Controls
Button mappings for PS5, Xbox, and PC
Crimson Desert supports PS5 controller, Xbox controller, and keyboard & mouse input. The game is designed primarily around controller gameplay, with the DualSense and Xbox controllers providing the most intuitive combat experience. However, keyboard and mouse offers more precise camera control and quicker menu navigation. Below you will find the complete control scheme for all three input methods, covering combat actions, movement, and interaction commands.
Combat
| Function | PS5 | Xbox | PC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weak Attack | R1 | RB | Left Click |
| Strong Attack | R2 | RT | Right Click |
| Kick / Unarmed Attack | Triangle | Y | F |
| Guard / Aim Lantern | L1 | LB | Ctrl |
| Force Palm | R3 | R3 | Middle Mouse |
| Axiom Force | L3 | L3 | Tab |
| Aim / Shoot Ranged Weapon | L2 | LT | Q |
| Hard Lock | D-Pad Down | D-Pad Down | Caps Lock |
Movement
| Function | PS5 | Xbox | PC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Move | Left Stick | Left Stick | W / A / S / D |
| Run / Sprint | X | A | Shift |
| Jump | Square | X | Space |
| Roll / Evasion | Circle | B | Alt |
| Crouch / Slide | L3 | L3 | C |
| Move Camera | Right Stick | Right Stick | Mouse |
Interaction & Utility
| Function | PS5 | Xbox | PC |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summon Horse | D-Pad Up | D-Pad Up | H |
| Sheathe Weapon | D-Pad Left | D-Pad Left | T |
| Quick Slot 1 (Freesword) | D-Pad Up (Hold) | D-Pad Up (Hold) | H (Hold) |
| Quick Slot 2 (Gear) | D-Pad Left (Hold) | D-Pad Left (Hold) | T (Hold) |
| Guiding Light | LB + RB | LB + RB | Ctrl + Left Click |
| Interact | Triangle | Y | F |
Notes
- Controller is generally considered the best input method for Crimson Desert
- Keyboard and mouse keybindings can be customized in Settings > Input > Shortcut and Input Settings
- Controller button mappings cannot be changed in-game (Steam Input can override on PC)
- In-game UI elements will not change when rebinding via Steam Input
Control Tips for New Players
Combat in Crimson Desert relies heavily on timing. Guard (L1/LB/Ctrl) must be held before an enemy attack lands to trigger a successful block. Force Palm (R3/Middle Mouse) can be used after a parry to stagger enemies and create openings for counterattacks. Axiom Force (L3/Tab) is your most powerful ability but has a long cooldown — save it for critical moments. For ranged combat, hold Aim (L2/LT/Q) and then use Weak Attack to fire. The Guiding Light (LB+RB/Ctrl+Click) shows you the path to your next objective. Keyboard bindings can be customized in Settings > Input > Shortcut and Input Settings, but controller mappings cannot be changed in-game. Steam Input can override controller bindings on PC, though the in-game UI will not update to reflect custom bindings.