Every default key, shown as printed on your own keyboard.
The game binds keys by position, not by the letter printed on them. If you use a German-style (QWERTZ) keyboard, Z and Y are swapped: the key that readies your weapon is the one printed Y, and the one printed Z frees the mouse cursor. Pick your layout below and every key in this codex changes to match.
Combat
Key
Does
Z
Ready or sheathe weaponOn a QWERTZ keyboard this is the key printed Y.
Right mouse
Swing weapon / shoot bowHold and drag: sideways slashes, down chops, up thrusts.
H
Switch hand
Backspace
Cast spell
Q
Recast last spell
`
Abort spell
U
Use magic item
Movement
Key
Does
W
Move forward
S
Move back
A
Move left
D
Move right
Left Shift
Run
Space
Jump
C
Crouch (this is sneaking)Crouched movement trains Stealth.
Middle mouse
Auto-run
←
Turn left
→
Turn right
Page Up
Float up (levitate, swim)
Page Down
Float down (levitate, swim)
K
Follow pathsAboard a ship the same key raises or lowers the spyglass.
K
Raise or lower the spyglass (aboard a ship)Shares K with Follow paths: ashore the road's, aboard the glass's.
Interacting
Key
Does
Left mouse
Activate: open, pick up, pick locksClicking a locked door attempts the lock.
E
Interact
F
Talk
Left Alt
Mode wheel: Steal, Grab, Info, TalkHold, flick the mouse toward a mode, release. Steal mode is pickpocketing.
P
Loot all
J
Open loot
Enter
Activate under cursor
Y
Free the mouse cursorOn a QWERTZ keyboard this is the key printed Z.
Tab
Quick dial
Screens
Key
Does
F5
Character sheet (and level up)A pending level-up is applied when you open this sheet.
F6
Inventory
I
Status
L
Quest log
N
Notebook
M
Automap
V
Travel map
Numpad /
Family tree
Hotbar
Key
Does
1
Quick use 1
2
Quick use 2
3
Quick spell
4
Quick off-hand
5
Hotbar 56 to 0 are hotbar slots 6–10.
Light & camera
Key
Does
O
Torch on/off
G
Drop torch
X
Throw torch
Mouse side button
First / third personA side button on the mouse.
B
Switch shoulder
Numpad +
Auto perspective
Travel & rest
Key
Does
R
RestOnline: one night at most every ten minutes of play.
Open Settings → Controls from the Esc menu. Anything can be rebound, including the mouse buttons. If a key seems dead, check it is not bound twice there.