- I Can Smell You From Here controls cover movement, combat, and scent-tracking inputs
- Tracking mode is the core mechanic — learn its activation key early
- Rebinding is available in the settings menu for every core action
- Controller support exists, but keyboard and mouse offer finer tracking control
- Practice drills build muscle memory faster than story missions alone
I Can Smell You From Here Controls Overview
Before diving into missions, you need a solid grasp of the base control scheme. I Can Smell You From Here revolves around detecting and following traces in the environment, so the control layout blends standard movement inputs with a dedicated tracking layer. Most new players struggle not because the inputs are complex, but because they never learn which actions chain together.
Video Highlights:
- No official control tutorial video is currently linked for this topic
- Bookmark this page — we update bindings whenever patches change defaults
Open the in-game control settings first and screenshot the default bindings. If a patch resets your custom layout, you will have a reference to restore quickly.
Here is the default keyboard layout:
| Action | Default Key | Category | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Move Forward | W | Movement | ★★★★★ |
| Move Backward | S | Movement | ★★★★★ |
| Strafe Left / Right | A / D | Movement | ★★★★★ |
| Sprint | Shift | Movement | ★★★★ |
| Jump / Vault | Space | Movement | ★★★★ |
| Track Scent | Q | Tracking | ★★★★★ |
| Focus Scan | E | Tracking | ★★★★ |
| Interact | F | World | ★★★★★ |
| Light Attack | LMB | Combat | ★★★★★ |
| Heavy Attack | RMB | Combat | ★★★★ |
| Dodge | Ctrl | Combat | ★★★★★ |
| Open Map | M | Interface | ★★★ |
Tracking Mode Inputs Explained
Tracking is what defines I Can Smell You From Here, and it has its own input logic that behaves differently from normal gameplay.
Scent Tracking (Q)
- Hold to follow traces on the ground
- Drains stamina while active
- Best used in short bursts
Focus Scan (E)
- Pulse reveals nearby trace nodes
- Highlights interactable objects briefly
- Short cooldown between pulses
Mark Target (T)
- Pin a discovered trace to your HUD
- Persists across map transitions
- Ideal for multi-step hunts
Sprinting while holding Track drains stamina twice as fast. Release Sprint before activating tracking, or you will run dry mid-chase and lose the trail.
| Tracking Input | Hold vs Tap | Stamina Cost | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| Track Scent (Q) | Hold | Medium | Following ground trails |
| Focus Scan (E) | Tap | Low | Locating hidden traces |
| Mark Target (T) | Tap | None | Saving trail waypoints |
| Crouch Track (C + Q) | Hold both | Low | Precision in crowded areas |
Recommended Key Bindings & Setup
The defaults are serviceable, but most experienced players rebind a few actions for comfort. Follow this setup process to build a layout that fits your hand.
Audit the Defaults
Play the opening missions with default bindings. Note which actions feel awkward — usually Dodge and Focus Scan are the first candidates for rebinding.
Move Core Actions to Mouse Buttons
If you have side buttons, bind Track Scent or Focus Scan there. Tracking benefits from instant access without moving your left hand off WASD.
Separate Tracking from Combat
Avoid placing tracking and combat inputs on the same finger group. You will frequently track while evading threats, so spread them across hands.
Test in a Low-Stakes Area
Return to an early zone and run a full tracking sequence with the new layout before committing to it in harder missions.
Once your bindings survive a full mission without misclicks, lock them in and stop tweaking. Constant rebinding resets muscle memory and slows your improvement.
Controller vs Keyboard Comparison
Both input methods are fully supported, and your choice should match how you play.
| Factor | Keyboard & Mouse | Controller |
|---|---|---|
| Tracking precision | ★★★★★ | ★★★ |
| Combat fluidity | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Camera control | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ |
| Movement comfort | ★★★ | ★★★★★ |
| Rebinding depth | Extensive | Moderate |
For hunt-focused players who lean on tracking, keyboard and mouse are the stronger pick. For combat-heavy sessions or long play periods, a controller reduces hand fatigue without a major precision loss.
Controls Mastery Checklist
Run through this checklist to confirm you have internalized the full control scheme.
Mastery Goals:
- Track a full trail without releasing Sprint accidentally
- Chain a Dodge into a Focus Scan in one motion
- Mark three targets and navigate between them by HUD pins
- Complete a hunt using custom bindings with zero misclicks
- Execute a Crouch Track sequence in a crowded area
FAQ
Q: Can I rebind every control in I Can Smell You From Here?
Yes. All core actions — movement, combat, and tracking inputs — can be rebound in the settings menu. Changes apply immediately, and you can reset to defaults at any time.
Q: Does I Can Smell You From Here support controller play?
Yes, controllers are fully supported with standard layouts. Combat feels smoother on a gamepad, though tracking precision is generally higher with a mouse.
Q: Why does my stamina drain so fast while tracking?
Tracking drains stamina by default, and holding Sprint while tracking doubles the rate. Release Sprint before you activate Track Scent to conserve stamina for the chase.
Q: What is the most important control to learn first?
The Track Scent input is the heart of I Can Smell You From Here controls. Practice holding it in short bursts and pairing it with Focus Scan pulses until the rhythm feels automatic.