Crimson Desert - Controls

Crimson Desert has a combat system that takes some getting used to. You can switch between weapon attacks, hand to hand moves, elemental skills and Axiom Force, often using combinations of two buttons. Learning a few essential inputs makes exploring Pywel and surviving difficult fights considerably easier.

This Crimson Desert controls guide covers the Classic PlayStation layout shown in the game's settings, alongside the equivalent Xbox controller buttons. PC players can also use keyboard and mouse, although their exact bindings should be checked in the game's control settings.

Crimson Desert Controls for PS5, Xbox and PC

The following table combines the main movement and combat actions into one reference. PlayStation bindings are taken from the Classic layout. Xbox inputs are corresponding button equivalents, not a separately verified Xbox preset. PC key assignments are not shown in the supplied controller screenshots.

Some commands share buttons because they work in different situations. The game also allows certain duplicate assignments, so a combination may perform a different action depending on whether you are fighting, interacting with an object or using a particular skill.

Elemental Skill Controls

Crimson Desert includes elemental abilities that can be activated through dedicated button combinations. The screenshots show the elemental control setting configured to Dedicated Buttons.

Elemental abilities become relevant as you unlock and learn the associated skills. If a combination does nothing, check whether the ability is available and whether your elemental control mode matches the one listed above.

How to Use Axiom Force

Axiom Force is useful for manipulating objects and interacting with the environment. The controls include pulling, pushing and rotating objects, which makes the ability particularly important during puzzles.

These controls apply while using Axiom Force, not during ordinary movement. The same buttons can therefore have completely different functions depending on the current action.

Quick Slots and Interaction Controls

The D Pad is also used for frequently needed equipment and consumables. The Classic layout assigns separate directions to mount access, weapons and food.

Some interactions require holding a button rather than tapping it. This is intentional when an interaction shares an input with a movement action.

Menu and Interface Controls

The Classic layout also shows the following contextual menu commands:

The Inventory, Map, Skills, Journal and Photo Mode shortcut entries are shown as unassigned in the supplied Classic layout. This does not mean those screens are unavailable. It means they do not have separate shortcuts assigned in that configuration.

How to Change Controls in Crimson Desert

Open the control settings to switch between the Classic and Default layouts or adjust individual assignments. The menu also includes options for stick input, button combinations and reversing confirmation controls.

Be careful when changing buttons used by multiple skills. The game separates controls into input groups and may warn you when two actions share an assignment.

Some duplicates are permitted. When a movement button is also assigned to an interaction, you may need to hold it to interact instead of pressing it briefly.

Crimson Desert Controls FAQ

How do you sprint in Crimson Desert?

In the Classic PlayStation layout, press Cross to sprint. The corresponding Xbox button is A.

How do you dodge or evade?

Press Circle on PlayStation or B on Xbox while using the Classic layout.

How do you perform a heavy attack?

Press R2 on PlayStation or RT on Xbox. Light attacks use R1 or RB.

How do you use elemental attacks?

With Dedicated Buttons selected, hold R2 and press Triangle for Flame, Square for Frost, Circle for Lightning or Cross for Wind.

How do you use Axiom Force?

Use the Axiom Force skill when available. During object manipulation, L2 pulls, R2 pushes and the D Pad rotates the selected object.

Why does a button perform two different actions?

Crimson Desert uses contextual controls and allows certain duplicate assignments. The result depends on the current action, skill or interaction.

Can you remap the controls?

Yes. The game provides control presets and individual button assignment options, although some inputs cannot be duplicated within the same control group.