Controls Reference

Master every keybinding to climb faster, safer, and with better control. PC controls are listed first — console controls are below.

PC Controls (Keyboard + Mouse)

Action	Key	Notes
Move	`W / A / S / D` or `Arrow Keys`	Standard WASD movement. Combine with Shift to sprint.
Sprint	`Shift`	⚠️ NEVER sprint on snow plains — hidden crevasses cause instant death!
Jump	`Spacebar`	Used for crossing gaps and overcoming small obstacles. Costs stamina.
Ice Axe — Left Swing	`Left Mouse Button`	Swing left ice axe. Alternate with Right Mouse Button for climbing speed.
Ice Axe — Right Swing	`Right Mouse Button`	Swing right ice axe. Alternate with Left Mouse Button for climbing speed.
Get Up / Interact	`F`	Recover from falls and interact with objects (refill stations, doors, team tether).
Wipe Visor	`C`	Clear frost from your visor during blizzards. Hold for continuous wiping.
Shift Lock Camera	`Left Ctrl`	Locks camera to your character's direction. Essential for ridgeline strafing — impossible in standard third-person. Required technique for speedrunning.
Shoulder Swap	`Caps Lock`	Switch camera shoulder (left/right). Useful for navigation on asymmetric terrain.
Rope Attach	`Click on Player`	Click on a teammate while holding a rope to attach. Essential for team tethering above Camp 2.

Console Controls (Xbox / PlayStation)

Action	Xbox Controller	Notes
Move	`Left Stick`	Standard analog movement. Push in direction to move.
Sprint	`L3` (press left stick)	Hold to sprint. Same rules as PC — no sprinting on snow plains.
Jump	`X Button`	Cross gaps and overcome obstacles. Costs stamina.
Ice Axe — Left Swing	`L2`	Left trigger controls left ice axe swing.
Ice Axe — Right Swing	`R2`	Right trigger controls right ice axe swing.
Interact / Get Up	`N/A`	Console does not have a dedicated interact key. Check in-game control mapping.
Wipe Visor	`N/A`	Console does not have a dedicated visor wipe key. Check in-game control mapping.

⚠️ Console Limitations

Console players do not have dedicated keys for Visor Wipe and Interact. This is a significant disadvantage during blizzards — your screen will frost over and you will be effectively blind. Consider using a keyboard adapter (like the Cronus or XIM) for full control functionality.

Advanced Control Techniques

Shift Lock Strafing

What it is: Using Shift Lock (Left Ctrl) to lock your camera direction while strafing along narrow ridgelines. This technique is impossible in standard third-person and is required for safe ridgeline navigation.

How to use: Press Left Ctrl to enable Shift Lock, then use A/D to strafe while keeping your camera aimed at the ridgeline. Your character faces the camera direction, allowing precise movement along exposed edges.

First-Person Ice Axe Placement

What it is: Using first-person view to aim ice axe swings at the optimal placement points on vertical ice walls. First-person provides better hitbox detection for ice axe placement.

How to use: Zoom in (right-click or specific key) to enter first-person mode while climbing vertical sections. Aim your ice axe at the floor/wall junction for best grip.

Continuous Visor Wiping

What it is: Holding the C key continuously during blizzards to maintain clear vision. The default key may cause slight delays — advanced players often remap C to a mouse button for uninterrupted wiping while climbing.

How to use: During a blizzard whiteout, hold C and tap it rhythmically to keep your visor clear. If you stop wiping, your screen frosts over within seconds and you lose all visibility.

Animation Canceling (Speedrun)

What it is: A technique where players rapidly switch between standard Carbon Picks and Supporter Carbon Picks to bypass the stamina cooldown animation, effectively reducing climbing stamina cost.

⚠️ Post-Nerf Notice

This technique was significantly nerfed after the Carbon Picks update. While some players still use it, the efficiency gains are now much lower. Focus on geographical shortcuts and momentum conservation instead for speedrunning.

Camera Settings for Optimal Climbing

Camera settings significantly impact your ability to navigate safely. Here are the recommended settings for different situations:

Situation	Camera Mode	Why
General Climbing	Third-Person	Best overall visibility for route planning and obstacle navigation.
Narrow Ridgelines	Shift Lock (First-Person)	Precise strafing control impossible in third-person.
Vertical Ice Walls	First-Person	Better ice axe hitbox detection for optimal placement.
Snow Plains	Third-Person	Wider view to spot crevasses and navigate safely.
Blizzard Whiteout	First-Person	Reduce visual noise, focus on immediate path.

🎮 Practice Mode

Before attempting your first full climb, spend 10–15 minutes in the base camp area practicing these control techniques, especially Shift Lock strafing and first-person ice axe placement. Muscle memory for these controls can mean the difference between life and death on the mountain.