Master The Surge with our comprehensive guide to controls and basic mechanics. Learn about Tech Scrap, Ops, MedBay, Gear Assembly, and what happens when you die.
Controls:
| D-Pad | Cycle Drones/Weapons/Injectables/Gear Light |
|---|---|
| Left Analog Stick | Move, Jump (L3 while sprinting) |
| Right Analog Stick | Move Camera, Aim, Target Lock (R3) |
| Touch Pad | Inventory |
| Options | Menu |
| Triangle Button | Drone Attack |
| Square Button | Interact, Finishing Move |
| Circle Button | Use Injectable |
| X Button | Dodge, Sprint (hold) |
| L1 Button | Block Attack |
| R1 Button | Horizontal Attack |
| L2 Trigger | Switch Enemy Target Lock |
| R2 Trigger | Vertical Attack |
The Basics:
Tech Scrap: Similar to Souls or Blood Echoes, Tech Scrap serves as both experience points and currency. It is earned by killing enemies, deconstructing items, completing quests, and more. Tech Scrap is used to level up your character (increase Core Power) and purchase/upgrade equipment. It can only be used at Operations bases. A multiplier increases scrap earned with consecutive enemy kills, but resets upon visiting an Ops base, encouraging longer combat streaks.
Operations (Ops): These are safe zones where you can upgrade your character, purchase equipment, and heal. Enemies cannot enter Ops, though sometimes you may be denied entry if too many enemies are nearby. Friendly NPCs may also be found here.
MedBay: Located within Ops, MedBay replenishes health and Injectables. Here you can equip Implants (items that provide stat boosts and abilities) and increase your Core Power by spending Tech Scrap. Tech Scrap can be banked at MedBay for safekeeping.
Gear Assembly: Also within Ops, this is where you craft new weapons and armor using components obtained from dismembering enemies. Visiting MedBay or Gear Assembly respawns all dead enemies.
Death Penalty: Upon death (enemy or environmental), you respawn at Ops (or the start of an area) with zero Tech Scrap. Your lost Tech Scrap will be at your place of death as a salvage pyramid. A 2.5-minute timer starts to reclaim it. The timer pauses in Ops or while riding elevators/Exo-Rigs. Killing enemies adds 20 seconds. If the timer expires or you die again before reclaiming, the Tech Scrap is lost forever.
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