Arena:Controls

This page documents the default controls settings for Arena.


Options Menu
During a game, pressing the "Esc" key will open the Options Menu.
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Sound/Music
Clicking the up or down arrows will increase or lower the volume, although the music can still be heard when setting to zero. When using DosBox, the values may change too fast when trying to make adjustments. In order to gain more control, reduce the "cycles" value in the DosBox configuration file.  After making the adjustment, save the game, drop to DOS, and return the cycles setting to normal.  Using very low values will give you more control, but will require you to patiently wait during the slow introductory screens.
Detail
The detail slider is primarily used to adjust the speed of the game.  It controls the drawing distance for buildings and objects on the screen.  Moving the slider to the left will show less objects in the distance, but allow your character and NPCs to move faster.  Moving the slider to the right will slow things down, but will show distant buildings, which can be helpful when looking for something specific. Please note that the green bar does not fully reach the right side of the box and this is considered normal behavior.
New Game
This option will open up the original starting menu.  It's primary purpose is to let you start a new game, but also allows you to load a previous game or exit the program. WARNING: It is highly recommended that you do not use this method to start a new game due to various glitches associated with it.  To create a new game, first drop to DOS and restart the program.
Load Game
Clicking this icon will bring up the save slot menu. These will all be labeled "EMPTY" until you have saved and named one of your games. Simply click on the slot that contains the saved game you wish to play. Press "Esc" to exit without making a selection.
Save Game
This option brings up the save slot menu.  Select a slot for the save game file, give it a title, and press "Enter" or right-click to save the game.  Pressing "Esc" will allow you to exit without saving.
Drop to DOS
DOS is the operating system required to play Arena and "dropping to DOS" is the old school way of stating "exit the game". Whenever you left the game you were brought back to the command line prompt for the Disk Operating System.  Clicking this icon immediately closes the game and returns you to the DOS prompt.  Depending on your settings, this may also exit DOS and return to your modern operating system.
Continue
The "Continue" icon is used to exit the Options Menu and return to the game.

Using Rowboats
Rowboats can sometimes be found near the water in wilderness areas and even dungeons (e.g., Elden Grove). Enter a boat by using the interact action described in the General Gameplay section above. Boat operating controls use the same actions found in the Movement section. The jump action is used to exit the boat. Exiting the boat will place you in the water and you will have to swim or climb to shore. You cannot jump to shore from the boat. While using a boat, you will not be able to attack using a blade or bow, however, you can use spells. If you select a spell that requires targeting an enemy, the image of the boat will disappear which allows for a better view of your surroundings. After using the spell, or backing out of the option, the boat will continue to appear invisible until you jump out. Boats are low to the ground, but be aware that you can't fire spells or arrows over the top of them.

Visions (cutscenes)
During a vision, you can proceed to the next section of the message by clicking the mouse. Pressing most any key on the keyboard will skip the message.  In version 1.07, when playing with the audio set up, the visions will automatically proceed to the next screen after the section has been read aloud.

Hints for Mac Users
These are hints to point you in the right direction. Specific instructions may depend on your system.
Right Click
In the Mouse section of System Preferences, ensure that "Secondary Click" is selected with option "click on right side".  If you do not have this option, try holding the COMMAND or CONTROL key while clicking.
Function Keys
In the Keyboard section of System Preferences, ensure the option to use F1, F2, etc. as standard function keys, is selected.
Sidestep
Control + Option(alt) + Left or Right arrow keys.