Controls

Controls overview

Crimson Desert features a combo-focused control scheme inspired by action games like Devil May Cry and fighting games. The combat system rewards multi-hit combos, well-timed parries, and advanced techniques that require simultaneous button presses. The controls are designed primarily around gamepad (recommended), though full keyboard and mouse support is available. Reviewers note the control scheme is ambitious and complex. Mastering the multi-button combinations unlocks spectacular combat moves.

Gamepad controls (PlayStation / Xbox)

PC keyboard and mouse controls

Full keyboard remapping is available in the settings menu. Note that some advanced combos may feel less intuitive on keyboard/mouse compared to gamepad. A controller is strongly recommended for combat-heavy gameplay.

Advanced combat controls

The most powerful moves in Crimson Desert require simultaneous button combinations:

Combat system

The combat system in Crimson Desert is not a Soulslike. It emphasizes multi-hit combos, juggling, and spectral special moves rather than methodical stamina-based dueling. Key mechanics:

• Light and heavy attacks: Foundation of all combos. Chain them in different orders for varied finishers

• Parrying: Time your block (L1) precisely when an enemy attack lands to parry. Successful parries stagger the enemy and open them for a riposte

• Riposte: After a successful parry, press R1 for a powerful counter-attack

• Dodging: Circle/B provides invincibility frames. Stamina governs dodge frequency but does not restrict attacks

• Stamina: Governs evasion and sprinting. Does not restrict basic attacks, so you can always fight even when stamina is low

• Kick combos: Triangle/Y kick can be chained into light/heavy follow-ups. The Spartan Kick is especially effective near ledges

Focus Mode

Press L3 + R3 to enter Focus Mode, a superpower state that slows time and enables cinematic combat sequences. In Focus Mode:

• Aim a reticle at environmental objects (pillars, boulders) to interact with them

• Perform enhanced combo finishers with spectral effects

• Some boss encounters require Focus Mode to exploit specific weaknesses

• Focus Mode drains a resource bar that recharges through combat

Ranged combat

• Aim: Hold L2 to draw your bow and aim. Release to fire

• Precision Focus: While aiming, enter a dead-eye targeting mode for precise headshots

• Special arrows: Explosive and freezing arrows are available for tactical ranged combat

• Palm Attacks: L2 without bow equipped fires elemental Palm Attacks. Switch elements with D-Pad Left/Right

Traversal controls

• Paragliding: Jump from a high point and hold Jump to deploy the glider

• Grappling hook: Aim at grapple points and fire to slingshot yourself upward, then transition into a glide

• Force Palm: Use Palm Attack mid-air for propulsion. Extends glide distance

• Mounting: Triangle/Y near a tamed mount to ride. Horses, bears, raptors, and wolves each have different speeds and abilities

• Swimming: Enter water to swim. Stamina governs swim duration

Stealth controls

Crimson Desert supports stealth approaches in certain areas:

• Crouch: Reduces detection range. Move slowly through enemy camps

• Stealth takedowns: Approach unaware enemies from behind for instant kills

• Distraction: Throw objects to lure enemies away from their posts

• Camouflage: In hunting scenarios, use vegetation cover to approach wildlife undetected

Tips

• Use a gamepad. The combo system is designed around simultaneous button presses that feel more natural on a controller

• Master parrying early. It is the single most important defensive technique and opens enemies for massive riposte damage

• The Spartan Kick (Triangle in combat) near ledges is an instant kill on most regular enemies

• Focus Mode is not unlimited. Use it strategically during boss vulnerability windows, not on regular enemies

• Stamina does not restrict your attacks, only dodging and sprinting. Keep swinging even when stamina is low

• The Grab + Neckbreaker combo (Circle + Triangle) deals enormous damage to stunned enemies

• Keyboard players should rebind advanced combos to comfortable keys. The default multi-key presses can be awkward