Playing with a mouse and keyboard isn’t for everyone; can you use keybindings with a controller on Escape From Tarkov? This strategic shooter game has loads of functions that may be difficult for controller usage, but it still may be possible. There are really loads of things you can do in the game, including crouching, movement, looting, inventory management and a whole lot more. Even using a keyboard and mouse, the different functions can get confusing and overwhelming at times. Either way, keep reading to find out if Escape from Tarkov can be played with a controller, and what some of the best keybindings are.

Can Escape From Tarkov Be Played with a Controller?

Technically, no, but also yes. As far as the game is concerned, they don’t officially allow any type of controller input. This is most likely because of the multitude of functions in the game. It’s nearly impossible that a controller would be able to handle so much. However, there are ways around this. Ways that were discovered by ambitious gamers who don’t like being confined by limitations like this one. Apart from the Official controller compatibility status, there are also unofficial ways to use a controller with Escape From Tarkov.

The easiest way you can use a controller with Escape From Tarkov is with Steam. The way to do this, is by adding the game to Steam as a “Non-Steam Game”. From there you can launch the game in Big Picture Mode. Then, you’ll be able to link any controller to your PC to play with.

The more difficult way to do this involves getting button mapping software for your controller. This let’s you skip past the game’s default button mapping settings and allows you to set up your own.

Escape from Tarkov Update 0.12.12.31 Patch Notes

What Are The Best Keybindings?

If you so choose to follow the path that requires that you set up your own keybindings, I can offer you a suggestion. Below is a very highly rated configuration that was made specifically for an Xbox Elite Controller. An Xbox Elite Controller may be a good idea for playing Escape From Tarkov primarily because of its additional back paddles that allow for extra buttons.

  • WASD
  • Left Analog Stick
  • Mouse Aiming
  • Right Analog Stick
  • Right Mouse Button
  • Right Trigger
  • Left Mouse Button
  • Left Trigger
  • “G”
  • Right Bumper
  • Left Shift
  • Left Bumper
  • “2”
  • Y
  • “R”
  • X
  • Space Bar
  • A
  • “C”
  • B
  • Scroll Up
  • D-Pad Up
  • Left Alt
  • D-Pad Left
  • “B”
  • D-Pad Right
  • Scroll Down
  • D-Pad Down
  • “Q”
  • Left Paddle
  • “E”
  • Right Paddle
  • Tab
  • Start
  • “F”
  • Select

This is only one of the many different layouts you can potentially use. Look around until you find one that works well for you, that you are comfortable using for an Escape From Tarkov controller!

  • Left Analog Stick

  • Right Analog Stick

  • Right Trigger

  • Left Trigger

  • Right Bumper

  • Left Bumper

  • Y

  • X

  • A

  • B

  • D-Pad Up

  • D-Pad Left

  • D-Pad Right

  • D-Pad Down

  • Left Paddle

  • Right Paddle

  • Start

  • Select