Controls
From WikiAOC
AoC's real time combat system is revolutionary but requires a lot of keys in a quite a few different combinations to fight effectively. Those who master the control system will dominate. However, the default control layout can be improved upon and most people will need to to be effective. This is meant to be a guide to different control layouts.
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[edit] Default controls
Left hand on left side of keyboard. Index finger on W in WASD directional control configuration.
Right hand on mouse or on top row of keyboard.
Advantages: Most similar to other games default keyboard layout.
Disadvantages: A lot of keys to hit with the left hand.
[edit] ESDF
Moving WASD one set of keys over to ESDF. This can include maping the number keys around that configuration or not. The advantages of this is that it's already the normal home row so it can "feel" more natural. If the number keys are left to default bindings it makes more of them easier to reach. It's easier to find the resting position as the "F" key has a bump.
[edit] Number pad
Instead of using a mouse using the number pad for the right hand to control the action buttons and directions of attack. Arrow keys could be used for a quick bar change. Advantages: moving a over half the work load from left hand to the right. Disadvantages: No mouse control. This will be more important to different classes and play styles. Looting drops is still done by clicking but that is more of an annoyance than a necessity. Some players swear that they need the speed of turning with a mouse in pvp.
[edit] Scroll wheel for attack directions
(from an old forum post sorry but can't find it) Scroll in = Attack foward Scroll Left = Attack upper left Scroll Right = Attack upper right
Which leaves Q and E or the two side buttons on my mouse to handle the Lower attacks then they become available (I currently have the side buttons set to Sheath and Stealth).
http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a60...ouseLayout.png
[edit] "Low" on the keyboard
(again from an old forum post sorry but can't find it) I usually play "low" on the keyboard using the following unorthodox setup in other games, mainly wow.
X=forward Z= left strafe C= right Strafe Space= backwards <=jump
The reason I play "low" on my keyboard is because I want easy access to the Shift and Ctrl keys.
With this setup I can easily use mouse button 3, 4, 5, wheel up, wheel down in combination with Shift and Ctrl; giving in alles 15 keybindings within easy reach that allows me to always keep my left hand fingers on the directional keys (I need only the pinkyfinger to operate Shift or Ctrl). For instance mouse button 4 = Sinister Strike, Shift + mouse button 4 = Rupture and so on.
I love this setup cause I don't have to use the hard to reach 1, 2, 3 keys at all.
Is my setup gonna be able to fly with Age of Conan or do I have to get some new hardware? MarsUltor
[edit] Key input macros
At last rumor, macros are supposed to be allowed in the game. Double check before attempting to use key input macros as this may change and other games have banned players for using key macros. Some keyboards/alternative keying devices will allow a user to setup more than one key stroke on a key. There is also some open source software which will allow one to do this (what is it?) For AoC this would mean setting up the combo and the directional attacks to trigger it on one key press (macro). The advantage of this is that it may be easier to get them off. The disadvantages is how movement would work during the middle of the combo. Also, it would dumb down the whole point of the system. It's untested but it may be possible to sprint / block in the middle of a combo in which case a macro would be disadvantages.
[edit] Multi button mice
The idea here is have as many mouse buttons as possible and put as many key commands on the mouse as possible. Usually shoot, attack, stealth etc.
[edit] Auto run for forward
The idea here is to keybind autorun to the forward key instead of the normal forward button. This frees up the hand to not have to hold down both mouse buttons or the forward key. In AoC this may not work well for some (melee?) classes since a double tap forward is supposed to give a short attack buff. In a left hand keyboard right hand mouse configuration some have opted to key the strafe keys to A and D and only use the mouse for turning. Again this might not work well in AoC for dodging purposes.
[edit] Alternative keying devices
[edit] G15
This keyboard has 6 other keys to create macros on.
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/keyboards/keyboard/devices/3498&cl=us,en
[edit] Nostromo N52
Some gamers swear by these. One of the icons of alternative keying devices. A molded form for comfort and a maximum of buttons in an intuitive layout. Can take some time to setup.
http://catalog.belkin.com/IWCatProductPage.process?Product_Id=390404
http://www.n52te.com/community/index.php
http://forums.ageofconan.com/showthread.php?t=82647
[edit] Wolfking
This has a few different versions. One with the pad attached to a keyboard and another with a separate key device.
[edit] Zboard gaming keyboard
Another icon.
http://www.ideazon.com/us/products/
[edit] XBox 360 Controller
As a "Games For Windows" AoC is supposed to work with the 360 controller even on a pc. New controllers are supposed to have USB support but I haven't heard about support for the old controllers or if there is even a difference.
[edit] Ergodex Dx1 Pad
This pad has moveable keys that can be bound to either macros or individual key-presses. Currently vista is only supported via third party drivers.
[edit] Gaming mice
[edit] Logitech G5
A laser driven mouse with user selectable sensitivity, up to 2000 dpi. Older models, distinguished by their metallica finish, only sported six buttons. A second thumb button has been added to the newer, blue coated model, for a total of seven buttons. Both models have three buttons on the wheel, two of which are actived by leaning the wheel either left or right, and the third as the standard wheel button.
The G5 is a laser driven mouse that allows the user to set up to 5 different DPI levels, and therefore control mouse speed in game.
Sadly it also supports a weight cartridge system, which comes with a really nice silver case with 'G5' written on it. The case is the best part of weight cartridge system which is the dumbest thing I have ever heard of outside WOW.
http://www.logitech.com/index.cfm/mice_pointers/mice/devices/359&cl=au,en
