Forums » Suggestions
Advanced Touch Layout: Optional 3rd Fire Button on Top-Right for Claw Grip
Following the recent quality-of-life improvements to mobile controls (such as configuring the accelerator as up/down swipe in version 1.8.767, which worked wonderfully!), I'd like to suggest an additional UI option for touch input.
The proposal:
Add an optional third fire button, specifically located in the top right corner of the interface.
Why it's optimal:
Enables a natural claw grip: For gamers who use a claw or three-finger grip, the right index finger naturally rests on the top right corner of the device. Having a dedicated fire button in that position turns that finger into a physical trigger.
Frees up the right thumb: Currently, using the primary fire button with the right thumb interferes with smooth camera tracking and aiming. Placing the trigger in the upper right corner allows the right thumb to focus entirely on micro-adjustments and anticipatory aiming, and is more comfortable than using the index finger for the camera, at least for the most part, but this may not be the case for everyone.
Improved ergonomics: Currently, having the top buttons assigned to secondary actions or camera controls is awkward during intense dogfights. Firing with the index finger is much more intuitive and natural, at least in principle.
Crucial detail (for advanced users only): This should NOT be part of the default interface settings for new players. To avoid cluttering the screen or confusing beginners who are still learning the basics, it should be an advanced option in the interface/touchscreen settings (e.g., "Show upper right secondary fire button"). Veteran mobile game pilots or those who wish to enable it can do so without altering the basic interface for new players.
With the ongoing user interface updates, this modular and optional button would facilitate the transition between basic touch controls and full controller functionality for serious mobile combat. This doesn't mean perfect combat or being able to play at the same level as with a controller; what I'm looking for is something similar to what the touch interface already offers, and nothing more.
Thank you for considering this and for all the effort you dedicate to the game every day!
The proposal:
Add an optional third fire button, specifically located in the top right corner of the interface.
Why it's optimal:
Enables a natural claw grip: For gamers who use a claw or three-finger grip, the right index finger naturally rests on the top right corner of the device. Having a dedicated fire button in that position turns that finger into a physical trigger.
Frees up the right thumb: Currently, using the primary fire button with the right thumb interferes with smooth camera tracking and aiming. Placing the trigger in the upper right corner allows the right thumb to focus entirely on micro-adjustments and anticipatory aiming, and is more comfortable than using the index finger for the camera, at least for the most part, but this may not be the case for everyone.
Improved ergonomics: Currently, having the top buttons assigned to secondary actions or camera controls is awkward during intense dogfights. Firing with the index finger is much more intuitive and natural, at least in principle.
Crucial detail (for advanced users only): This should NOT be part of the default interface settings for new players. To avoid cluttering the screen or confusing beginners who are still learning the basics, it should be an advanced option in the interface/touchscreen settings (e.g., "Show upper right secondary fire button"). Veteran mobile game pilots or those who wish to enable it can do so without altering the basic interface for new players.
With the ongoing user interface updates, this modular and optional button would facilitate the transition between basic touch controls and full controller functionality for serious mobile combat. This doesn't mean perfect combat or being able to play at the same level as with a controller; what I'm looking for is something similar to what the touch interface already offers, and nothing more.
Thank you for considering this and for all the effort you dedicate to the game every day!
This is to avoid using DroidButtons (DB), not because I don't want to or because it's useless, but because I'm thinking beyond whether it doesn't exist or becomes increasingly complicated to use or install on certain phones. What I'm asking for isn't and won't be a magic spell that puts a mobile player at the level of a physical controller; I'm just looking for convenience within the limits of the base game, without risking or overwhelming new players by forcing these configurations on them all at once. Hence, it's considered advanced. I hope this makes my point.
I have no problem with this.
Add an optional third fire button, specifically located in the top right corner of the interface.
1) I assume you mean underneath the "target" region? Or do you literally mean the top-right corner?
2) Would this replace the primary fire button on the left side? Ie, are we "moving" a button, or "adding" a button? I can understand both cases.. freeing up space on the left side, or having three buttons for particular loadouts and weapons groupings.
3) Would the default behaviour be "primary weapons fire"? Clearly, people can bind it to whatever, but defaults are also useful.
Add an optional third fire button, specifically located in the top right corner of the interface.
1) I assume you mean underneath the "target" region? Or do you literally mean the top-right corner?
2) Would this replace the primary fire button on the left side? Ie, are we "moving" a button, or "adding" a button? I can understand both cases.. freeing up space on the left side, or having three buttons for particular loadouts and weapons groupings.
3) Would the default behaviour be "primary weapons fire"? Clearly, people can bind it to whatever, but defaults are also useful.
Yes, underneath the target region, no problem with this, primary is cool too.
Replace with primary is same for me.
Replace with primary is same for me.
Yes, it should be below the target region. Placing it directly below the target selector/radar area is ideal so your right index finger can rest comfortably on the screen like a physical top trigger. Both "add" and "replace" work in my experience. Having it as an additional assignable button is great for three-weapon setups, but if it's technically simpler for you to offer a toggle to "move/duplicate" the primary fire button to that higher position, that also solves the same ergonomic problem! Yes, setting "Primary Weapon Fire" as the default is perfect. It's the most used action, but generally unusable due to its position next to the strafe button, so making it the default assignment for that new position makes perfect sense if it's the simplest solution. Thanks again for the quick reply, dev!