Basic Movement Controls

In The Outer Worlds, you move your character using the W, A, S, and D keys on your keyboard. W moves you forward, A moves left, S moves backward, and D moves right. These are the default settings, and they work the same way in most PC games.

You can also hold down the keys to move continuously in that direction. Release the key to stop. If you want to move diagonally—forward and to the left, for example—press W and A at the same time.

Your mouse controls where you look and aim. Move your mouse to turn your head and point your weapon or view in different directions. The combination of keyboard movement and mouse aiming lets you move in one direction while looking in another, which is useful in combat.

Key Takeaways

  • Use W, A, S, and D keys to move forward, left, backward, and right; these are the default controls.
  • Hold Shift to sprint and move faster, though sprinting drains your action points over time.
  • Press Spacebar to jump, and you can jump while moving in any direction.
  • You can rebind all movement keys in the Settings menu under Controls if you prefer a different layout.
  • Crouching with Ctrl lets you move quietly and take cover behind objects during combat.

Sprinting and Running Faster

Hold down Shift while pressing a movement key to sprint. Sprinting makes your character run faster, which is useful when you need to cross open areas quickly or escape danger. However, sprinting drains your action points (AP), a resource that also powers your special attacks and abilities in combat.

Once your action points are depleted, you cannot sprint until they regenerate. You will see your AP bar in the bottom right of your screen. If you are in the middle of combat or need to save your AP for attacks, it is often better to walk normally instead of sprinting.

Jumping and Vertical Movement

Press Spacebar to jump. You can jump while standing still or while moving in any direction. Jumping also costs action points, so use it strategically. In The Outer Worlds, jumping is less about parkour and more about clearing small obstacles or reaching slightly elevated areas.

Some areas of the game world have platforms or ledges you can reach by jumping. If you cannot reach something by jumping, the game usually does not intend for you to go there. Jumping in combat can help you dodge incoming fire or reposition yourself quickly.

Crouching for Stealth and Cover

Press Ctrl to crouch. When you crouch, your character moves more slowly but makes less noise, making it harder for enemies to detect you. Crouching is especially useful if you are trying to sneak past enemies or approach them without being seen.

Crouching also lets you take cover behind objects like crates, walls, and furniture. When you are behind cover, enemies have a harder time hitting you with ranged attacks. In stealth-focused playthroughs, crouching is one of your most important tools.

Customizing Your Movement Controls

If the default W, A, S, D layout does not feel comfortable, you can change it. Open the main menu, go to Settings, then select Controls. You will see a list of every action in the game, including movement. Click on the action you want to rebind—for example, "Move Forward"—and press the key you want to use instead.

You can also adjust your mouse sensitivity in the Controls menu. If your camera feels too fast or too slow when you move the mouse, lowering or raising the sensitivity value will help. Most players find a sensitivity between 50 and 80 comfortable, but this is personal preference.

Movement in Different Situations

In exploration and dialogue, you move at a normal walking pace. When you are in combat, your movement speed is tied to your action points—sprinting costs AP, so you have to choose between moving fast and having AP left for attacks. In stealth sections, crouching is usually the best approach because it keeps you quiet and lets you use cover.

Some areas of the game world have slopes, stairs, and uneven terrain. Your character will climb stairs and slopes automatically as you move forward; you do not need to do anything special. If an area is too steep or too high to climb, you will not be able to move forward, and the game will guide you toward a path you can use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my movement speed without sprinting?

No, there is no walk-slower option in The Outer Worlds. You move at one normal speed or you sprint. If you want to move quietly, crouch instead—crouching is slower and quieter than normal walking.

Does sprinting use the same action points as my attacks?

Yes. Action points power both sprinting and your special attacks and abilities. If you use all your AP to sprint, you will have none left for combat moves until your AP regenerates.

What happens if I try to jump somewhere too high?

Your character will jump but land back where you started. You cannot reach areas the game does not intend for you to access. If you need to get somewhere higher, look for stairs, ramps, or another path nearby.

Can I move while in dialogue with an NPC?

No. When you are talking to a character, your movement keys are disabled. You can only move again after the dialogue ends or you close the dialogue window.

Is there a way to move without making noise?

Crouching makes you much quieter than walking or sprinting. Enemies are less likely to hear you when you crouch, especially if you move slowly and stay out of their line of sight.