The default controls for Oleander-X map standard third-person action inputs to both keyboard/mouse and gamepad, with a dedicated radial menu for the game's unique Splicing abilities. Whether you're on PC or macOS, the core layout is designed for fluid traversal and rapid switching between stealthy takedowns and open combat against Aegis Corp Enforcers.
This guide provides a comprehensive reference for every keybind and controller input. We'll cover the essentials first, then dive into the more nuanced systems like the Splicing Wheel, contextual actions, and advanced movement tech that separate novice agents from legendary operatives in the rain-slicked streets of Aethelburg.
Essential Movement & Combat Controls (Keyboard & Mouse)
Your primary interface on PC and macOS is the standard WASD layout, which should feel immediately familiar to anyone who has played a third-person action game. The key is mastering how these basic inputs combine for more advanced maneuvers, such as sprinting into a slide or using the cover-swap key to maintain momentum during a firefight. Most keys serve a dual purpose depending on whether you are in or out of cover. For example, the Spacebar handles vaulting in the open but initiates a cover-swap when you're behind an object.
Here is the complete default key mapping for keyboard and mouse players.
| Action | Primary Key | Secondary Key |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | ||
| Move Forward | W | Up Arrow |
| Move Backward | S | Down Arrow |
| Strafe Left | A | Left Arrow |
| Strafe Right | D | Right Arrow |
| Sprint | Left Shift (Hold) | |
| Jump / Vault / Cover-Swap | Spacebar | |
| Crouch / Slide | C | Left Ctrl |
| Combat | ||
| Aim Down Sights (ADS) | Right Mouse Button (Hold) | |
| Fire Weapon | Left Mouse Button | |
| Reload | R | |
| Primary Melee | F | |
| Switch Weapon | Mouse Wheel / 2 | |
| Equip Previous Weapon | 1 | |
| Throw Grenade/Utility | G | |
| Interaction | ||
| Interact / Takedown | E | |
| Use Health Stim | V | |
| Open Splicing Wheel | Q (Hold) | |
| Open Inventory | I | Tab |
| Open Mission Log | J |
Oleander-X in-game screenshot
Mastering the Splicing & Bio-Hacking Interface
Splicing is Oleander-X's signature mechanic, allowing you to weaponize your own biology by spending the 'Chroma' resource. These powerful abilities range from the defensive 'Miasma Cloud' to the aggressive 'Synaptic Overload'. Accessing them quickly is critical for survival, especially on higher difficulties.
How to Use the Splicing Radial Menu
The primary way to access your abilities is through the Splicing Wheel. Hold down 'Q' to bring up a radial menu that pauses the game, giving you a moment to strategize. While holding 'Q', move your mouse in the direction of the desired Splice and release 'Q' to activate it. You can equip up to eight Splices to this wheel via the 'Genetics' tab in your inventory menu. This interface is your go-to for accessing less frequently used but powerful abilities that can turn the tide of a fight.
Oleander-X in-game screenshot
Quick-Cast Splicing Binds
For your most-used abilities, the radial menu is too slow. The game allows you to assign up to four Splices for instant activation, bypassing the wheel entirely. In the 'Genetics' menu, you can drag and drop any unlocked Splice into one of four 'Quick-Cast' slots. These slots correspond to the number keys 3, 4, 5, and 6 by default. Setting up your core combo—for example, 'Chameleon Skin' on 3 and a 'Caustic Spit' on 4—is essential for a fluid combat rhythm. This allows you to chain abilities, like turning invisible and then immediately firing a corrosive projectile, without ever opening a menu.
Gamepad & Controller Layout (Xbox & PlayStation)
Oleander-X features full controller support with a layout optimized for modern gamepads from Xbox and PlayStation. The control scheme is designed to keep your thumbs on the sticks as much as possible, mapping core combat and movement actions to the triggers and bumpers. Splicing is handled elegantly through a combination of the left bumper and the right stick, mimicking the speed of the keyboard's radial menu.
Oleander-X in-game screenshot
The button mapping is largely identical between Xbox and PlayStation controllers, with the face buttons (A/X, B/Circle, etc.) sharing the same functions. The table below outlines the complete default controller scheme.
| Action | Xbox Controller | PlayStation Controller |
|---|---|---|
| Movement & Camera | ||
| Move | Left Stick | Left Stick |
| Camera | Right Stick | Right Stick |
| Sprint | L3 (Click Left Stick) | L3 (Click Left Stick) |
| Jump / Vault | A | Cross |
| Crouch / Slide | B | Circle |
| Combat & Interaction | ||
| Aim Down Sights (ADS) | LT (Hold) | L2 (Hold) |
| Fire Weapon | RT | R2 |
| Reload | X | Square |
| Melee / Takedown | Y | Triangle |
| Interact | A (Tap) | Cross (Tap) |
| Switch Weapon | D-Pad Up | D-Pad Up |
| Splicing & Gear | ||
| Open Splicing Wheel | LB (Hold) + Right Stick | L1 (Hold) + Right Stick |
| Throw Grenade/Utility | RB | R1 |
| Use Health Stim | D-Pad Down | D-Pad Down |
| Open Inventory | View Button | Touchpad Button |
Advanced Techniques & Hidden Controls
Beyond the basics, several contextual and advanced inputs are not explicitly taught in the game's tutorial. Mastering these is what allows for the stylish, efficient gameplay seen in high-level playthroughs.
The Contextual Lean & Peek System
While in cover, you don't have to expose your entire body to shoot. Move to the edge of a piece of cover and hold the Aim button (RMB / LT) without a directional input. Your character will automatically perform a minimal lean, exposing only their head and weapon. This drastically reduces your profile and is the safest way to engage Aegis Corp Enforcers from a fixed position. Releasing the Aim button will snap you back into full cover.
Slide-Vaulting and Advanced Traversal
Chaining movements together is key to navigating Aethelburg quickly and efficiently. The most useful technique is the slide-vault, which carries your sprint momentum over low obstacles. To perform it, you must execute a specific sequence: initiate a sprint with 'Left Shift', press 'C' to begin a slide, and then tap 'Spacebar' just as you reach a waist-high object. This will launch you over the cover without breaking your stride, making you a much harder target to hit and cutting down traversal time significantly.
Oleander-X in-game screenshot
Managing Your Inventory and Quick Slots
Your utility items, like EMP Grenades and Neuro-Stims, can be used from the main inventory, but this is slow and clumsy in combat. A far better method is to assign them to your D-pad quick slots (on controller) or dedicated keys. Open your inventory ('I' or 'Tab') and you will see a 'Quick Slot' wheel. Simply drag any consumable item into one of the four slots. In the field, you can then use that item instantly by tapping the corresponding D-pad direction or pressing its bound key (e.g., 'G' for grenades).
How to Customize Your Key Binds
Oleander-X allows for extensive remapping of its controls on both keyboard and controller. To access these settings, pause the game, navigate to 'Options', and then select the 'Controls' tab. Here, you will find separate menus for 'Keyboard & Mouse Bindings' and 'Controller Layout'.
In the keyboard menu, you can assign a primary and secondary key to almost every action. This is useful for setting up personal preferences, such as mapping 'Melee' to a thumb button on your mouse. The controller menu offers several preset layouts ('Default', 'Southpaw', 'Bumper Jumper') and allows for complete button remapping on an action-by-action basis.
Additionally, this menu contains crucial accessibility options. You can change actions like 'Sprint', 'Aim', and 'Crouch' from 'Hold' to 'Toggle', which can significantly reduce strain during long play sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How do you perform a stealth takedown in Oleander-X? To perform a silent takedown, you must be undetected. Approach an unaware enemy from behind and press the 'Interact / Takedown' button ('E' on keyboard, 'Y' on Xbox, 'Triangle' on PlayStation) when the prompt appears.
Can you play Oleander-X with a flight stick or racing wheel? No. The game officially supports only standard keyboard/mouse inputs and XInput-compatible controllers like the Xbox and PlayStation gamepads. Other devices may work with third-party software but are not supported natively.
How do I remap the Splicing Wheel key? Navigate to the main menu > Options > Controls > Keyboard & Mouse Bindings. Scroll down to the 'Abilities' section and you will find the 'Open Splicing Wheel' command. Click on it and press the new key you wish to assign.
Is there a difference between the PC and macOS controls? The in-game controls and default bindings for Oleander-X are identical across both PC and macOS. The only difference is at the system level, where Mac users might use the Command or Option keys in place of Ctrl or Alt for OS-level functions like taking screenshots.
Final Take
The control scheme for Oleander-X is dense, but deliberately so. It prioritizes player choice, offering multiple ways to perform most actions—whether through a radial menu, a quick-cast key, or a contextual input. While the initial learning curve can feel steep, particularly with the Splicing system, the reward is an immense sense of mastery and a combat system that feels fluid, expressive, and deeply personal.