The Avatar
The player-created hero who must embody all eight virtues and complete the quest.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
Arrow keys | Move the active character or party on the world and combat maps. |
|---|---|
A | Attack in combat. |
C | Cast a spell. |
E | Enter a location or use an entrance. |
G | Get or take an available object. |
K | Climb when a climbable feature is present. |
L | Look for information about the nearby area. |
M | Mix reagents for a spell. |
R | Ready or equip an item. |
S | Search the nearby area. |
T | Talk to a person. |
U | Use an item or context-sensitive object. |
Control notes
The DOS release is primarily keyboard controlled.
Some commands are available only when their context is present.
How it plays
How does Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar play?
You create a character, choose an initial virtue, recruit companions, and travel through Britannia from an overhead perspective. Towns provide conversations, supplies, training, and clues; shrines, castles, and dungeons support the larger quest.
Combat switches to a tactical grid. Each party member can move, attack, cast spells, use equipment, or perform other context-sensitive actions. Progress comes from improving attributes, obtaining keys and quest items, learning the truth behind the virtues, and developing the Avatar rather than simply gaining levels.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Ultima IV: Quest of the Avatar?
Speak with everyone in every town and record the information they provide; many clues and recruitment opportunities are easy to miss.
Build a balanced party, keep several weapon types and healing supplies, and use the world map carefully. Virtue progress is central to advancement, so avoid treating every encounter as a simple fight.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Lord British
The ruler of Britannia and the Avatar’s principal patron.
Hawkwind
The seer who evaluates the hero’s conduct and spiritual progress.
Shamino
A ranger and one of the Avatar’s recruitable companions.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Talk to townspeople repeatedly after major discoveries; new dialogue can reveal useful clues.
- 2
Carry food, reagents, keys, and healing supplies before entering a dungeon.
- 3
Use terrain and distance in tactical combat instead of moving the whole party into a single cluster.
Community discussion
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