What are the default controls for Halo Wars: Definitive Edition?

Halo Wars: Definitive Edition, a strategy game, uses 41 default keybinds across 6 categories. The complete, up-to-date list is free to read on this page.

Can you remap Halo Wars: Definitive Edition controls?

Yes. These are the game's default bindings — nearly all of them can be reassigned from Halo Wars: Definitive Edition's in-game control or key-binding settings.

Which platforms do these Halo Wars: Definitive Edition controls cover?

These keyboard controls apply on Windows. Most bindings are identical across platforms unless noted.

Is this an official Halo Wars: Definitive Edition resource?

No. This is an unofficial reference and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Halo Wars: Definitive Edition or its publisher. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.

Windows · 41 default keybinds

Halo Wars: Definitive Edition Keyboard Controls

Strategy games → Part of the Halo collection →

Halo Wars was built around a gamepad, and its PC keyboard scheme keeps that shape: the build and command wheel is driven by the eight keys ringed around S — W, E, D, C, X, Z, A and Q — with Left Shift cancelling a queued slot. E grabs every unit on the map, Q only those on screen, and Space jumps the camera to the latest alert. Rows here are read from the game's own Options › Controls screen.

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All Halo Wars: Definitive Edition keyboard controls

41 default keybinds across 6 categories. Most can be reassigned in Halo Wars: Definitive Edition's control settings.

Layout

Esc

F10

F11

F12

⌫ Back

Tab

[

]

Caps

;

Enter ⏎

Shift

Ctrl

Win

Alt

Space

Alt

Win

Ctrl

↑

←

↓

→

+ 6 more controls in the table below

41 shortcuts

Camera 12

Action	Shortcut
Pan Camera Up	`W`then`/`then`UP`
Pan Camera Left	`A`then`/`then`LEFT`
Pan Camera Down	`S`then`/`then`DOWN`
Pan Camera Right	`D`then`/`then`RIGHT`
Reset Camera	`Home`
Faster Camera Movement (Shift + any pan key)	`ShiftW`
Rotate Camera	`AltMove`
Camera Zoom	`AltWheel`
Rotate Camera Left	`Ins`
Rotate Camera Right	`Del`
Zoom In	`PgDn`
Zoom Out	`PgUp`

Radial Menu 9

Action	Shortcut
Use Top Slot	`W`
Use Top-Right Slot	`E`
Use Right Slot	`D`
Use Left Slot	`A`
Use Top-Left Slot	`Q`
Use Bottom-Right Slot	`C`
Use Bottom Slot	`X`
Use Bottom-Left Slot	`Z`
Cancel a Radial Slot (Left Shift + slot key)	`L ShiftW`

General 7

Action	Shortcut
Pause Game / Main Menu	`F10`
Game Cancel	`Esc`
Objectives	`F9`
Game Action Alternate	`R`
Spirit of Fire Menu	`F`
Ping	`G`
In-Game Chat / Send Message	`Enter`

Control Groups 5

Action	Shortcut
Create Control Group (0–9)	`Ctrl1`
Select Control Group	`1`
Add Units to Control Group	`Shift1`
Create Group Exclusive	`Alt1`
Add Units Exclusive	`ShiftAlt1`

Selection 4

Action	Shortcut
Select Global Units	`E`
Select Local Units	`Q`
Rectangle Multi-Unit Selection	`LMB`
Sub-Select Units	`Wheel ↓`

Navigation 4

Action	Shortcut
Move to Last Alert Location	`Space`
Set Rally Point	`Y`
Move / Cycle to Base Locations	`Z`
Move / Cycle to Next Army	`X`

Sourced from pcgamingwiki.com, steamcommunity.com Last verified September 30, 2026

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Halo Wars: Definitive Edition controls — FAQ

What are the default controls for Halo Wars: Definitive Edition?: Halo Wars: Definitive Edition, a strategy game, uses 41 default keybinds across 6 categories. The complete, up-to-date list is free to read on this page.
Can you remap Halo Wars: Definitive Edition controls?: Yes. These are the game's default bindings — nearly all of them can be reassigned from Halo Wars: Definitive Edition's in-game control or key-binding settings.
Which platforms do these Halo Wars: Definitive Edition controls cover?: These keyboard controls apply on Windows. Most bindings are identical across platforms unless noted.
Is this an official Halo Wars: Definitive Edition resource?: No. This is an unofficial reference and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Halo Wars: Definitive Edition or its publisher. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.

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