Post Trauma
Post Trauma

Controls & UI — Post Trauma Guide

Master Post Trauma controls & UI. Understand HUD elements, navigation, combat inputs, and inventory management for effective gameplay and survival.

Controls & UI

Mastering the controls and understanding the User Interface (UI) are fundamental to your success in Post Trauma. A firm grasp of how to interact with the game world and interpret the information presented will significantly enhance your gameplay experience and survival chances. This section will provide a comprehensive overview, including specific button mappings where consistent across platforms, and detailed explanations of key UI elements.

Core Movement and Interaction

Post Trauma features an intuitive control scheme designed for fluid movement and responsive combat. Familiarize yourself with these core inputs early on, as they are crucial for navigating the treacherous environments and surviving intense encounters.

PC Controls (Default - WASD)

  • Movement: WASD keys
  • Look/Camera: Mouse
  • Jump: Spacebar
  • Crouch: Ctrl (Hold) / C (Toggle)
  • Sprint: Shift (Hold)
  • Interact: E
  • Use Item (e.g., Medkit): Q
  • Reload: R
  • Weapon Swap: Mouse Wheel / 1-9 keys
  • Melee Attack: Left Mouse Button
  • Primary Attack: Left Mouse Button
  • Secondary Attack/Aim Down Sights (ADS): Right Mouse Button
  • Crouch (Combat): C
  • Prone: Z
  • Flashlight Toggle: F
  • Map: M
  • Inventory: Tab
  • Pause Menu: Esc

Console Controls (Default - PlayStation 5 / Xbox Series X|S)

Action PS5 (DualSense) Xbox Series X|S (Controller)
Movement Left Analog Stick Left Analog Stick
Look/Camera Right Analog Stick Right Analog Stick
Jump X Button A Button
Crouch Circle Button (Hold) B Button (Hold)
Sprint L3 (Press Left Analog Stick) LS (Press Left Analog Stick)
Interact Square Button X Button
Use Item (e.g., Medkit) D-Pad Up D-Pad Up
Reload Triangle Button Y Button
Weapon Swap D-Pad Left/Right D-Pad Left/Right
Melee Attack R1 RB
Primary Attack R2 RT
Secondary Attack/Aim Down Sights (ADS) L2 LT
Crouch (Combat) Circle Button B Button
Prone Touchpad (Swipe Down) View Button + D-Pad Down
Flashlight Toggle D-Pad Down D-Pad Down
Map Touchpad (Tap) View Button
Inventory Touchpad (Swipe Left) Menu Button
Pause Menu Options Button Start Button

User Interface (UI) Breakdown

The User Interface in Post Trauma is designed to provide critical information at a glance, allowing you to make informed decisions in high-pressure situations. Understanding each element is key to survival.

Heads-Up Display (HUD) Elements

  • Health Bar: Located typically in the bottom-left corner, this bar visually represents your current vitality. It depletes as you take damage. When critically low, the screen may tint red, and visual/auditory cues will become more pronounced. Strategy: Always keep an eye on this bar and use Medkits or other healing items proactively.
  • Stamina Bar: Often situated near the health bar, this bar governs your ability to perform strenuous actions. Sprinting, dodging, and performing heavy melee attacks consume stamina. It regenerates over time when not in use. Strategy: Manage your stamina carefully during combat; don't sprint or dodge excessively if you anticipate needing to perform a quick evasive maneuver or attack.
  • Ammo Counter: Displays the number of rounds remaining in your currently equipped weapon and your total reserve ammunition. This is usually found in the bottom-right corner. Strategy: Always be aware of your ammo count. Reloading at opportune moments, such as during a lull in combat or when moving between areas, is vital. Look for reload prompts and practice quick reloads.
  • Objective Tracker: Positioned typically in the top-right corner of the screen, this element lists your active quests and current tasks. It provides concise descriptions and often indicates the next immediate step or waypoint. Completeness: The Objective Tracker is your primary guide for progressing through the narrative and completing side missions. It will display the name of the current quest, followed by specific sub-objectives such as "Find the key to the basement," "Defeat the mutated creature in the sewers," or "Speak with the survivor at the safe house." It may also provide directional prompts or distance indicators to your next objective.
  • Crosshair: The central reticle on your screen, indicating where your weapon is aimed. It may change color or shape to indicate hit registration or target lock.
  • Interaction Prompts: Contextual prompts that appear when you are near an interactable object or NPC, indicating the button to press for actions like picking up items, opening doors, or speaking to characters.
  • Status Effects: Icons that may appear on the HUD to indicate active status effects, such as poison, bleeding, or radiation. Hovering over these icons in menus usually provides more detailed information.

Menu-Based UI Elements

  • Inventory: Accessed via the 'Tab' key (PC) or the designated button (Console), this is where you manage all your collected items, weapons, armor, and consumables. You can equip gear, use items, drop unwanted items, and organize your loadout. Strategy: Regularly review your inventory to manage weight, ensure you have essential supplies, and equip the best gear available.
  • Map: Accessible via the 'M' key (PC) or the designated button (Console), the map displays your current location, known areas, points of interest, and objective markers. Strategy: Use the map frequently to plan your routes, identify potential dangers or resources, and orient yourself within the game world.
  • Character/Skills Menu: This menu allows you to view your character's stats, equip learned skills, and allocate points to unlock new abilities or enhance existing ones. Strategy: Invest in skills that complement your playstyle, whether it's combat proficiency, stealth, or resourcefulness.
  • Crafting Menu: Here you can combine collected resources to create new items, such as ammunition, medical supplies, traps, or weapon modifications. Strategy: Prioritize crafting essential items like ammunition and healing supplies. Explore crafting recipes to discover powerful tools and upgrades.
  • Options Menu: Allows you to adjust graphics, audio, controls, and gameplay settings. Recommendation: Experiment with control sensitivity and layout to find what feels most comfortable and responsive for you.

Common Pitfalls and Tips

  • Over-reliance on Sprinting: Constantly sprinting will deplete your stamina, leaving you vulnerable when an enemy appears. Use it strategically for covering ground quickly or escaping immediate danger.
  • Ignoring the Objective Tracker: While exploration is encouraged, getting lost or sidetracked without consulting the Objective Tracker can lead to missed opportunities or prolonged difficulty.
  • Neglecting Inventory Management: Carrying too much junk can prevent you from picking up valuable resources or essential ammunition. Regularly clear out your inventory.
  • Not Utilizing the Map: The map is your best friend for navigation and planning. Failing to consult it can lead to backtracking and inefficient exploration.
  • Ignoring Audio/Visual Cues: The game provides subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) cues for low health, enemy proximity, and environmental hazards. Pay attention to these.

A thorough understanding of Post Trauma's controls and UI is not just about convenience; it's a critical component of survival. By mastering these elements, you'll be better equipped to face the horrors that await.