History Main / RealTimeWeaponChange

* In the game based on ''Film/IndianaJonesAndTheTempleOfDoom'' for the UsefulNotes/NintendoEntertainmentSystem the only way to switch weapons was to hold Select and press a direction of the D-Pad to switch weapons during gameplay.
* ''VideoGame/ZombiesAteMyNeighbors'' offered two dedicated buttons for changing weapons and special items, unless you were playing the UsefulNotes/SegaGenesis version with a 3-button controller, in which case you had to press the appropriate fire button while holding down another button.

* ''Exile'' for the UsefulNotes/BBCMicro used a complicated set of keyboard controls that required pressing a separate function key to select each weapon, the protective suit and the JetPack; transferring energy between weapons was done by holding down the appropriate function key plus the shift key. The later UsefulNotes/{{Amiga}} versions introduced joystick and [=CD32=] pad controls that could bring up a weapon selection menu, but the hotkeys remained an option so long as a keyboard was available.

** When they came on the {{UsefulNotes/SNES}} and UsefulNotes/PlayStation, the ''Mega Man'' games starting with ''7'', and the ''VideoGame/MegaManX'' games from the beginning, added a function for the shoulder buttons to switch weapons, in addition to the pause menu in previous games.

* ''Vertical Force'' dedicated one of the UsefulNotes/VirtualBoy's two cross-shaped pads to switching out AI drones.

* In the UsefulNotes/NintendoDS versions of the ''VideoGame/RuneFactory'' series, you can bring up menus for your weapons, items and magic using the shoulder buttons.

* Most versions of ''VideoGame/MythHistoryInTheMaking'' allow you to cycle forward and backward and select weapons using special keys. (A different key pauses the game; as usual, all other controls are relegated to the joystick.) This was averted in the UsefulNotes/ZXSpectrum and UsefulNotes/AmstradCPC versions, which featured a vastly different control scheme.

* The Strikeforce spinoff installment of ''VideoGame/DynastyWarriors'' give the ability to switch weapons not only in the middle of combat, but in the middle of a combo. This is kept and improved upon in the seventh main game.
** In the [[Literature/TheHeroicLegendofArslan Arslan]] crossover game, all characters are equipped with at least 2 weapons in battle. The charge-shift mechanic allows them to freely swap between their weapons during normal combat and even mid-combo, allowing for a seamless transition into their next weapon's combo string.

* ''Andro Dunos'' for the UsefulNotes/NeoGeo uses one button to cycle through firing modes: normal shot, reverse shot, diagonal lasers and [[SpreadShot "Way."]]

* ''VideoGame/{{Hellfire}}'' allowed you to change the direction of your weapon, ahead, behind, two-way vertical, or four-way diagonal.

** ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaBreathOfTheWild'' allows you to pause the game and instantly change your weapons and runes by holding left/right or up respectively on the directional pad and using the right analog stick to select.

** ''VideoGame/TheLegendOfZeldaALinkBetweenWorlds'' has the optional "quick equip" mechanic you unlock after completing the three first dungeons. You can switch objects by touching the sreen.

* The Doppelganger soul in ''[[VideoGame/CastlevaniaChroniclesOfSorrow Castlevania: Dawn of Sorrow]]'' enables Soma to switch between two sets of equipment and souls at any time. The Glyph Sleeve in ''[[VideoGame/CastlevaniaOrderOfEcclesia Order of Ecclesia]]'' similarly allows Shanoa to swap between three glyph loadouts.

* A common feature of most modern PC FPS titles. Usually the number row will allow you to select from between three to five weapons[[note]]A primary, a secondary, a melee, and one or two types of granades[[/note]]. VideoGame/DukeNukem3D takes this [[UpToEleven up to ten]] by mapping the entire number row on the keyboard to an arsenal of weapons.

* In ''VideoGame/GuildWars2'', each profession may quickly swap between only two weapon sets. Since the skill system is a bit different than in the prequel, utilizing this feature is practically required for chaining skills and waiting out long skill cooldowns. The exceptions to this mechanic are the Engineer and the Elementalist; Elementalists can instead change between elemental attunements, giving them four skillsets for each weapon they wield, while Engineers have access to Kits, utility skills that swap out their weapon skills for a different set of attacks.

* The original ''VideoGame/DevilMayCry1'' allowed you to switch between the Alastor sword and the Ifrit gauntlets by clicking the right analog stick.
** ''2'' lets you swap out your firearms on the fly.
** ''3'' lets you switch between two equipped firearm and melee weapons while attacking for awesome combos. The Nintendo Switch version lets you switch between all weapons in your possession.
** ''4'' allows both weapon and ''[[StanceSystem style]]'' switching [[spoiler:when you take control of Dante]] for even more awesome combos.
** The reboot ''VideoGame/DmCDevilMayCry'' allows Dante to RTWC between Angel weapons (area attacks), Demon weapons (power attacks), and Human weapons (guns and bombs). It's vital to complete the platforming section.

* In ''VideoGame/DemonsSouls'', ''VideoGame/DarkSouls'', and ''VideoGame/{{Bloodborne}}'', whenever you open the menu and switch weapons, the game does not pause, which technically counts, but it truly fits when you set a fixed amount of weapons, spells, and items to be swapped on the fly with the d-pad.

[[folder:Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game]]

* In ''VideoGame/GuildWars2'', each profession (except engineers) may quickly swap between only two weapon sets. Since the skill system is a bit different than in the prequel, utilizing this feature is practically required for chaining skills and waiting out long skill cooldowns. Elementalists may also change between elemental attunements, giving them eight different weapon skill sets to choose from in any given battle.

* It was added to ''VideoGame/DiabloII'' with the ExpansionPack. It also resulted in the addition of eight cells of wielded item HammerSpace which could be used to lug around items too. Your Function hotkeys, used to ready skills on either mouse button, were also saved for each weapon set which adds potential to builds and being able to swap between a set of skills on the fly (e.g. you could have a staff used to summon your animal helpers as a Druid, then switch to a [[DropTheHammer maul]] where the skills were dedicated to werewolf and werebear transformations).
* ''VideoGame/{{Torchlight}}'' and ''[[VideoGame/TorchlightII II]]'' allows you to switch between one set of equipment and another since both are developed as a SpiritualSuccessor to the ''VideoGame/{{Diablo}}'' series and, like in the above example, each set saved whatever was set on the left and right mouse button slots though no longer did you have separate sets of skills that were readied via the F-keys.

* A common feature of most modern PC FPS titles. Usually the number row will allow you to select from between three to five weapons. VideoGame/DukeNukem3D takes this [[UpToEleven up to ten]] by mapping the entire number row on the keyboard to an arsenal of weapons.