Tutorial:Interaction Basics

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.

All Tutorials
Basic Tutorials				General Gameplay Mechanics
Game & Menu		General Ship Interaction		Directions & Movements		Interpreting Data
Role Tutorials
Command	Operations	Science	Engineering	Medical	Tactical	Passenger	Stewards

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.

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

How to Use the Basic Interact ("Use") Key

Many interactions involving direct manipulation of objects or simple actions use a single, context-sensitive key.

• Default Key: F
• How it Works:

   1. Approach the object you want to interact with (e.g., a door switch, a chair, a pickup item).
   2. Look directly at the interactive object until it highlights and an on-screen text prompt appears (e.g., "Press F To Sit").
   3. Press the 'Use' key (F) 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)

Complex interfaces like ship consoles (Helm, Sensors, Engineering), keypads, and information screens require using the mouse cursor directly on the screen elements.

• Activation Key: Hold E
• How it Works:

   1. Position yourself in front of the console or screen you wish to use.
   2. Press and hold the UI Interaction key (E). This will display your mouse cursor on the screen without zooming your view.
   3. While holding E, move the mouse cursor over the desired button, slider, text field, or menu option on the screen.
   4. Click the Left Mouse Button to activate the highlighted element (press a button, select an option, place cursor in text field, etc.).
   5. Release the E key to return to normal view/movement mode.

• Common Uses:
  • Operating main ship system consoles.
  • Entering codes on keypads.
  • Using the video player interface.
  • 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 E to activate the cursor.

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.