The Sinking City 2 Controls Guide

Memorizing controls early prevents deaths while fumbling for the inventory key. Below are default bindings from the public Steam demo for The Sinking City 2. PC players can remap most actions in settings; console layouts follow Xbox Series standards.

PC keyboard and mouse

Movement and camera

Action	Key
Move	W A S D
Run	Hold Shift
Dodge	Space
Crouch	Left Ctrl
Flashlight	F
Interact	E

Combat

Action	Key
Aim	Right Mouse
Fire	Left Mouse
Reload	R
Melee	V
Weapon swap	Mouse Wheel

UI and systems

Action	Key
Investigation board	C
Codex	L
Map	M
Inventory	Tab or I
Talents	B
Crafting	T
Quick slot 1–4	1 2 3 4
Pause	Esc

Xbox controller

Action	Button
Move / steer boat	Left Stick
Run	Press Left Stick
Move camera	Right Stick
Flashlight	Press Right Stick
Focus camera	LB
Aim	LT
Fire / stomp	RT
Melee	RB
Dodge	B
Interact	A
Reload	X
Inventory	Y
Map	View
Pause	Menu
Quick slots	D-Pad

Controls worth practicing in the demo

Investigation (C / not on face buttons): Arkham hides optional clues behind desks and ritual marks. If a room feels empty, tap Investigation before leaving.

Dodge (Space / B): The invulnerability window saves you from grab attacks. Dodge sideways, not backward, in narrow alleys.

Quick slots (1–4 / D-Pad): Assign healing herbs before entering the fish market or hospital wings. Opening full inventory during combat is a common death cause.

Flashlight (F / Right Stick click): Darkness raises tension and hides floor traps. Toggle light when entering interiors even if you remember the layout.

Boats and traversal

Skiff sections use the same stick layout as on-foot movement. Interact with mooring prompts to dock. Unmapped shortcuts often sit behind crank wheels — interact and rotate using the same E / A prompt.

Accessibility remapping

Frogwares stated that accessibility options will help players who struggle with combat or timing-based dodges. Check the Accessibility tab on first launch for hold-to-toggle options, aim assist strength, and potential invulnerability tweaks post-release.

What to read next

Apply these bindings in the Demo Walkthrough and Combat and Weapons guides. Hardware questions go to System Requirements.

Rebinding recommendations

PC players often move dodge to a mouse side button and investigation to a thumb key for faster clue checks. Keep interact on E unless you clash with regional keyboard layouts.

Steam Deck and handheld notes

Unofficial Deck play requires community controller profiles until Frogwares certifies handheld performance. Expect to map L4/R4 for dodge and investigation if face buttons feel cramped.