Tutorial:Interaction Basics: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 11:00, 28 March 2026

NOTICE: This page is a Work in Progress as much of the lore/Development for the game is yet to be established.

This page serves as a Tutorial for a specific feature or system within Starship Simulator.

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Overview

This tutorial covers the fundamental ways you, as a crew member or passenger, interact with the environment, objects, and interfaces in Starship Simulator. Mastering these basics is essential for operating ship systems and navigating the detailed world of the ship.

For a full list of keybinds, always refer to the main Controls page.

Interaction is primarily handled via two inputs:

Action Key (Default: LMB) – Direct interaction with UI and objects.
Radial Menu Key (Default: F) – Context-specific commands and NPC interaction.

Action Key

The Action Key allows you to interact with UI panels, pick up objects, and select menu items. These actions are context-sensitive.

How To Use

There are two primary methods for using the action key:

Method 1: Using the HUD Crosshair (Direct interaction)

Position yourself in front of the console, Object, or UI element.
Align the HUD Crosshair/Reticle with your target.
Press the Action Key (LMB) to activate.

Method 2: Unlocking the Mouse Cursor (Precise interaction)

Position yourself in front of the target interface.
Press and hold the Mouse Cursor Unlock key (Default: E). This displays a free-moving cursor.
While holding E, move the cursor over the desired button, slider, or text field.
Click the Action Key (LMB) to interact.
Release E to return to standard movement mode.

 Note: The Zoom Key (Default: RMB) can be held before unlocking the cursor to lock your view onto a screen for easier interaction.

Context Awareness

The Action Key adapts to the situation. For example, using the Action Key on an empty Bridge chair will cause you to sit. However, if the chair is occupied by an NPC, the Action Key will instead open the Radial Menu to allow for interaction with that character.

Radial Menu Key

The Radial Menu Key allows for complex interactions with NPCs and Objects through a circular interface. Options are generated dynamically based on what you are looking at.

How To Use

Opening the menu: Press the Radial Menu Key (Default: F) at any time.
Selecting an option: Hover over the desired slice and press the Action Key (LMB).
Closing the menu: Press the Radial Menu Key again, or click the Cancel icon in the center.

Types of Menu Options

Option Type	Effect	Menu Behavior
Sub Options	Navigates to a deeper menu (e.g., Emotes).	Opens new menu
Command & Close	Issues a final order (e.g., "Explore System").	Closes menu
Command & Continue	Issues a toggle or incremental order (e.g., "Zoom In").	Stays open
Command & Sub Options	Issues a mode change and opens further tweaks.	Opens sub-menu
Back / Cancel	Returns to the previous menu or exits entirely.	Navigates up/Exits

Context Factors

The Radial Menu options change based on:

Focused Object: Looking at a specific station (like Sensors) provides station-specific commands.
Rank/Department: Certain commands are restricted to specific roles or senior officers.
Location: Options differ depending on whether you are on the bridge, in a shuttle, or on a planetary surface.

Summary

By combining the Action Key for tactile interactions and the Radial Menu for complex commands, you can effectively operate every system aboard the ship. For advanced guides on specific consoles, please see the Tutorials category.

Notes

Chair Interactions

While using the Radial Menu Key or the Action Key can be used to to site down in a chair. The Jump (Default:Space bar) must be used to exit from sitting.

@@ Line 2: / Line 2: @@
 {{Tutorial}}
-This tutorial covers the fundamental ways you, as a crew member or [[Passengers|passenger]], interact with the environment, objects, and interfaces in [[Starship Simulator]]. Mastering these basics is essential for operating ship systems and navigating the detailed world.
+== Overview ==
+This tutorial covers the fundamental ways you, as a crew member or [[Passengers|passenger]], [[Interaction|interact]] with the environment, objects, and interfaces in [[Starship Simulator]]. Mastering these basics is essential for operating ship systems and navigating the detailed world of the ship.
 For a full list of keybinds, always refer to the main [[Controls]] page.
-== How to Use the Basic Interact ("Use") Key ==
+Interaction is primarily handled via two inputs:
-Many interactions involving direct manipulation of objects or simple actions use a single, context-sensitive key.
+* '''Action Key''' (Default: <code>LMB</code>) – Direct interaction with UI and objects.
+* '''Radial Menu Key''' (Default: <code>F</code>) – Context-specific commands and NPC interaction.
+== Action Key ==
+The '''Action Key''' allows you to interact with UI panels, pick up objects, and select menu items. These actions are context-sensitive.
-*'''Default Key:''' '''<code>F</code>'''
+=== How To Use ===
-*'''How it Works:'''
-. Approach the object you want to interact with (e.g., a door switch, a chair, a pickup item).
-. Look directly at the interactive object until it highlights and an on-screen text prompt appears (e.g., "Press F To Sit").
-. Press the 'Use' key (<code>F</code>) to perform the indicated action.
-*'''Common Uses:'''
-** Opening/closing doors.
-** Sitting in chairs/stations.
-** Activating simple switches.
-** Picking up designated props.
-*'''Note:''' The action performed depends entirely on the object you are looking at. Pay attention to the on-screen prompt!
-== How to Interact with Consoles and UI (Mouse Mode) ==
+There are two primary methods for using the action key:
-Complex interfaces like ship consoles ([[Helm]], [[Sensors]], [[Engineering]]), keypads, and information screens require using the mouse cursor directly on the screen elements.
+; Method 1: Using the HUD Crosshair (''Direct interaction'')
+# Position yourself in front of the console, [[Props|Object]], or UI element.
+# Align the [[Tutorial:Using_the_HUD|HUD Crosshair/Reticle]] with your target.
+# Press the '''Action Key''' (<code>LMB</code>) to activate.
-*'''Activation Key:''' '''Hold <code>E</code>'''
+; Method 2: Unlocking the Mouse Cursor (''Precise interaction'')
-*'''How it Works:'''
+# Position yourself in front of the target interface.
-. Position yourself in front of the console or screen you wish to use.
+# '''Press and hold''' the '''Mouse Cursor Unlock key''' (Default: <code>E</code>). This displays a free-moving cursor.
-. '''Press and hold''' the UI Interaction key (<code>E</code>). This will display your mouse cursor on the screen without zooming your view.
+# While holding <code>E</code>, move the cursor over the desired button, slider, or text field.
-. While holding <code>E</code>, move the mouse cursor over the desired button, slider, text field, or menu option on the screen.
+# Click the '''Action Key''' (<code>LMB</code>) to interact.
-. Click the '''Left Mouse Button''' to activate the highlighted element (press a button, select an option, place cursor in text field, etc.).
+# Release <code>E</code> to return to standard movement mode.
-. Release the <code>E</code> key to return to normal view/movement mode.
-*'''Common Uses:'''
+  Note: The '''Zoom Key''' (Default: <code>RMB</code>) can be held before unlocking the cursor to lock your view onto a screen for easier interaction.
-** Operating main ship system consoles.
-** Entering codes on [[Tutorial:Door Keypads|keypads]].
+=== Context Awareness ===
-** Using the [[Tutorial:Conference Room Video Player|video player]] interface.
+The Action Key adapts to the situation. For example, using the Action Key on an empty [[Bridge]] chair will cause you to sit. However, if the chair is occupied by an NPC, the Action Key will instead open the Radial Menu to allow for interaction with that character.
-** Selecting destinations or targets on map displays.
-*'''Tip:''' If you need to get a closer look at the UI text, use the separate '''Right Mouse Button''' (RMB) to zoom your camera view *before* holding <code>E</code> to activate the cursor.
+== Radial Menu Key ==
+The '''Radial Menu Key''' allows for complex interactions with NPCs and [[Props|Objects]] through a circular interface. Options are generated dynamically based on what you are looking at.
+=== How To Use ===
+* '''Opening the menu:''' Press the '''Radial Menu Key''' (Default: <code>F</code>) at any time.
+* '''Selecting an option:''' Hover over the desired slice and press the '''Action Key''' (<code>LMB</code>).
+* '''Closing the menu:''' Press the '''Radial Menu Key''' again, or click the '''Cancel''' icon in the center.
+=== Types of Menu Options ===
+{| class="wikitable"
+! Option Type !! Effect !! Menu Behavior
+|-
+| '''Sub Options''' || Navigates to a deeper menu (e.g., Emotes). || Opens new menu
+|-
+| '''Command & Close''' || Issues a final order (e.g., "Explore System"). || Closes menu
+|-
+| '''Command & Continue''' || Issues a toggle or incremental order (e.g., "Zoom In"). || Stays open
+|-
+| '''Command & Sub Options''' || Issues a mode change and opens further tweaks. || Opens sub-menu
+|-
+| '''Back / Cancel''' || Returns to the previous menu or exits entirely. || Navigates up/Exits
+|}
+=== Context Factors ===
+The Radial Menu options change based on:
+* '''Focused Object:''' Looking at a specific station (like Sensors) provides station-specific commands.
+* '''Rank/Department:''' Certain commands are restricted to specific roles or senior officers.
+* '''Location:''' Options differ depending on whether you are on the bridge, in a shuttle, or on a planetary surface.
 == Summary ==
-Mastering the 'F' key for direct interactions and the 'Hold E' + Mouse combination for UI interactions will allow you to operate most systems and objects effectively aboard the ship. Refer to specific system [[Tutorials]] for more advanced operational details.
+By combining the '''Action Key''' for tactile interactions and the '''Radial Menu''' for complex commands, you can effectively operate every system aboard the ship. For advanced guides on specific consoles, please see the [[Tutorials]] category.
+==Notes==
+# Chair Interactions
+* While using the <code>Radial Menu Key</code> or the <code>Action Key</code> can be used to to site down in a chair. The <code>Jump</code> (''Default:<code>Space bar</code>'') must be used to exit from sitting.
 [[Category:Gameplay Mechanics]]
 [[Category:Controls]]
 [[Category:Tutorials]]