stuck on the beach, in camp, or mid-dungeon with a party member rooted to the floor? This guide solves the “BG3 character won’t move” issue on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam Deck. You’ll find quick toggles, common in-game flags that freeze movement, platform tweaks, and a short list of deeper fixes when nothing else works.

BG3 Character Won’t Move: Quick Fix Checklist

Run these basics in order. Most cases clear within a minute.

Symptom	Likely Cause	Fast Fix
Can’t leave turn order	Turn-Based is active	Press Shift+Space on keyboard, or open the radial and toggle Turn-Based on controller
Won’t budge after looting	Encumbered or Heavily Encumbered	Drop items, send to camp, or drink a Strength elixir; check the weight icon
Only one hero stuck	Character is Prone, Restrained, or Held	Stand up, free the target, or end turns until the condition ends
Clicks do nothing	No character selected or group unlinked	Tap F1–F4 to select, or click the chain icons to relink the party
Controller moves menus only	Conflicting input layer	Swap input mode in Settings; restart the pad; re-pair Bluetooth or try USB
Movement stops near hazards	Autoswitched to Turn-Based	Toggle it off; step back; try a jump to break pathing
Every save stuck	Corrupted cache or files	Clear cache and verify files; relaunch the game

Why Characters Freeze In Baldur’s Gate 3

Movement can fail for two broad reasons: a game flag blocks actions or your input layer isn’t sending “move” to the game world. Flags come from encumbrance, conditions, or a mode toggle. Input issues come from controller layers, Steam settings, drivers, or broken files.

Common In-Game Flags That Block Movement

Turn-Based mode. Outside combat, BG3 lets you switch into turns for careful steps. If that toggle stays on, your hero will wait for turns and ignore normal clicks. Flip it off with Shift+Space on keyboard or via the radial on console.

Encumbrance. Carry too much and your speed drops; at heavy loads you can’t jump or climb. Drop loot, send gear to camp, or hand items to a stronger companion.

Prone, Restrained, or Hold effects. These stop movement until you stand up or clear the effect. End a turn, free the target, or use a remedy like Lesser Restoration where it applies.

Input And Profile Issues That Stop Movement

Wrong device layer. Swapping from mouse-keyboard to a pad (or back) can leave you on the wrong profile. Switch the input mode in Settings, then toggle the pad or keyboard once.

Steam Input conflicts. A per-game override or a stray layout can swallow movement. Test by forcing the game to Use default or by turning the override off, then back on.

Corrupt cache or files. After large patches or mod changes, inputs can fail. Verifying files often restores normal behavior.

Step-By-Step Fixes For “BG3 Character Won’t Move”

1) Toggle Modes And Clear Soft Locks

• Press Shift+Space to leave Turn-Based. On console, open the radial and tap the Turn-Based tile.
• Tap Space to confirm an idle turn that never ended.
• Click a blank patch of ground, then hit Jump; this often breaks a stuck path.
• Select the frozen hero directly with F1–F4, or click portraits, then try a move.
• Relink the party chain so followers move with the leader.

2) Remove Movement Blockers

• Open the Conditions row above the hotbar. If you see Prone, spend movement to stand. If you see Restrained or Hold, clear it with skills, consumables, or a companion’s spell.
• Check the weight icon. If it’s orange or red, you’re burdened. Drop junk, stash camp supplies, or throw metal gear to a strong ally.
• Scan terrain. Tight ledges, nets, vines, or grease patches can block pathing. Use Jump or Misty Step to cross the gap.

3) Reset The Input Layer

• Open Options → Controls, switch between Keyboard & Mouse and Controller, then switch back.
• Unplug the pad and re-connect via USB. For Bluetooth, remove the device and re-pair.
• In Steam, set the per-game controller override to Use default settings. If you use a custom layout, re-apply it after testing.
• On Windows, close apps that hook inputs (RGB suites, screen recorders). They can steal focus from the game.

4) Repair The Install

When saves across profiles show the same freeze, the install likely needs a refresh. Use Steam’s verify integrity of game files tool and relaunch. Many stuck-input cases clear right after the repair.

5) Platform-Specific Tweaks

These small switches solve many pad-only issues without a full reinstall.

Platform	Setting Or Path	What To Change
Steam (PC/Deck)	Per-Game Controller Override	Set to Use default, then test; if needed, re-enable your layout
Steam (PC/Deck)	Controller Calibration	Run Steam’s test and calibration, then retry movement
PlayStation/Xbox	Controller Devices	Unpair and re-pair the pad; power cycle the console

Deeper Fixes When Movement Still Fails

Clean The Game Cache

Close the game. In your profile folder, back up the Savegames folder. Delete the cache folders, then relaunch so the game rebuilds them. If movement returns, restore your saves.

Rebuild Configuration Files

Rarely, input binds or profiles break after a big patch or mod swap. Rename the PlayerProfiles subfolder, relaunch, and let the game create a fresh profile. Copy back saves only.

Repair Game Files (Non-Steam)

On GOG, use Verify/Repair in Galaxy. On console, reinstalling the game data (not saves) can refresh broken packages.

Smart Troubleshooting Paths

If Only One Character Can’t Move

That points to a status effect or weight issue. Stand up, clear restraints, remove hexes, or shed cargo. Try handing off heavy armor, weapons, or camp supplies to Lae’zel or Karlach for a quick fix.

If All Characters Can’t Move

Check the input layer. Toggle modes, switch control profiles, and restart the pad. If the mouse still pans but clicks don’t register, change your display mode from Fullscreen to Borderless, then back.

If Movement Breaks After A Patch

Large updates can leave stale cache files. Clear them, then run a file verify. This combo fixes many “stuck in place” reports.

If You Use A Controller Layout

Broken bindings can block movement axes. Reset the layout, test the left stick with Steam’s tool, then re-apply your custom map. For help, see Steam controller troubleshooting.

Prevent The “Won’t Move” Problem Next Time

• Keep the inventory tidy. Send crafting junk and camp supplies to camp after each big fight.
• Bind a handy Jump key and use it to break sticky pathing on ladders, cliffs, and traps.
• Save before platforming or puzzle rooms. A quick reload clears odd path states.
• Avoid overlapping input tools. Pick either Steam’s layout or a third-party remapper, not both.
• After big patches, launch once with no mods to rebuild caches, then enable mods one by one.

Quick Reference: Fixes By Scenario

Stuck In Turn-Based Mode

Press Shift+Space (PC) or toggle via the radial (console). If combat just ended, hit Space once to finish the hanging turn.

Encumbered Or Heavily Encumbered

Drop loot, pass gear to a strong ally, or drink a Strength elixir. Aim to keep the icon gray to keep full speed.

Prone, Restrained, Or Held

End a turn or free the target with skills, scrolls, or a companion cast. Once the icon clears, try moving again.

Controller Moves Menus Only

Switch the in-game input profile, reseat the USB cable, or re-pair Bluetooth. Then re-test the left stick in Steam’s tool.

Every Save Is Frozen

Clear cache, verify the install, and relaunch. If the game starts clean and movement returns, copy saves back in.