DriversRecommendedOutdated drivers can make a good PC feel brokenScan driver issues before chasing fixes manually.Scan NowOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsWindows FixRecommendedWindows errors stealing your time? Find the fix fastScan stability, cleanup and performance issues.Fix Now×
Skip to content
VGSources
Blog

New World: Aeternum Controls: Keyboard, Mouse, Controller, and Key Bindings

New World: Aeternum supports controller, mouse, and keyboard input. Find out how to remap controls, adjust sensitivity, use target lock, and check current key assignments.
Length3 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

New World: Aeternum supports controller, mouse, and keyboard input. You can remap bindings and adjust sensitivity in the game’s settings; for exact current assignments, use the live in-game key-bindings screen rather than relying on a third-party default-key list. Controller features include aim assist against AI enemies, target friction, target lock, and freeform movement.

Does New World: Aeternum support controllers?

Yes. The New World development team introduced controller support with features designed around gamepad input, while also noting, “New World wasn’t initially designed for controllers.” The February 29, 2024 announcement describes two preset controller layouts and added guidance for navigating the interface with a controller. Read the controller-support announcement.

Controller-focused combat features

  • Aim assist: Helps with ranged attacks and is described as available only when using a controller against AI enemies.
  • Target friction: Slows reticle movement over a valid target to make aiming feel more controlled.
  • Target lock: Locks the camera onto an AI enemy. The announcement says this feature is supported with both controller and mouse/keyboard.

Movement and menus

Freeform movement lets a controller user run in any direction, including toward the camera. Holding Block/Aim returns movement to normal strafe navigation; when target lock is active, movement instead strafes around the locked target. The announcement says freeform movement defaults on only when using a controller.

Controller navigation also includes a radial menu for common functions such as emotes, commands, and camping, plus shift modifiers and on-screen help bars or shortcuts. These features are intended to make menus and common actions easier to reach without a mouse.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Sale
8Bitdo Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller for Windows PC and Android, with 1000 Hz Polling Rate, Hall Effect Joysticks and Triggers, and Remappable L4/R4 Bumpers (Green)
  • Compatible with Windows and Android.
  • 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection)
  • Hall Effect joysticks and Hall triggers. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings.
  • Extra R4/L4 bumpers. Custom button mapping without using software. Turbo function.
  • Refined bumpers and D-pad. Light but tactile.

What are the keyboard and mouse controls?

A New World Wiki search result lists examples of keyboard and mouse defaults: W/A/S/D for movement, Space to jump, Shift to dodge, left mouse button for basic attack, right mouse button to block, and Tab for inventory. Treat these as examples, not a complete or guaranteed current mapping: the result is from a third-party wiki, and the official support article does not publish a full key-by-key table. See the wiki’s Game Settings listing.

For the assignments active in your game, open the in-game settings and check the key-bindings screen. Updates, remapping, or differences in configuration can make a remembered default inaccurate.

Rank #2
GameSir G7 Pro Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Wireless Gamepad for PC&Android with TMR Sticks, Hall Effect Analog Triggers, 1000Hz Polling Rate, 3.5mm Audio Jack - Black
  • Tri-mode Connectivity: Wired for Xbox, 2.4G & Wired for PC, and Bluetooth for Android. The G7 Pro supports seamless connectivity across Xbox, PC, and Android. Effortlessly switch between modes using the convenient physical mode switch.
  • TMR Sticks: The G7 Pro features GameSir's Mag-Res TMR sticks, combining Hall Effect durability with traditional potentiometer performance. This advanced technology delivers stable polling rates for smooth, drift-free gaming with low power consumption.
  • Hall Effect Analog Triggers: The GameSir precision-tuned Hall Effect analog triggers provide unmatched smoothness and linear input for precise control. Featuring clicky Micro Switch trigger stops, gamers can easily switch based on their preferences.
  • 1000Hz Polling Rate on PC: Experience ultra-responsive gaming with a 1000Hz polling rate on PC, available through both wired and 2.4G wireless connections. This ensures instantaneous input registration, reducing lag and optimizing your performance for the most competitive gameplay.
  • GameSir Nexus App: The G7 Pro is compatible with the upgraded GameSir Nexus app, which brings a significant upgrade over the original. It introduces powerful new features such as gyro settings, stick curve adjustments, and button-to-mouse mapping, giving you deeper customization and more control than ever before.

Target lock with mouse and keyboard

Target lock is not limited to controller. The 2024 announcement specifies the middle mouse button to lock a target and mouse wheel up or down to switch targets when using mouse and keyboard. Check the current in-game binding screen if those inputs do not match your configuration.

How do you change bindings or sensitivity?

Official New World Support confirms that players can change controller, mouse, and keyboard bindings, including inputs for character movement and abilities, and adjust sensitivity. Its article establishes that these options exist but does not provide a complete mapping or a current exact menu path. See New World Support’s accessibility options.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
Rank #3
GameSir G7 SE Wired Controller for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One & Windows 10/11, Plug and Play Gaming Gamepad with Hall Effect Joysticks/Hall Trigger, 3.5mm Audio Jack (White)
  • Versatile compatibility: supports Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One X/S consoles and PC Win10 and above (including the game platform Steam).
  • Precise control: features Hall joysticks and Hall triggers for a comfortable feeling, long service life and improved game accuracy.
  • Plug and Play Convenience: Wired USB connection (removable) for easy setup and instant play without the need for additional drivers.
  • Customizable experience: Includes 2 custom backbuttons that allow users to eliminate false triggers and improve their gaming experience.
  • Impressive gameplay: Provides a pulsating vibration trigger and an asymmetric vibration grip motor for intense tactile feedback.
  1. Open the game’s settings and go to the key-bindings or controls area.
  2. Choose the input device and action you want to change, such as movement or an ability.
  3. Assign a comfortable input, then review nearby actions for conflicts or accidental overlap.
  4. Adjust sensitivity in the available controls settings and try the result in play; change it again if aiming or camera movement feels too fast or too slow.

Remapping can help tailor controls to personal comfort and accessibility needs. The available sources do not establish compatibility with any particular adaptive device.

Controller or mouse and keyboard: which should you use?

There is no documented comparative test showing one input method is universally better. Choose based on the actions and navigation style that feel comfortable to you.

Rank #4
Sale
XBOX Wireless Gaming Controller + USB-C Cable | Carbon Black
  • XBOX WIRELESS CONTROLLER + USB-C CABLE — Includes the XBOX Wireless Controller in Carbon Black and a 9' USB-C cable. Play wirelessly or plug in for a wired gaming experience, right out of the box.*
  • WIRED OR WIRELESS, YOUR CALL — Connect the included 9' USB-C cable for zero-setup wired play on console and PC. Go wireless when you want the freedom to play from the couch, the desk, or anywhere in between.
  • PC READY. NO EXTRAS NEEDED — Plug the USB-C cable into your Windows PC and you're playing instantly. No adapters, no Bluetooth pairing, no additional purchases required. Works across the XBOX app, Steam, and more.*
  • MODERNIZED DESIGN — Experience sculpted surfaces and refined geometry designed around how you actually hold a controller. Stay on target with a hybrid D-pad and textured grip on the triggers, bumpers, and back case.
  • UP TO 40 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — Get up to 40 hours of wireless battery life on standard AA batteries. When the batteries run low, plug in the included cable and keep playing without missing a beat.*
Consideration Controller Mouse and keyboard
Aim assistance and target friction Aim assist against AI enemies and target friction are controller-focused features described in the announcement. These controller-focused features are not described as available for mouse and keyboard.
Target lock Supported. Supported; the announcement specifies middle mouse button to lock and mouse wheel up or down to switch targets.
Movement and navigation Freeform movement, radial menus, shift modifiers, and controller-oriented interface help are described. Use the live key-bindings screen to see and adjust your current assignments.
Best fit Consider it if gamepad movement and radial-menu navigation suit your preferences. Consider it if mouse aiming and keyboard bindings feel more natural to you.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Are controller aim assist and target lock allowed in PvP?

The controller announcement said that, for the Season 5 controller launch, target lock and aim assist would not be allowed in PvP because of balance concerns, and that the team planned to evaluate them in future seasons. That is a launch-era statement, not confirmation of today’s rules. Check current official patch notes or the game’s current behavior before relying on it. The announcement’s PvP discussion gives the dated context.

Best Value
GameSir Nova Lite 2 Wireless PC Controller Hall Effect Sticks
  • Multi-Platform PC Gaming Controller: Working with Switch, PC, Android, and iOS devices via Bluetooth, wired, and wireless dongle connections.
  • Hall Effect Joysticks: Delivering enhanced recentering performance for smoother control and superior anti-drift capability. Plus, with anti-friction rings.
  • 2-Way Trigger Lock: With trigger stops, gamers can toggle between short and long pull positions. Additionally, gamers can activate hair trigger mode by pressing M+LT/RT (triggers must be in the long pull position).
  • 1000Hz Polling Rate: This ensures that your inputs are registered almost instantaneously, minimizing lag and maximizing your performance during competitive play.
  • Mechanical Circular D-pad: Designed for quick reactions and accuracy in every direction, this D-pad elevates your gaming experience with superior responsiveness.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More quests from Patch Notes

  1. 5 Best Pixelmon Server Hosting Providers for 2026, ComparedBlog8min
  2. 6 Best RLCraft Server Hosting Providers in 2026 (Ranked)Blog8min
  3. 6 Best Palworld Dedicated Server Hosts in 2026 (Ranked)Blog8min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.