Its only possible on a keyboard, I think, and I'm wondering how effective it is. I've tried mapping my controller to allow it but I lose the inverted pitch ability, and few of the default buttons hold their value after mapping. If multi directional strafe is crucial I believe there is a work around with my default shield settings. Any info u can share is appreciated.

It is pretty crucial.

The only way is to edit config.ini file manually.
Go down until you find your controller section.
Find where it says JOYX=StrafeLR, now edit the other axis JOYY=StrafeUD

Just put all strafes on the left analog stick and pitch+turn on the right analog stick
in; options>controls>controller

Sounds interesting, but what about forward and reverse acceleration? I've been playing a few days and haven't been killed by anyone my own level yet. I'm just concerned that playing without a keyboard is too much of a disadvantage. This controller vs keyboard has been an ongoing debate as old as online gaming. U use a controller?

Yes I do use controller.

The only reason strafe is needed to setup manually, is because in menu screens joystick controls mouse movement, hence can't be assigned.
For everything else as Eyvindr said: advanced options>controls>keyboard.
Simply touch on desired keyboard control option, it then highlights it, then press your wanted controller button. Simples.

I set up my strafe directions on the left analog just fine in the controller menu but Inhibitor's way works just fine also, btw you can use Dpad up and Dpad down for the forward/reverse acceleration. That's at least how I always used it.

PS: Once you get into plugins download multiclick, it lets you assign more than one command on almost all buttons.

Thanks guys, I'll try and adjust my controller in the keyboard tab

It was easy enough once I knew where to look. Thanks for the input and help

If you're using an analog stick for strafing, it's very important to set the upper-bounds of your strafe axes lower than the actual maximums. If you don't, you'll strafe slower when you're going in two or more directions and that's a huge disadvantage vs people using a keyboard or a d-pad.

Gotta keep that speed up, can't just hold a multidirectional strafe and expect to not get shot, alternating and tapping keeps you alive.

I don't understand what you mean, abortretryfail.upper bounds?

*edit*
Oh! I get it! Holy shit, how did I not know this before!? Thanks!