Outbound Controls Guide
Every Outbound keybind plus answers to the most-asked control questions: how to equip the axe, how to use Homing Boots, how to track a landmark.
Full keybind table
| Action | Keyboard | Gamepad |
|---|---|---|
| Interact / pick up | F | X (button) |
| Sprint | Shift | L3 |
| Crouch | C | B (hold) |
| Toggle tool (axe/pickaxe) | Auto (context) | Auto |
| Map | M | Touchpad / Select |
| Headlights | L (hold to kill) | D-pad right (hold) |
| Track landmark | T (look at landmark) | RS click |
| Companion recall | G | D-pad down |
| Sleep / wait | Z (in bed) | Y (in bed) |
Three controls people most often miss
1. Equipping the axe
The axe (and every other tool) is auto-equipped on context. There is no hotbar slot. Stand next to a tree and the F prompt appears; press it and your character swings the axe. If you cannot see a prompt, the tool is still in the van toolbox.
2. Using Homing Boots
Homing Boots are an exploration aid. Once equipped:
- Toggle on/off with B (keyboard) or LB (gamepad).
- An on-screen arrow snaps to your current pinned landmark.
- The arrow updates in real time as you move — great for off-road navigation.
- For full mechanics see the dedicated Homing Boots guide.
3. Tracking a landmark
Aim at the landmark in the world (or on the map screen) and press T. A waypoint pin appears on your HUD until reached. Multiple waypoints can stack — they appear as numbered pins.
Headlights — full toggle behaviour
Tap L to cycle low-beam / high-beam, hold L for 2 s to kill them entirely. Driving with lights off increases nocturnal fauna spawn rate — useful for hunting drops (see night survival).
Common control questions
How do you equip the axe in Outbound?
Outbound uses contextual tool switching — you cannot manually slot the axe to a hotbar. Walk up to a tree and the F prompt (X on gamepad) automatically equips the axe. If the prompt doesn't appear, the axe is still in the van toolbox; open the driver-side storage panel.
How do you use Homing Boots in Outbound?
Homing Boots auto-track the nearest pinned landmark — tap the boot toggle (B on keyboard, LB on gamepad) and a navigation arrow snaps to the active waypoint. They are equipped from the gear menu and stay active until you toggle off. There is no separate 'use' button per step.
How do you track a landmark in Outbound?
Aim the camera at the landmark on the map view or in the world (binocular zoom helps), then press T (or RS click on gamepad). A waypoint icon appears in your HUD until the landmark is reached or you cancel via the map.
Can I rebind controls in Outbound?
Yes — Settings -> Input has full PC and gamepad rebinds. The only locked binding is the menu close key (Esc / Start).