Grand Theft Auto V: GTA V Controls Keyboard Shortcuts & Hotkeys PC

Master the streets of Los Santos with precision-GTA 5’s PC keybinds turn chaos into control.

Zoom in the radar / Info on multiplayer game

Change the camera

Switching the special ability

Choosing the character

Change the character to Michael

Change the character to Franklin

Change the character to Trevor

Switch from the singleplayer mode to GTA Online

Interaction menu

Start / Stop recording

Start / Stop recording a replay

Cancel recording

Context action

Movement on foot

Movement on foot in GTA 5 lets players control their character with precision using standard PC controls. The W, A, S, D keys handle walking, running, and strafing, while Shift triggers sprinting for faster movement. Spacebar is used for jumping over obstacles, and Ctrl enables crouching to take cover or move stealthily. Mouse movement changes the camera view and aim direction, giving players smooth control in both combat and exploration.

Combat

GTA 5’s combat system relies on precise PC keybinds for fluid action. WASD keys handle movement, with left mouse button firing weapons and right mouse aiming down sights. R reloads, F enters cover, and mouse wheel switches guns. V toggles between walking, running, and sprinting speeds, while spacebar jumps and X crouches. Shift activates sprint, and Ctrl goes prone for stealth takedowns. These controls let players chain melee attacks with Q for punching and F for grabs during close fights.

Choosing a weapon

Choosing the right weapon in GTA 5 depends on your playstyle and the situation you face. For quick shootouts, pistols and SMGs let you move fast and stay agile, while assault rifles and shotguns work better for heavier combat. Sniper rifles help take out distant targets, and explosives clear vehicles or groups of enemies. Switching weapons quickly with the mouse wheel or number keys can make the difference in tough missions or online matches.

General (in a car)

On PC, GTA 5 defaults to WASD for steering and accelerating in vehicles, with Spacebar for handbrake and Shift for sprinting or nitrous boost. Press X to enter or exit cars, C for the horn, and mouse buttons to aim or shoot from windows. Radio control uses Q and E to switch stations, while Tab opens the map mid-drive. Customize these in the settings menu for smoother control during chases or races.

Cars / Bikes / Boats

Control vehicles in GTA 5 on PC with these keybinds. Press W, A, S, D to steer cars, bikes, and boats. Use Shift for handbrake on land vehicles, Spacebar to brake, and E to accelerate boats. Switch cameras by hitting F5 for first-person or V for third-person chase view. Num 4 and Num 6 adjust radio stations while driving.

Planes

Planes in GTA 5 offer a range of controls that let players handle everything from small aircraft to massive jets. On PC, use W to accelerate, S to decelerate, A and D for rudder control, and the Num Pad keys to adjust pitch and roll. G toggles landing gear, while E activates special functions like dropping bombs when available. Precise control is key to smooth takeoffs, stable flight, and clean landings, especially when evading police or performing stunt maneuvers.

Subs

PC players customize GTA 5 keybinds through Settings > Key Bindings. Assign actions like sprint to Shift, aim to right mouse button, and shoot to left mouse button. Save changes after testing in-game to match your playstyle. Default setups work for most, but tweaks boost control during chases and shootouts. Check Rockstar’s support for full lists.

Parachute

The parachute in GTA 5 allows players to safely descend from high altitudes, such as aircraft or tall buildings. By default, it is deployed using the F key on PC after jumping from a height. Steering is handled with the standard movement keys, while Shift increases descent speed and Ctrl slows it down. Precision control is helpful for landing in tight spots or avoiding obstacles during freefall.

Phone

The in-game phone is a key tool for communication and quick access to features. Players can open it using the Up Arrow key, allowing them to make calls, send messages, or access contacts. It also lets you browse the internet, check stocks, and manage in-game apps. The phone is central for receiving missions and connecting with characters, making it a practical feature for both story progression and free-roam activities.

GTA Online

GTA Online expands the single-player experience with persistent multiplayer sessions on PC. Players switch between solo missions, heists, and competitive modes using the same core keybinds as story mode, with mouse and keyboard controls optimized for vehicle chases and shootouts. Customize settings in the pause menu to adapt to business enterprises or arena wars, ensuring smooth coordination in crews across Los Santos.

How do I remap keyboard keys in GTA V settings

To remap keyboard keys in GTA V on PC, access the in-game settings menu and navigate to the Key Bindings section. Click on any action to reassign it by pressing your preferred key, then confirm changes to apply them.

Accessing Key Bindings

Press ESC during gameplay or from the main menu to open the pause screen. Select Settings > Key Bindings, where categories like On Foot, Combat, and Vehicles are listed for easy navigation.​

Remapping Process

• Scroll to the desired action (e.g., Sprint or Shoot).

• Click it or highlight and press Enter.

• Press the new key; a warning appears if it’s already bound elsewhere-choose to swap or reassign.

• Use the search bar for quick finds, and test in-game afterward.​

Saving and Tips

Hit Apply Changes at the bottom to save, or Reset to defaults if needed. Conflicts are common with multi-use keys like Q, so prioritize frequently used actions first; this works in both story mode and GTA Online.​​

Which keys in GTA V cannot be remapped in Settings

GTA V allows remapping of nearly all keyboard keys through its in-game settings, but a few core actions remain unchangeable to maintain basic functionality. These restrictions stem from the game’s design to prevent conflicts with essential mechanics.​

Non-Remappable Keys

Certain fundamental keys like the pause menu (ESC) and main menu navigation cannot be altered, as they are hardcoded for accessibility. Mouse buttons for primary actions (e.g., left-click shoot, right-click aim) also stay fixed, though their functions can be swapped in some categories.​

Workarounds and Limits

The game prevents duplicate bindings, forcing you to resolve overlaps during remapping, but no specific list of fully locked keys appears in official docs. For edge cases like numpad remaps, external tools (e.g., AutoHotkey) are sometimes used outside settings. Test changes in a free roam session, as Online mode syncs binds separately.​​