How I Set Up Custom Controls in Apex Legends (And Why You Should Too)
I'm just gonna say it: default Apex controls are mid at best. They're fine when you're running around in your first few matches, looting every bin like it's Christmas morning. But the second you start sweating in ranked or pushing for Masters? Those defaults will betray you.
I learned this in the dumbest way possible: I was in a 1v1, perfect angle, purple armor, everything going my way... then I accidentally punched the air instead of healing. Spoiler: I lost. Hard.
That match was my wake-up call. I realized, "Okay, my hands aren't built for this default setup." So I started messing around with custom controls, and it honestly changed my whole game. Not just how I aim, but how fast I react, how smooth my movement feels, even how confident I am in fights.
If you're still on defaults, trust me – you're leaving free performance on the table.
Why Even Bother Changing Controls in Apex Legends?
Look, I get it: going into the settings menu to mess with controls isn't exactly exciting. You just wanna drop hot, get loot, and fight. But here's the thing: custom controls in Apex Legends are like invisible aim assist for your brain. They don't aim for you, but they make every input faster, smoother, and more natural.
When I switched from the default button layout to something that fit my playstyle, my reaction time dropped like crazy. I wasn't fumbling to find my crouch key. I wasn't reaching across the keyboard to pop a shield. My movement tech got cleaner, my aim tracking got steadier, and I could actually pull off the stuff I saw in those YouTube "best controller settings for Apex Legends" videos.
Here's why it matters:
- Speed wins fights: Custom keybinds mean you get your shots off before the other guy even reacts.
- Comfort = Consistency: If your hands feel relaxed, you can play longer without getting sloppy.
- Muscle memory becomes a weapon: When crouch, jump, and abilities are all right where your fingers expect, you stop thinking and just play.
And honestly, this isn't just for controller players. If you're on PC, finding the best Apex Legends keybinds for mouse and keyboard is just as important. You don't see top-ranked players running default binds – there's a reason every pro tweaks theirs.
So if you want to feel like your legend is an extension of you (cheesy, I know, but it's true), start with your controls. It's the fastest free upgrade you'll ever get in Apex.
My Setup (PC & Console)
I've gone through so many control layouts in Apex Legends it's ridiculous. Some were good, some were straight trash, and a few were so bad I still wake up thinking about them. But after a lot of trial and error (and a couple too many late-night ranked grinds), I've finally landed on a setup that just works.
PC: Best Keybinds for Apex Legends (Mouse & Keyboard)
- Sprint: Shift (standard, but I keep it as toggle, not hold – saves the pinky)
- Jump: Space
- Crouch Toggle: C (slide spam friendly)
- Crouch Hold: Left Ctrl (for precise peeks)
- Tactical Ability: Mouse Button 4 (side button)
- Ultimate Ability: Z
- Melee: E (way faster for panic punches)
- Ping: Mouse Button 5 (quick team comms without voice)
I stick to these because they keep my movement keys close and my combat actions on my mouse – less hand travel = faster reactions. This setup also makes movement tech like tap strafing or crouch spam way smoother.
Console: Apex Legends Controller Settings (PS5 / Xbox)
On controller, I start with the Button Puncher preset and tweak from there. Why Button Puncher? Because it swaps crouch and melee, making crouch/jump combos easier without breaking your thumbs.
Here's what I use:
- Jump: X (default) or L3 (Auto-Sprint On) or Left Back paddle
- Crouch/Slide: R3 (crouch on stick = smoother slides + quicker teabags after wins) or Right back paddle
- Tactical Ability: L1
- Ultimate Ability: L1 + R1 (default)
- Melee: Circle (rarely used, but still accessible)
- Grenade: D-Pad Left
- Interact/Reload: Square (default)
If you're serious about getting your aim just right, mess with ALC settings (Advanced Look Controls). ALC lets you fine-tune deadzones, sensitivity curves, and turn speeds. It's not plug-and-play – you'll need to test in the Firing Range – but once dialed in, it feels like cheating without breaking the rules.
I've run these exact binds in Masters lobbies and in tournaments, and I'll never go back to defaults. If you want to see them in action, hop into Apex Legends boosting and coaching – I break down not just the what, but the why behind every control choice.
How to Actually Change Your Controls in Apex Legends
Alright, you've got the "why" and you've seen my setup – now let's talk about actually getting in there and changing your controls. This isn't rocket science, but Apex hides some of the good stuff a few menus deep, so here's the quick step-by-step.
PC (Mouse & Keyboard)
- Open Apex Legends and hit Esc to bring up the menu.
- Go to Settings → Mouse/Keyboard.
- Scroll through the list of actions – Movement, Combat, Communication – and click on the one you want to change.
- Press the key you want to bind. If it says "already bound," you can override it or clear the old one.
- Save your layout, then immediately test in Firing Range – don't wait until you're in a ranked match to see if it works.
Pro tip: Keep your combat actions (shoot, aim, abilities) on your mouse buttons and your movement on the keyboard. It keeps your aim steady during hectic fights.
Console (PS5 / Xbox)
- From the main menu, go to Settings → Controller.
- Look for Button Layout and select Custom (you can also start with a preset like Button Puncher or Bumper Jumper).
- Swap crouch, jump, melee, or ability buttons to whatever feels fastest for your thumbs.
- If you want to go deeper, scroll down to Advanced Look Controls (ALC) and turn them on – this unlocks sensitivity curves, yaw/pitch speeds, and deadzones.
- Jump into the Firing Range and try wall bouncing, sliding, and flicking to see how it feels.
Pro tip: If you're serious about controller aim, take the time to fine-tune your ALC. Small changes can make your aim feel 10x better, especially for long-range tracking.
Messing with your binds is all about iteration. Don't try to build the perfect layout in one sitting. Move one or two buttons, get used to them, then tweak again. That's how you end up with a setup that's truly yours.
Pro Tips for Your Control Setup
I've wasted way too many hours testing different binds in Apex Legends. Some worked, some felt amazing for a week then fell apart in sweaty lobbies, and some made me wonder if I'd accidentally nerfed myself. So here's the short list of what actually matters when dialing in the best Apex Legends controller setup or pro keybinds.
1. Don't Change Everything at Once
I get it – you watch a pro on Twitch, see their insane movement, and instantly copy their binds. Been there. The problem? Your brain's muscle memory goes full "Windows update" mode and you whiff everything for days. Change two or three things max at a time.
2. Movement Tech Comes First
Your aim doesn't mean much if you can't move. Prioritize easy access to crouch, jump, and tactical – these are the inputs you spam the most in fights. For example: crouch on R3 (controller) or C (PC) makes slide spam way smoother and lets you wall bounce without a finger yoga session.
3. Abilities on Easy Reach
If you have to take your thumb off aim to use an ability, you're already dead in a fight against a good player. That's why my tactical is always on a mouse side button (PC) or L1 (controller). It's muscle memory at this point – I can pop a scan or drop a dome without even thinking.
4. Test in Firing Range Like It's Ranked
Don't just run around shooting dummies once and call it good. Simulate fights: strafe, crouch spam, throw nades, bunny hop, swap weapons. If a bind feels weird here, it'll feel worse in a real game.
5. Watch What Pros Do (But Don't Worship Their Binds)
Yeah, pro keybinds are a great starting point – but their hands, controllers, and playstyles aren't yours. Take what works, ditch what doesn't. I use some pro binds for movement, but my ability binds are completely different because I play a more aggressive push style.
Once you nail this down, your controls stop being something you think about – they just happen. And that's when you can actually focus on positioning, aim tracking, and winning fights.
If you're serious about hitting higher ranks faster, this is exactly the kind of stuff we work on in Apex Legends boosting & coaching – not just playing for you, but setting up your game so you can win on your own.
Final Thoughts
Here's the truth: custom controls in Apex Legends aren't some magic hack that's gonna turn you into a Predator overnight. But they will make every fight feel smoother, every movement cleaner, and every button press faster. And in a game where one extra second can decide the whole match, that matters more than people think.
When I switched, it was awkward for a couple of days. I missed shots, I messed up wall bounces, and yeah – I lost some fights I probably should've won. But after a week? I wasn't thinking about buttons anymore. My hands just... did what I wanted.
If you're on the fence, just try it. Go into the Firing Range, change two or three binds, and give it a week. Worst case, you go back to default. Best case, you unlock a whole new level of control over your legend.
And if you want to skip some of the trial-and-error, I break all this down (and more) in our Apex Legends coaching sessions – we'll set up your binds, tune your sensitivity, and get your movement feeling like it belongs in Masters lobbies.
FAQ: Custom Controls in Apex Legends
Q: What are the best controls for Apex Legends on controller?
Honestly, there's no one "best" setup. But a solid starting point is the Button Puncher preset, crouch on R3, jump on X, and tactical on L1. From there, tweak it to fit your thumbs and playstyle.
Q: Should I copy a pro player's controller settings?
You can – it's a good starting point – but don't expect instant improvement. Their binds work for their hands, their playstyle, and sometimes even their custom hardware. Take what feels good, ditch the rest.
Q: What about ALC settings for Apex Legends?
ALC (Advanced Look Controls) is where you can fine-tune sensitivity, deadzones, and response curves. It's worth learning if you want complete control over aim, but it's also easy to mess up. Change one setting at a time and always test in the Firing Range before taking it into ranked.
Q: How long does it take to get used to new keybinds or button layouts?
For me, it took about a week of consistent play. The first few days felt rough, but once muscle memory kicks in, it's like riding a bike. Stick with it long enough to really test it before giving up.
Q: Do custom controls make a big difference in ranked?
Absolutely. In ranked, tiny improvements in reaction time and movement can win fights you'd normally lose. And when you stack that with better positioning and game sense, it's a huge upgrade.