One of the largest pieces of feedback we've received for Outbreak since launch has been the default control scheme. Over a series of patches, we've made improvements to the default keybindings, adding mouse support and more. But at the core of the issues were the old school "Tank Controls".

Many users found the concept of only being able to move forward, backwards and turn very confusing. Tank controls were designed (and used) in classic survival horror games because they were difficult. They obfuscated the path between the player "wanting" to make an action and actually "making" it. Although they were a conscious design decision, it's important to embrace more modern approaches to improve the user experience and allow as many folks to play Outbreak as possible.

We're happy to announce the addition of multiple moving and turning control schemes, as well as changes to the default control scheme are now live in Outbreak.

The new schemes are:

• Modern Tank (Normal) (This is the new default for all players)
• Classic Tank (Pro)
• Action (Beginner)
• Mouse Look (Normal)
• Mouse look Action (Beginner)

Here's what these schemes entail...

Modern Tank (Normal)

Modern Tank works by turning AND moving the player at the same time in the direction you press. If you push "Up", you will turn to face that direction and begin forward at the same time. This will mean that you will quickly begin moving upwards.

This scheme works great with a thumbstick because you can be very specific of your direction, but it also works great with a keyboard as you combine pushing both a horizontal and vertical direction at the same time.

Modern Tank represents a compromise in the name of fun between classic tank controls and straight-up action controls. It is the new default and the game will be balanced around this control scheme. We feel that it is a tremendous improvement over the previous default control scheme.

Classic Tank (Pro)

Classic Tank is essentially Outbreak's old default control scheme. It's classic punishing tank controls from the glory days of survival horror. Pros only!

Action (Beginner)

Action attempts to emulate typical action game controls and is best for beginners. Your character will fade the direction you intend to turn very quickly, allowing you to make rapid changes to your movement.

For example, if you press the left button or move your thumbstick in that direction you will begin moving left almost instantly. You still have control over diagonal movement by pressing a horizontal and vertical direction at the same time, so you remain precise.

This extra responsiveness can trivialize some areas of the game, as enemies are still bound by tank controls themselves. But if you're looking for a much easier, intuitive experience, action is the way to go.

Mouse Look (Normal)

Mouse Look controls cause the game to orient your character to always face the mouse position. There is still a delay on turning, which makes this scheme similar to the tank controls. Your character still only can move forward or backwards based on the way they're facing. The game is also primarily balanced around this control scheme. Any other controls to turn your player will be disabled in this mode.

Mouse Look Action (Beginner)

Mouse Look Action is the mouse look control scheme mixed with the Action scheme. Your character will face the direction of the mouse almost instantly, giving you far greater responsiveness. Just with the Action control scheme, this responsiveness trivializes the game somewhat and is intended for beginners. Any other controls to turn your player will be disabled in this mode.

But what about that mysterious button and key delay I've been experiencing?

We've received a large amount of feedback regarding delays when pushing buttons to move. This delay has always been intentional and able to be configured via the Options menu. But with the new default control scheme, we've made the new default no delay and have changed this setting for all users on their next game load to be set to none. We apologize for how confusing this was to new players.

What's next?

These control schemes are brand new and we want your feedback! We will continue to refine them in subsequent patches, so let us know your thoughts in the discussion boards. Thank you!