Being in early alpha, the interface to support customized keyboard controls aren’t available in game yet. For people who can’t function with WASD, are left-handed or absolutely must have keybinds that make sense to them, the only way to achieve that at the moment is to modify a user configuration file. It’s not very hard to do. XML is written in a “human readable” language where the keyboard commands are pretty must exactly what you’d call them. The file can be edited using Notepad or any other ASCII editing program. However, as with anytime your modifying game files, be sure to make a copy of the original first in case you completely hose it up.
Steps to manually setting up custom keybinds AFTER you make a copy of the original:
- Locate the configuration files. They will be in a location similar to this
<drive>:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\H1Z1 - Locate the InputProfile_User.xml > Right-click > choose “Open with…” > select Notepad
- File is now open for editing
The file is made up of different input/command sections. Keybinds for being on foot can be different from those used when operating a vehicle. To avoid confusion, it’s best to make them both the same but that’s certainly not required. To modify keybinds for when you’re on foot, you’re looking for the INFANTRY section. For motor vehicles it’s the GROUNDVEHICLE section.
When editing the file you can add your preference as secondary option (keeps the original settings intact) or replace them.
Editing the Basic Movement Keys
I opted to replace the defaults with my own preferences AND add custom secondary options too. This means for each action set, I have two triggers specified as seen below. It’s a good idea before using a custom key that you search (CTLR +F) to see if the game is already using that value. If so, you need to replace what will become a duplicate with a different key so you can claim the one you want.
Changing Interaction Keys
The default of using E to interact with the environment collides with my preferred movement keybinds so it had to be changed. The game will recognize the change. However, the in-game message is currently hardcoded to show “Click E to…”. Just ignore that if you changed it. What you entered into the XML file will actually work.
Changing Weapon Rotate/Cycling Keys
My keybind setup is very distinct and is exactly the same for every MMO I play. It feels natural as a touch typist and has been my standard for many years. This allows me to jump back into games where I may not even remember all the skills but will instinctively know that… My primary attacks are on A and S, and that they likely have cooldowns. My spammable attack is on D. Powerful but really long cooldowns or special procs are on F and G. My best counter move is on Z. Fallback protection and possibly on a timer is X. If I can self-heal, bandage or pop a potion it’s on C.
The section headings and commands are very intuitive. Read through the file and you might find other keybinds you want to tweak. None of the updates have overwritten this file so far. However, I keep a copy of the ORIGINAL and my CUSTOM VERSION in a different location just in case.
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