Manual

2.3 Basic Controls

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Most actions in YoD are controlled through so-called "context menus". Context menus are small sub-windows that open up whenever you right-click on a character or on an item. A number of actions will be displayed. To pick one select it by using the mouse pointer and click on the left mouse button to confirm.
To the left you can see a typical context menu. You can choose to look at, use, follow or even attack the selected creature. Also, you can copy the selected creature's name and paste it by using the key combination Ctrl+V.
Note: The keys shown in brackets behind certain actions indicate shortcuts you can use to speed up controls. For instance, holding down the Shift key while left-clicking on an item will cause your character to look at it, and clicking on an item while pressing the Ctrl key while make him use an item.

2.3.1 Set Character Outfit
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The setting of character outfits is a typical example for an action that is performed by using a context menu. You can change your character outfits anytime. Just open the context menu by right-clicking on your character and select "Set Outfit". You can choose your favourite outfit from 4 different figures. Also, you can customise characters even further by painting individual body parts with the colour of your choice.
Note that premium players may choose from 11 rather than from 4 character skins. 9 further character outfits are available to premium players after solving quests. Premium players are also able to earn additional accessories for their outfits. Each outfit can be upgraded further by activating 2 so-called addons. Ask NPCs for further information.
If you have chosen a premium skin and your premium time ends, your character will wear the citizen outfit at the next log into the game. Also all addons you might have earned will be suspended until you get more premium time.
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2.3.2 Moving Your Character
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a) Basic Movement

1. Using the Mouse
To control your character's movements by using the mouse simply left-click on the spot in the game window where you want him to go to. The character will do so automatically, taking the shortest possible route. If the spot you have clicked onto is out of reach, the character will stop.
Although characters tend to avoid moving diagonally while walking towards their destination automatically, they are nonetheless capable of doing so. To walk diagonally left-click on your character and keep your finger on the mouse button, then move the cursor in the direction you want him to go. Please note, however, that there is a short delay when moving diagonally.
2. Using the Keyboard
You can also control your character's movement by using the cursor keys or the number keys on the num pad. Simply use them in the customary fashion to move up, down, left or right. Moving diagonally is also possible by using the keyboard. Simply press 7, 9, 1 or 3 on the num pad to move the character to the northwest, northeast, southwest or southeast. Please note, however, that the num lock must not be activated if you want to use the num pad to control your character.


It is also possible to change the direction your character is facing. To do so press Ctrl and leave your finger on the key, then choose the direction you want your character to look by pressing the corresponding cursor button. This feature can be especially useful when casting certain spells that require your character to look into a certain direction.

b) Moving Up or Down Floors
Of course, characters can also move up or down floors. Depending on the area you are in you will encounter stairs, ramps, sewer grates, ladders or simple holes in the floor. If there is a hole in the ceiling, you will see a noticeable mark on the dungeon floor. The controls to move up or down floors differ depending on the type of stairs you are using:

  • To climb stairs or ramps simply move your character onto them. The same is true for holes in the floor.
  • However, if you would like to climb up through a hole in the ceiling, you must use a rope on the rope spot on the floor. Keep in mind that you cannot climb up holes in the ceiling unless you have a rope or use the "Magic Rope" spell.
  • To climb down a sewer grate right-click on it and select "Use".
  • Finally, to climb ladders simply right-click on the floor in front of the ladder you wish to climb and select "Use".

Note that it is sometimes possible to move up or down floors by climbing onto items or by using the "Levitate" spell.

c) Movement Modes
There are 2 movement modes available which define your character's automatic movement during combat. "Stand While Fighting" will cause characters to stay where they are in combat and "Chase Opponent" will make them charge towards the enemy. For further information please see the section on the combat controls.
One further option should be noted here, however: you can instruct your character to follow a friendly character around on the map without attacking it. To do so right-click on the character and select "Follow". Characters that are set to this mode will try to keep as close to the marked character as possible. If the marked character should leave the screen, the follow mode will be cancelled. You can also cancel the follow mode manually by right-clicking on the character and selecting "Stop Follow" or by hitting the Esc key.

2.3.3 Looking Around
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Sometimes it won't hurt to have a closer look at your surrounding, for example, if you would like to find out the name of an item. Taking a closer look at items or creatures is an action that is typically carried out through context menus. Simply move the cursor on the item or creature you would like to look at, right-click to open the context menu, and select "Look". Alternatively you can click on the item you wish to inspect while holding down a Shift key on the keyboard.
Note: Some items have an additional description that you can only see if your character is standing next to it or your character carries the item in the inventory. Also, you can get additional information on characters like their vocation or level if you look at them. If you look at books, scrolls, letters or other editable items, you will receive general descriptions only. To actually read or write into such items they must be used. Please see below for instructions on how to use items.

2.3.4 Moving Items
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a) Drag and Drop
In Years of Decay, items are moved using "drag&drop". In other words, to move an item you must left-click on it, then pull it on the place you want it to be, holding down the mouse button. For example, if you would like to take an item, simply drag it on your backpack and let go of the mouse button. Your character does not have to be placed next to the item you would like to take, because characters move automatically towards the desired objects before they pick them up. If you would like to throw an item away, click on it and drag it onto the game window. The item will be dropped on the spot where you let go of the mouse button. Of course, your character cannot throw items through obstacles like walls. Also, note that heavy items such as furniture can only be moved one field away from your character at a time.
b) Moving Stacks of Items
If you would like to move a stack such as a heap of gold, a small dialog will open up in which you will be asked how many items you would like to move. You can modify the number of items you would like to move by using the slide bar or by typing the amount with the keyboard. There are 2 shortcuts in order to speed up the process of moving stacked items: if you drag the stack while holding down the Shift button, you will only move one stacked item at a time. On the other hand, if you keep your finger on the Ctrl key while you are dragging the items, the whole stack will be moved at once.
c) Moving Wall Decorations
Drag&drop is also used to put up or take down wall decorations such as cuckoo clocks, tapestries and paintings. Simply place your character in front of a suitable wall and drag the decoration onto it. Note, however, that wall decorations may only be put up on walls facing south and east. You cannot place decorations on windows, doors or southeast corner walls. Also, wall decorations may not be placed on walls that are already decorated. Finally, please note that some wall decorations cannot be moved at all.

2.3.5 Pushing Creatures
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Pushing creatures or characters works like moving heavy items. Simply left-click on them and then drag them in the direction you want them to be moved. You will find that after a short delay your target will be moved in the desired direction, provided there is no wall or other obstacle and the creature or character has not moved away in the meantime. Note that your character will skip the next attack if he pushes a creature or character in combat. Also, please note that pushing your own character or another character will be slower than moving to the desired destination normally. Finally, many strong monsters cannot be pushed and often they can also push items or other weak monsters blocking their way.

2.3.6 Using Items
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Using items is another action that is controlled via context menus. Open the menu by right-clicking on the item, then select "Use" with a click on the left mouse button. Items are used in a manner that is typical for their function - torches will be lit when used, food will be eaten, scrolls can be edited etc.
However, some items must be used on other items, characters or map spots in order to work. To use such items open the context menu, then select "Use with …". On doing this the mouse pointer will turn into crosshairs. Now move the crosshairs on the item, character or map spot you want to use the item with and left-click to confirm. Typical items that are used this way include ropes, shovels, potions and runes. Also bread, cakes and cookies as well as various drinks can be produced this way. E.g. if you use water on flour, you will get the dough you need to bake the delicious bread. Weapons may also be used this way in order to smash many large items such as chairs, chests, etc. Note, however, that each strike only has a limited chance of success, so you may have to hit the target you want to destroy several times. Also, please note that you cannot destroy most items this way.
If you have items you need to use often such as runes or food, you can assign them to a hotkey. To assign an object to a hotkey, select the key you would like to assign the item to and click on the button "Select an object". Crosshairs appear and you can choose the item you would like to assign from your inventory. Once the item is assigned to a key, you can determine whether you would like to use this item on yourself, on your selected target, or on a single target or target area which can be aimed at using crosshairs. You can also use hotkeys to assign messages you have to write frequently. The available hotkeys comprise the function keys F1-F12, Shift+F1-F12 and Ctrl+F1-F12, so you can assign a total of 36 messages and items.
All editable items in the game, e.g. blackboards, letters or scrolls, can be read and edited if you use them. Please note that the name of the most recent editor of the item is shown above the input field. Consequently, you will always be able to see who has actually written the text on the item.
Pressing the Ctrl button and holding it down while clicking on an item will work as a shortcut for using items.

2.3.7 Rotating Items
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This option is only available for large items such as chairs, chests and other kinds of furniture. Since these items come with standard facings when bought in a shop you may want to change their facings, e.g. to make sure they fit well into your private home. To rotate an item open the context menu by right-clicking on it, then select "Rotate" on the menu. The selected item will be turned 90° clockwise, i.e. if it faced south, it will now face west.

2.3.8 Combat
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It is said that the pen is stronger than the sword, but you will quickly find that in Years of Decay, you will have to resort to brute force on many occasions. To attack creatures or other players open the context menu by right-clicking on your opponent, then select "Attack". A red frame will appear around your opponent, indicating that you are attacking him. Your character will actively attack your opponent as soon as he is in range. If your enemy strikes back, there will also be a black frame around him that flashes up briefly with every attack. To cancel the attack simply open the context menu again and select "Stop attack." As usual, clicking on the Stop button will also work to cancel the attack. Finally, clicking on an opponent while holding down the Alt key works as a shortcut to start or to stop an attack.
Please take a look at the description of the combat controls before attacking other characters. For further information on combat in Tibia you should have a look at the manual section on combat.
Creatures as well as players often carry items on them, and if they die, those items can be taken. To loot dead creatures or characters simply right-click on their bodies to open them. You can now check any possessions the dead creature or character has. If you find something that catches your eye, you can take it.
Note: In the first 10 seconds after the kill, creatures can only be looted by the character who made the most damage. If this character has joined a party, all members of this party are able to loot the creature. During those 10 seconds, it is also impossible to move the corpse. However, this does not apply for dead characters.

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