How To Move Faster In Ready Or Not? (March 2026 Guide)

Ready or Not throws you into intense tactical situations where every second counts. But if you’re coming from fast-paced shooters like Call of Duty or Apex Legends, you might feel like you’re wading through molasses. The truth is, there’s no traditional sprint button in Ready or Not – but there is a way to move significantly faster using the Low Ready stance.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll show you exactly how to increase your movement speed in Ready or Not, optimize your controls, and choose the right armor for maximum mobility. Whether you’re clearing rooms in single-player or coordinating with your SWAT team online, mastering movement is crucial for survival.
Ready Or Not: Quick Movement Speed Overview
| Movement Type | Speed Level | Key/Button | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal Walk | Slow | WASD/Analog | Low |
| Slow Walk | Very Slow | Left Shift | Very Low |
| Low Ready | Fast | Home/Space | High |
| Low Ready + Light Armor | Fastest | Home + Kevlar | Very High |
How To Move Faster In Ready Or Not?
Understanding Movement Mechanics
When you first boot up Ready or Not, your character moves at what feels like a snail’s pace. This deliberate design choice reflects the realistic, methodical nature of SWAT operations. However, the game does provide a movement speed boost through the Low Ready stance – your key to faster navigation.
The Low Ready stance essentially lowers your weapon from the ready-to-fire position, allowing your operator to move more quickly through the environment. While it’s not a true sprint like in arcade shooters, it provides a noticeable speed increase that can make a significant difference during missions.
How To Use The Low Ready Stance?
PC Controls
The default key for Low Ready on PC is the Home key, though some sources indicate it might be Space bar on certain configurations. Here’s how to activate it:
- Press the Home key (or your configured key) once to toggle Low Ready
- Your weapon will lower to point at the ground or upward
- You’ll immediately notice increased movement speed
- Press the key again to return to combat-ready stance
Controller Controls
For those using a controller:
- Press D-pad Down to toggle Low Ready
- The same button returns you to normal stance
Changing Your Low Ready Controls
If the default Home key doesn’t work for you (especially on smaller keyboards), here’s how to rebind it:
- Open the Options menu
- Navigate to Controls
- Select the Interactions tab
- Look for two options:
- HOLD LOW-READY – Requires holding the key
- TOGGLE LOW-READY – Press once to activate/deactivate
- Click on either option and press your desired key
- Many players prefer binding it to Left Shift for easier access
Pro Tip: I recommend using Toggle over Hold for Low Ready, as it frees up your finger for other actions during movement.
Customizing Your Low Ready Style
Ready or Not lets you choose how your weapon is positioned during Low Ready:
- Go to Options
- Select Gameplay
- Find Low Ready Style
- Choose between:
- High Ready – Weapon pointed upward
- Low Ready – Weapon pointed downward
This is mostly a preference choice, though Low Ready (downward) provides slightly better visibility when moving.
Armor Weight and Movement Speed
Your armor choice dramatically impacts movement speed in Ready or Not. Here’s the breakdown:
Armor Types and Speed Impact
Anti-Stab Vest
- Speed: Fastest
- Protection: Minimal (knives/melee only)
- Best For: Speed-focused tactics, stealth approaches
Light Armor
- Speed: Fast
- Protection: Front/back upper body (small caliber)
- Best For: Balanced gameplay, most missions
Heavy Armor
- Speed: Slowest
- Protection: Full torso, arms, legs (all calibers)
- Best For: Point-man roles, heavy combat scenarios
Armor Materials and Movement
The material of your armor plates also affects speed:
- Kevlar
- Weight: Lightest
- Speed Impact: Minimal
- Durability: Low (breaks quickly)
- Best For: Maximum mobility builds
- Ceramic
- Weight: Medium
- Speed Impact: Moderate
- Durability: Good (blocks all damage until broken)
- Best For: Balanced loadouts
- Steel
- Weight: Heaviest
- Speed Impact: Significant
- Durability: Unbreakable
- Best For: Tank builds, heavy firefights
Optimal Speed Loadouts
For maximum movement speed, combine:
- Anti-Stab Vest or Light Armor
- Kevlar material
- Low Ready stance
- Minimal equipment weight
This setup lets you navigate maps quickly, though you’ll be vulnerable to enemy fire.
Advanced Movement Tips and Strategies
When To Use Low Ready
Safe Situations:
- Cleared rooms
- Backtracking through secure areas
- Moving between distant objectives
- Initial approach before contact
Avoid Low Ready When:
- Approaching unsecured doors
- Hearing enemy movement
- In active combat zones
- Turning blind corners
Tactical Movement Considerations
- Sound Awareness: Low Ready changes your footstep audio – enemies can hear the difference
- Reaction Time: It takes a moment to raise your weapon from Low Ready
- Team Coordination: Communicate when using Low Ready in multiplayer
- Civilian Interactions: Low Ready appears less threatening to civilians
Movement Speed Optimization
To maximize your effectiveness:
- Practice Toggle Timing: Learn to quickly switch between stances
- Map Knowledge: Know which areas are safe for faster movement
- Equipment Balance: Consider mission type when choosing armor
- Team Roles: Designate faster-moving scouts with light loadouts
Common Movement Mistakes To Avoid
- Staying in Low Ready Too Long: Many new players forget to raise their weapon before engagements
- Ignoring Armor Weight: Choosing heavy armor for every mission limits tactical options
- Poor Keybind Choices: Using hard-to-reach keys slows stance transitions
- Running Into Danger: Low Ready isn’t meant for aggressive rushing
- Forgetting Audio Cues: Faster movement means louder footsteps
Platform-Specific Considerations
PC Optimization
- Consider binding Low Ready to Mouse Button 4 or 5 for instant access
- Use Toggle instead of Hold for better control
- Adjust mouse sensitivity for quick aim transitions from Low Ready
Controller Setup
- D-pad Down is well-positioned for quick access
- Consider remapping if you prefer triggers or bumpers
- Practice smooth transitions between movement and aiming
Movement in Different Game Modes
Single Player
- AI teammates don’t judge your movement choices
- Take advantage of Low Ready for exploration
- Practice movement patterns without multiplayer pressure
Multiplayer Co-op
- Coordinate Low Ready usage with your team
- Designate point-men who stay combat-ready
- Use light armor scouts for reconnaissance
Commander Mode
- Quick decision-making benefits from faster movement
- Balance speed with tactical positioning
- Consider lighter loadouts for flexibility
Performance and FPS Considerations
Movement speed perception can be affected by game performance. Ensure smooth gameplay:
- Maintain 60+ FPS for responsive controls
- Disable motion blur for clearer movement
- Adjust FOV (Field of View) to around 100 for better spatial awareness
- Keep graphics settings optimized for your system
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can you actually sprint in Ready or Not?
No, Ready or Not doesn’t have a traditional sprint mechanic. The Low Ready stance is the closest alternative, providing increased movement speed at the cost of combat readiness.
What’s the default key for Low Ready on PC?
The default key is typically the Home key, though some players report Space bar as default. You can check and change this in Options > Controls > Interactions.
Does armor weight really affect movement speed?
Yes, absolutely. Heavy armor with steel plates will significantly slow you down compared to light armor with Kevlar. The difference is noticeable and affects tactical decisions.
Can I move faster by dropping equipment?
While equipment weight does have some impact, the primary factors are your Low Ready stance and armor choice. Dropping equipment isn’t recommended as you’ll need it during missions.
Is Low Ready movement loud?
Yes, moving in Low Ready produces different footstep sounds that experienced players can distinguish. Use it carefully in stealth situations.
Should I always use the lightest armor for speed?
Not necessarily. Choose armor based on mission requirements. High-threat scenarios may require sacrificing speed for protection, while reconnaissance missions benefit from mobility.
Can I rebind Low Ready to my mouse?
Yes, you can bind Low Ready to mouse buttons through the controls menu. Many players prefer Mouse Button 4 or 5 for quick access.
Does Low Ready work the same in multiplayer?
Yes, the mechanics are identical in single-player and multiplayer modes. However, tactical considerations differ when coordinating with human teammates.
Will there ever be a true sprint function?
The developers have consistently maintained that Ready or Not is designed as a tactical, methodical shooter. A traditional sprint function would contradict the game’s core design philosophy.
How much faster is Low Ready compared to normal movement?
While exact percentages aren’t publicly available, Low Ready provides approximately 20-30% faster movement based on community testing, with additional variations based on armor weight.
Conclusion
Mastering movement in Ready or Not requires understanding that this isn’t your typical run-and-gun shooter. The Low Ready stance offers the speed boost you need while maintaining the game’s tactical integrity. By combining smart keybinds, appropriate armor choices, and situational awareness, you’ll navigate missions efficiently without compromising your tactical advantage.
Remember, speed isn’t everything in Ready or Not – it’s about finding the right balance between mobility and combat readiness. Practice your Low Ready transitions, experiment with different armor combinations, and most importantly, stay alive out there, officer.
Now that you know how to move faster in Ready or Not, it’s time to put this knowledge into practice. Whether you’re breaching doors in single-player or coordinating with your squad online, efficient movement will give you the edge you need to complete missions successfully. Stay tactical, stay smart, and stay ready!
