07 //
Controls Reference
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Default keybinds for Star Citizen Alpha 4.8. The game uses almost every key multiple times across three control modes: On Foot, Flight, and EVA. All binds can be rebound via ESC → Options → Key Bindings.
REBIND TIP
Export your custom layout via in-game console: pp_rebindkeys export all mybindings — saves an XML you can back up or share.
CHARACTER CONTROLS
Walking around on planets, moons, stations, and the interior of ships.
MOVEMENT
Move ForwardW
Move BackwardS
Strafe Left / RightA / D
JumpSpace
Run / SprintL-Shift
Lean Left / RightQ / E
Crouch (Toggle)L-Ctrl
Prone (Toggle)X
Interact / Inner ThoughtF
WEAPONS & ITEMS
Equip Sidearm1
Equip Primary Weapon2
Equip Multi-Tool4
Reload WeaponR
Holster (Hold)Hold R
Equip Med-PenC
FlashlightT
Toggle HelmetL-Alt+H
Wipe VisorL-Alt+X
Personal InventoryI
Controls for movement in zero gravity — Extra-Vehicular Activity.
ZERO-G MOVEMENT
Fly Forward / BackwardW / S
Strafe Left / RightA / D
Roll Left / RightQ / E
Thrust Up / DownSpace / C
BoostL-Shift
BrakeX
Your holographic wrist computer for missions, health, contacts, and the star map.
MOBIGLAS APPS
Open MobiGlasF1
StarmapF2
ContactsF11
Chat ToggleF12
Open Chat / SendEnter
Cycle Camera ModeF4
Freelook ToggleZ
SHIP CONTROLS
Main controls for flying your ship. NAV mode enables Quantum Travel. SCM mode enables weapons and shields.
THRUST & MOVEMENT
Throttle Up / DownW / S
Strafe Left / RightA / D
Roll Left / RightQ / E
Boost / AfterburnerL-Shift
Space BrakeX
Speed LimiterMouse Wheel
Cruise ControlC
Coupled / DecoupledL-Alt+C
SHIP SYSTEMS
General PowerU
Engine / ThrustersI
Ship LightsL
LAMP Night VisionR-Alt+L
Landing ModeN
Request Landing / TakeoffL-Alt+N
Toggle Quantum TravelB
Activate Quantum TravelHold B
Exit SeatHold Y
Unlock Ship ComponentsR-Alt+K
Offensive combat controls. Weapons and missiles only function in SCM mode.
WEAPONS & MISSILES
Fire Weapon Group 1 / Launch MissileLMB
Fire Weapon Group 2 / Cycle MissileRMB
Missile Operator ModeMMB
Cycle Gimbal AssistG
Reset Armed MissilesL-Alt+G
Redirect shield strength to specific facing to tank incoming fire from that direction.
COUNTERMEASURES
Deploy Noise (Flares)J
Deploy DecoyHold H
SHIELD FACING
Front / BackNum 8 / Num 2
Left / RightNum 4 / Num 6
Top / BottomNum 7 / Num 1
Reset All EqualNum 5
Change your ship’s power distribution. Keep coolers powered or risk fires and component failure.
SYSTEM TOGGLES
Power — AllU
Power — ThrustersI
Power — ShieldsO
Power — WeaponsP
DISTRIBUTION
Raise Power → WeaponsF5
Raise Power → ThrustersF6
Raise Power → ShieldsF7
Reset DistributionF8
Target lock and pin system. Pin up to three targets for rapid switching in combat.
TARGET LOCK & PINS
Lock / Unlock TargetF8
Lock Pin 1 / 2 / 31 / 2 / 3
Set Pin 1 / 2 / 3L-Alt+1/2/3
Cycle Attackers / Hostiles4 / 5
Cycle Friendlies6
Controls when operating a mining ship such as the Prospector or MOLE. Manage laser power carefully — over-energising destroys the rock.
MINING CONTROLS
Toggle Mining ModeM
Fire Mining LaserLMB
Switch Mining LaserRMB
Increase / Decrease Laser PowerL-Alt+Wheel
Cycle Laser GimbalG
Mining Consumable SlotsL-Alt+1/2/3
Jettison CargoL-Alt+J
Use your ship’s scanning capabilities to detect ore deposits, ships, and points of interest.
SCANNING CONTROLS
Toggle Scanning ModeV
Scanning Ping (Hold)Hold V
Activate ScanLMB
Increase / Decrease AngleWheel ↑ / Wheel ↓
FLIGHT TERMINOLOGY // GLOSSARY
IFCS
Intelligent Flight Control System. Your ship’s onboard computer managing flight stability and safety across all modes.
SCM
Space Combat Maneuver. Normal flight mode for travel and combat. Weapons and shields active. Speed: 75–350 m/s depending on ship.
NAV MODE
Navigation mode. Enables Quantum Travel. Shields and weapons offline — completely vulnerable. Switch to SCM before any fight.
COUPLED / DECOUPLED
Coupled: aircraft-style with auto-correction. Decoupled: Newtonian — ship continues in any direction until you thrust otherwise. Toggle: L-Alt + C.
AFTERBURNER
Uses a separate fuel tank for ~2x SCM speed. Activate with L-Shift. Monitor your afterburner fuel gauge at the bottom of the HUD.
ESP
Enhanced Stick Precision. Dampens inputs near the target to prevent overshooting. Toggle off for experienced pilots who prefer raw control.