Basic Controls & UI Navigation — Fallout 76 Guide

Get acquainted with the essential controls and user interface (UI) navigation in Fallout 76. This section will guide you through the fundamental mechanics of interacting with the world, managing your inventory, and understanding the information displayed on your screen.

Core Movement and Actions

Your survival in Appalachia depends on your ability to move and act efficiently. The primary controls are:

• Movement: Use the WASD keys on PC or the left analog stick on consoles to move your character in any direction.
• Sprinting: Hold the sprint key (Shift on PC, L3 on console) to move faster. This consumes Action Points (AP).
• Jumping: Press the jump key (Spacebar on PC, A/X on console) to leap over obstacles or reach higher ground.
• Crouching: Press the crouch key (Ctrl on PC, B/Circle on console) to reduce your visibility and make less noise, aiding in stealth.
• Melee Attack: Use the melee attack button (Left Mouse Button on PC, Right Trigger on console) for close-quarters combat.
• Fire Weapon: Use the fire weapon button (Left Mouse Button on PC, Right Trigger on console) for ranged combat.

Navigating the User Interface (UI)

The UI provides crucial information for survival:

• Health Bar: Located at the bottom left, it shows your current health. When it depletes, you'll be incapacitated.
• Action Point (AP) Bar: Adjacent to the health bar, AP is used for sprinting, V.A.T.S., and power attacks.
• Hunger and Thirst Meters: These meters indicate your character's needs. Maintaining them prevents negative status effects.
• Radiation Meter: Shows your current radiation level. High radiation can be detrimental.
• Compass: At the top of the screen, it points towards objectives, enemies, and points of interest.
• Pip-Boy: Accessed via the Pip-Boy key (Tab on PC, Touchpad/Select on console), this is your central hub for managing inventory, quests, maps, and character stats.

Pip-Boy Navigation

The Pip-Boy is your most important tool. Within it, you can access:

• Status: View your character's SPECIAL stats, S.P.E.C.I.A.L. points, diseases, and mutations.
• Inventory: Manage all items you carry, including weapons, armor, aid, junk, and ammo. You can sort and drop items here.
• Map: View the world map, track your location, and set waypoints.
• Quests: Track your active and completed quests, with detailed objectives.
• Data: Access audio logs, notes, and other lore entries.
• Social: View your friends list and manage team invitations.

Item Management

Within your inventory, you can:

• Equip Gear: Select weapons, armor, and apparel to use.
• Use Aid Items: Consume stimpaks, food, drinks, and chems.
• Scrap Junk: Break down junk items into their component crafting materials.
• Drop Items: Discard items to manage your carry weight.

Mastering these fundamental controls and UI elements is the first step to thriving in the challenging world of Fallout 76.