Tips for a newbie regarding key binds

[testicleshots]

How do you have your keys set up? My key setup right now is likely ♥♥♥♥, as I just did a preliminary setup which I'll refine as I learn which keys/actions I'll need to perform the most/fastest/etc. So I have 'E' bound to switch quick items, '1' to switch left-hand armament, '2' to switch right-hand armament, and 'Q' to switch sorceries.

And how ignorant is it of the developers to have dodge and run bound to the same key. I swear RPG developers have never played other genres of games and so they don't realize how much better things are done. Or they want combat/gameplay to be slow? Do they not realize how many milliseconds are wasted because you have to lift your finger (if you were holding Shift), then tap Shift and release again, just to roll-dodge. And with your least dexterous finger, too. It is SO slow compared to having a key separate from sprint, so that you lose no fluidity or movement speed as you run and dodge at the same time.

The pouch I haven't even figured out how to use. I remember the game saying something like "hold F and press W/A/S/D" or something? 'F' is my action (pick up/talk) key. You can't even ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ hold 'F' and press 'D' without shifting your fingers over away from WASD. Now again, all those milliseconds have made you vulnerable.

And you can't even change half of these binds? I can't bind an item or sorcery to a number key for quick use?! Once again, two decades behind the PC gaming industry or what?

[vamirez]

I have WASD to move, E to interact, R to use item, and F to jump, so I can do all of that with the left hand without thinking.
Space for dodge/run is normal in Souls games - assume it is on purpose and just "roll with it" hehe ;)

[testicleshots]

Ursprungligen skrivet av vamirez:

I have WASD to move, E to interact, R to use item, and F to jump, so I can do all of that with the left hand without thinking.
Space for dodge/run is normal in Souls games - assume it is on purpose and just "roll with it" hehe ;)

Space to run and F to jump????? ..no, that ain't happening for me, hahaha. Although, yeah that would increase the speed a bit given that the thumb is far faster than the pinky.

[vamirez]

Ursprungligen skrivet av inbetweener:

Ursprungligen skrivet av vamirez:

I have WASD to move, E to interact, R to use item, and F to jump, so I can do all of that with the left hand without thinking.
Space for dodge/run is normal in Souls games - assume it is on purpose and just "roll with it" hehe ;)

Space to run and F to jump????? ..no, that ain't happening for me, hahaha. Although, yeah that would increase the speed a bit given that the thumb is far faster than the pinky.

This developed for me because other games over time have used the F key for flashlight and the G key for grenade (and E for eenteract, and R for reload..., or Q and R for lean...) ;)

[testicleshots]

Ursprungligen skrivet av vamirez:

Ursprungligen skrivet av inbetweener:

Space to run and F to jump????? ..no, that ain't happening for me, hahaha. Although, yeah that would increase the speed a bit given that the thumb is far faster than the pinky.

This developed for me because other games over time have used the F key for flashlight and the G key for grenade (and E for eenteract, and R for reload..., or Q and R for lean...) ;)

Fair enough, I'm not slighting you for your key choices. But I have two decades of FPS experience and so WASD for movement, Space for jump, and Shift for run are hardcoded into my muscle memory and I wouldn't even attempt to switch up those things.

[SnakeshyperTTV/Kick]

Left shift - run/roll
space - jump
f / mouse 4 - AoW
mouse 5 - item slot
1 - left hand weapon
2 - right hand weapon
q - lock on
3 - spells and incantations

[Holneer]

WASD for walking
Space to roll/run
Tab for jumping
Talking/interacting on E
Heavy attack on F

[valczir]

The pouch is your use key (E by default, iirc) plus your change-weapon, change-spell, change-item keys (1-4 by default, iirc). So since you've changed 1 to be "change left hand armament", E+1 would use your "left" pouch item.

My minor changes:

• Mouse 4: heavy attack
  
• Mouse 5: weapon skill
  
• F for interact. I got tired of using E in some games and F in others, so I always switch games to use F now.
  
• I like to use left alt for dodge, since I can easily hit it with my thumb.
  
• I use ctrl for crouch, shift for sprint, space for jump. I'm too old to retrain my brain on those keys.

For everything else, I use an `input-remapper` script (`input-remapper` is kinda like `autohotkey`, but it only works on linux) because elden ring's key binding options are so ... limited.

• shift: sprint (the script presses sprint/roll and holds it a minimum of 450ms to avoid accidentally dodging)
  
• alt: roll (the script presses sprint/roll for 35ms and releases it, no matter how long I hold it)
  
  • I find that dodge roll being on key_up instead of key_down is just inconsistent enough to get me killed sometimes. Making it a consistent 35ms delay helps so much.
• 1: use pouch top slot (the script presses f+1)
  
• 2: use pouch bottom slot (the script presses f+2)
  
• 3: use pouch right slot (the script presses f+3)
  
• 4: use pouch left slot (the script presses f+4)
  
• 6-9 (which is just fn+1-4 on my keyboard): switch weapon/item (the script presses 1-4 without f)

Here's a github gist of my input-remapper scripts[gist.github.com].

[testicleshots]

Ursprungligen skrivet av valczir:

F for interact. I got tired of using E in some games and F in others, so I always switch games to use F now.

Same. I just like 'F' better for 'use'.

Ursprungligen skrivet av valczir:

For everything else, I use an `input-remapper` script (`input-remapper` is kinda like `autohotkey`, but it only works on linux) because elden ring's key binding options are so ... limited.

Yeah, I thought about posting and closing the thread because I took another good look at the controls and realized my question was almost pointless with the amount of customization you can do of your keys. I thought you could at least bind a key to move 'left' OR/AND 'right' through your quick items and sorceries. But no, you've gotta cycle all the way through your items if you want the one just to your left, lol. Like ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥, how can you do this to a PC game.

So yeah; I didn't want to use macros or key-remapping, as I see it as softcore cheating... but seeing how badly the devs have designed the controls (like, I don't think I've ever seen less key bind and key customization in a 'AAA' game), I might feel justified.

[Ironwu]

Ursprungligen skrivet av inbetweener:

Ursprungligen skrivet av vamirez:

I have WASD to move, E to interact, R to use item, and F to jump, so I can do all of that with the left hand without thinking.
Space for dodge/run is normal in Souls games - assume it is on purpose and just "roll with it" hehe ;)

Space to run and F to jump????? ..no, that ain't happening for me, hahaha. Although, yeah that would increase the speed a bit given that the thumb is far faster than the pinky.

I felt exactly the same. And for the longest time I tried using 'F' (or other keys) for Run/Dodge/Roll and 'Space' for jump ala all the MMOs I have played.

Then I figured out why that was SUCH a bad idea. You see, movement is still WASD. And the 'F' key is right next to the 'D'. So it makes is astoundingly hard to Dodge/Roll/Run to the right. Or if the Dodge/Roll/Run key is bound anywhere that requires left-hand access (or Dodge/Roll whatever direction that finger is WASD assigned). 'Space' works perfectly as the Thumb is not assigned anything else to do! :)

It does take a bit of time to relearn the muscle memory. But it is so worth it. :)

Good Luck!
Have Fun!

[Señor Brown]

Ursprungligen skrivet av inbetweener:

How do you have your keys set up? My key setup right now is likely ♥♥♥♥, as I just did a preliminary setup which I'll refine as I learn which keys/actions I'll need to perform the most/fastest/etc. So I have 'E' bound to switch quick items, '1' to switch left-hand armament, '2' to switch right-hand armament, and 'Q' to switch sorceries.

And how ignorant is it of the developers to have dodge and run bound to the same key. I swear RPG developers have never played other genres of games and so they don't realize how much better things are done. Or they want combat/gameplay to be slow? Do they not realize how many milliseconds are wasted because you have to lift your finger (if you were holding Shift), then tap Shift and release again, just to roll-dodge. And with your least dexterous finger, too. It is SO slow compared to having a key separate from sprint, so that you lose no fluidity or movement speed as you run and dodge at the same time.

The pouch I haven't even figured out how to use. I remember the game saying something like "hold F and press W/A/S/D" or something? 'F' is my action (pick up/talk) key. You can't even ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ hold 'F' and press 'D' without shifting your fingers over away from WASD. Now again, all those milliseconds have made you vulnerable.

And you can't even change half of these binds? I can't bind an item or sorcery to a number key for quick use?! Once again, two decades behind the PC gaming industry or what?

You'll be fine as long as you change the default guard and skill keybinds (SHIFT + LMB/RMB), and moreso with extra mouse buttons.

[testicleshots]

Ursprungligen skrivet av Ironwu:

Ursprungligen skrivet av inbetweener:

Space to run and F to jump????? ..no, that ain't happening for me, hahaha. Although, yeah that would increase the speed a bit given that the thumb is far faster than the pinky.

I felt exactly the same. And for the longest time I tried using 'F' (or other keys) for Run/Dodge/Roll and 'Space' for jump ala all the MMOs I have played.

Then I figured out why that was SUCH a bad idea. You see, movement is still WASD. And the 'F' key is right next to the 'D'. So it makes is astoundingly hard to Dodge/Roll/Run to the right. Or if the Dodge/Roll/Run key is bound anywhere that requires left-hand access (or Dodge/Roll whatever direction that finger is WASD assigned). 'Space' works perfectly as the Thumb is not assigned anything else to do! :)

It does take a bit of time to relearn the muscle memory. But it is so worth it. :)

Good Luck!
Have Fun!

Hmm I'm having a hard time understanding what you're saying here - I can't tell if you're agreeing that 'jump' should be Space, or if you're saying it should be 'F' in an MMO/RPG like the previous guy was saying.

But, it sounds like you've put some of the same thought into key binds as I have regarding what actions you need to perform and when you'll need a specific finger/thumb free. You know, the biggest shame of PC gaming right now is the keyboards. The thumb is capable of pressing many more keys than the current keyboards allow (which is significant because the less you have to separate your fingers from WASD, the better), because reaching under your palm to hit Alt is awkward as ♥♥♥♥ and that still only gives you one extra key.

I used to have the SteelSeries Merc Stealth keyboard. Greatest gaming keyboard ever made. It gave you three extra keys you could utilize with your thumb in such a perfectly ergonomic way. I cannot fathom why it was discontinued or why the design didn't become the standard for GAMING keyboards.

[Neptune]

You're asking about keybinds after 70+ hours? xD

Ok, my advice: Get yourself a controller. No matter how much you say you're a PC only guy (as are many of us), a controller is a smart investment for games that just aren't feasible to play on M/KB.

I played 3 full 100% runs of Dark Souls 1 with M/KB. Switching to controller, i suddenly realized how much more sense the controls make.

This is just friendly advice, if you want to stick to M/KB, by any means, do that. You'll get used to the controls at some point either way. Just as how you'll get used to losing all your Souls/Runes. ^^

[Ironwu]

Ursprungligen skrivet av inbetweener:

Ursprungligen skrivet av Ironwu:

I felt exactly the same. And for the longest time I tried using 'F' (or other keys) for Run/Dodge/Roll and 'Space' for jump ala all the MMOs I have played.

Then I figured out why that was SUCH a bad idea. You see, movement is still WASD. And the 'F' key is right next to the 'D'. So it makes is astoundingly hard to Dodge/Roll/Run to the right. Or if the Dodge/Roll/Run key is bound anywhere that requires left-hand access (or Dodge/Roll whatever direction that finger is WASD assigned). 'Space' works perfectly as the Thumb is not assigned anything else to do! :)

It does take a bit of time to relearn the muscle memory. But it is so worth it. :)

Good Luck!
Have Fun!

Hmm I'm having a hard time understanding what you're saying here - I can't tell if you're agreeing that 'jump' should be Space, or if you're saying it should be 'F' in an MMO/RPG like the previous guy was saying.

But, it sounds like you've put some of the same thought into key binds as I have regarding what actions you need to perform and when you'll need a specific finger/thumb free. You know, the biggest shame of PC gaming right now is the keyboards. The thumb is capable of pressing many more keys than the current keyboards allow (which is significant because the less you have to separate your fingers from WASD, the better), because reaching under your palm to hit Alt is awkward as ♥♥♥♥ and that still only gives you one extra key.

I used to have the SteelSeries Merc Stealth keyboard. Greatest gaming keyboard ever made. It gave you three extra keys you could utilize with your thumb in such a perfectly ergonomic way. I cannot fathom why it was discontinued or why the design didn't become the standard for GAMING keyboards.

I am sorry I did not write clearly. :(

What I was saying is that due to my decades of MMO play (EQ, WoW, etc.), I was used to 'Space' being the Jump key. I tried to make that work in Elden Ring by making 'Space' the Jump key and 'F' be for Run/Dodge/Roll. However, that meant that my left pointer finger, which used for moving to the right ('D') was now also used for Run/Dodge/Roll. This made it very difficult to Run/Dodge/Roll to the right and was hindering me in Elden Ring boss fights.

So, I switched it back to using 'F' to Jump and 'Space' for Run/Dodge/Roll. It took a while to get used to it, but now when I do MMOs, I remap THEM to 'F' for Jump. :)

Yes, I have done extensive testing of key layouts and what works well (for me at least). I use a G502 mouse and have a few extra buttons, which I make extensive use of.

For instance, you know that toggle between main-hand 1H and main-hand 2H is 'E' + LMB. I have made a simple macro and assigned it to a mouse button that does that job in 1 key press. Two buttons are assigned to use quick slots to Mount/Dismount and Use Flask so I just have to press 'E' + MBx to do that.

I have other mappings to make play smoother as well. I use Unsheathe with a Katana, and that requires a special mapping to be able to do the 'Sweep' skill. :)

Anyway, I apologize again for writing a confusing statement.

[testicleshots]

Ursprungligen skrivet av Neptune:

You're asking about keybinds after 70+ hours? xD

Ok, my advice: Get yourself a controller. No matter how much you say you're a PC only guy (as are many of us), a controller is a smart investment for games that just aren't feasible to play on M/KB.

I played 3 full 100% runs of Dark Souls 1 with M/KB. Switching to controller, i suddenly realized how much more sense the controls make.

This is just friendly advice, if you want to stick to M/KB, by any means, do that. You'll get used to the controls at some point either way. Just as how you'll get used to losing all your Souls/Runes. ^^

Hahahahaha. "Get yourself a controller". Sorry, I just have to laugh at that. Have you ever played with KB/M? How can you possibly tolerate a controller after having used a mouse?

[Ironwu]

Ursprungligen skrivet av inbetweener:

Ursprungligen skrivet av Neptune:

You're asking about keybinds after 70+ hours? xD

Ok, my advice: Get yourself a controller. No matter how much you say you're a PC only guy (as are many of us), a controller is a smart investment for games that just aren't feasible to play on M/KB.

I played 3 full 100% runs of Dark Souls 1 with M/KB. Switching to controller, i suddenly realized how much more sense the controls make.

This is just friendly advice, if you want to stick to M/KB, by any means, do that. You'll get used to the controls at some point either way. Just as how you'll get used to losing all your Souls/Runes. ^^

Hahahahaha. "Get yourself a controller". Sorry, I just have to laugh at that. Have you ever played with KB/M? How can you possibly tolerate a controller after having used a mouse?

Folks that have been using Controllers for a long time think it is 'easy' for a KBD/M user to just 'Pick up a Controller and Git-Gud'. I have tried and I just don't like the way they feel, how I have to hold them, or the tiny, cramped controls.

The fact that FromSoftware does not seem to 'get' KBD/M users is not the fault of KBD/M users. The lack is on the part of FromSoftware.