- Movement: Standard WASD keys for navigating apartments.
- Interaction: E key is the primary button for repairs and cleaning.
- Inventory: Tab key opens your inventory to select tools.
- Camera: Mouse controls your view for inspecting damage.
- Sprint: Shift allows you to move faster between rooms.
Basic Movement and Camera
The core movement in Low Budget Repairs follows standard first-person simulation conventions. You navigate worn-down 1990s Polish apartments using the WASD layout, while the mouse controls your viewpoint for inspecting cracks, dirt, and installation points.
Always hold Shift to sprint between rooms. Time is money, and walking slowly between the hardware store and the apartment eats into your renovation profits.
| Action | Keybind | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Move Forward | W | Standard movement |
| Move Backward | S | Standard movement |
| Move Left | A | Standard movement |
| Move Right | D | Standard movement |
| Sprint | Shift (Hold) | Essential for large jobs |
| Jump | Space | Minor vertical traversal |
| Crouch | Ctrl | Useful for low inspections |
Interaction and Tools
Renovation work relies heavily on the E key. This is your universal interaction button for cleaning dirt, repairing cracks, installing fixtures, and picking up objects. You will press E more than any other key in the game.
Video Highlights:
- See the E key in action for various repairs.
- Observe inventory management with the Tab key.
- Learn how tool selection changes interaction context.
The action performed by the E key depends on the tool in your hand. Ensure you have the correct tool equipped before attempting an interaction to avoid wasting time.
| Action | Keybind | Usage Context |
|---|---|---|
| Interact | E | Clean, repair, install, pick up |
| Cancel/Back | Esc | Exit menus, close current mode |
| Rotate Object | Mouse (Hold) | While placing furniture or items |
| Drop Item | G | Throw away trash or unwanted items |
Inventory and Equipment Management
Managing your limited tools and materials is a critical part of the "low budget" gameplay loop. You cannot carry infinite supplies, so knowing how to access and swap your equipment quickly is vital for keeping your contract times down.
Open Inventory
Press Tab to pause the game and view your current loadout. This shows your tools, purchased materials, and any debris you have collected.
Select Tools
Use the Mouse Wheel or number keys 1-5 to quickly cycle through available equipment without opening the full inventory menu.
Equip Materials
For jobs requiring tiles, paint, or panels, select the specific material from the inventory menu to apply it to the targeted surface.
| Action | Keybind | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Open Inventory | Tab | View all items and tools |
| Next Item | Mouse Wheel Down | Cycle to next tool |
| Prev Item | Mouse Wheel Up | Cycle to previous tool |
| Quick Slot 1-5 | 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 | Instant tool selection |
Controller Support
Low Budget Repairs supports gamepads for players who prefer a couch experience or find analog movement helpful for precise placement. The layout mimics standard first-person shooter controls but adapts the face buttons for simulation interactions.
Movement & Camera
- Left Stick: Move character
- Right Stick: Camera control
- L3 (Click Stick): Sprint / Toggle Run
Core Actions
- A Button (Xbox): Jump / Confirm
- B Button: Cancel / Back / Drop
- X Button: Interact / Repair (Primary)
- Y Button: Open Inventory
While a controller is comfortable, many players find the mouse offers superior precision for aligning tiles and placing furniture perfectly. Consider switching to M+KB for detailed finishing work.
| Action | Xbox Controller | PlayStation Controller |
|---|---|---|
| Interact | X | Square |
| Inventory | Y | Triangle |
| Jump | A | Cross |
| Cancel | B | Circle |
| Sprint | L3 | L3 |
Advanced Controls and Settings
Beyond the basics, several settings and hidden controls can improve your renovation efficiency. Adjusting your field of view (FOV) and sensitivity can make inspecting high walls or tight corners significantly easier.
Optimization Checklist:
- Adjust Mouse Sensitivity in settings for comfortable camera speed
- Increase FOV to see more of the room at once
- Rebind Interact (E) if it conflicts with your muscle memory
- Check Controller Deadzones if your camera drifts
- Invert Y-Axis if you prefer flight-sim style camera controls
| Setting | Recommendation | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Mouse Sensitivity | Medium-High | Faster room scanning |
| FOV | 90-100 | Better peripheral vision |
| Controller Vibration | Low | Saves battery, reduces fatigue |
| Subtitles | On | Helpful for Polish/English audio mix |
FAQ
Q: Can I rebind keys in Low Budget Repairs?
Yes, the game supports full key rebinding. You can access the controls menu from the main screen or the pause menu to customize your keybinds for movement, interaction, and inventory management.
Q: Does the game support Steam Cloud for controller configs?
Yes, if you launch the game via Steam, your control settings and progress are backed up. This allows you to switch between your PC and Steam Deck without losing your button layout preferences.
Q: Is there a 'Turbo' or 'Auto-interact' feature?
No, there is no official turbo function. You must manually press the interact key for every action. This is part of the simulation's gameplay loop, forcing you to physically perform the repair work.
Q: How do I rotate objects for installation?
When placing an object like a radiator or cabinet, hold the **Right Mouse Button** (or the appropriate controller trigger) and move your mouse to rotate the item before confirming the placement.