Resources
Controls Reference
Every keybind on PC, with notes on the few console-only actions.
Movement controls
| Action | Key | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Move forward | W | Hold to sprint |
| Move back | S | — |
| Strafe left | A | — |
| Strafe right | D | — |
| Jump | Space | Hold for higher jumps |
| Crouch | C | Reduces hitbox |
| Sprint | Shift | Hold while moving |
Combat and interaction
| Action | Key | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Primary fire / use | Left click | Depends on held item |
| Secondary fire | Right click | Aim-down-sights on ranged weapons |
| Reload | R | Spud Gun family only |
| Melee | F | Sledgehammer swing |
| Interact | E | Talk to NPCs, open chests |
| Drop item | Q | Drops held item at feet |
Inventory and crafting
| Action | Key | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Inventory | Tab | Opens player inventory |
| Crafting menu | C | Opens Craftbot when nearby |
| Quick-bar | 1-9 | Select hotbar slot |
| Drop stack | Shift + Q | Drops entire stack |
| Move stack | Drag + drop | Move items between slots |
Build mode
| Action | Key | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Open build menu | B | Place a part on the hotbar |
| Attach part | F | Hold F and click a surface |
| Rotate part | R | Rotate 90 degrees |
| Select tool | Ctrl + T | Box-select creations |
| Save build | Ctrl + S | Save clipboard |
| Paste build | Ctrl + V | Paste clipboard |
Vehicle controls (Driver Seat)
| Action | Key | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Accelerate | W | — |
| Brake / reverse | S | — |
| Steer | A / D | — |
| Handbrake | Space | Locks wheels |
| Boost | Shift | When battery allows |
| Headlights | L | Toggle headlights |
| Horn | H | Toggle horn |
Helicopter controls (Pilot Seat)
| Action | Key | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Collective pitch | W / S | Raise / lower altitude |
| Cyclic | Mouse | Pitch and roll |
| Yaw | A / D | Rotate |
| Throttle | Shift | Increase rotor speed |
Map and HUD
| Action | Key | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Compass | Always on | Top of screen |
| Quest log | J | Open quest dialog |
| Pause | Escape | Opens settings menu |
| Screenshot | F12 | Saves to screenshots folder |
Console differences
There is no console version of Scrap Mechanic at the time of writing. The game is PC-only on Steam. All keybinds above are for Windows, but the layout is identical on Mac and Linux.
For tips on how to use these controls in practice, see the getting started guide and the first vehicle guide.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions.
Can I remap keys?
Yes. Open the settings menu (Escape) and select Controls. Every keybind can be remapped.
Are there controller keybinds?
There is no official controller support in vanilla Scrap Mechanic. The community has controller mods for keyboard-and-mouse style play.
What is the most important keybind?
F. Hold F to attach parts to surfaces. Almost every build mechanic starts with F.