Crimson Desert features one of the most complex control schemes seen in a modern action RPG. Between layered movement mechanics, combo-based skills, grappling, and contextual interactions, mastering the controls takes time. This tutorial dissects all of the default keyboard and mouse, PS5, and Xbox bindings before going into the remapping choices that genuinely have an impact.
Console bindings use trigger-plus-bumper combinations for skill combos, layered on top of the core movement and camera inputs below.
| Action | PS5 | Xbox |
|---|---|---|
| Move | LS | LS |
| Move Camera | RS | RS |
| Camera Zoom | Trackpad | View Button |
| Lock-on | D-Pad Down | D-Pad Down |
| Run | X (Hold) | A (Hold) |
| Sprint (Toggle) | X (Double Press) | A (Double Press) |
| Crouch / Slide | L3 | RS Click |
| Jump | Square | X |
| Precision Jump | L1 + Square | LB + X |
| Roll | Circle | B |
| Evade | Circle (Double Press) | B (Double Press) |
| Action | PS5 | Xbox |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Menu | Options | Menu |
| Scroll Menu | Options (Hold) | Menu (Hold) |
| Use Gear | L1 | LB |
| Force Palm | R3 | RS Click |
| Call Mount | D-Pad Up | D-Pad Up |
| Dismount / Put Down Item | Triangle | Y |
| Comrade Quick Slot | D-Pad Up (Hold) | D-Pad Up (Hold) |
| Gear Quick Slot | D-Pad Left (Hold) | D-Pad Left (Hold) |
| Food Quick Slot | D-Pad Right (Hold) | D-Pad Right (Hold) |
| Stow Weapon | D-Pad Left | D-Pad Left |
| Action | PS5 | Xbox |
|---|---|---|
| Light Attack | R1 | RB |
| Heavy Attack | R2 | RT |
| Punch/Kick | Triangle | Y |
| Aim (Ranged) | L2 (Hold) | LT (Hold) |
| Fire | L2 (Release) | LT (Release) |
| Focus | X | A |
| Axiom Force | L3 (Hold) | LS (Hold) |
| Block/Parry | L1 | LB |
| Skill 1 | R2 + R1 | RT + RB |
| Skill 2 | R2 + L1 | RT + LB |
| Skill 3 | R2 + X | RT + A |
| Skill 4 | R1 + Circle | RB + B |
| Skill 5 | R1 + X | RB + A |
| Skill 6 | R1 + Square | RB + X |
| Skill 7 | R1 + L1 | RB + LB |
| Grappling – Throw | Triangle + R1 | Y + RB |
| Grappling – Lariat | Triangle + R2 | Y + RT |
| Enemy Vault | Square + R1 | X + RB |
The in-game menus on consoles do not presently support native remapping. Although full remapping support hasn't been formally confirmed, Pearl Abyss has indicated that control accessibility improvements will be included in a future update. As of right now, Xbox users with an Elite Controller and PS5 users with a DualSense Edge can remap inputs using the corresponding controller software.
Players on Steam can also remap controller inputs via Steam Input, though in-game tutorials and menus will always display the original default bindings regardless of what you've remapped.
The controls are based on the latest publicly available demo and preview builds and may change before launch.
Crimson Desert's default controller settings are functional, but a few smart remaps can dramatically improve combat flow and traversal comfort. Adjusting lock-on, evade, and movement inputs early will make the game's layered combat system much easier to learn.
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