Keyboard Controls (Regular Scheme)

The Regular keyboard scheme is the default PC layout in No Rest for the Wicked and the one most community guides assume. It mirrors familiar action-RPG conventions: WASD movement, mouse-driven camera, and combat buttons on the mouse and keyboard periphery. If you are starting Early Access fresh or returning for The Breach update, spend your first session in Sacrament practicing dodges and light-heavy combos before entering Lowland Meadows.

Movement & Camera

WASD handles character movement relative to the camera. Hold sprint to cover ground faster at a Stamina cost. Mouse movement controls the camera; adjust sensitivity in Settings if lock-on feels sluggish during Marin Woods tree cover fights. Space initiates dodge rolls — the most important defensive input. Rolls consume Stamina and their speed depends on Equip Load, so mid-roll fat builds feel noticeably slower than dexterity-focused loadouts.

Combat Bindings

Primary mouse button performs light attacks; secondary mouse button performs heavy attacks. Combine these with directional input for combo chains unique to each weapon class. Katanas like Wind of Death emphasize quick light chains into a heavy finisher, while greatclubs such as Fetid Club lead with slow heavies to break poise. Shift (or the designated block key) raises your guard, draining Focus on impact. Use Focus abilities on cooldown via the assigned key — typically near the weapon hand on keyboard.

Lock-on targets the nearest enemy with a dedicated key, usually a side keyboard button. Toggle lock-on during Rookery crow swarms and Nameless Pass narrow bridges where falling is as dangerous as enemy damage. Switch targets while locked to prioritize casters or archers supporting a melee elite.

Items & Interaction

Interact with NPCs, doors, and loot using the standard forward key (commonly E). Quick-slot healing items and throwable consumables on number keys. Open inventory to equip gear, socket runes, and review stat requirements for Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, and Faith. The journal tracks main quest objectives — pair it with our main quest walkthrough for sequence clarity.

Menus & Map

Escape opens the system menu; additional keys open character stats, equipment, and the world map. The map fills as you explore — cross-reference zone pages like Lowland Meadows and Marin Woods for collectible locations. No Rest for the Wicked does not pause in multiplayer Realms, so bind menu keys you will not accidentally press during Together co-op.

Tips for Regular Layout Users

• Enable the enemy poise bar in Gameplay settings immediately.
• Practice dodge timing against Sacrament training dummies if available post-patch.
• Keep Stamina above one dodge cost before committing to heavy attack strings.
• Compare with Alternative scheme if dodge on Space feels awkward.
• Document your own muscle memory notes until full rebind support arrives.

Controller players or couch co-op hosts may prefer the controller layout page instead. For build-specific stamina and Focus budgeting, see builds overview.

Regular Scheme Combat Drills

Practice three-drill routine in meadow: dodge through attack, light-light-heavy on stagger, block single hit with Focus monitoring. Repeat until muscle memory before Rookery crows. Mouse camera snap helps track aerial targets — increase sensitivity slightly if losing lock on vertical fights.

Menu and UI Shortcuts

Memorize inventory, map, and journal keys before co-op — menu navigation during combat impossible. Character stat screen review after every level-up ensuring primary stat progression on track toward Wind of Death or Fetid Club requirements per weapons tier list.

Common Regular Layout Pain Points

• Pinky fatigue on Shift block during long sessions — consider Alternative scheme.
• Accidental menu open on nearby keys during boss fights.
• Mouse sensitivity too low for Rookery aerial lock-on swaps.
• Forgetting sprint key during Breach long traversals.

Transition to Endgame Content

Regular scheme users entering Cerim Crucible and Breach should confirm dodge key muscle memory under pressure — Cyvion leap attacks punish hesitation. Hardcore sectors leave no room for relearning bindings mid-fight. Pair control mastery with build optimization on respec guide before floor ten pushes.