WARDOGS HOTAS & Flight Controls Guide

Helicopters and artillery are core to WARDOGS, and flight-stick players asked for HOTAS support throughout beta. This guide covers the current support status, helicopter handling, and how to set up your stick.

HOTAS Support Status

BULKHEAD has not confirmed native HOTAS support for the Early Access launch — aircraft controls were one of the most criticized systems in beta feedback, and the studio has said flight controls are being reworked. Until native support lands, stick players can map axes through Steam Input (right-click WARDOGS in your library → Properties → Controller).

Helicopter Tips from Beta

• Transport helicopters ferry squads and supplies — you earn cash per passenger and per supply drop.
• Hovering makes you an easy target for AA and the Talon 9K-SAM — fly low and fast, land behind cover.
• Practice in the firing range before burning cash on a combat helicopter in a live match.
• Combat helicopters carry rockets; coordinate with infantry to clear fortified gates and towers.

Mapping a Stick via Steam Input

1. Open Steam → Library → right-click WARDOGS → Properties → Controller.
2. Enable Steam Input and bind stick axes to mouse/keys.
3. Start in the firing range and tune curves — WARDOGS has no official curves yet.
4. Keep keyboard controls bound for infantry — you will be on foot often.

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