Axom Settings Guide: Optimal Controls, Graphics & Audio

Accessing the Settings Menu

The settings menu in Axom can be accessed from the main menu before starting a game, or by pressing the Esc key during gameplay. The menu is divided into several tabs: Controls, Graphics, Audio, Gameplay, and Accessibility. Each tab offers a range of options to tailor the game to your preferences and hardware.

For a complete overview of all available key bindings and default controls, refer to our controls guide. Understanding these basics is the first step to mastering the game's mechanics.

Graphics Settings for Performance

Axom, being a physics-driven tower defense game, can be demanding during large swarms. Adjusting your graphics settings is crucial for maintaining a smooth frame rate. The key settings to consider are:

• Resolution: Match your monitor's native resolution for the sharpest image.
• Display Mode: Choose between Fullscreen, Windowed, and Borderless Windowed. Fullscreen typically offers the best performance.
• Texture Quality: High textures look great but use more VRAM. Set to Medium or Low if you experience stuttering.
• Shadow Quality: Shadows are performance-intensive. Medium is a good balance, while Low can significantly boost FPS.
• Post-Processing: This includes effects like bloom and depth of field. Disabling this can provide a noticeable performance increase.
• Physics Detail: This setting directly impacts the simulation of the bug swarm. Lowering it can help during intense late-game waves.

If you encounter performance issues, our performance guide offers more detailed troubleshooting steps.

Controls Configuration

The Controls tab allows you to rebind every action in the game. This is essential for comfortable and efficient play. Key bindings to consider customizing include:

• Camera Movement: WASD or Arrow keys for panning.
• Camera Zoom: Mouse wheel or +/- keys.
• Rotate Building: Q and E keys.
• Select Units/Structures: Left-click.
• Issue Move/Attack Command: Right-click.
• Quick Save/Load: F5 (Quick Save) and F9 (Quick Load).
• Pause: Spacebar or Escape.
• Open Build Menu: B key.

You can also adjust the Camera Scroll Speed and Mouse Sensitivity to your liking. For advanced strategies on using controls effectively, see our tips and tricks guide.

Audio and Sound Settings

The Audio tab lets you control the volume of different sound channels. Proper audio management can enhance your situational awareness during battles. The main sliders are:

• Master Volume: Controls the overall game volume.
• Music Volume: Adjust the background music.
• SFX Volume: Controls sound effects for building, combat, and UI.
• Ambient Volume: Adjusts the sound of the alien environment.

A good practice is to keep SFX volume high to hear enemy approach sounds, while lowering the music or ambient volume to reduce distractions. For more on game mechanics, visit our mechanics guide.

Gameplay and Accessibility Options

The Gameplay tab contains settings that affect how you interact with the game world. Important options include:

• Auto-Pause on Event: Automatically pauses the game when an important event occurs, such as a new wave starting.
• Grid Overlay: Toggles a grid on the ground, which is very helpful for precise building placement.
• Show Damage Numbers: Displays floating numbers when you deal damage to enemies.
• Tooltip Delay: Adjusts how quickly tooltips appear when hovering over items.

The Accessibility tab offers options for colorblind modes, UI scaling, and subtitle toggles for all in-game dialogue.

Saving Your Configuration

Once you have adjusted all settings to your preference, the game will automatically save your configuration. You can also manually apply changes by clicking the "Apply" button if present. If you encounter issues with corrupted settings, you can reset all settings to default from the main menu.

For a deeper dive into the game's progression systems and how settings can impact your run, check out our progression guide. Properly configuring your settings is the first step to a successful campaign in Axom.