Remember, Shards Online is in a very early stage of development. This is just a sneak peak of a few of the core features that will be in Shards Online. While we’ve done our best to eliminate game-breaking issues in our pre-alpha version, we expect that you may encounter bugs. The number one rule is “just have fun!” When in doubt, use the stuck button or restart your client.

To play, run the client download from your dashboard and specify a location on your computer you will remember. Double-click ShardsOnline.exe and accept the Terms of Service to reach the login screen. Before logging in, you must enter your access code in the upper left corner of the login screen.

Celador Map

We encourage you to join the mumble server during the playtest. Here you can ask questions or discuss playtest issues with other Founders.

Address: mumble.shardsonline.com

Port: 64738 (default)

NOTE: You may experience issues running the client with the Mumble overlay turned on. If you have a black screen/window when launching the game, please turn off the Mumble overlay in the Mumble settings. (Configure->Settings->Overlay)

Run – Left click on the ground to run to location or hold down left mouse button to run in direction of mouse.

Radial Menu – Right click on any object to bring up the radial menu. A host of options may come up and you can choose an action from there.

Pick up objects – Single left click to pick up an object that is able to pick up. There is a button next to a container that allows you to auto loot all items.

Equip objects – Pick up and click on your character or character slot in the Character Window.

Use Items – There are many usable items in Shards. Single left click items in the world to use them. Double left click to use any usable item in your backpack. Remember, you can also right click on any object to bring up the radial menu to see all the options for an item.

Attack – Single left click any hostile NPC to attack it.

Interact – Single left click any passive NPC to interact with it.

Target– Hold space bar and drag your mouse over any npc or creature to target them.

Combat Abilities – Combat abilities are based on your weapon, shield and combat stance. Combat abilities are located on your hot bar using the number keys “1-9”. You can assign abilities to your hot bar by dragging them from your character window.  Use Q to cycle through combat stances.

Cast Spell – Spell abilities are located on  the hot bar using the number keys “1-9”. The avatar will charge the chosen spell. Once the spell is charged, a distance radius is shown. If auot-target is enabled(it is by default) then you will cast at your target. If you have no target, you can click on a traget within range to cast a spell.

Zoom Camera – Middle mouse wheel

Rotate Camera – Hold right mouse button and rotate or use the Left and Right arrows.

Reset Camera – Press Z to reset the camera to the default rotation.

Name Plates – Hold Shift to show. Name plates can be selected and used for targeting during combat.

Object Handles – Hold Ctrl to show handles for all objects on the ground. To see them for a container, move your mouse over the container before pressing Ctrl.

Resting – Stand still for 15 seconds to put your character into rest mode and quickly regenerate health. Stand near a camp fire to regenerate even faster.

Stuck Button – If your character becomes unable to move, open the settings window and click “Stuck” to be safely respawned.

Toggle Health Bars – You can cycle through different health bar display options by pressing ‘j’

Toggle UI – Tilde (~) key toggles UI on and off.

Map – Press M key

If you need additional support or to ask questions while you’re in the game, please enter the chatroom below:

The following content is strictly off-limits in character names and chat:

• Profanity and personal attacks.
• Sexually explicit or illegal content.
• Impersonating a Citadel Studios team member.
• Hate speech (including slandering or otherwise vilifying a particular race, religion, ethnic group, gender, sexual preference, or sexual identity).