The screen flickered to life, showing the dark world of Dark Souls III. It called me to test my skills again. But this time, I had to learn the PC controls. I was determined to master the game with my keyboard and mouse.
This guide is for those who like using a keyboard and mouse or a gamepad. It will teach you how to play Dark Souls III on your computer. We’ll cover everything from moving your character to fighting and using menus.
Key Takeaways
- Discover the essential keyboard and mouse controls for navigating Dark Souls III’s world
- Learn how to effectively use a PlayStation or Xbox controller on your PC
- Explore advanced combat techniques, including special attacks and plunging strikes
- Customize your control setup to suit your playstyle and preferences
- Troubleshoot common control issues and optimize your experience
Let’s start and learn about Dark Souls III’s PC controls. This guide will help you, whether you’re new or experienced. You’ll be ready to conquer the game on your PC.
Understanding the Basics of DS3 PC Controls
Learning the controls in Dark Souls III (DS3) on your PC is key to moving around and winning fights. We’ll cover the basic controls for moving your character, adjusting the camera, and interacting with the world.
Navigating the Game World
To move your character, use the WASD keys on your keyboard. The W key moves you forward, the S key moves you backward, the A key turns left, and the D key turns right. Pressing the Shift key with WASD makes you dash or run. The Space bar is for backstepping and rolling, helping you dodge attacks.
Adjusting the Camera View
The mouse controls the camera in DS3 on PC. Move the mouse to tilt the camera and see around you. The middle mouse button resets the camera or locks onto enemies. Move the mouse to switch between targets.
“The controls for Dark Souls III on the PlayStation and Xbox platforms involve various combinations of buttons and sticks for actions such as moving, dashing, rolling, and attacking.”
At first, the PC controls might seem hard, but practice makes perfect. With time, you’ll easily navigate Dark Souls III’s tough world. Mastering character movement and camera control is crucial for success.
Mastering Combat Techniques
In Dark Souls 3 on PC, mastering combat is key. You need to know how to use your attack right hand pc and attack left hand pc well.
To attack with your right hand, just left-click. For a stronger hit, press Shift and left-click. Use right-click for your left hand, which can block or parry.
Dark Souls 3 also has special moves to help you win battles. Use the C key for a kick pc. Jump and attack at the same time for a jump attack pc. Sprint and attack for a dash attack pc, or roll and strike for a roll attack pc. Jumping down on an enemy is how you do the plunge attack pc.
Learning these moves is key to beating Dark Souls 3. With practice, you’ll get better and become a strong warrior on PC.

“The game’s design philosophy emphasizes creating a sense of dread, repetition of defeat, and testing the player’s perseverance, all of which contribute to the game’s immersive experience.”
Keep practicing and you’ll beat even the toughest fights in Dark Souls 3 on your PC.
ds3 pc controls: Customizing Your Keyboard and Mouse Setup
Dark Souls 3 on PC lets you customize controls to fit your style. The Dark Souls Input Customizer mod lets you change every action to any key or button on your keyboard, mouse, or controller. You can adjust camera movement and bow aiming separately, and even use special moves like Roll-Only and Leap Attack.
This mod works with DSFix and is for the latest Steam version of Dark Souls. But, some antivirus software might flag it because it uses special techniques.
One great thing about the Dark Souls Input Customizer is how it lets you add more files for other mods or injectors. This means you can make your Dark Souls 3 even more your own.
You can also set up your controls to use any key or button for different actions. This is great for players who like certain setups for their keyboard or mouse.
Even with its benefits, the mod has some issues. For example, the Auto Cursor might turn on when you open certain doors, and controlling dialog with a co-op partner can be tricky with the mouse. Also, you can’t use keybindings in the main menu to avoid problems with navigation and entering character names.
With the Dark Souls Input Customizer, you can make the ds3 pc controls fit your keyboard controls pc and mouse controls pc perfectly.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Full Customization | Rebind every action to arbitrary combinations of keys or buttons on keyboard, mouse, or controller |
| Advanced Options | Separate sensitivities for camera movement and bow aiming, non-standard bindings like Roll-Only, Kick, and Leap Attack |
| Compatibility | Compatible with DSFix and designed for the latest, fully patched Steam version of Dark Souls |
| Remote Loading | Allow remote loading of additional files for increased compatibility with other mods or injectors |
| Arbitrary Bindings | Customize input bindings for an arbitrary combination of keys and buttons, enabling multiple actions to be bound to the same key |
| Known Issues | Auto Cursor briefly activating when opening certain doors, inability to control dialog when summoning a co-op partner with mouse cursor |
By using the Dark Souls Input Customizer, you can make the ds3 pc controls fit your keyboard controls pc and mouse controls pc perfectly.
Using a Controller on PC
Many players prefer using a gamepad for Dark Souls 3 on PC over keyboard and mouse controls. You can easily set up and connect both PlayStation and Xbox controllers to your computer. The game will automatically recognize the controller, letting you use the familiar layout for navigation, combat, and menus.
Configuring PlayStation and Xbox Controllers
To use a PS3 or PS4 controller on your PC, plug it in with a USB cable or use a wireless adapter. The game will automatically set up the buttons. For Xbox 360 or Xbox One controllers, just plug them in with a USB cable, and the game will recognize them right away.
If you have trouble with the controller, you can use controller mapping software or gamepad configuration tools. These tools let you change the button assignments to what you prefer. This can make your gaming experience more comfortable and enjoyable.
| Controller Type | Connection Method | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| PlayStation Controller | USB or Wireless Adapter | Automatic detection and button mapping |
| Xbox Controller | USB Cable | Automatic detection and button mapping |
Spending time to configure your controller settings can really improve your ds3 pc controls. Try out different button layouts to find what feels best for you.

“Mastering the controller is key to unlocking the full potential of Dark Souls 3 on PC.”
Navigating Menus and Inventory
In Dark Souls 3 on PC, learning how to use the in-game menus and manage your inventory is key to winning. The ds3 pc controls make it easy to open menu pc, check out different functions, and switch tab pc smoothly.
To open the main menu, just hit the Esc key. Then, use the D-pad or arrow keys to move cursor pc and go through the tabs. Press the E key to confirm pc your choices, and the Q key to cancel pc out of menus.
The function buttons pc are super important for handling your inventory and doing other stuff. For instance, the scroll pc function lets you sort pc your items. This way, you can quickly find what you need during fights.
Getting good at using the ds3 pc controls for menus and inventory is a big step in Dark Souls 3. Knowing how to use the open gesture menu pc and other buttons helps you make smart choices and improve your gameplay.
| Key | Function |
|---|---|
| Esc | Open main menu |
| D-pad or Arrow keys | Navigate menu tabs |
| E | Confirm selection |
| Q | Cancel out of menus |
| Function buttons | Manage inventory, sort items, and more |

Mastering Advanced Mechanics
Plunging Attacks and Ladder Interactions
In the world of Dark Souls 3, learning advanced controls is key to winning. One important skill is the plunging attack. You can hit enemies hard by pressing the left click while falling on them from above. It takes good timing and positioning, but it can change the battle’s outcome.
Learning how to use the game’s ladders is also vital. You’ll need to know how to climb up, climb down, or jump off them. Getting good at these ladder controls lets you move quickly, set up surprises, or escape fast.
- Do plunge attacks by pressing the left click while falling on an enemy
- Climb up and down ladders with the right keys
- Jump off ladders for a tactical move or quick escape
Using these advanced moves will open up new ways to fight and move in Dark Souls 3. Take on the challenge and let your skills lead you to victory.

Optimizing Your Control Experience
Boost your Dark Souls 3 PC gameplay by setting up your controls just right. The game lets you change the keys and buttons to fit what you like. This makes playing the game smoother and more fun.
Remapping Keys and Buttons
Check out the game’s settings to change the keys and buttons. You can make a layout that works best for you or focus on certain actions. This can make playing the game much better.
Try out different control setups to see what feels best. Adjust your mouse or gamepad sensitivity for the right mix of precision and speed. Customizing your controls can help you avoid getting frustrated and do better in Dark Souls 3.

Finding the right control setup is key to doing well in Dark Souls 3. Spend some time making your controls your own. This will help you handle the tough combat and tricky areas with ease.
Troubleshooting Common Control Issues
When you play Dark Souls 3 on your PC, you might run into control problems. These can include unresponsive inputs or button mapping issues. But don’t worry, you can fix these problems and get back to playing smoothly.
Addressing Keyboard and Mouse Woes
If your keyboard or mouse isn’t working right in Dark Souls 3, check your connections first. Make sure everything is plugged in correctly and try a different USB port. Also, make sure your keyboard and mouse drivers are current. Updating drivers can often fix compatibility issues and make things more responsive.
Resolving Controller Compatibility
If you use a controller, make sure it’s compatible with Dark Souls 3. The game works with controllers from PlayStation and Xbox, but older or less common models might cause problems. If you’re having trouble, try a different controller or update your current one’s firmware.
Troubleshooting Button Mapping
Sometimes, you might find that button mapping is off, making certain actions not work right. This can be a big problem during complex fights. To fix this, check the game’s control settings and try different button setups until you find one that works well for you.
Addressing Physical Controller Issues
Your controller’s condition might also cause problems. Worn-out buttons, broken analog sticks, or a dead battery can all affect your control. If you think it’s a hardware issue, try fixing your controller. This could mean taking it apart for repairs or replacing the battery.
Fixing control issues in Dark Souls 3 on PC takes patience, persistence, and a bit of experimentation. By tackling these common problems, you can get back to enjoying the game’s tough fights and exploration.

Conclusion
This guide has given you the skills to master the Dark Souls 3 PC controls. You now know how to move around the game world and fight. You also know how to set up your controls and fix any problems that come up.
You understand how to use keyboard and mouse controls and different input devices. This lets you make your DS3 PC control fit your style of play. You can choose between using a mouse for aiming or a keyboard for more commands. This guide has given you the tools to improve your control setup and make your gaming better.
As you keep playing Dark Souls 3, remember what you’ve learned from this article. Mastering the PC controls will help you beat the game’s tough challenges. With this knowledge, you’re set to start your next adventure in Dark Souls 3 on your computer.
FAQ
How do I navigate the game world in Dark Souls 3 on PC?
Use the WASD keys for walking, running, and dashing. The Space bar is for backstepping and rolling. Tilt the camera with the mouse, and middle mouse click resets the camera or locks on enemies.
How do I perform attacks in Dark Souls 3 on PC?
Left click for a standard attack, and Shift + left click for a stronger one. Right click is for left-hand attacks, like blocks or parries. Use special moves like the kick or jump attack by combining keys.
Can I customize the controls in Dark Souls 3 on PC?
Yes, you can customize controls in Dark Souls 3 on PC. Change key bindings to fit your style, like swapping attack buttons or using the mouse for aiming or attacks.
Can I use a controller to play Dark Souls 3 on PC?
Yes, use PlayStation or Xbox controllers with your computer. The game will recognize the controller, letting you use familiar controls for navigation, combat, and menus.
How do I navigate the menus and manage my inventory in Dark Souls 3 on PC?
Open the main menu with the Esc key and use the D-pad or arrow keys to move through tabs. Press E to confirm selections and Q to cancel. Various buttons handle tasks like switching modes or sorting items.
What are some advanced control mechanics I should master in Dark Souls 3 on PC?
Master plunging attacks by pressing left click while falling on an enemy for big damage. Use specific keys for ladder interactions, like climbing or attacking.
How can I troubleshoot common control issues in Dark Souls 3 on PC?
Fix common control problems like unresponsive keys or controller issues. Adjust your settings or check for system problems that might be causing trouble.
Source Links
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