Controls & Keybindings — L.A. Noire Guide

Learn L.A. Noire's controls and keybindings. Get tips for optimized gameplay during crime scene investigations, chases, and suspect interrogations.

Mastering the controls in L.A. Noire is crucial for effective detective work, whether you're meticulously searching a crime scene, engaging in a high-speed chase, or interrogating a suspect. This detailed guide covers the default keybindings and controller layouts, offering actionable advice for optimal gameplay.

On Foot Controls (Default PC Keyboard & Mouse)

When investigating crime scenes or exploring on foot, precise movement and interaction are key.

• Movement:
  • W: Move Forward
  • S: Move Backward
  • A: Strafe Left
  • D: Strafe Right
  • Shift (Hold): Sprint
  • Spacebar: Jump/Vault (over low obstacles)
• Interaction & Investigation:
  • E: Interact/Examine (e.g., picking up clues, opening doors, talking to NPCs). When examining a clue, rotate it with your mouse and look for the vibration/audio cue indicating an interactive point.
  • Left Mouse Button: Confirm/Select (in menus, or to focus on a clue detail).
  • Right Mouse Button: Aim (when a weapon is drawn), or Zoom (when examining clues).
  • Q: Draw/Holster Weapon (if applicable).
  • F: Use Flashlight (essential for dimly lit areas like the basement in the "Fallen Idol" case).
  • Tab: Open Notebook/Case File. This is your most important tool, containing clues, suspect information, and interview questions.
• Combat (On Foot):
  • Right Mouse Button (Hold): Aim
  • Left Mouse Button: Fire Weapon
  • R: Reload Weapon
  • C: Crouch/Take Cover (behind objects like crates or walls).
  • G: Throw Grenade (rare, but available in certain combat scenarios).

Vehicle Controls (Default PC Keyboard & Mouse)

Navigating the sprawling streets of 1940s Los Angeles requires a different set of skills. Pay attention to your siren usage!

• Driving:
  • W: Accelerate
  • S: Brake/Reverse
  • A: Steer Left
  • D: Steer Right
  • Shift (Hold): Siren (Activates police siren, clearing traffic and increasing speed. Use judiciously to avoid civilian complaints).
  • Spacebar: Handbrake (useful for sharp turns or quick stops).
  • Left Mouse Button: Horn (non-siren honk).
  • E: Enter/Exit Vehicle.
• Passenger Controls (when driven by your partner):
  • E: Skip to Destination (if you don't wish to drive or observe the journey).
  • Left Mouse Button: Toggle Camera View.

Interrogation Controls (Default PC Keyboard & Mouse)

The interrogation room is where your detective skills truly shine. Observing suspect reactions is paramount.

• Questioning:
  • W: Truth (Believe the suspect's statement).
  • A: Doubt (Express skepticism without direct evidence).
  • S: Lie (Present a piece of evidence from your Notebook to contradict their statement).
• Notebook Access:
  • Tab: Open Notebook (to review clues and select evidence for a "Lie" accusation).
  • Left Mouse Button: Select Evidence (when accusing a suspect of lying).
• Observation: Pay close attention to facial expressions and body language. A twitch, a glance away, or a sudden change in posture can indicate deception.

General Controls & Menu Navigation (Default PC Keyboard & Mouse)

• Esc: Pause Menu/Back. Access options, save game, load game, and review case information.
• M: Open Map. Crucial for navigation and identifying points of interest.
• P: Photo Mode (allows you to capture cinematic screenshots).
• Scroll Wheel: Navigate menus, zoom in/out on map.

Controller Layout (Xbox/PlayStation Equivalent)

For players using a gamepad, the controls are intuitively mapped to standard console layouts. While specific button names differ (e.g., A/X, B/Circle), the functions remain consistent.

• Movement: Left Analog Stick
• Camera: Right Analog Stick
• Interact/Examine: A (Xbox) / X (PlayStation)
• Sprint/Siren: Left Trigger (Xbox) / L2 (PlayStation)
• Draw/Holster Weapon: Y (Xbox) / Triangle (PlayStation)
• Notebook/Case File: Back (Xbox) / Touchpad (PlayStation)
• Aim: Left Bumper (Xbox) / L1 (PlayStation)
• Fire: Right Trigger (Xbox) / R2 (PlayStation)
• Crouch/Cover: B (Xbox) / Circle (PlayStation)
• Interrogation Choices:
  • Truth: A (Xbox) / X (PlayStation)
  • Doubt: X (Xbox) / Square (PlayStation)
  • Lie: Y (Xbox) / Triangle (PlayStation)

Customizing Keybindings

While the default keybindings are well-optimized, L.A. Noire allows for extensive customization. Navigate to the Options menu from the main title screen or the in-game pause menu. Select Controls, then Keybindings (for PC) or Controller Layout (for console). Here, you can remap almost every action to suit your personal playstyle. Experiment to find what feels most comfortable, especially for frequently used actions like interacting with clues or accessing your notebook during intense interrogations.