The Gold Box games really do need a numeric keypad in battles as the 7/9/1/3 keys will let you move diagonally and often save you movement points.
Most laptops do not have one.
It is worth investing in an external USB one as they are small and portable.
Of course, you can always use an external full-sized keyboard:)

Alternatively, I think some laptop keyboards have a way (often by using the Num Lock key (may need to press Fn or similar)) to make part of the keyboard act like the number pad. This may not be the most convenient option, but should work for playing the game. Just remember to turn it off when appropriate.

Unfortunately most recent laptops have done away with it!
They no longer have the NumLock key nor the numbered overlays on the keys :(
Even if they have, it is very awkward because some of the keys that double up as numbers are letters that you need for the non-mouse early games such as POR. You'd have to constantly switch with the NumLock (and Fn key).

Laptops with 17" screens normally do have a separate numeric pad so they are OK :)

You don't mention your OS. On Mac OS under the Emulation menu you can select 'Simulate Numeric Keypad'. It's a bit of a hassle - you have to use Command+U very frequently. I'm in the Phlan slums in Pool of Radiance and it's second nature now.

I am using an on-screen keyboard for this. This way you can lean back and play completely with mouse.

I bet you could also rig up a controller. At least to do the moving.

I had this very same question after loading all the original Gold Box Series games on my Dell 2120 laptop.

Yes... just get yourself a numeric keypad. I bought one for $18 bucks on eBay... works perfect, couldn't be happier. It also allows me to put my hand elsewhere when playing.


You essentially do almost everything with the keypad, even navigating menus. So it's totally worth it.

I'd recommend JoyToKey assuming you are running Windows. This program will let you assign just about any key to any function, including gamepads and mice.

I'm pretty sure you can find a usb external ten-key numpad. I know I've seen them before. I play on a laptop as well, but I have an additional external usb keyboard which has a numpad.

Joy to key is pretty viable too. I've used it with other games which used 8 way movement and used a 360 controller and assigned the diagonals to the right stick and orthogonal to the left stick.