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Best Arc Raiders PC Settings: Pro Keybinds & Mouse Setup

Arc Raiders PC settings guide for optimized gameplay.

Anticipation is building for the release of Arc Raiders, the upcoming free-to-play cooperative extraction shooter that promises intense sci-fi action. For PC players looking to gain a competitive edge from their very first drop, optimizing settings is not just a suggestion—it's a necessity.

While the final version of the game is still on the horizon, we can use extensive knowledge from the genre and available playtest information to establish a powerful baseline for your keybinds and mouse settings. This guide will ensure you’re prepared to dominate the battlefield the moment the game goes live.

Why Your PC Settings Matter in Arc Raiders

In a high-stakes game like Arc Raiders, where every encounter could mean the difference between a successful extraction and losing all your gear, split-second reactions are paramount. The default settings are designed to be a one-size-fits-all solution, but they are rarely optimal.

Customizing your controls allows you to tailor the experience to your specific playstyle and hardware. A well-configured setup reduces hand strain, minimizes finger travel for crucial actions, and increases the speed and precision of your aim. PC players who take the time to dial in their settings will consistently have a tangible advantage over those who stick with the defaults.

Foundational Mouse Settings for Peak Performance

Your mouse is your primary tool for aiming and looking, making its configuration the most critical part of your setup. Before you even think about keybinds, you need to establish a solid foundation with your mouse settings.

Understanding DPI and Sensitivity

  • DPI (Dots Per Inch): This is a hardware setting on your mouse that determines how sensitive it is to physical movement. Most professional players in tactical shooters use a DPI between 400 and 1600. A lower DPI generally allows for more precise, smaller adjustments, which is crucial for landing headshots. We recommend starting at 800 DPI.
  • In-Game Sensitivity: This is a software multiplier that works in tandem with your DPI. The goal is to find a sensitivity that allows you to comfortably perform a 180-degree turn without lifting your mouse, while still being low enough for fine-tuned aiming. There is no single "best" sensitivity, as it depends on your DPI and mousepad size, but start low and adjust upwards until it feels responsive yet controllable.
  • Polling Rate: This setting determines how often your mouse reports its position to your computer, measured in Hertz (Hz). Always set this to the highest possible value, which is typically 1000Hz on modern gaming mice. A higher polling rate results in smoother, more responsive cursor movement.

Essential Windows Mouse Settings

For maximum consistency, you should also adjust a key setting in Windows itself.

  1. Go to your Windows Mouse Settings.
  2. Click on "Additional mouse options."
  3. Navigate to the "Pointer Options" tab.
  4. Ensure the box for "Enhance pointer precision" is unchecked. This feature introduces mouse acceleration, which can make your aim inconsistent and harm your muscle memory.

Essential Keybinds to Remap for Arc Raiders

Once your mouse is dialed in, it's time to optimize your keyboard layout. The goal is to move essential combat actions closer to your primary movement keys (WASD) so you can react instantly without compromising your ability to maneuver.

While the final keybind list for Arc Raiders is not yet confirmed, we can anticipate the most important functions based on its genre.

A Pro-Player Starting Point for Keybinds:

  • Crouch: Left Ctrl (Hold) / C (Toggle). Many players prefer assigning "Hold to Crouch" to Left Ctrl for quick "crouch-strafing" in firefights. Assigning "Toggle Crouch" to C can also be useful for quieter movement.
  • Prone: Z or X. The default for prone in many games is Z, but moving it to X can make it slightly easier to reach in a hurry.
  • Sprint: Left Shift. This is standard and highly ergonomic. There is little reason to change this.
  • Interact / Pick Up: F or E. Keep this key close and easily accessible for looting and objective interaction under pressure.
  • Primary Weapon: 1
  • Secondary Weapon: 2
  • Melee: Mouse Button 4/5 (Side Buttons). Moving melee off the keyboard and onto your mouse thumb is a massive upgrade. It allows you to perform a quick melee attack in a close-quarters fight without ever taking your fingers off your movement keys.
  • Grenade / Tactical Ability: G and Mouse Button 4/5. Similar to melee, placing your primary grenade or a key ability on a mouse side button can dramatically speed up your reaction time. If you only have one side button, choose between Melee or Grenade.
  • Push to Talk (Voice Chat): V or a dedicated mouse button. Clear communication will be vital. You want your PTT key to be easily pressable while moving and aiming.

Don't Forget Your Audio Settings

In an extraction shooter, information is everything. Hearing enemy footsteps, gunfire direction, and environmental cues is just as important as seeing your opponents. When you first launch Arc Raiders, immediately navigate to the audio settings menu.

  • Select a "Headphones" or "Headset" preset. This will optimize the audio mix for stereo imaging, making it easier to pinpoint the location of sounds.
  • Turn Music Volume Down. While a game's soundtrack can be epic, it can also mask the subtle audio cues that can save your life. Consider turning music volume down to 10-20% or off completely during matches.
  • Increase SFX (Sound Effects) Volume. This should be your highest volume slider, as it controls crucial sounds like footsteps, reloads, and ability activations.

By preparing your hardware and developing a plan for your settings ahead of time, you'll be able to jump into the world of Arc Raiders with the confidence and precision of a seasoned veteran.

Arc Raiders PC Settings FAQ

Q: When is Arc Raiders being released?

A: An official release date has not yet been announced by developer Embark Studios. The game has undergone closed alpha and technical tests, with a broader release expected in the future.

Q: Will Arc Raiders have controller support on PC?

A: Yes, it is expected that Arc Raiders will feature full controller support on PC, allowing players to choose their preferred input method.

Q: Can these settings improve my FPS?

A: The keybind, mouse, and audio settings in this guide are focused on gameplay performance and player reaction time. They do not directly impact your frames-per-second (FPS). To improve FPS, you will need to adjust your in-game graphics settings, such as texture quality, shadows, and anti-aliasing, once the game is released.

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