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Escape from Tarkov
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Like many other games, Escape from Tarkov has its own set of keybindings (or shortcuts), but unlike other titles, this game heavily uses them. For example, if you want to see how many bullets and magazines you have, you’d have to use the game’s correct keybindings to find out.
Battlestate Games has also implemented the option to change those keybindings with your own, making it even easier and faster to play the game and execute specific actions during the gameplay.
First things first, if you’re a new player, you can quickly change any of your keybindings from the game’s settings. Here’s how:
Access Settings: From the main menu, click on the “Settings” option.
Navigate to Controls: Within the settings menu, select the “Controls” tab.
Modify Keybindings:
Click on the action you wish to change.
Press the new key or key combination you want to assign.
Ensure the new key isn’t already assigned to another action to avoid conflicts.
Save Changes: After customizing your keybindings, make sure to save your settings.
If your mouse has multiple keys, you can also use them for specific actions.
Basic Movement & Interaction
Action
Default Key
Notes
Move Forward
W
Move Left
A
Move Backward
S
Move Right
D
Sprint
Left Shift
Walk (Toggle)
Caps Lock
Jump
Spacebar
Crouch (Toggle)
C
Prone
X
Interact
F
Open doors, loot, etc.
Open Inventory
Tab
Check Time
O
Check Time & Exits
Double-tap O
Displays extraction points
Free Look
Middle Mouse Button
Hold to look around without moving aim
Lean Left
Q
Hold to lean left
Lean Right
E
Hold to lean right
Advanced Movement & Stance Control
Action
Default Key
Notes
Smooth Lean Left
Left Alt + A
Gradual lean adjustment
Smooth Lean Right
Left Alt + D
Gradual lean adjustment
Sidestep Left
Left Alt + Q
Quick lateral movement
Sidestep Right
Left Alt + E
Quick lateral movement
Adjust Stance Up/Down
C + Mouse Wheel
Fine-tune crouch height
Blind Fire Overhead
Left Alt + W
Fire over cover without exposing head
Blind Fire Right Side
Left Alt + S
Fire around corners without full exposure
Combat & Weapon Controls
Action
Default Key
Notes
Fire Weapon
Left Mouse Button
Aim Down Sights (Toggle)
Right Mouse Button
Press to toggle ADS
Reload
R
Standard reload
Quick Reload
Double-tap R
Cycle to the next magazine
Select Next Magazine
R + Mouse Wheel Up
Cycle to the previous magazine
Select Previous Magazine
R + Mouse Wheel Down
Switch between single, burst, and auto
Change Fire Mode
B
Displays the current fire mode
Check Fire Mode
Left Alt + B
Displays current fire mode
Check Magazine
Left Alt + T
Estimates remaining ammo
Check Chamber
Left Shift + T
Checks if a round is chambered
Hold Breath
Left Alt
Steadies aim while ADS
Toggle Tactical Device
T
Activates flashlight/laser
Switch Tactical Device Mode
Left Ctrl + T
Checks the weapon status
Toggle Scope View
Left Ctrl + Right Click
Switches between scope views
Change Scope Magnification
Left Alt + Right Click
Adjusts magnification levels
Inspect Weapon
L
Checks weapon status
Fold/Unfold Stock
Left Alt + L
Double-tap for a quick melee attack
Equip Primary Weapon
2
Equip Secondary Weapon
1
Equip Melee Weapon
V
Double-tap for quick melee attack
Drop Backpack
Double-tap Z
Useful for increasing mobility during combat
Inventory & Item Management
Action
Default Key
Notes
Examine Item
Middle Mouse Button
Identifies unknown items
Quick Transfer Item
Ctrl + Left Click
Equips the item directly
Quick Equip Item
Alt + Left Click
Equips item directly
Split Item Stack
Ctrl + Left Click + Drag
Divides item stacks
Discard Item
Delete
Removes item from inventory
Rotate Item
R
Rotates item for inventory management
Assign Quick Use Slot
Hover + Press 4–9
Binds items like meds or grenades to hotkeys
Miscellaneous Controls
Action
Default Key
Notes
Take Screenshot
PrtScn
Opens the Developer Console
Toggle Interface Icons
I
Shows/hides HUD elements
Open Console
` (Backtick)
Accesses the game menu
Open Main Menu
Esc
Activates NVG or lowers the face shield
Toggle Night Vision/Face Shield
N
Activates NVG or lowers face shield
Toggle VOIP
K
Enables/disables voice chat
Voice Communication Controls
Action
Default Key
Notes
Mumble
Y
Initiates in-game voice communication
Open Mumble Dropdown
Double-tap Y
Opens voice communication options
Mumble Preset 1-12
F1–F12
Quick access to preset voice lines
Scope and Sight Adjustments
Action
Default Key
Adjusts the scope elevation upward
Scope Elevation Up
Page Up
Adjuststhe scope elevation downward
Scope Elevation Down
Page Down
Adjust the scope elevation downward
I’ll update those lists of keybindings whenever Battlestate Games introduces new ones for Escape from Tarkov. But for the time being, those are the most important ones.
What changes did you make with your keybindings, and which ones did you immediately adjust? Let me know in the comments down below!
Web Developer, Blogger & Podcaster. By day, I’m a freelance web wizard (or I’d like to think so), crafting digital experiences that are cooler than the other side of your pillow. By night, I'm sleeping.
