Dead Space PC and Console Controls Guide (2024)

In this guide, we’ll be going over the controls for Dead Space on the PC, Xbox X|S, and PlayStation 5. We’ll show you all available presets for Mouse + Keyboard and Controllers and how to use and even customize everything to fit your needs and style!

This guide is for the Dead Space Remake, released in 2023!

Since the original release of Dead Space back in 2008, both technology and game design have changed with numerous immersive improvements. One might expect the Dead Space remake’s controls to be updated but that would be incorrect.

You will have the option to use the controls from either Dead Space or Dead Space 2! Alternatively, you will also be able to the modernized default controls or customize the controls as you see fit.

In this guide we’ll be showing which buttons apply to which function for the PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5. So if you need a quick refresher then read on so you won’t find yourself unprepared for the Dead Space Remake!

Dead Space Control Presets

To change the controls in Dead Space, you’ll need to enter the menu then go into Settings and then into Controls. Here you’ll be able to access Control Customization which will allow you to customize each function to your desired input.

You also have Control Presets which give you 4 options to choose from. Custom, Default, DS1 and DS2. Default takes a more modern approach in terms of controller layout. DS1 and DS2 follows Dead Space (2008) and Dead Space 2’s control setups respectively. If you want the classic experience or were playing the previous games recently, this can be a good option to keep you in the flow of things.

Depending on if you’re using a Keyboard or Controller, you’ll have the options “Keyboard & Mouse Layout” or “Controller Layout”. Selecting this will display a visual display of which inputs perform which function. This is a great way to have a quick look at controls without having to enter the Control Customization Menu.

At the time of writing this, there appears to be either a bug or an oversight with the Control Presets. Swapping between presets will only affect controller setups while mouse and keyboard setups remain unaltered. Members at the Vulkk team have been experiencing this issue and we’ll keep this updated should this get fixed.

If you are experiencing this issue and wish to use the controls from either Dead Space 1 or 2, you will need to manually enter in the controls of those games. Fortunately for you I have provided the original PC controls for Dead Space 1 and 2 in their respective sections. With this you can manually customize your keys to fit these old control setups.

Default Control Preset

The Default Control preset offers a control setup that will suit you if you’re used to playing more modern games. Sometimes the older control layouts don’t age well but I like using them anyway. Here are the controls for the default preset.

Exploration

Combat

Kinesis

Flight (Zero Gravity)

Menus

Dead Space 2008 (DS1) Control Preset

If you’re looking for the true legacy controls for the Dead Space remake, then look no further than the original Dead Space control preset! In the menu, this is listed as “DS1 Control Preset”. Like the original, buttons tend to share the same placement when using the Xbox or PlayStation controllers so you could easily transition between the two if need be.

The table below will show you what the default buttons do and how they correspond to the default controls on the PC.

Exploration

Combat

Kinesis

Flight (Zero Gravity)

Menus

Dead Space 2 (DS2) Control Preset

If you prefer the control Preset introduced in Dead Space 2, then you should use this. Dead Space 2 introduced snappier controls to keep up with the new necromorph variants.

Along with that, Zero-G was updated to allow full movement without being limited to walking along flat surfaces and having to jump to another surface. The table below shows the controls using the Dead Space 2 preset.

Exploration

Combat

Kinesis

Flight (Zero Gravity)

Menus

Control Layouts

Here we’ll be providing you with images of the various control layouts available for PC, Xbox, and PlayStation. The Xbox and PlayStation control layouts mostly mirror each other save for a couple of differences in controller design differences. Should you ever switch from one console to another, the transition should be smooth and easy.

Keyboard & Mouse Layout

This layout is the default layout for PC users. The keys listed here can change depending on if you’re using a custom control setup.

Xbox Control Layouts

The following controls are available on the Xbox X|S or when using an Xbox controller on the PC.

PlayStation 5 Control Layout

The following layouts are available for the PlayStation 5 or if you’re using the PS5 controller on the PC. Pictures of the DS1 and DS2 layouts are coming soon so check in again later for an update!

Dead Space’s HUD System Explained

Dead Space was renowned for its intuitive and immersive Heads Up Display system. Instead of showing things like health, ammo, and other resources as an overlay, Dead Space uses parts of Isaac’s Suit to convey information. Take a look at the image below to learn more!

Everything you need to know about Isaac’s current state is found on Isaac. His spine is equipped with a set of Resource Integration Gear (RIG) which displays his current physical health. The RIG changes color depending on how injured Isaac is. If low on health, Isaac’s RIG will appear red while blinking. If moderately injured, Isaac’s RIG will appear yellow. If in good health, Isaac’s RIG will be cyan.

The Stasis Module shows how much power he has left to utilize the stasis ability. Like his health bar, it will decrease and change color depending on its current charge level. If it is empty, Isaac will unable to use stasis until he manages to recharge it.

When aiming his weapon, Isaac’s weapon will display the amount of ammo currently loaded in the weapon. This does not keep track of total ammo kept within your inventory. If a magnet icon appears to the right of the ammo count, that means Isaac is aiming at an object that can be used with Kinesis.

How to Navigate your Inventory

Navigating and using your inventory is very simple and we’ll be going over the basics here. Take a look at the image below to see an example of Dead Space’s inventory system.

When you navigate your inventory, you can select an item within to perform an action. For consumables such as health packs, stasis modules, and air tanks, use the “Activate” button and select to Use them. You also have the option to drop an item if you need to use the inventory slot for something else. An item description is provided at the bottom of the inventory.

On the right panel you can find information about your suit and resources. Under the Suit tab you can see what your current suit level is, how much air it provides, and how much armor makes up the suit. For example, the level 6 suit has an armor rating of 30% meaning you reduce 30% of incoming damage.

Nodes indicates the amount of power nodes you currently have. These can be used for upgrading your weapons, equipment, or opening certain doors found throughout the game. Credits displays the current amount of credits you have available.

How to Use the Map and Locator

The maps in Dead Space have been changed from a 3D map to a 2D map. This made the map far easier to understand and you can alternate between levels on the various decks of the ship. Here you can find icons which shows the locations of stores, benches, save stations, and other locations.

Next we have the Locator, also referred to as Breadcrumbs. This device can be used any time when you’re not interacting with your RIG menu to indicate where you need to go next.

When you press the “Locator” button, Isaac will project a line hologram that shows the path you need to take to reach your current objective. You’ll also have text indicating your current objective. If you switch current objectives, the path the locator shows will change.

If you are in a room where your objective is in, you may find that it lights up the entire room blue for a moment. This indicates that you’ll need to figure out what exactly you need to do in this room for yourself.

How to Move in Zero Gravity Environment

Moving in Zero-G can be disorienting as we are all gravity-laden beings. Once you let go of your concept of what is “up” and what is “down” it becomes less of a struggle. Fortunately you can easily reorient yourself with the ground using the “Zero-G Align” button.

Should you wish to travel on your feet instead, Isaac’s boots are magnetized to allow him to walk across flat surfaces on the ship. With this method, you can jump from platform to platform while remaining grounded when you land. Just be sure to not miss the jump and launch yourself into space.

Which Dead Space Control Setup You Should Use

The control setups of Dead Space 1 and 2 are very similar so it can be tricky to decide which one to use. Dead Space 2 has minor differences such as swapping the Melee and Stomp buttons and includes quality of life improvements like a “Use Stasis Pack” button that the first game lacked.

If you want the raw and original Dead Space experience, go with the DS1 preset. If you want to make it more challenging, turn down the control stick sensitivity a tad to emulate Isaac’s previously sluggish nature.

If you want a classic Dead Space experience with some quality-of-life adjustments, the DS2 preset will suit you. With this you don’t have to enter the menu to access things like Stasis Packs as you might need to use those immediately in combat.

The Default preset is the modern setting and provides controls for about every facet of control you can think of. The only exception being RIG menu hotkeys which is only for the Keyboard and Mouse setup. The default preset offers the most refined Zero-G controls which is very useful to have with the new Zero-G environments introduced in the remake.

If none of these suit you then by all means, make your own with the Customized setting where you go into the control customization menu. You know what’s best for you and if you’re willing to take the time to set it up, you can have your own personalized Dead Space experience!