Crimson Desert – Keyboard or Controller? Guide

Pearl Abyss’s much-anticipated game Crimson Desert is finally out. And one thing that is taking the community by surprise is the size of this map. It is being considered as one of the biggest open world game out there. But with this enormous size rises the question: Should you use KBM or a controller to explore this vast world? In this article, we have tried to answer that question to the best of our ability.

Keyboard or Controller: Which one should you choose for Crimson Desert?

In my personal preference, using a controller is way better than using KBM, even if you are on PC. After spending a fair bit of time with Crimson Desert, one thing becomes clear pretty quickly – the control scheme isn’t exactly its strongest point. The game throws a ton of actions at you early on, and how you choose to play can seriously affect your experience. 

Combat in Crimson Desert is fast and chaotic, with constant dodging, attacking, and ability use. On a controller, everything is grouped logically, making it easier to react in the moment. Quick actions like healing are mapped to simple inputs (like the D-pad), which helps during intense fights.

On the other hand, on keyboard, many actions are spread across distant keys, meaning your fingers are constantly stretching. Reaching for keys like function buttons mid-combat isn’t ideal, especially when timing matters. Long play sessions can get uncomfortable due to constant hand movement. In conclusion, if you want comfort and smoother gameplay, go with a controller. If you’re willing to tweak settings and prefer precision, a keyboard can work, but expect a learning curve. With that said, if you opt for a KBM, below are the best settings you can use for optimal gameplay.

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Best KBM Settings for Crimson Desert

If you are using a controller, you would have to play using the default controls, as customization is not available. But if you are on KBM, here is the best layout you can use for Crimson Desert:

Basic

• Move: W, A, S, D
• Run: Left Shift
• Sprint: Left Shift x2
• Jump: F
• Roll/Evade: Space bar
• Aim/Guard: Left Ctrl
• Crouch/Slide: C
• Stow (Sheathe) Weapon: T
• Call Mount: H
• Dismount/Put Down: R
• Cancel: E
• Lock-On: Caps
• Use Gear: B

Interact

• Interaction 1: E
• Interaction 2: R
• Interaction 3: T
• Interaction 4: G
• Previous: Q
• Next: E
• Push: Left click
• Pull: Right click
• Aim: Right click
• Fire: Left click

Basic UI Controls

• Main Menu: Esc
• Open Comrade Quick Slot: F1
• Open Equipment Quick Slot: F2
• Open Skill and Food Quick Slot: F3

Combat

• Light Attack: Left click
• Heavy Attack: Right click
• Punch/Kick: Y
• Aim: Q
• Mark Focused Shot: Right click
• Skil (Focus): X
• Skill (Axiom Force): Tab
• Skill (Force Palm): Middle mouse button
• Skill (Turning Flash): Left click + Right click
• Skill (Shield Bash): Left Ctrl + Right click
• Skill (Stab): Left shift + Right click
• Skill (Evasive Slash): Left Alt + Left click
• Skill (Spinning Slash): Left Shift + Left Click
• Skill (Vault): Space bar + Left click
• Skill (Throw): F + Left click
• Skill (Lariat): F + Right click
• Skill (Binding Flash): Left Ctrl + Left click
• Focus Skill (Binding Flash): Left Ctrl
• Skill (Quick Swap): Z
• Skill (Imbue Element): V
• Skill (Flame): 1
• Skill (Frost): 2
• Skill (Lightning): 3
• Skill (Wind): 4

Read More: Crimson Desert – Abyss Without Balance Quest Walkthrough

FAQs

Can you rebind controls in Crimson Desert?

Yes, but only for keyboard. Controller remapping isn’t supported in-game.

Should PC players switch to controller for this game?

If you have one available, it’s definitely worth trying, especially for long play sessions and combat-heavy sections.

Why does keyboard feel awkward in Crimson Desert?

The game uses many scattered key bindings as default, making it hard to manage inputs smoothly during combat.