Soulbound: Online UI & Hotbar Guide
The Soulbound: Online interface packs MMO systems into a pixel-art HUD — minimap and globe icon for [[maps|/map/world-overview/]], left-side quest tracking, central combat space, and a hotbar tying weapons to three active abilities with per-slot cast modes. Learning where Quick Menu settings, mail rewards, and party controls live prevents the classic mistake of missing PixelBay deliveries or leaving dungeons through the wrong menu. This guide walks every major UI element and how it connects to [[keyboard controls|/controls/keyboard-mouse/]] and [[combat modes|/controls/combat-modes/]].
Hotbar, Weapon Slot, and Cast Labels
Your hotbar displays equipped weapon attacks and active abilities — typically three ability slots plus basic weapon actions depending on build. Hover any icon to read its current cast mode label before Shift-clicking to toggle inside dungeons. Color and iconography differentiate weapons from abilities; mis-clicking a mode toggle during combat is a common wipe cause on beacon boss floors.
Drag abilities onto the bar after unlocking them through quests — Healing Pulse from the Witch Doctor line, Gleam Twins from Aster in Virelda, Pyrosphere from standard combat progression. Empty slots waste extraction potential; fill all three before Farpoint. Pair bar layout with consumables on adjacent keyboard keys for flask and vial access.
Quick Menu → Upgrades opens permanent progression separate from mid-dungeon relic picks. Do not confuse relic level-up screens inside beacons with meta upgrades — UI similarity trips new players. Upgrades influence which relic options appear; see weapons guide for investment order.
- Hover hotbar icons — read Manual / Auto-cast / Auto-aim labels
- Shift-click in dungeons — per-slot mode toggle
- Three ability slots — fill before high-tier beacon entry
Minimap, Quest List, and Navigation HUD
The minimap occupies the upper-right with nearby terrain and entities. Click it in the overworld to path toward locations. Beneath it, the globe icon opens the full zone map — same as pressing M. Together they replace tabbing out to external maps for most navigation.
The quest tracker lists active main quests, sidequests, and sometimes contract hints on the left. Right-click to untrack clutter; disable entirely via Quick Menu → Settings if you prefer minimal HUD for combat clarity. Clicking quests while the map is open pings objectives — essential when Arcadia unlock gates confuse multiple simultaneous markers.
Events menu shows current and upcoming community competitions — mining, foraging, Abyssal Raid windows, and Steam Next Fest style demos. Shop opens cosmetic overrides purchased with SoulBits; stats remain on underlying gear from armor guide.
Social, Mail, and Party Controls
Mail collects PixelBay auction sales, crafted item deliveries, achievement rewards, and system gifts — check mail before rebuying mats or assuming a trade failed. Wiki link in the menu opens official documentation for patch notes beyond fan wikis.
Party list shows co-op members in dungeons. Right-click your name for Leave Party emergency exits — paired with ESC menu options documented in keyboard controls. Coordinate combat mode assignments in chat before beacon entry: who Manual-heals, who Auto-casts DPS.
Long-press G for emoji panel communication — customize slots via the gear icon on the radial menu. Emoji help silent coordination during Steam Next Fest demos or Discord activities where voice is unavailable.