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

Elden Ring, developed by FromSoftware, is a vast and challenging game that has captured the attention of players around the world. While it's mainly designed for controller use, many players—myself included—have taken on the adventure using a keyboard and mouse. At first, it was tricky, but after spending time adjusting the settings and practicing, I found a setup that worked well. In this guide, I’ll share simple and helpful tips based on my experience to make PC controls easier to manage. Whether you’re fighting tough bosses or farming Elden Ring Runes, having the right control setup can make a big difference in your journey.

Understanding the Default PC Controls

Elden Ring's default keyboard and mouse controls can initially feel unintuitive, especially for those accustomed to other action RPGs. Here's a breakdown of the standard keybindings:

• Movement: W/A/S/D
• Sprint/Dodge/Roll: Spacebar
• Jump: F
• Crouch/Stand Up: X
• Light Attack (Right Hand): Left Click
• Strong Attack (Right Hand): Shift + Left Click
• Guard (Left Hand): Right Click
• Skill (Ash of War): Shift + Right Click
• Use Item: R
• Interact: E
• Map: G
• Switch Items: Arrow Keys

While these defaults provide a starting point, many players find that customizing keybindings enhances their gameplay experience. For instance, reassigning item switching from arrow keys to number keys (1-4) can make quick access more manageable. Additionally, binding the lock-on function to a mouse button or a more accessible key like 'Tab' can improve combat fluidity.

Optimizing Your Keybindings

Through trial and error, I've discovered a configuration that balances accessibility and efficiency:

• Movement: W/A/S/D
• Sprint/Dodge/Roll: Shift
• Jump: Spacebar
• Crouch/Stand Up: C
• Light Attack (Right Hand): Left Click
• Strong Attack (Right Hand): Right Click
• Guard (Left Hand): Q
• Skill (Ash of War): E
• Use Item: R
• Interact: F
• Map: M
• Switch Items: 1-4
• Lock-On: Tab

This setup allows for quick reactions during intense battles and seamless navigation through the game's menus and inventory. Remember, the best configuration is one that feels natural to you, so don’t hesitate to experiment.

Navigating the Map and Menus

Accessing the map and menus efficiently is crucial for planning your journey and managing resources:

• Open Map: M
• Open Menu: Esc
• Navigate Menus: Arrow Keys or Mouse
• Confirm Selection: Enter
• Back/Cancel: Right Click or Esc

It’s worth noting that the map key is set to 'G' by default and cannot be changed in-game. However, third-party tools like key remappers can provide flexibility if needed.

Personal Insights and Recommendations

Transitioning to keyboard and mouse controls in Elden Ring was initially challenging. The default keybindings felt counterintuitive, and the lack of on-screen prompts for keyboard inputs added to the confusion. However, after customizing the controls and spending time acclimating, I found the precision of mouse aiming and the flexibility of keybindings enhanced my overall experience.

One significant adjustment was reassigning the dodge function to the 'Shift' key, allowing my thumb to handle jumping with the spacebar. This change improved my reaction time during combat. Additionally, binding item and weapon switches to number keys streamlined inventory management, especially during fast-paced encounters.

While some players may prefer controllers for their ergonomic design and traditional layout, keyboard and mouse setups offer unparalleled customization. With patience and experimentation, you can tailor the controls to suit your playstyle, making your journey through the Lands Between both challenging and rewarding.

Embarking on the Elden Ring adventure with a keyboard and mouse is a testament to adaptability and perseverance. By customizing your controls and embracing the learning curve, you can fully immerse yourself in the rich, intricate world that FromSoftware has crafted. May your path be clear, and your reflexes sharp, Tarnished.

If you're playing on Xbox and want to gain an edge without spending countless hours grinding, it's worth considering ways to speed up your progression. Many players choose to Buy Elden Ring items Xbox to quickly access powerful weapons, upgrade materials, and essential gear—making it easier to focus on combat mastery and exploration across the Lands Between. 

FAQ: Elden Ring Showing PC Controls

Why is Elden Ring showing controller buttons instead of PC keyboard keys?

Answer:    
By default, Elden Ring displays controller button prompts (e.g., “Press A”) even if you are using a keyboard and mouse. This happens because the game prioritizes controller inputs unless a keyboard action is detected first. In my case, simply clicking the mouse or pressing any key before the title screen helped force the game to recognize the keyboard and display the correct prompts. If a controller is connected, the game may default to that input visually—even if you're not actively using it.

How can I make Elden Ring show keyboard and mouse prompts?

Answer:    
To make the game display PC controls:

1. Disconnect your controller before launching the game.
2. Press any key or move the mouse on the main menu to signal keyboard input.
3. If the game still shows controller prompts, go to Settings > Sound and Display and try toggling the device input options.

Personally, I had to unplug my Xbox controller, then restart the game and press "E" on the keyboard during the title screen to trigger the keyboard UI.

Can I change keybindings for Elden Ring on PC?

Answer:    
Yes, Elden Ring allows full customization of your keyboard and mouse controls:

1. Go to System > Keyboard & Mouse Settings.
2. Select the action you want to change.
3. Rebind it to the key of your choice.

From experience, I found remapping roll/dodge to Shift, jump to Spacebar, and lock-on to Tab gave me much more fluid control during combat. Experiment until it feels natural!

Is Elden Ring harder with keyboard and mouse?

Answer:    
It depends on your playstyle. Elden Ring is designed with controllers in mind, and many players find them more comfortable. However, I played the game entirely on keyboard and mouse, and while it took some time to adjust, I appreciated the precise camera control and fast inventory access. Once I customized my controls, the experience became intuitive and responsive.

Why can't I rebind the map key from G?

Answer:    
Unfortunately, the map key (default G) is locked and cannot be changed from the in-game menu. This limitation frustrated me at first, but I got used to it after a while. If it really bothers you, third-party software like AutoHotkey can be used to remap keys outside the game.

How do I switch items quickly using keyboard?

Answer:    
By default, you use the arrow keys to switch items, weapons, and magic. However, I found it awkward during fast-paced fights. I recommend rebinding item and weapon switching to 1-4 or side mouse buttons. This small change greatly improved my reaction speed when healing or casting mid-battle.

Is there a way to show both controller and keyboard prompts?

Answer:    
No, Elden Ring does not support displaying both input types simultaneously. The game will only show prompts for the most recent input method. If you touch the controller, it switches to controller UI; if you use the keyboard or mouse, it switches back.

Is it worth playing Elden Ring on PC with mouse and keyboard?

Answer:    
Absolutely, as long as you're willing to spend time customizing your setup. While the game feels tailored for a controller, my personal experience proved that with the right keybindings and a bit of patience, keyboard and mouse can feel just as natural—especially for players used to PC gaming.