Mastering Elden Ring on PC: A Guide to Keyboard and Mouse Controls

[GladiatorDrift]

Elden Ring, the epic action RPG from FromSoftware, has captivated players around the world with its vast open world, deep lore, and challenging combat. For those venturing into the Lands Between on PC, the experience can feel even more intricate with the choice of keyboard and mouse controls. While Elden Ring was initially designedwith gamepad users in mind, the keyboard and mouse controls can still offer a precise and responsive way to navigate and fight in this brutal world.

In this guide, we'll dive deep into the Elden Ring keyboard and mouse setup, helping you optimize your controls for an immersive experience.
Why Choose Keyboard and Mouse for Elden Ring?

Before we jump into the specifics of the controls, it’s important to understand the benefits of using a keyboard and mouse over a controller in Elden Ring.

Precision: The mouse provides pinpoint accuracy, especially useful in ranged combat, where aiming and shooting from a distance play a big role. Whether you're using a bow, crossbow, or sorcery, the mouse gives you quicker and more precise targeting.

Speed: The keyboard allows you to program a variety of actions at your fingertips, giving you quicker access to different items and spells without needing to cycle through menus.

Customization: While controllers are set with a fixed input layout, the keyboard allows for a much more personalized control scheme. You can tweak your bindings to suit your playing style.

Default Keyboard and Mouse Layout

To begin with, let’s break down the default Elden Ring keyboard and mouse setup:
Movement:

W, A, S, D: Move character forward, left, backward, and right.

Shift: Sprint.

Spacebar: Jump.

Ctrl: Crouch.

Combat Controls:

Left Mouse Button: Light attack.

Right Mouse Button: Heavy attack.

Q: Use special attack (if applicable to weapon).

E: Interact (e.g., open doors, pick up items).

Action and Menu:

R: Use healing item (Flask of Cerulean Tears).

1-4: Quick item slots (you can bind consumables, spells, and weapons).

Tab: Open inventory menu.

Esc: Pause or open the game menu.

Targeting and Camera:

Middle Mouse Button (MMB): Lock onto target.

Mouse Movement: Adjust camera, aim.

The basic layout is solid and functional, but many players find that customization can drastically improve their experience, so let’s take a look at ways to tailor your controls.
Customizing Your Controls for Maximum Efficiency

While the default bindings are functional, Elden Ring can become more fluid with a few simple tweaks.
1. Rebind for Combat Fluidity:

Some players find that the default attack buttons (light and heavy) are cumbersome, especially in intense fights where you need rapid execution of combos. A common rebind is to set:

Left Mouse Button: Light attack.

Right Mouse Button: Heavy attack.

Q: Use special attack.

This setup ensures that your primary attacks are at your fingertips, and special abilities are easily accessible without taking your fingers off essential movement keys.
2. Item and Spell Quick Access:

One of the key benefits of the keyboard and mouse combo is the ability to instantly access items or spells. Consider remapping your item slots to:

F1-F4: Quick access for items, spells, or weapons.

This allows you to efficiently manage your inventory mid-battle without needing to pause or waste precious seconds cycling through menus.
3. Camera and Targeting Enhancements:

In Elden Ring, maintaining proper camera control and targeting is crucial, especially during boss fights or when you're surrounded by multiple enemies. A few suggestions:

Middle Mouse Button: Lock target.

Mouse Movement: Camera adjustments.

For those who prefer more precision, you can tweak mouse sensitivity in the settings to ensure you have better control over both aiming and camera movement. You can experiment with lower sensitivity to get a smoother feel or increase it for faster response times.
Advanced Tips for Keyboard and Mouse Setup

Once you’ve customized your keybindings, it’s time to dive into advanced techniques to refine your gameplay further.
1. Use Mouse Buttons for Quick Actions:

If your mouse has extra buttons (often labeled as “side buttons”), consider binding them to essential actions like rolling, healing, or using items. This can save you from having to take your hands off the WASD keys or function keys for crucial actions.
2. Adjust Your DPI for Faster Aiming:

A high DPI (dots per inch) setting on your mouse can drastically improve your ability to aim, especially when using spells or ranged weapons. Many competitive FPS players swear by ultra-high DPI settings for pinpoint accuracy. Experiment with different DPI levels until you find the one that suits you best for Elden Ring's combat.
3. Utilize the “Hold to Interact” Option:

In Elden Ring, many actions, such as opening chests or using certain items, require holding down a button. Some players prefer to bind this action to a toggle option rather than holding it down. You can modify this setting in the game’s options menu, making it easier to focus on combat while interacting with the environment.
Conclusion: Is Keyboard and Mouse the Right Choice for You?

Choosing between a controller and keyboard and mouse setup for Elden Ring ultimately comes down to personal preference. While the game is built with controllers in mind, those who prefer the precision and flexibility of the keyboard and mouse setup can still enjoy an incredibly rewarding experience.

By customizing your bindings, adjusting your DPI settings, and exploring advanced techniques, you can tailor your playstyle to suit your preferences and take on the challenges of the Lands Between more efficiently.

Remember, Elden Ring is all about experimentation and finding what works best for you. Whether you prefer the versatility of keyboard and mouse or the comfort of a controller, the world of Elden Ring will offer a thrilling journey no matter how you play.