Dirtbound field guide
Dirtbound controls
Get comfortable with the default keyboard and gamepad bindings before the next stage.
Keyboard controls
Use WASD or the arrow keys to drive. Space operates the handbrake and C switches the camera. Click inside the game window first so the game receives your input.
| Action | Default keys |
|---|---|
| Accelerate | W or ↑ |
| Brake / reverse | S or ↓ |
| Steer left | A or ← |
| Steer right | D or → |
| Handbrake | Space |
| Change camera | C |
| Pause | Esc or P |
| Return to road / restart lap | R |
| Use item in experimental mode | E or Enter |
R depends on the mode. On a rally stage it returns your car to the road and can add a time penalty. On a circuit it restarts the lap by returning you to the approach to the start line. Escape always pauses, even if you change the Pause binding.
Try your inputs here
Click Start keyboard test, then press a driving key. The matching key lights up below. This test runs only on this page and does not change the game's controls.
The keyboard test is off.
Controller reference
Connect your pad before launching the game and press a button after the game opens. The original game's controls menu lists these bindings:
| Action | Gamepad input |
|---|---|
| Steer | Left stick or D-pad |
| Accelerate | Right trigger |
| Brake / reverse | Left trigger |
| Handbrake | A |
| Use item | B or RB |
| Change camera | Y |
| Pause | Start |
| Reset / restart | Select |
Button names follow the game's Xbox-style labels. Other controllers can display different symbols. In the menu, use the D-pad to move, A to confirm and B to go back.
Change a binding
- Open Settings in the original game and choose Controls.
- Select the binding you want to change, then press the new key.
- Use Escape to cancel a change, or Backspace to clear a binding.
- Use the reset-to-defaults option if you want the standard layout again.
Touch input
Open the original game on your phone or tablet and follow its touch guidance. Keep the road visible and avoid placing fingers over the part of the screen you need for the next corner. The keyboard test above is intended for a physical keyboard.
Game references
This guide follows the original game's menu and published controls. Saved bindings and later game updates may change what you see.