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.
List of Contents
- Controls
- Ground and Combat
- Horse Riding
- Swimming
- Sailing
- Techniques
- Switching Consumables
- Quick Meditation
- Changing Bolts
- The Witcher 3 Related Links
Controls
Ground and Combat
| PS4 | Switch | Function |
|---|---|---|
 | B | Jump / Climb / Dodge (Combat Only) |
 | A | Interact / Roll (Combat Only) |
| (Hold) | A (Hold) | Sprint |
 | Y | Fast Attack |
 | X | Strong Attack |
 | Up | Consumable 1 |
 | Down | Consumable 2 |
 | Left | Sheathe Steel Sword / Draw Steel Sword |
 | Right | Sheathe Silver Sword / Draw Silver Sword |
 | Left Stick | Movement |
 | Right Stick | Camera Movement |
 | L3 | Call Horse |
 | R3 | Select or Deselect Target (Combat Only) |
 | L | Quick Access Menu |
 | ZL | Counter Attack (Combat Only) |
| (Hold) | ZL (Hold) | Witcher Senses / Parry (Combat Only) |
 | R | Throw |
 | ZR | Cast Sign |
 | + | Game Menu |
 | - | Pause Game |
Horse Riding
| PS4 | Switch | Function |
|---|---|---|
| (Hold) | B (Hold) | Dismount |
| (Double Tap) | A (Double Tap) | Gallop |
| Hold | A (Hold) | Canter |
| or | X or Y | Attack / Draw Sword |
| B | Jump |
| Up | Consumable 1 |
| Down | Consumable 2 |
| Left | Sheathe Steel Sword / Draw Steel Sword |
| | Right | Sheathe Silver Sword / Draw Silver Sword |
| Left Stick | Movement |
| Right Stick | Camera Movement |
| L | Quick Access Menu |
| ZR | Cast Sign |
| (Hold) | ZL (Hold) | Witcher Senses |
Swimming
| PS4 | Switch | Function |
|---|---|---|
| A | Interact |
| (Hold) | A (Hold) | Swim Quickly |
| Y | Sumberge |
| B | Surface |
| Up | Consumable 1 |
| Down | Consumable 2 |
| Left Stick | Movement |
| Right Stick | Camera Movement |
| L | Quick Access Manu |
| (Hold) | ZL (Hold) | Witcher Senses |
Sailing
| PS4 | Switch | Function |
|---|---|---|
| A | Accelerate |
| Y | Stop |
| B | Disembark |
| Left Stick | Movement |
| Right Stick | Camera Movement |
| R3 | Select / Deselect Target |
| (Hold) | ZL (Hold) | Witcher Senses |
| L | Quick Access Menu |
Techniques
Switching Consumables
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
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
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
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
| 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 |
| 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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