How to Assign Weapons and Items to Hotkeys in Fallout: New Vegas

Open the Pip-Boy inventory in Fallout: New Vegas, highlight the weapon or usable item you want, and assign it to an available hotkey. On the original PC layout, hold the desired number key and select the item while the hotkey overlay is open. On a controller, use the inventory's hotkey prompt and choose an available direction. Close the Pip-Boy and test each shortcut somewhere safe before relying on it in a fight.

Set your first shortcut

1. Open the Pip-Boy and select the inventory category containing the item.
2. Highlight your primary weapon. Use the hotkey assignment input for your platform.
3. Choose the intended key or direction. Check the overlay to see which item is assigned.
4. Close the Pip-Boy and use the shortcut outside combat. Confirm that the weapon is selected.
5. Repeat for a backup weapon and an aid item you use often.

On PC, check the game's reserved input for changing ammunition before choosing a weapon key. The default layout uses 2 for ammunition, so start with another available number. If you changed controls, read the active bindings rather than assuming that a shortcut from a different layout will behave the same way.

Choose a recognizable arrangement. For example, put the weapon you use most often on the easiest key to reach, a secondary weapon on another, and a recovery item on a distinct input. You should be able to tell what each one does while moving. Keep the inventory available for less frequent choices.

Assign an aid item without wasting it

When you assign a usable item, check the name and its intended effect before putting it on a key. Some item shortcuts can use the item immediately when pressed. Test with something you can spare or wait until the effect would actually help. Avoid repeatedly hitting a recovery key just to see whether the assignment exists.

Check the quantity you have left before a longer fight. A shortcut can't supply another copy after you run out. If you find an item that serves a similar purpose, read its effect before treating it as a substitute. Keep your most important recovery control consistent once you know which item you intend to carry.

For example, if you have an ordinary healing item and another that addresses a specific condition, put the ordinary heal on the key you can reach quickly. Use the menu for the other item until you know you need it regularly. This keeps the quick controls easy to remember.

Keep shortcuts useful after changing gear

When you replace a weapon, open the hotkey overlay again and update the slot. Read the exact item name before assigning it. If you have two similar weapons with different modifications or condition, confirm which one appears when you use the key.

Check the ammunition and condition of the new weapon before making it your main shortcut. A working assignment doesn't make the weapon ready to fire. Equip it, verify the displayed ammo, and perform a safe test. Keep the older weapon available until the replacement is set up.

For a backup, choose something that addresses the reason you would switch. A close-range weapon may help when your main weapon is awkward indoors. A different ammo type can help if you routinely run out of the first. Test that you can switch both ways before entering the next area.

Fix a hotkey that stopped working

If the key does nothing, reopen the Pip-Boy and inspect the assignment. Check whether you still own the item and whether another action uses that input. Reassign it and test outside combat. For a controller, follow the currently displayed assignment prompt and check which direction you selected.

If the shortcut equips a different item, clear or replace that assignment deliberately. Inspect similarly named copies before confirming. If the issue started after using or transferring an item, check the inventory and assign the copy you intend to keep.

Finish by cycling from the primary weapon to the backup and back again. Verify the aid shortcut separately without wasting supplies. Once those three inputs are familiar, add other items only when they solve a recurring problem.

If you swap between keyboard and controller, test the shortcuts with the input device you plan to use. The menu shows different assignment controls for each layout.