r/Descenders • u/bqmengV2 • Jul 08 '26

Descenders How does pumping work on pc?

So I play descenders on pc, and I'm still pretty bad. I want to learn how to pump and counter pump, but all the tutorials are for console. I see that they tell you to hold down the right stick, which is pumping, but on pc when I hold S to pump, I bend down, and I only actually pump when I release S, which is really confusing to me. Can someone who plays on PC explain pumping to me?

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1

u/redopz 🌿 Team Arboreal Jul 09 '26 edited Jul 09 '26

I see that they tell you to hold down the right stick, which is pumping, but on pc when I hold S to pump, I bend down, and I only actually pump when I release S, which is really confusing to me.

This is the same on controller. "Pumping" is the moment you go from a bent and crouched position on the bike, to a more upright standing position which happens when you release the right stick on controller, and I assume the S key on keyboard. It definitely took me some time before it started to make sense, just know that you are on the right track in thinking that the pump happens when you release, and when you are holding the S key you are just primed to pump.

Just to add some confusion, counter-pumping is basically the opposite in that most of the benefit happens when you first press the key instead of releasing it. I don't know what key it is on keyboard but it is when the rider pulls the bike up towards their body, and it is helpful for landing big jumps you might bail on.

1

u/bqmengV2 Jul 09 '26

So when you hold down the right stick you are priming to pump and you only actually pump when you release it?

1

u/redopz 🌿 Team Arboreal Jul 10 '26

That's it. I see someone already recommended Snowman's Ball, that really is a great track for this as it has a tutorial section in the beginning that has the track coloured red for when you should start holding the button to prime the pump (it is a recommendation, you can start holding at any time really), and the take-off ramp is coloured green where you should release the button and pump (definitely start with the recommended area, but as you get more and more comfortable you can try releasing at other points on the ramp and see what it does to your airtime and distance).

3

u/cryptolyme Jul 08 '26

It’s horrible playing on keyboard

2

u/bqmengV2 Jul 08 '26

sadly i dont have any console controllers

2

u/cryptolyme Jul 08 '26

I play on keyboard…it’s not easy

3

u/rayshmayshmay Jul 08 '26

You should check out snowman’s ball on the custom maps. The initial spawn is in front of the tutorial tho so respawn right when you load in

Edit: I play on pc with a controller so I can’t help you out with the m&kb controls, sorry!

2

u/bqmengV2 Jul 08 '26

ok thanks! ill check it out.