GTA V Controls Guide: All PC & Controller Key Bindings

Mastering GTA 5 on PS3 starts with knowing how every button shapes the action – from sharp turns during high-speed chases to quick weapon swaps in the heat of a heist. This guide breaks down the controls you need to rule Los Santos with precision.

Movement on foot

In GTA 5 on PS3, move your character with the left analog stick, which handles forward, backward, strafe left and right. Sprint by holding L3 (press left stick). Jump with X, and crouch or climb with Circle. Use R3 (press right stick) to glance behind while running. Shift between walking and running speeds by tapping L3 lightly.

In a vehicle

While driving in GTA 5 on PS3, use the left stick to steer and the right trigger to accelerate. The left trigger applies the brakes or reverses when stationary. Press the circle button to fire weapons from inside the vehicle, and use L1 to aim if needed. The square button handles handbrakes for sharper turns, while R3 toggles headlights. Pressing the triangle button lets your character enter or exit the vehicle quickly.

PS3 button layout for driving and combat in GTA V

GTA V on PS3 uses the DualShock 3 controller with distinct layouts for driving and combat, optimized for quick reflexes in chases and shootouts. Driving prioritizes smooth acceleration and steering, while combat emphasizes precise aiming and cover use.​

Driving Controls

Core vehicle handling focuses on the left stick and triggers for speed control.

Combat Controls

Aiming locks onto targets with L2, enabling movement while firing.

Show default DualShock 3 button map for driving controls

GTA V on PS3 uses the default DualShock 3 layout for driving, with analog triggers for precise throttle and braking. Steering relies on the left stick, mimicking real-world car handling in Rockstar’s open world.​

Default Driving Map

This table shows the standard button assignments for vehicles in GTA V story mode on PS3.