Getting started4 min read
Soulframe Controls & Keybinds (KB+M, Aim Assist)
Defaults · rebind · Pull Smite
Soulframe rebinding lives under Settings → Controls. Defaults below match the community-maintained Avakot Gameplay page for keyboard and mouse — always confirm your own binds after a patch.
Core combat (mouse & keyboard)
| Action | Default (KB+M) | Notes | |--------|----------------|-------| | Light attack | Left mouse | Also used for ripostes after a parry | | Block | Right mouse (hold) | Builds stagger on your bar when absorbing hits | | Parry | Block just before impact | No stagger cost on a successful parry | | Riposte | Light attack after parry | Requires the Riposte combat art on your weapon | | Dodge | Shift | i-frames; “perfect dodge” enables Spectre Strike if unlocked | | Kick | Dedicated bind in Controls | Some pacts replace kick with a unique ability |
Spectral Sight & Smite
| Action | Typical bind | Notes | |--------|--------------|-------| | Spectral Sight | Hold key in Controls | Reveals murals, charmable animals, loot auras | | Smite | Passive chance on hits | Glowing soul = Smite proc | | Pull Smite | Spectral Sight + light attack on a Smited foe | Recharges matching Arcanic; refreshes active Rune |
Pull Smite used to appear as “Soulsteal” in older Preludes keybind lists (renamed Preludes 12).
Movement & loot
- Interact — chests, keys, NPCs (must manually pick up some key drops).
- Throw weapon — charged throws can headshot standard enemies; used for Dermak ceiling traps.
Aim assist & controllers
- Open Settings → Controls (or Gameplay) and search for aim assist / look sensitivity — options have shifted across Preludes builds.
- Full gamepad layouts are not documented on Avakot yet; remap in the same menu and match in-game tutorials during Rise Envoy.
Verify in client: DE can rename binds without a public changelog line. Screenshot your layout before a major patch.
When controls feel wrong
| Symptom | Things to try | |---------|----------------| | Attacks not registering on slopes | Reposition for ground finishers; uneven terrain fails more often than standing finishers | | Block drains stagger instantly | Enemy attack may be unblockable — dodge instead (see combat mechanics) | | Pull Smite does nothing | Enemy soul must be visibly Smited; Spectral Sight must be active |
Related guides
- Combat mechanics & virtues
- Beginner's guide — tutorial flow
- Runes & enchanting — Rune activation keybind added in recent Preludes (check Controls)
Guides in this stage
Compare walkthroughs tagged as Getting started; this page is highlighted.
| Guide | Read time | Tags |
|---|---|---|
| How to Choose a Pact | 8 min read | pact · virtue · build |
| Beginner's guide | 10 min read | basics · pact · nightfold |
| Combat Mechanics & Virtue System | 15 min read | virtue · parry · dodge |
| Soulframe Boss Mechanics — Smite, Stagger & Co-op Scaling | 7 min read | boss · smite · co-op |
| Soulframe Beginner Tips — 10 Best Practices | 5 min read | basics · tips |
| How Virtues Work in Soulframe | 5 min read | virtue · system |
| How Leveling Works in Soulframe | 5 min read | leveling · progression |
| How to Unlock Tuvalkane the Blacksmith | 4 min read | tuvalkane · crafting |
| How to Reveal Location Names on the Map | 4 min read | exploration · motes |
| All Pacts in Soulframe and Their Skills | 6 min read | pact · arcanic |
| Dermak Undercity Dungeon Guide | 5 min read | dungeon · dermak · early-game |
| How to Find a Party in Soulframe (4-Player Co-op) | 5 min read | multiplayer · co-op · party |
| Preludes 15 Gods & Ghosts — Patch Preview (Not Live) | 6 min read | patch · preludes-15 · loot |
| How to Join Soulframe Preludes (Access & Keys) | 4 min read | access · keys · install |
| Soulframe Controls & Keybinds (KB+M, Aim Assist) | 4 min read | controls · keybinds · settings |
Related guides
From catalog relations — follow-up topics for this guide.