Controls confusing

[bananahotsauce]

I keep trying this game. Trying version 41 now. I see others playing and it seems fun but the controls seem awkward. I am simply unable to properly kill zombies. Like you have to hold shift and click or shift space or some awkward combination to attack zombies.

I thought the learning curve of the game was learning how to survive, not learning how to mash the keyboard.

I've tried playing a dozen times now. 25 hours in. setting the mode to super easy and still cant get it. I don't die because i do something stupid. I die because the keys don't make sense. has anyone else experienced awkward keyboard mouse controls and are there any ways to remap the keys to make this simpler? I read a lot about people using controllers. is that the ticket?

I seemed to be doing better in 40. but maybe the zombies are just tougher in 41?

Maybe i will set this game aside for another couple years. Needs refinement.

[it's a gabe]

Well, it took me about 50h to get Kenshi, and then some 30h to get PZ. It's one of those games.

I've only played it with a controller, and here's how you kill zombies with one:

1. Aim with right stick
2. Attack with RT
3. Repeat until the thing is dead
4. Profit

Although, it helps to move about as you try to make them fall. At least I do that. OK, I don't know if it actually helps, but it's a habit I've acquired 🤷‍♂️

I play the vast majority of my games with a controller and with that much experience, I'm confident in saying that PZ's controller support is solid af, especially for a game that won't be on consoles anytime soon, if ever. There are a few instances where I have to grab my mouse, especially with the MP b41, but they're way too few and far between. 99% of the time I don't have to let go of the controller.

So give that a shot if you don't like the controls for kb/m. Just keep in mind that inventory management is janky with a controller, but it's functional. At first some windows are a bit confusing too, but it didn't take me long at all to get used to them (certainly two or three times having to use them).

[Kenn_Ethic]

You're suppose to attack while holding RMB to aim and press Space to shove away zombies. I don't get why you need to press shift while in combat unless you're running.

[Carog the Fat]

i think he meant control which is the other way to enter combat stance I used it for a while it isnt great for me personally RMB is better

[Death]

I haven't used a controller for an extended run in a while, but as stated above, inventory management isn't as good, but the rest actually works quite well. I personally just prefer the mouse and keyboard. I certainly don't get confused by the controls though and find looting to be much faster with m&k. The controls for me aren't that dissimilar to games I played way back in the day, so maybe that helps. I don't know.

[umpisusi]

Just walk around with WASD, push and stomp with spacebar, aim and attack with mouse. You only need other keys for sneaking and running, and even then you just press them once. You can even scroll the screen edges while holding rmb. Seems you are overthinking the controls.

[bananahotsauce]

thanks for the suggestions. I am terrible with controllers. So maybe I will try this again. I thought you had to hold ctrl to attack. mouse button alone does nothing. So if its "hold RMB to point" and "click LMB to attack" i could try that. I lose track of the mouse pointer as well so sometimes i click RMB and my character points the wrong direction like he is drunk.

Still i think these controls seem awkward. maybe an isometric thing. I need to put 100 hours in first i guess. Its like learning how to walk all over again.

[Megarboh]

not sure where you even got the idea ctrl/shift needs to be used

[Flightcaptain]

Originally posted by bananahotsauce:

I thought you had to hold ctrl to attack. mouse button alone does nothing. So if its "hold RMB to point" and "click LMB to attack" i could try that. I lose track of the mouse pointer as well so sometimes i click RMB and my character points the wrong direction like he is drunk.

You have to hold Ctrl down to be in attack mode and then just click LMB to attack. space to push down. you can also change it in the options to press it once to be activatet and again to be ended. I personally dont like the RMB aiming.

[umpisusi]

Originally posted by Flightcaptain:

You have to hold Ctrl down to be in attack mode and then just click LMB to attack. space to push down. you can also change it in the options to press it once to be activatet and again to be ended. I personally dont like the RMB aiming.

Interesting, as I thought it felt very natural from the start. I always wondered why that CTRL thing is even there, I didn't think anyone would use it.

[TwistedTrip]

Controls super confusing, feels like I'm playing with tank controls, that don't go or do what I want..

[Codester]

odd complaint.
Hold RMB to aim, left click to attack.
Space will shove them, but you will also automatically shove them if they get too close with LMB.
Why you guys trying to confused him so much, all you need to do is walk with WASD and use the 2 mouse buttons. That's IT.

[Shenji]

I played PZ for over 200 hours and I still miss aimed a lot. Yes the aiming mechanic is awkward. I noticed that I missed most when target was directly above my character (0 degree) so I try to avoid this position.