Once you arrive on Calypso you will be offered the choice of choosing first or third person controls.



First person controls allow you to view the world from your avatars eyes, use the Basic Movement controls (section below), and use your mouse to turn and change direction. First person controls are the easiest way to begin your adventures on Calypso.



Third person controls allow you to left click on the terrain, whereby your avatar will move to that spot. These controls also make use of the Basic Movement controls described below. These controls have advantages but are more difficult to master as a new arrival.



You can at any time change first and third person views from the Options Panel

(Default: O).

 

The default keyboard setup is:

Q - Run
R - Auto Run
W - Walk
A - Sidestep Left
S - Step Backwards
D - Sidestep Right
E - Jump
Z - Rotate Left
C - Rotate Right

Other useful default keys include:

O - Options
Return - Chat
M - Map
P - Grid Position
U - Time
H - Mouse Controls Help
I - Inventory
K - Avatar Skills Panel
G - View your Default Keyboard Map
T - Teleport to the nearest revival terminal
 

There are two general interaction modes on Planet Calypso: Cursor Mode

and Aim Mode

Aim Mode
Use the Spacebar to alternate between Aim and Cursor modes.

Aim mode is used to target objects with tools, weapons and other equipment. A successfully targeted object will display reticles around the object.

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In Cursor Mode, your mouse moves a pointer around the screen to:



- Target: Move cursor over object. A blue reticle appears around the object.

- Select: One left click on targeted object. Blue and green reticles appear around the object.

- Move to and Operate: Two left clicks on targeted object. Your avatar moves to the object and it is operated.

- Display Item Info: RIght click on an object and choose Item Info

Item Info Panel
In Aim Mode, right click any object and choose Item Info

The Item Info panel is available for all items on planet Calypso. It displays all relevant information about an item including its condition, operating parameters, potential skill bonuses and more.

It also provides access to an object's historial market value. Hover the cursor over icons to receive further information.

from the interaction menu.



In Aim Mode, moving the mouse changes the direction your avatar looks and aims a weapon, tool etc. One left click operates any tool, weapon etc. in that direction.



Use the spacebar to toggle Cursor and Aim modes.

By moving the crosshairs in Aim Mode, or the pointer in Cursor Mode over a creature or object you will target it. Reticles will be displayed around the target with its name and, in the case of a creature, its health status. Left clicking on a targeted creature or object when equipped with a tool will allow you to perform the tool-action on the target. Right clicking will open any available interaction menu options. 



If you initiate an action but have not selected a target, you will be prompted to do so. If you want to target yourself (useful e.g. when administering first aid in combat) a Select Self action is available from the Action Library

. You can also target yourself by clicking on your name in your main HUD Health Bar

Health Bar
Located in the lower right area of your screen

The Health Bar displays your avatar name and current health status. Equip and operate medical kits to replenish your health.

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The Chat Panel

is located in the lower left area of your screen. The colored chat filter tabs allow you to choose which chat channels you want to read (top) and which you want to write to (bottom). A visible tab indicates the channel function (read or write) is enabled. The channels from left to right are:



- Local Chat: All local chat within radar range. The bottom tab allows you to write to the local chat channel.

- Trade Channel: Chat channel reserved exclusively for trading messages.

- Society Chat: Chat between Society members. The bottom tab allows you to write to the Society chat channel.

- Team Chat: Chat between Team members.

- Event Chat: Chat between participants in an event.

- Global Messages: Messages about various colonist achievements.

- Skill Messages: Messages about your own skill achievements.

- Damage Messages: Messages about how much damage you receive or inflict during combat or hunting.

- All Other Messages: Other messages likes friends online, object status and more.



The lower right area of the Chat Panel provides extra information and options. From top down:



- Info Message: A flashing icon indicates a special message is waiting. Press the icon to read the message.

- Maximize/Hide/Restore Chat: Increased, hidden and normal Chat Panel sizes.

- Transparent Chat: Enable or disable a transparent background for the Chat Panel.

- Chat Focus on/off: Temporarily disable other key functions to allow.

The Action Library

 (Default: Y) is an easily accessible collection of all available actions your avatar can perform, from movement and item manipulation, to gestures like waving.



You can initiate actions directly from the Action Library, by clicking on the icons.

The Action Library has several color coded categories, each with a number of pages. Use the symbols in the upper left hand corner for different views of the Action Library. Short descriptions are also included for each action.

Pressing the 'O' key will open the Options Panel

. There are many settings available here which allow you to customize your experience. Each option includes a tooltip explanation which is easily displayed by moving the cursor over the check box.