What are the default controls for XCOM: Enemy Unknown?

XCOM: Enemy Unknown, a strategy game, uses 44 default keybinds across 4 categories — on keyboard and controller. The complete, up-to-date list is free to read on this page.

Can you remap XCOM: Enemy Unknown controls?

Yes. These are the game's default bindings — nearly all of them can be reassigned from XCOM: Enemy Unknown's in-game control or key-binding settings.

Does XCOM: Enemy Unknown support a controller?

Yes — XCOM: Enemy Unknown has full gamepad support. The Steam Deck button map is shown on this page alongside the keyboard controls.

Which platforms do these XCOM: Enemy Unknown controls cover?

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

Is this an official XCOM: Enemy Unknown resource?

No. This is an unofficial reference and is not affiliated with or endorsed by XCOM: Enemy Unknown or its publisher. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.

Windows · Linux · 44 default keybinds

✓ Steam Deck ready

XCOM: Enemy Unknown Keyboard & Controller Controls

Strategy games → Part of the XCOM collection →

XCOM: Enemy Unknown is Firaxis Games' 2012 reboot of the classic alien-invasion tactics series, splitting play between running the XCOM base and fighting turn-based squad battles. This reference covers its default PC keys for jumping between base facilities, cycling soldiers and targets, overwatch, reloading and steering the tactical camera, with the controller buttons alongside.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown official site ↗ View on Steam ↗

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All XCOM: Enemy Unknown controls

44 default keybinds across 4 categories. Most can be reassigned in XCOM: Enemy Unknown's control settings. Switch to Gamepad to see the Steam Deck buttons.

Layout

Esc

F10

F11

F12

⌫ Back

Tab

[

]

Caps

;

Enter ⏎

Shift

Ctrl

Win

Alt

Space

Alt

Win

Ctrl

MMB · Free Zoom (hold)

↑

←

↓

→

+ 4 more controls in the table below

44 shortcuts

Tactical 17

Action	Shortcut
Move Soldier	`RMB`
Open Shot HUD	`Space`
Confirm Action	`Enter`
Next Soldier / Target	`Tab`
Overwatch	`Y`
Previous Soldier / Target	`Shift`
Reload	`R`
Swap Weapon	`X`
Hunker Down	`B`
Ability 1	`1`
Ability 2	`2`
Interact with Object	`V`
Next Soldier / Target (mouse)	`M4`
Previous Soldier / Target (mouse)	`M5`
More Info Screen	`F1`
Ability 10	`0`
Target Unit (first of F2-F8)	`F2`

Base (Strategy) 11

Action	Shortcut
Mission Control	`Q`
Research Facility	`1`
Engineering Facility	`2`
Barracks	`3`
Hangar	`4`
Situation Room	`5`
Next Soldier (Barracks)	`Tab`
Previous Soldier (Barracks)	`Shift`
Gollop Chamber	`E`
Next Soldier (Barracks, mouse)	`M4`
Previous Soldier (Barracks, mouse)	`M5`

General 8

Action	Shortcut
Confirm	`Enter`
Cancel / Back	`Esc`
Confirm (alternate)	`Space`
Navigate Up	`UP`
Navigate Down	`DOWN`
Navigate Left	`LEFT`
Navigate Right	`RIGHT`
Cancel (mouse)	`RMB`

Camera 8

Action	Shortcut
Camera Up	`W`
Camera Down	`S`
Camera Left	`A`
Camera Right	`D`
Rotate Camera Left	`Q`
Rotate Camera Right	`E`
Toggle Zoom Level	`Z`
Free Zoom (hold)	`MMB`

Sourced from shared.fastly.steamstatic.com, assets.2k.com, 2k.com Last verified September 25, 2026

Action	Steam Deck
Open Shot HUD	`R2`
Confirm Action	`A`
Next Soldier / Target	`R1`
Overwatch	`Y`
Previous Soldier / Target	`L1`
Swap Weapon	`X`

Action	Steam Deck
Mission Control	`Y`

Action	Steam Deck
Confirm	`A`
Cancel / Back	`B`
Confirm (alternate)	`A`
Navigate Up	`D-Pad ↑`
Navigate Down	`D-Pad ↓`
Navigate Left	`D-Pad ←`
Navigate Right	`D-Pad →`

Action	Steam Deck
Camera Up	`R-Stick`
Camera Down	`R-Stick`
Camera Left	`R-Stick`
Camera Right	`R-Stick`
Rotate Camera Left	`D-Pad ←`
Rotate Camera Right	`D-Pad →`

Unofficial reference. ShortcutPosters is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by XCOM: Enemy Unknown. All product names, logos, and trademarks are property of their respective owners. See our licensing & trademark notice.

XCOM: Enemy Unknown controls — FAQ

What are the default controls for XCOM: Enemy Unknown?: XCOM: Enemy Unknown, a strategy game, uses 44 default keybinds across 4 categories — on keyboard and controller. The complete, up-to-date list is free to read on this page.
Can you remap XCOM: Enemy Unknown controls?: Yes. These are the game's default bindings — nearly all of them can be reassigned from XCOM: Enemy Unknown's in-game control or key-binding settings.
Does XCOM: Enemy Unknown support a controller?: Yes — XCOM: Enemy Unknown has full gamepad support. The Steam Deck button map is shown on this page alongside the keyboard controls.
Which platforms do these XCOM: Enemy Unknown controls cover?: These keyboard controls apply on Windows and Linux. Most bindings are identical across platforms unless noted.
Is this an official XCOM: Enemy Unknown resource?: No. This is an unofficial reference and is not affiliated with or endorsed by XCOM: Enemy Unknown or its publisher. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.

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XCOM: Enemy Unknown Keyboard & Controller Controls

XCOM: Enemy Unknown controls poster

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All XCOM: Enemy Unknown controls

Tactical 17

Base (Strategy) 11

General 8

Camera 8

Tactical 6

Base (Strategy) 1

General 7

Camera 6

XCOM: Enemy Unknown controls — FAQ

XCOM: Enemy Unknown controls poster

Want it print-ready?

All XCOM: Enemy Unknown controls

Tactical 17

Base (Strategy) 11

General 8

Camera 8

Tactical 6

Base (Strategy) 1

General 7

Camera 6

XCOM: Enemy Unknown controls — FAQ

XCOM collection

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