Arc Raiders Shoulder Swap: Keyboard & Controller
Arc Raiders lets you switch your character’s shoulder view (the camera side) on both keyboard and controller. On keyboard, the default key is the “Q” key; on controller, it’s the “RSB” (Right Stick Button) by default. This article explains the exact controls, how to change them, and answers common questions about shoulder swapping in the game.
What Is Shoulder Swap and Why Use It?
Shoulder swap is a camera control that shifts the view from over your character’s right shoulder to over the left shoulder (or vice versa). It’s a tactical tool that lets you peek around corners, shoot from cover, and maintain visibility of enemies when moving in a certain direction. In a game like Arc Raiders, where positioning and awareness are critical, mastering shoulder swap can mean the difference between spotting an enemy first or getting caught off guard.
Default Controls for Shoulder Swap
Here are the default settings for both input methods:
- Keyboard: Press the Q key to toggle the shoulder view.
- Controller (Xbox/PlayStation): Press the Right Stick Button (RSB, also called R3 or L3 depending on the platform) to toggle.
These defaults are the same across all platforms, but you can rebind them in the settings menu. Note that some players prefer to hold the button instead of toggling; Arc Raiders currently only offers a toggle option, not a hold-to-swap behavior.
How to Change the Shoulder Swap Key/Button
If the default key feels uncomfortable, you can change it in the game’s settings. Here’s how:
- Open the Settings menu from the main lobby or pause screen.
- Go to the Controls tab.
- Look for the Shoulder Swap binding (it might be under “Combat” or “Camera” section).
- Click on the binding and press the new key or button you want to use.
- Save your changes and exit the menu.
On PC, you can also bind it to a mouse side button if your mouse has extra buttons, which many players find more accessible than Q.
Shoulder Swap in Different Situations
The shoulder you’re viewing from affects how you see around obstacles. For example, if you’re peeking out from behind a wall on your left side, swapping to the left shoulder gives you a clearer line of sight without exposing your whole body. Similarly, when moving right, the right shoulder view is more advantageous. Here are some practical uses:
- Corner peeking: Swap to the opposite shoulder of the wall you’re hugging to see more of the room before committing.
- Cover shooting: When firing from behind low cover, swapping can help you keep your head down while still aiming at enemies.
- Running and gunning: If you’re sprinting in a direction, having the camera on the side you’re moving toward can help you react faster to threats.
Common Issues and Fixes
Some players report that shoulder swap doesn’t work as expected. Here are a few common problems and solutions:
- Button not responding: Make sure your controller is properly connected and the button isn’t broken. Try a different button to see if the issue persists.
- Swap only works while aiming: In some games, shoulder swap only functions when you’re aiming down sights. In Arc Raiders, it works both when hip-firing and aiming, but if you’re having trouble, try aiming and then pressing the swap button.
- Inverted view: If the swap seems to move the camera to the wrong side, check if you have any camera inversion settings enabled in the options.
- Key binding not saving: If your custom binding resets after restarting the game, make sure you’re saving the settings correctly and not just closing the menu. Some games require you to press “Apply” or “Confirm” before exiting.
Keyboard vs. Controller: Which Is Better for Shoulder Swap?
The choice between keyboard and controller for shoulder swap largely comes down to personal preference and ergonomics. On keyboard, the Q key is easy to reach with your left hand, but it can be awkward if you’re also using WASD for movement. Some players remap it to a mouse side button for quicker access. On controller, the right stick button is convenient because it’s under your thumb, but pressing it can sometimes cause a slight camera jolt if you press too hard. Both methods work well; it’s about what feels natural to you.
Does Shoulder Swap Affect Gameplay Balance?
Shoulder swap is a quality-of-life feature that doesn’t give a competitive advantage beyond what’s available to everyone. It’s a standard mechanic in third-person shooters, and Arc Raiders implements it without any penalties. There’s no cooldown or stamina cost, so you can swap as often as you like. The game doesn’t have a “peeker’s advantage” tied to shoulder swap; it’s purely a camera control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bind shoulder swap to a different key on PC?
Yes, you can rebind it in the Controls settings. Go to Settings → Controls → Shoulder Swap, then click the binding and press your preferred key. Many players use a mouse side button for faster access.
Is shoulder swap available on all platforms?
Yes, shoulder swap is available on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox. The default button is the right stick click on controller and Q on keyboard.
Can I make shoulder swap a hold-to-activate instead of a toggle?
As of the current version, Arc Raiders only offers a toggle option. There’s no setting to change it to hold-to-swap. You’ll need to press the button each time you want to change shoulders.
Why does my shoulder swap sometimes not work?
This usually happens if you’re in a menu or if the game hasn’t registered the input. Make sure you’re in gameplay, not in a cutscene or menu. Also, check if your controller has a dead zone issue where the button press isn’t registering properly.
Does shoulder swap work while sprinting?
Yes, you can swap shoulders while sprinting, but the camera may briefly reset when you start or stop sprinting. This is a minor visual quirk and doesn’t affect gameplay.
Are there any plans to add more shoulder swap options?
The developers haven’t announced any changes to the shoulder swap system, but they regularly update the game based on player feedback. Keep an eye on patch notes for any future adjustments.
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