Master the controls of Grand Theft Auto V and navigate Los Santos with ease. This guide covers the essential button inputs for movement, combat, driving, and interacting with the world, ensuring you're prepared for any situation the game throws at you.
Basic Gameplay & Controls
Grand Theft Auto V offers a fluid and intuitive control scheme that allows players to seamlessly transition between walking, driving, flying, and combat. Understanding these controls is fundamental to your success and enjoyment of the game.
On Foot Controls
When controlling Michael, Franklin, or Trevor on foot, the controls are as follows:
| Action | PlayStation | Xbox | PC (Keyboard & Mouse) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Move | Left Analog Stick | Left Analog Stick | W, A, S, D |
| Camera Control | Right Analog Stick | Right Analog Stick | Mouse Movement |
| Sprint | Hold L3 (Left Analog Stick) | Hold LS (Left Analog Stick) | Shift |
| Jump/Climb | X | A | Spacebar |
| Crouch/Take Cover | O | B | C |
| Melee Attack | Square | X | Mouse Left Click |
| Aim Weapon | L2 | LT | Right Mouse Button |
| Fire Weapon | R2 | RT | Left Mouse Button |
| Reload Weapon | Square | X | R |
| Switch Weapon | L1 / R1 (Hold for Wheel) | LB / RB (Hold for Wheel) | Mouse Wheel / Tab |
| Special Ability | L3 + R3 (Hold) | LS + RS (Hold) | E |
| Interact/Enter Vehicle | Triangle | Y | F |
| Phone | D-Pad Up | D-Pad Up | Up Arrow |
| Map | Touchpad / Select | View Button | M |
Driving Controls
When operating any vehicle:
| Action | PlayStation | Xbox | PC (Keyboard & Mouse) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accelerate | R2 | RT | W / Up Arrow |
| Brake/Reverse | L2 | LT | S / Down Arrow |
| Steer | Left Analog Stick | Left Analog Stick | A, D |
| Handbrake | Square | X | Spacebar |
| Honk Horn | D-Pad Right | D-Pad Right | H |
| Switch Radio Station | D-Pad Right | D-Pad Right | E |
| Look Around | Right Analog Stick | Right Analog Stick | Mouse Movement |
Flying Controls (Aircraft)
Helicopters and planes have more complex controls:
- Helicopters: Left Analog Stick controls pitch and roll; Right Analog Stick controls yaw and vertical movement (up/down).
- Planes: Left Analog Stick controls pitch and roll; Right Analog Stick controls yaw.
Refer to the in-game tutorials or flight school for more detailed explanations of aerial controls.
Interacting with the World
Beyond movement and combat, you'll interact with the world through your phone, the internet, and various environmental objects. The 'Interact' button (Triangle/Y/F) is your primary tool for entering vehicles, opening doors, and initiating many actions.
Mastering these basic controls will provide a solid foundation for navigating the complex and dynamic world of Grand Theft Auto V.