Players looking to modify the core gameplay of Baldur's Gate 3 on PC can now shift the game's default turn-based combat system to a “real-time-with-pause” (RTwP) format. This change is made possible by the Brawl mod, created by modder tinybike.
How the Brawl Mod Changes Combat
Unlike the standard turn-based structure, where combat pauses automatically for every character's move, the Brawl mod requires the player to manage the pacing. In this mode, combat proceeds in real-time, but players can pause the action to issue specific commands to their party, such as targeting a specific enemy or instructing a Cleric to heal when health drops below 50%.
This style of play is common in other classic Dungeons & Dragons titles. For players who find the transition to RTwP intimidating, the mod includes configurable auto-pause settings to help manage the chaos. Common triggers for these pauses include:
- Enemy Sighted: Stops the game immediately when an encounter begins.
- Combat Start: Pauses the moment a fight is initiated.
- Character Low Health: Automatically stops the action to allow for tactical adjustments.
Tips for Real-Time Combat
Playing in real-time with pause requires a different approach to party management. To keep the experience functional, consider these strategies:
- Use the spacebar liberally: Pausing frequently to queue actions is standard practice in RTwP games.
- Play in micro-bursts: Pause the game, queue your orders, unpause for a few seconds to observe the results, and pause again to reassess.
- Maintain a combat-ready formation: Keep high-stealth characters scouting ahead and place tanks at the front of your party while exploring, ensuring you are prepared if an encounter triggers automatically.
While Baldur's Gate 3 was designed by Larian Studios with a turn-based focus to mirror tabletop D&D rules, this mod provides an alternative for players who prefer the classic cRPG combat style or those seeking a fresh way to experience the game after multiple playthroughs.