Should You Use WASD or Left-Click to Move in PoE 2

Path of Exile 2 offers fans of the first game a brand-new campaign, drastically updated graphics, a revamped end-game, and a whole lot of quality-of-life upgrades to make this new adventure into Wraeclast feel exciting and fresh.

One of the main ways PoE 2 differentiates itself from the first game is through the introduction of a new way to control character movement via alternative inputs. Like an FPS, PoE 2 now offers players the option to use the WASD keys to move, a drastic departure from the original. The option to choose between the two movement inputs is prompted at the very start of a campaign, but it may not be clear how to switch between them.

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How To Switch Between WASD and Left-Click Movement Inputs in PoE 2

In Path of Exile 2, players can switch between WASD and Mouse 1 (Left-Click) at any time during a campaign. Here’s how:

1. Exit to the main menu, either the character selection screen or the Login screen. This setting cannot be changed while you are inside an instance; you have to exit for the switch to happen.
2. Open ‘Options’. On the character selection screen, it’s the icon on the top left.
3. Click on the ‘Input’ tab from the top menu.
4. Expand the drop-down for ‘Input Method’ and select ‘Mouse & Keyboard’ for Left-Click to move or ‘WASD’ for the other option.
5. Click ‘Save,’ and then ‘Close.’

Now, all your characters will move using the input method you selected.

Should You Use WASD or Left-Click To Move In PoE 2

Veterans of Path of Exile 1 will find themselves used to the tried-and-true click-to-move system from the first game, but WASD movement is GGG’s new offering for players hopping onto Path of Exile 2. It’s not a movement style fans of older ARPGs might be used to, but works surprisingly well if implemented correctly, which, thankfully, is the case in PoE 2.

Left-Click to move is familiar territory and there is no reason not to continue using it as the game doesn’t penalize players for not using the new method. However, WASD is intuitive and very easy to understand once you get past the first couple of minutes of awkwardness.

In fact, WASD is objectively better than Left-Click to move in PoE 2. This is mainly the case for ranged characters like Sorceress and Mercenary, but any character with a ranged skill or ability is affected. With WASD movement, players can control their character to move backward while using their mouse to aim at the enemy they are retreating from. Since PoE 2 is vastly more difficult than PoE 1, with almost Soulslike combat that requires constant dodging, aggro control, and retreating from hordes of enemies, players will often find themselves forced to retreat. While it’s possible to use Left-Click to return fire while doing so, with WASD, it’s much easier and faster. Path of Exile 2 players should try to use WASD at least once for a few minutes to see if it clicks, but if not, they’re always free to switch back.