Last updated: 2025-05-20
The Default Keybinds for MMORPGs are Wrong
The default keybinds for every MMORPG do not support skillful play.
Consider this illustrative keybinding diagram from the game RIFT (this is not a knock on RIFT, which is a good game):
What we see is that the vast majority of useful keybinds for your left hand are being used for:
- a common movement setup – WSAD and QE – that is inherently awkward. You either have to move your hand to the left one set of keys, in which case your left hand is not in the natural typing location, or you have to train your left hand to move forward/backward with your ring finger, which is counter-intuitive
- UI functions that have no relevance to actual combat, e.g. “G” for Guild panel, “B” for Bags, etc
All you have to work with are the number keys, and unless you have the reach of Liberacci, that leaves you with only 6 keybinds (“1” through “6”) to work with for your abilities. This entire approach makes no sense.
Many players accept it as-is and work around it, either by adding modifiers (i.e. Shift/Control/Alt) to trigger abilities or getting hardware that helps to address the lack of available keybinds.
However, most players don’t address the root issue – by not fixing the default keybindings you are placing an artificial handicap on your skill level. It’s like trying to run but with your feet chained together. Yes, you can do it, but no, you’ll never hit your potential stride, and that’s what this is all about. Raising your gameplay.
By comparison, here are the keybinds that I used for WildStar:
I have over 20 keybinds to activate abilities / macros with a single keypress, which enables me to to fluidly circle-strafe and kite-strafe while activating abilities.
Notice that by using EDWR instead of WSQE for forward/backward/left strafe/right strafe:
- My forward and backward movement is controlled by my middle finger, which is intuitive
- My strafe left is controlled by my ring finger, which is intuitive
- My strafe right is controlled by my index finger, which is intuitive
- My left hand is in the natural typing position, in case I need to type in chat
So I’ve provided a couple examples of my keybinds. Before you start re-mapping your keybinds, there is something you must understand first…
Before You Keybind, You Must Understand What Proper Movement Looks Like
Real life combat is all about good movement. Flanking your opponent. Taking angles to set up your punches and kicks. The same principles apply to combat in MMORPGs.
Any keybindings setup should
- provide the ability to circle-strafe and kite-strafe to keep a target in your facing as much as possible, and
- enable high fidelity / accuracy for using abilities quickly, and
- minimize keystrokes with your pinky, which is the finger most likely to get aggravated due to high usage, and
- allow you to type in chat for communication with other players
Let’s look at these concepts #1 and #2 applied in the following video:
As discussed in the video, the setup I have landed on after years of iteration and tweaking is:
- right hand on the mouse for character facing, aiming, and camera rotation
- left hand for left strafe, right strafe, forward, backward, and all abilities
Here’s another illustrative video of how to strafe-kite properly, with footage from the game RIFT:
Moreover, modern games such as GW2 and WildStar are continuing the trend towards action combat with limited number of abilities, so there are fewer abilities to keybind. That said, if you feel you perform better with gaming hardware, great, stick with what works for you.
Keybinding is a sensitive topic, so keep in mind that the intention of the above video is to show “one way of thinking about it.” The way that you feel comfortable setting up your keybinds may be very different from mine – that’s fine – what matters is that you are able to execute the r numbered points above. I’ve had many gamers adopt my setup or its philosophy and they have reported good success. YMMV.
How to Learn New Keybindings
Realize that rebinding your keys is one of the most disruptive things you can do. It’s like learning to walk all over again. Therefore, you have to be patient. It typically takes a week of playing to get the muscle memory down for a new setup.
Do not remap your keybinds and then queue up for PVP or join a PVE raid. You will find yourself struggling and getting frustrated, because your natural reactions are to use your old keybinds. And then you’ll come blame me, and I’ll have to quote this section.
The easiest way to learn a new set of keybinds is to roll a new character, experiment, and by the time you hit level 10 or so, you’ll be well on your way to feeling much more comfortable with it. At that point you can try your new keybinds on higher-level characters.
Let me know how it goes!
Gaming Peripheral Reviews
In recent years I’ve begun to test and use gaming keyboards – here are my reviews:
- Red vs Brown Cherry MX Switches, Red vs Blue O-Rings
- CM Storm QuickFire Rapid Tenkeyless Mechanical Gaming Keyboard
Game-Specific Keybinding Guides
Per reader request, I have created keybinding maps and guides for specific games, given that each game has particular mechanics that should be accounted for:
Taugrim's MMO Blog 
Hello Taugrim and thank you for another excellent video. I have been pleasantly surprised to see your key set-up. I grasp the concept and I like it so much that I plan to try it tonight. Your videos are well edited and the commentary spot-on. I will be looking forward to your next installment.
Thanks for the feedback.
What I recommend you do is create a dummy alt, import all your current keybindings to that character, so you have a backup.
Then you can try out different keybindings on your main.
It definitely takes time to get used to a different setup so patience is key :)
FYI:
Type /exportui and hit enter, this saves a file in the rift folder for your ui setup
Type /exportkeybindings and hit enter, this saves a file in the rift folder for your keybindings
* Now when you go to another shard, etc., you can type /importui , then /importkeybindings .
Awesome tips, thanks for sharing!
I use the same keys, but also remap the tilde (~) key. I also use the mouse more. My mouse has two side buttons which I use for things that need quick reaction (interrupts, for example). Whenever I can (depending on the game) I also remap mouse scroll up and mouse scroll down. My mouse also has a nice feature where the middle mouse button can be tilted to the left or the right. Using the mouse software, I have those tilts mapped to shift and control. That really opens up the number of noncarpal tunnel inducing keybinds for me. ;-D
I still use WASD to move, keeping W for forward movement rather than using the mouse for forward movement. I keep S available for backward movement because sometimes it’s the only way to keep someone off of your back if you are snared. I always remap turn right and turn left to strafe right and strafe left. It should be one of the first things anyone does. I use the mouse for turning and panning.
I typically use V or shift+V for movement abilities and mount, so we have that keybind in common. :)
You might want to mention how you choose some of your keybinds. You likely use B for Bubble, H for heal. When first coming up with your keybinds, that can help you to remember a few of them until they become part of your muscle memory. Also, I notice that you use E for “Defense” and that you probably use E for your major defensive abilities no matter what class you are playing. I personally use Q for my major defensive abilities, and I keep that consistent no matter what I’m playing. That helps to learn new keybinds when switching classes.
You know all of this, of course, but it is probably worth mentioning in the guide as on overall keybinding strategy. Nice job, I think people will find it helpful. :)
I still use WASD to move, keeping W for forward movement rather than using the mouse for forward movement
Do you keep your left hand shifted over to the left relative to the typing neutral position of ASDF? If yes and you have middle finger on W, that makes sense. I know a lot of people activate W for forward movement with ring finger, and that doesn’t make intuitive sense.
When I used to make use of the keyboard for movement I always changed from WSAD to EDSF. But I’ve replaced EDSF as I’ve said with mouse movement.
You might want to mention how you choose some of your keybinds
Basically I treat 1-6, Q-Y, A-H as my most frequently-used abilities, as they are all around W and R where my left hand often is, so I can strafe and activate abilities without having to reach.
Also, I notice that you use E for “Defense” and that you probably use E for your major defensive abilities no matter what class you are playing
In previous games, I have mapped E to a frequently-pressed defensive ability. E.g. a Parry buff, etc. It’s super easy to access with my middle finger, and that way I don’t mix-mash my 1-5 DPS keys with defensive abilities.
Middle finger is over W, yes. I suspect that you use your middle finger for your main spammable attack. I use my mouse button for my main spammable. So, basically I use the mouse for what your middle finger does and my middle finger for what your mouse does. ;)
On the other points, I wasn’t talking about functionality I was talking about the memorization part of it. Using key letters for certain abilities can help learn the keybind. For example, in WoW I used “B” for “B”andages. You will be using “G” for “G”uard. Probably not a coincidence, right? ;)
Correct.
Here are more mnemonics I use:
S for Snare/Slow
D for Disable casting, aka silence
F for Freeze in place, aka root
Q for Quit casting, aka interrupt
Really great vid Taugrim from a very casual gamer who mainly does PvE b/c 1. don’t play much, so constantly leveling and 2. my reflexes are slow and i’d spend so much time looking at the keyboard I’d be smashed in PvP!! Your suggestions about generic keybinds for all classes/chars will do wonders for muscle memory and reflexes….and making setting up an MMO not so much of a ‘chore’ for casual, yet serious (meaning not a preteen just trying to run my toon around in his/her undies) gamers such as myself.
Like Oozo and others who balk at changing from WASD movement, I suspect most just shift their hand over from ASDF so that their middle finger is over the S or W while playing. I’ve tried to adopt your concept to doing that, but the idea of moving to ESDF is compelling, since you get your pinky back to kick off some skills if need be, and also more range to get from 5 down to B more easily.
Anyway, great work!!
AceofSpadez619
Taugrim,
Very interesting setup, I like how you’ve logically organized everything for muscle memory.
I do something similar but since I play a lot of FPS as well I’m married to “WASD” for movement, I bind everything around me, INCLUDING a shift modifier, for fast access. Q,E,R,F, ~,1,2,3,4 and SHFT + Q,E,R,F, ~,1,2,3,4 as my “fast access abilities.
However I agree with you, I hardly ever take my hand off right move click for movement, and I strictly use A and D to strafe.
Another great video Taugrim, i always find it surprising that a lot of people who pvp likes to leave their backs wide open.
But i would like to put forward a few points of my own if you don’t mind.
1. For Pve, i would say that strafe kiting is pretty dangerous because creatures on your sides can easily be in your blind spot and it might become fatal especially if you’re kiting an elite mob and you aggroed other mobs. So i always backshot kite, which is doable with a riftblade.
2. For Pvp, strafe kiting is extremely limited by latency. I don’t know about you guys but in WOW, where i would have latency of 400-500 since i am playing in Singapore, it is impossible to execute strafe kiting cause i am close to 0.5 seconds slower than people in America. Latency in RIFT is better for me at around 200-300, but i am sure i would still see people in America out-strafing me. So you might want to put a disclaimer on it as it will be affected by latency.
thanks.
1. For Pve, i would say that strafe kiting is pretty dangerous because creatures on your sides can easily be in your blind spot and it might become fatal especially if you’re kiting an elite mob and you aggroed other mobs. So i always backshot kite, which is doable with a riftblade.
Understood and agreed. PVE is a different context. In PVE sometimes I place my right hand over the arrow keys for movement.
2. For Pvp, strafe kiting is extremely limited by latency
It is affected by latency, but gapping an opponent will still provide benefit IMO.
Hello Taugrim,
This isnt really related to your recent video however i was inclined to ask you for feedback in regards to a recent build ive been tinkering with. In regards to Pvp i made some interesting changes and wanted to know what you think.
http://rift.zam.com/en/stc.html?t=1cLht.eGo0dsMGtdz.xrozo.VVd0h
While lvling i found myself with the 38 riftblade and 12+ pally ,ainly for the sweeping strike for damage, once i hit 50 and had 38/28 build i just found that it didnt have enough bang. Interestingly Vindicator seems to offer alot for very little. since i only have 12 in Paladin im losing out on Paladin’s devotion however im trading for break free. With 18 points you get Shield charge however in vindicator you get both Thunderous leap and Unrestrained as gap closers which puts you at 3. The benefits are huge, 15% chance not to be crit hit, 6% damage increase to players, and a free 15 sec (30 sec CD) mark that reduces healing by 30%!!!, no longer will we have issues with pesky healers.
Just thought i would share this and see what you think.
Interestingly Vindicator seems to offer alot for very little
I agree with this assessment. Vind has some excellent buffs and on-use abilities/debuffs. This is part of what I love about Rift. Many different ways to skin the cat :)
I’m stuck at WASD, but have a mouse with three buttons remapped to CTRL,SHIFT and ALT. I use q,e,r,f,z,x,c&s-all with either a CTRL,SHIFT or ALT modifier. I also run the same modifiers with the middlle mouse button/spacebar.
It’s interesting to see how someone else organises their binds though, I suspect many of us that pvp a lot organise by category of skills:)
I must say though Taugrim, you are more dextrous than I am:P
[…] see the article that provides a video Guide, screenshots, and descriptive text on how my character control is setup. […]
Brilliant little guide. Just moving Q and E (left and right) to W and R is such a simple concept that opens up a lot.. i just never considered doing it as it goes against everything to not use WASD (QE) :)
A fantastic article, many thanks
Little tweaks can make a significant difference in usability.
Don’t be constrained/confined by the default keybindings. You should tailor the keybindings to suit your needs. And as I wrote in an earlier comment, Rift makes this easy with the “Import” feature between characters, so you can create “backups” of your keybindings.
For your specific key bindings with all the abilities how do you decide which ones to put in 1-5 is it the strongest or more user preference?
Depends on the game and the mechanics of abilities.
E.g. in other games, I have done this:
1: opener
2: snare
3: spam
4: spam/finisher
5: heavy finisher
I’ve mapped my 3-5 keys this way in Rift, but I mapped 1-2 different based on the # of AtPt AOE finishers this class has.
Hi, could you please clarify?
In your first video you mentioned that in PvP you should neither move backwards nor turn your back to your opponent and move. But then how are you supposed to move “backwards”? If you strafe to a certain direction you actually have your back turned to the opposite direction. Or are you supposed to strafe in a “zig-zag” way?
But then how are you supposed to move “backwards”? If you strafe to a certain direction you actually have your back turned to the opposite direction. Or are you supposed to strafe in a “zig-zag” way?
That’s what I do, as shown when I was strafe kiting in Codex under heavy focus fire.
In some rare cases I will use the down arrow key for moving backwards. But in most circumstances strafing is better.
Great article!
I only started using keybinds in WAR but I don’t think I could ever go back. I have a very similar setup to you but shifted to the left (i.e based around the classic WASD). I’m considering switching to the ESDF area, but ctrl/shift modifiers feel a bit distant.
One thing I have noticed in RIFT is that both players and mobs appear to be able to dodge attacks made from behind them. I’m not sure about block/parry/resist but it certainly seems to be the case for dodge.
One thing I have noticed in RIFT is that both players and mobs appear to be able to dodge attacks made from behind them.
That is my impression too, and that is the same as with other games such as WoW.
Ah then if that is indeed the case I shall kite rogues under the effect of ‘Side Steps’ rather than try and get behind them :).
I immediately became a better pvper after using your advice as a basic setup. Once you have mapped the abilities for one build, it becomes intuitive when the time comes to macro and key new ones. My thanks for this!
Awesome to hear :)
kinda new at this but i tried to set up ur macros to give it a shot and can’t get them to work. i typed them in as they appear on ur site but no go….can ya e-mail me or tell me exactly how u type the macros in, not sure if im missing something..noticed on ur pvp video’s ur skills on ur bar r like renamed for the keys (aoe spam or spam) how did u do this…thanks for the help
It sounds like you are having issues just getting a macro to work. You can Google guides for setting up macros or just have a friend or ask for someone on /1 to help you write a macro.
Hey man im a huge fan, both of u and PvP. Which leads me 2 my question. Do u think that Trion has done enough 2 retain PvPers for the long haul? i love this game and its combat system, i only wish that there was more incentive for me 2 play it without the fear of it getting old really quickly.Whats ur take on this and what do u as a PvPer seek as fair reward for all your hard work?
Do u think that Trion has done enough 2 retain PvPers for the long haul?
It’s too early to tell. I think Trion has done a good job creating the warfronts.
Whats ur take on this and what do u as a PvPer seek as fair reward for all your hard work?
The current rewards are gear, titles, being able to spend more talent points, and fun.
Taug,nice tutorial as usual.As you may have known I was a hybrid key turner with some keybindings,but I would highly recommend that you pick up the razer naga mouse.I got it 3 weeks ago and it is awesome.it has 17 programmable buttons,with 12 at your thumb.It took me a bit to get used to,but once you put in the work the rewards are great.Hope to be on Rift soon.Just trying to see what the patch is like before I commit.
Hi Taugrim, loving your guides at the moment and I love to say a big thank you. I’m going to hit lv 50 today and I was wondering if you have worked out your level 50 build. I tried the riftblades final sword buff (healing one) and i feel it wasn’t worth losing power regen. Would you recomend going deeper in pally tree?
I came to the same conclusion re: Blade of Elemental Affinity – I was too power-starved to make using it worthwhile.
So put your points elsewhere.
Here are the two specs I’ve been playing with at 50:
http://rift.zam.com/en/stc.html?t=0cLht.eGo0dsMGtdz.xxouos0o.i
http://rift.zam.com/en/stc.html?t=0cLhE.eGo0dsMGtdz.xLouoo.Vx0oz
Great Tutorial !
I am a bit newbie. What is Bubble ? :)
A “bubble” is a damage absorption ability that has:
– a fixed absorption amount, or
– a fixed duration, or
– both
E.g. Pally’s Reverent Protection “bubble”, an ability that requires 21 points to get.
Thanks.
So what is “G” guard about then ?
About key biddings , so far I found some difficulty to press 2,1,Q,and TAB buttons when strafe to the right. maybe its my hand’s physiologic problem I don’t know.. :)
Think I got it. Guard is “Stoneshield”
Actually Stoneshield is mapped to “E”.
Guard is an ability that is in the Vindicator tree and is mapped to “G”.
Hi I just wanted to ask, can this strafing moves be applied to Allods online.
These concepts can be applied to almost MMORPG for any melee or ranged class – albeit with less effectiveness in Aion due to strafing having slower movement.
Watch any of my Allods videos and you will see my tightly circle-strafing targets.
Hey Taug, quick question and honestly I’m just curious more than anything. If you use both mouse buttons to run forward how are you targeting players? Do you just use tab or strafe then left click. Just wondering for the flow of movement.
Both tab target and mouse clicking.
Sryy one more question how do u move your character with this build
Taugrim,
I just want to thank you for your help. I am 51 years old and a lousy pvper to say the least however with your help I at least hold my own now. Hurray for the old guy. Thanks,
It doesnt help being left handed either, lol.
Awesome to hear the video was helpful :)
I’m no spring chicken myself. We gotta keep up with the kids you know, they grow up playing consoles with complex controllers :D
Taugrim you old warhorse :)
Mate, I have to say you are a deadset legend. As you know, I have been a clicker for my whole mmorpg playing career and never understood or could figure out how to get key pressing to work for me (not enough fingers). I have my 47 main warrior now trying it out with a few not all your keybinds and avoiding clicking entirely and sort of getting the hang of it. I have just made my first alt in Rift and set it all up as per your graphic and am going to level with it and learn it slowly, then I can apply it to my main a little bit better. I am really enjoying it, albiet finding my play a little clunky but only from inexperience.
I am levelling a Cleric tank, and will give Cleric melee a go in PvP aswell as my warrior. on a side note, did some warfronts with the warrior and didnt click once, got top dmg, killing blows and flag carrier kills at elast 3 out of 5 times, so it must be working ok for me.
I thank you again kind Sir, for your thoughtfullness and insight.
Paravian
I have been a clicker for my whole mmorpg playing career and never understood or could figure out how to get key pressing to work for me (not enough fingers). I have my 47 main warrior now trying it out with a few not all your keybinds and avoiding clicking entirely and sort of getting the hang of it. I have just made my first alt in Rift and set it all up as per your graphic and am going to level with it and learn it slowly, then I can apply it to my main a little bit better. I am really enjoying it, albiet finding my play a little clunky but only from inexperience.
The more time you put into getting comfortable with this, the greater the payoff will be. It’s a huge transition moving from clicking skills to activating them via keypress.
The analogy I tell people is that it’s like learning how to type with your fingers, when what you have been used to doing is typing via clicking on a digital keyboard. Typing with your fingers is simply much much faster and accurate, once you get the hang of it.
Let us know how it goes!
So far so good. I actually could do the circle strafe and kite strafe with my keys, and played like that all the time but now with the mouse its so much easier and my left hand doesnt get tired from haveing to hold down two seperate keys to do the one thing.
I ahve been putting it into play now on my warrior. what i did was get the layout of the keybindings right on my alt, with all the different buttons keybinded to certian keys in an order. Top action bar for 1-6, below that in order QERTASDFGH so its easy for me to figure it out, then just imported it onto the warrior and moved the abilities around to the right place. The ones i find hard are pressing ability buttons like QAS etc when I am circle strafing and trying to spam 3 & 4 at the same time but it is getting easier.
A few quick dungeon runs and my guildies couldnt even notice the difference, all though I am yet to transfer it to my pally tank spec, I just went as dps so I had no pressure. my movement is really smooth now, and no delays in turning to pick adds etc up.
Thanks again, i’ll let you know more as I go.
Paravian (Valkyriez)
with the mouse its so much easier and my left hand doesnt get tired from haveing to hold down two seperate keys to do the one thing.
Fatigue/discomfort is an important consideration for keybindings.
I used to find that my wrists would get tired from PVP’ing, but with the setup documented in the video I no longer have that problem.
oh, and with my eyes no longer looking at my action bar, i can actually read a battle better. Thats probably the biggest gain, before it was quick looks to see what was going on but then back to my action bar so i could see what i needed to click on next. I cant believe i got to 1700 arena as a full clicker, wish I had of tried the change ages ago.
Brodie
oh, and with my eyes no longer looking at my action bar, i can actually read a battle better. Thats probably the biggest gain
Exactly. That is one of the big reasons for moving away from ability-clicking. You want your eyes on the battlefield not on your bars as much as possible.
Granted I do need to look down at my bars to see timers on cooldowns and such. But most of the time I keep my eyes on what’s going on around me.
Hey, I’m left handed, too! I’m fond of my number keypad =D
Great video Taugrim. Glad I finally got a few minutes to sit down and go through more of your blog. My head is full of ideas and advice =)
For your CC bindings, are you using macros or specific skills for each key, i.e. is “Q” = Windspear, etc.?
Most CC abilities I don’t macro, because they should not be combined with other abilities.
I managed to figure most of it out, but what are the macros you have set on 2 and 4?
2 = AOE Snare (Earth Burst)
4 = Fiery Burst
thank you for all the tips
as mention before for the oldies :-) your posts gives me tons of ideas
i will be trying to implement the Key layout and hope for the good
on the build i would love to continue see more posts from you regarding key layout and build
thanks for the HELP :)
Hi. Another older guy here trying to keep up with the kids, so I thank you for your helpful guides. Couple of questions.
I’ve been going over your macros and I’m having a little difficulty relating them to your keybindings. Do they correspond or are you actually using something different?
Also, the mechanics of both types of straffing still elude me, even with your keybinding. A few words on the mechanics would be useful. For example, for circle straffing, are you just straffing (ie. w or r key) and then using your mouse to adjust facing?
I’ve been going over your macros and I’m having a little difficulty relating them to your keybindings. Do they correspond or are you actually using something different?
The diagram above (and in the videos) matches what I actually use, with a few additions:
Y: Storm Burst
X: Rift Storm
A few words on the mechanics would be useful.
If you can be as specific as possible, I’ll post responses. E.g. your next question is very specific:
for circle straffing, are you just straffing (ie. w or r key) and then using your mouse to adjust facing?
To circle-strafe clockwise: left strafe (for me, “W”), and right-mouse-turn (right mouse button depressed while sliding the mouse to the right).
To circle-strafe counter-clockwise: right strafe (for me, “R”), and right-mouse-turn (right mouse button depressed while sliding the mouse to the left).
Thanks Taugrim, that’s helpful. I can see that I’ll need some practice here.
For kite straffing, do you just move forward at an oblique angle while using the w or r key? Not sure how to get the backward movement shown in your video.
Regarding the macros, do the macros in part 12 of your March 20/11 post match up with your keybindings? That’s the part that has me puzzled.
Sorry in advance for the dumb questions. This is my first PvP melee character and it’s taken a little getting used to.
For kite straffing, do you just move forward at an oblique angle while using the w or r key?
If I understand you correctly, yes.
Not sure how to get the backward movement shown in your video.
I don’t move backwards, period.
I strafe (move sideways) away from targets. At some angles it may look like I am moving backwards, but you can tell that I am not because I am not moving slowly.
Regarding the macros, do the macros in part 12 of your March 20/11 post match up with your keybindings?
The Guide itself has my most recent macros – that’s what I keep up-to-date. The Comments get outdated over time.
[…] As discussed in the video, the Marksman tree has excellent kiting/strafing mechanics. If you are looking for more information on how to strafe, please see my video guide on strafing and keybinding. […]
Just bound my keyboard as yours, and got some questions appeared :D
1. What is that on your Z key? I compared all possible spells, but none of them did match that picture :(
2. Does “AoE Bi” on your 1 key means AoE Bind? (e.g. forces the target to attack you)
3. What is in your 2 key macro? Only the Earthexplosion? Is it just to show the AoE Snare text or are there more spells in it?
4. Your Fiery Blast macro at the 4 key, is this to spam rotatory fiery blast and flame spear? So you build up one AtPt and burn it instantly away with FB? (if the FS means flame spear… I play it with german client, so I am not that aware of the correct translations ;) )
5. Does your macros at 1,3,T,A and MM match up the same as you posted in your guide, or are there any additions?
1. I’ve recently bound Z to a “Focus Target” macro
2. Yes
3. Earth Burst
4. I ditched the macro, not for me but for people watching my videos. The macro caused too much confusion.
5. I have a simple Guard macro and the Focus Target macro. I will add those to the Guide after publishing my next Warrior video.
1. Will you add that one too?
3. We meant the same, I just translated it wrong :D
4. It’s not that confusing… Just simple ;)
My playstyle ist getting more and more better… There are only just a few spells which my fingers won’t activate how they should :D E.g. the interrupt on Q, the frost armour on S and sometimes the mass AoE on 1.
I always do some sort of finger acrobatic to activate them :D
Good Vid. Some things I have noticed playing MM in the past.
1) First off, the spec is very party dependant, and it is a TERRIBLE solo spec at lower levels. That reason is because the damage output is low and we have no cc or healing utility. Also while mm can kite many melee classes, they still have trouble with mages and many cleric callings. While it gets considerably better at level ranges 30+, I would avoid trying to solo pvp until at least 35-40
wrong topic… how’d that happen 0.0
[…] Effective kite-strafing and circle-strafing technique can give you an significant advantage against other players, as demonstrated in the first clip where against the Assassin Rogue. After the initial stunlock, I did not give up my back to the Assasin Rogue for the remainder of the fight and was able to consistently gap him using CC, CC counters, and strafing. For information on strafing, please check out my video guide on strafing and keybinding setup […]
Taugrim,
First off. Thank you so much for your tutorials, they have been most helpful and really allowed me to use a playstyle that I like in PVP as a warrior.
I know this probably isn’t tied directly to THIS tutorial, but I was wondering what stat archetype you focus on getting, dps (STR/DEX/CRIT/AP) or tank (END/BLK/Dodge)? Or are you picking up all the pvp gear that has Valor on it?
Check out Section 9 of my Riftblade PVP Guide for stat priority:
You want the PVP gear that has Valor on it, the damage mitigation is very important for PVP.
quoting to his guide, he is using that ones for the runes:
[quote]Recommended Runes
* Helm: Strength +10 (Radiant Potent)
* Shoulders: Dexterity +10 (Radiant Deft)
* Chest: Valor +74 (Blazing Valorous), Valor +38 (Radiant Valorous), Endurance +8 (Radiant Resolute) or Dexterity +10 (Radiant Deft)
* Gloves: Physical Crit +11 (Radiant Steadfast)
* Legs: Strength +10 (Radiant Potent)
* Boots: Endurance +8 (Radiant Resolute)
* 1H Weapon: Physical Crit +16 (Radiant Destructive) or Dexterity +10 (Blazing Dexterity)
* 2H Weapon: Physical Crit +30 (Radiant Devastating) or Dexterity +19 (Blazing Dexterity)
* Shield: Endurance +8 (Brilliant Enduring)
* Ranged: Physical Crit +16 (Radiant Destructive) or Dexterity +10 (Blazing Dexterity)[/quote]
@Taugrim: That leads me to another question. Which kind of greater essences are you using? I have currently the health on block and the deathdmg/health on melee abilities. And which kind of lesser essences are you using?
Which kind of greater essences are you using? I have currently the health on block and the deathdmg/health on melee abilities
Corrupting Faesource
Crystallized Stonesource
Please note that the damage/health one AFAIK only applies for Physical abilities and is therefore not a great fit for Riftblade.
Sounds logical, just took it because you said “I play my Riftblade as a MDPS with ranged capability” ;)
And considering the lesser essences?
Best you can indeed do, is to make a pattern for your abilities and keybindings.
My personal are usually like this:
Q for Quick spell (Healers quick heal or nukers quick nuke)
F as FLEEEEEE! For snarebreak etc.
B as some “buff” that i can put up midfight, like bubble.
R for Rapid (something that buffs my abilities and is on CD usually) used it for Rapid Shot in WoW and using it for that ever since:P
Alt+F for knockbacks or other ways to get people off my back, it’s this “f%ck off!” button:P
G for damage shield or something that keeps me alive etc:P
E for main spammable with 3 usually on big nuke or finisher
And then ALT modifiers for most keys, such as alt+q for usually silence+disrupt and alt+r for alternative boost etc.
And indeed it’s most easy to remember your keybindings for every mmo if you use the letter on keyboard with something that you can connect with ingame:P
Hey Taugrim, I just wanted to say a big massive thank you for your very detailed and comprehensive guide. I’ve been asking questions and looking around for AGES how people manage to be so versatile and mobile in PvP and this is exactly what I was looking for, now I know how.
I’ve put your guide in to practise and I can already see myself dominating much better with my Rogue, mages used to be able to kite around me and break my LoS when I would use WASD to move but now using the mouse I can make sure I’m always facing them and always get the skills in that I need to.
Thank you again!!!
Thank you again!!!
You are very welcome!
This video took longer than any other I’ve made, so I’m glad to hear it was helpful :)
can you put what spells are on what keys specifically? i dont know wat spell is a single target finisher for 4,5 i would like to know what specific spells you use for the riftblade warrior on this setup
4 = Fiery Burst
5 = Rift Surge
what movement of A key what is gap close? move forward?
I put abilities such as Bull Rush, Riftwalk, etc in a macro that I bind to my “A” key. These abilities close the distance to a target from range.
I’ve loved your site thus far, just thought I’d let you know.
However, I cannot manage to grasp this thing. I cannot use my keys to cast and move. I’m just no good at it. Do you have any tips on a way I can get better at this? Up to this point, I’ve always just clicked my skills/spells and done pretty decently. But I know I would do much better if I could learn to use the keyboard more.
TLDR: practice in PVE until you get used to it (or duels with friends), then try it in PVP.
You are transitioning from clicking abilities with your mouse to keypressing them, so don’t get discouraged! It takes a lot of time to re-learn and get the muscle memory down.
Just keep practicing, and don’t be satisfied with falling back into your old habits. You’ll reach a tipping point – and it may take a week or two, and then you’ll start to turn the corner.
Let us know how it goes!
After going at it for a few hours now, I seem to be getting better at it. I still get my keys mixed up and end up standing still for a long time, but I am seeing progress. Unfortunately it’s difficult to kite with me level 15 warrior because I pretty much only have 1 ranged attack. I am doing better with my rogue though. At what level do I get a no cooldown, instant cast skill for my warrior? It’d be extremely useful, and would boost my progress a ton, I think.
Good to hear :)
Keep at it – later you’ll be thankful you put in the time to learn a new control setup.
It depends what your spec is for Warrior.
Given that you have a Rogue, my advice is to spec that Rogue as Marksman and practice kiting. MM is a terrific kiting spec. Once you have the hang of it, you should find kiting easier on your Warrior.
If you haven’t watched this already, here’s a video of my MM Rogue in Black Garden 10-19:
I think I’ve watched just about all your videos, actually. But that’s what I did, practiced with my rogue. My Warrior’s spec is the spec that “you settled on” after 1.2. But only up to level 15. It’s RB/PAL.
I’ve got circle strafing down for the most part, but I can only do it efficiently when I use 2/3 attacks, trying to use anymore attack keys than that, makes me lose it. And for the actual kite strafing, I cannot pull it off yet. Although I’m not quite sure what a perfect kite looks like.
Hey Tauugrimm, Im rather disappointed that you pretty much left WoW to play Rift, because I always viewed you as a good pvp player and I’ve learned to play Prot really good from you. Now that they sort of nerfed us I’m stuck in a question if I should continue Prot cause it isnt that viable anymore. I really do wish you do play but nonetheless after watching this video I just want to ask if this is similar key binds to your wow character?
Hey Taugrim,
Great video. You know, coming from the FPS world, Rift is my first ever MMO experience (ya, I know..hehe).
Anyway, the WASD were standard/are in modern day FPS. I quickly learned with MMO’s, bindings and setup was going to be key. I am still learning but have a long way to go.
If I understand this correctly, and looking at your layout. You use the mouse buttons, both pressed down to move forward. You use W and R for strafing, with your ring finger on W and your index finger on R. That sound correct? I have not read all the comments here, but you dont move backwards much correct? I like the video where you show that you dont turn your back on the enemy and you can block. With that, you dont use a ‘back key’? Curious how to you did that. I need to practice.
Really really good stuff. I know I will have to practice as I have other questions.
I play a mix of the callings, but mostly Cleric, Warrior and Rogue, and I think this setup would really help me out.
Only thing I was curious about was when heal as a cleric in dungeon, raid, WF or PVP.
Going to watch this video again, and test it out. Much appreciated for all the hard work.
Cheers,
Jason
hi there, love your guide.
what keybinding do you use for target next enemy on keyboard?
I am new to Rift and trying paladin/rift guide. Is that still viable?
cheers
dave
I use the default of Tab for next enemy.
Yes, Riftblade / Paladin / Champion is viable and effective in 1.4.
Hey Taugrim.
Followed your blog for awhile. Also ran into you a few times on Sunrest (Defiant Rogue) during some PvP rifts.
Anyway, had a question. I started to use this keyboard setup and find it helpful. My only real question is, when you are strafing, say to the right, so you are holding down R, what finger do you use? I know that sounds silly, but I ask because all the keys around R have something bound to it. I have abilities bound to T, F, G, 4, 5 etc. and what I am finding out is, if I am strafing and holding down R, there are a lot of times, I need to fire off an ability that maybe bound to T,F,G,4 or 5. Since I use my index finger to hold down R, how do I reach those other ability keys? I hope that makes sense. So what happens is I have to let go of R, hit the other key, then back on R.
Seems a little awkward so wasn’t sure if you run into the same thing, or you worked out a method to alleviate this.
Great blog and notes man. I enjoy it greatly.
Cheers,
Jason
Which Rogue is yours, and what Rank are you?
I strafe with W (ring finger) and R (index finger).
For the reason you mentioned, I find it easier to strafe left so that I can use the abilities that I activate with my middle finger or index finger.
Got it. I started doing that myself, assuming, I am not heading to a mob on the left side. :)
Cool. Thank you.
Jason
[…] your retreat with your snare, knockback, and movement-removing abilities. If you are newer to kiting, check out my Guide on that […]
[…] you are looking for information on how to kite / strafe, check out my Guide on Strafing / Kiting and let me know if you have any […]