Notes on Input Devices

In Duke Nukem 3D, you have many different ways to control Duke. You can run, jump, crouch, strafe left or right, look up or down, use inventory items, use items in the environment, etc.

With so many actions at your disposal, choosing and configuring your input device is crucial. The main thing to remember is that there's no right or wrong way to configure the controls, as long as they feel comfortable to you. Fortunately, Duke Nukem 3D supports four different control methods: keyboard, keyboard & joystick, gamepad, and external controller. You just have to find some configuration that works best for you.

Some general rules:

Whatever input device you choose to play Duke Nukem 3D should have at least five buttons so you can perform the most basic actions: running, jumping, crouching, strafing, and of course shooting. In order to be able to play without using the keyboard at all, you'll need something sophisticated like Advanced Gravis's Phoenix, which gives you 24 programmable buttons. You don't want to use a gamepad that forces you to use two hands, but doesn't give you 100% of the functionality you need, or you'll have to be constantly taking your hands off the gamepad to use the keyboard to perform some common function, like strafing.

It is said that the expert players are those who use the keyboard/mouse combination, since the mouse allows you to turn and move around faster, and makes it easier to quickly aim at targets. So an obvious rule of thumb is that your configuration should minimize the delay in performing any action necessary in game play. You don't want to get caught fumbling with your controls while your enemy approached with an RPG in hand. :-)

  • (8/11/96 - From Lane Winter) - I'm using the MicroSoft Sidewinder 3dPro. Love it!! You'll use the Flightstick setting with rutter enabled. (straffing) top hat controls aiming (up/down) and looking (left/right) and twisting the grip does straffing. Buttons 3,4 are crouching and jumping and you can configure the rest to do what ever!! This stick also kicks on battle mech or any flight sim. It's digital/optical so it's real accurate!

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