diff --git a/CMakeLists.txt b/CMakeLists.txt
index 6f3320e3..af6dad5a 100644
--- a/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -96,6 +96,7 @@ set(WOWEE_SOURCES
 
     # Audio
     src/audio/music_manager.cpp
+    src/audio/footstep_manager.cpp
 
     # Pipeline (asset loaders)
     src/pipeline/mpq_manager.cpp
@@ -174,6 +175,7 @@ set(WOWEE_HEADERS
     include/game/inventory.hpp
 
     include/audio/music_manager.hpp
+    include/audio/footstep_manager.hpp
 
     include/pipeline/mpq_manager.hpp
     include/pipeline/blp_loader.hpp
diff --git a/include/audio/footstep_manager.hpp b/include/audio/footstep_manager.hpp
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..0c4e7321
--- /dev/null
+++ b/include/audio/footstep_manager.hpp
@@ -0,0 +1,65 @@
+#pragma once
+
+#include <cstdint>
+#include <random>
+#include <string>
+#include <vector>
+#include <sys/types.h>
+
+namespace wowee {
+namespace pipeline { class AssetManager; }
+
+namespace audio {
+
+enum class FootstepSurface : uint8_t {
+    STONE = 0,
+    DIRT,
+    GRASS,
+    WOOD,
+    METAL,
+    WATER,
+    SNOW
+};
+
+class FootstepManager {
+public:
+    FootstepManager();
+    ~FootstepManager();
+
+    bool initialize(pipeline::AssetManager* assets);
+    void shutdown();
+
+    void update(float deltaTime);
+    void playFootstep(FootstepSurface surface, bool sprinting);
+
+    bool isInitialized() const { return assetManager != nullptr; }
+    bool hasAnySamples() const { return sampleCount > 0; }
+
+private:
+    struct Sample {
+        std::string path;
+        std::vector<uint8_t> data;
+    };
+
+    struct SurfaceSamples {
+        std::vector<Sample> clips;
+    };
+
+    void preloadSurface(FootstepSurface surface, const std::vector<std::string>& candidates);
+    void stopCurrentProcess();
+    void reapFinishedProcess();
+    bool playRandomStep(FootstepSurface surface, bool sprinting);
+    static const char* surfaceName(FootstepSurface surface);
+
+    pipeline::AssetManager* assetManager = nullptr;
+    SurfaceSamples surfaces[7];
+    size_t sampleCount = 0;
+
+    std::string tempFilePath = "/tmp/wowee_footstep.wav";
+    pid_t playerPid = -1;
+
+    std::mt19937 rng;
+};
+
+} // namespace audio
+} // namespace wowee
diff --git a/include/rendering/camera_controller.hpp b/include/rendering/camera_controller.hpp
index 1226ba05..749718a1 100644
--- a/include/rendering/camera_controller.hpp
+++ b/include/rendering/camera_controller.hpp
@@ -122,12 +122,16 @@ private:
     bool enabled = true;
     bool sitting = false;
     bool xKeyWasDown = false;
+    bool rKeyWasDown = false;
+    bool runPace = false;
 
     // Movement state tracking (for sending opcodes on state change)
     bool wasMovingForward = false;
     bool wasMovingBackward = false;
     bool wasStrafingLeft = false;
     bool wasStrafingRight = false;
+    bool wasTurningLeft = false;
+    bool wasTurningRight = false;
     bool wasJumping = false;
     bool wasFalling = false;
 
@@ -136,10 +140,11 @@ private:
 
     // Movement speeds
     bool useWoWSpeed = false;
-    static constexpr float WOW_RUN_SPEED = 14.0f;    // Normal run (WASD)
-    static constexpr float WOW_SPRINT_SPEED = 28.0f; // Sprint (hold Shift)
-    static constexpr float WOW_WALK_SPEED = 5.0f;    // Walk (hold Ctrl)
-    static constexpr float WOW_BACK_SPEED = 9.0f;    // Backpedal
+    static constexpr float WOW_RUN_SPEED = 7.0f;     // Normal run (WotLK)
+    static constexpr float WOW_SPRINT_SPEED = 10.5f; // Optional fast mode (not default WoW behavior)
+    static constexpr float WOW_WALK_SPEED = 2.5f;    // Walk
+    static constexpr float WOW_BACK_SPEED = 4.5f;    // Backpedal
+    static constexpr float WOW_TURN_SPEED = 180.0f;  // Keyboard turn deg/sec
     static constexpr float WOW_GRAVITY = -19.29f;
     static constexpr float WOW_JUMP_VELOCITY = 7.96f;
 
diff --git a/include/rendering/character_renderer.hpp b/include/rendering/character_renderer.hpp
index 72e91937..3457282f 100644
--- a/include/rendering/character_renderer.hpp
+++ b/include/rendering/character_renderer.hpp
@@ -63,6 +63,7 @@ public:
     void setActiveGeosets(uint32_t instanceId, const std::unordered_set<uint16_t>& geosets);
     void setInstanceVisible(uint32_t instanceId, bool visible);
     void removeInstance(uint32_t instanceId);
+    bool getAnimationState(uint32_t instanceId, uint32_t& animationId, float& animationTimeMs, float& animationDurationMs) const;
 
     /** Attach a weapon model to a character instance at the given attachment point. */
     bool attachWeapon(uint32_t charInstanceId, uint32_t attachmentId,
diff --git a/include/rendering/renderer.hpp b/include/rendering/renderer.hpp
index 25a9971c..04d957cf 100644
--- a/include/rendering/renderer.hpp
+++ b/include/rendering/renderer.hpp
@@ -8,7 +8,7 @@
 namespace wowee {
 namespace core { class Window; }
 namespace game { class World; class ZoneManager; }
-namespace audio { class MusicManager; }
+namespace audio { class MusicManager; class FootstepManager; enum class FootstepSurface : uint8_t; }
 namespace pipeline { class AssetManager; }
 
 namespace rendering {
@@ -142,6 +142,7 @@ private:
     std::unique_ptr<M2Renderer> m2Renderer;
     std::unique_ptr<Minimap> minimap;
     std::unique_ptr<audio::MusicManager> musicManager;
+    std::unique_ptr<audio::FootstepManager> footstepManager;
     std::unique_ptr<game::ZoneManager> zoneManager;
 
     pipeline::AssetManager* cachedAssetManager = nullptr;
@@ -157,6 +158,9 @@ private:
     enum class CharAnimState { IDLE, WALK, RUN, JUMP_START, JUMP_MID, JUMP_END, SIT_DOWN, SITTING, EMOTE, SWIM_IDLE, SWIM };
     CharAnimState charAnimState = CharAnimState::IDLE;
     void updateCharacterAnimation();
+    bool isFootstepAnimationState() const;
+    bool shouldTriggerFootstepEvent(uint32_t animationId, float animationTimeMs, float animationDurationMs);
+    audio::FootstepSurface resolveFootstepSurface() const;
 
     // Emote state
     bool emoteActive = false;
@@ -166,6 +170,11 @@ private:
     // Target facing
     const glm::vec3* targetPosition = nullptr;
 
+    // Footstep event tracking (animation-driven)
+    uint32_t footstepLastAnimationId = 0;
+    float footstepLastNormTime = 0.0f;
+    bool footstepNormInitialized = false;
+
     bool terrainEnabled = true;
     bool terrainLoaded = false;
 };
diff --git a/include/rendering/terrain_manager.hpp b/include/rendering/terrain_manager.hpp
index 9254ba77..34777538 100644
--- a/include/rendering/terrain_manager.hpp
+++ b/include/rendering/terrain_manager.hpp
@@ -172,6 +172,12 @@ public:
      */
     std::optional<float> getHeightAt(float glX, float glY) const;
 
+    /**
+     * Get dominant terrain texture name at a GL position.
+     * Returns empty if terrain is not loaded at that position.
+     */
+    std::optional<std::string> getDominantTextureAt(float glX, float glY) const;
+
     /**
      * Get statistics
      */
diff --git a/src/audio/footstep_manager.cpp b/src/audio/footstep_manager.cpp
new file mode 100644
index 00000000..12d490aa
--- /dev/null
+++ b/src/audio/footstep_manager.cpp
@@ -0,0 +1,204 @@
+#include "audio/footstep_manager.hpp"
+#include "pipeline/asset_manager.hpp"
+#include "core/logger.hpp"
+#include <algorithm>
+#include <csignal>
+#include <cstdio>
+#include <fstream>
+#include <string>
+#include <sys/wait.h>
+#include <unistd.h>
+
+namespace wowee {
+namespace audio {
+
+namespace {
+
+std::vector<std::string> buildClassicFootstepSet(const std::string& material) {
+    std::vector<std::string> out;
+    for (char c = 'A'; c <= 'L'; ++c) {
+        out.push_back("Sound\\Character\\Footsteps\\mFootMediumLarge" + material + std::string(1, c) + ".wav");
+    }
+    return out;
+}
+
+std::vector<std::string> buildAltFootstepSet(const std::string& folder, const std::string& stem) {
+    std::vector<std::string> out;
+    for (int i = 1; i <= 8; ++i) {
+        char index[4];
+        std::snprintf(index, sizeof(index), "%02d", i);
+        out.push_back("Sound\\Character\\Footsteps\\" + folder + "\\" + stem + "_" + index + ".wav");
+    }
+    return out;
+}
+
+} // namespace
+
+FootstepManager::FootstepManager() : rng(std::random_device{}()) {}
+
+FootstepManager::~FootstepManager() {
+    shutdown();
+}
+
+bool FootstepManager::initialize(pipeline::AssetManager* assets) {
+    assetManager = assets;
+    sampleCount = 0;
+    for (auto& surface : surfaces) {
+        surface.clips.clear();
+    }
+
+    if (!assetManager) {
+        return false;
+    }
+
+    preloadSurface(FootstepSurface::STONE, buildClassicFootstepSet("Stone"));
+    preloadSurface(FootstepSurface::DIRT, buildClassicFootstepSet("Dirt"));
+    preloadSurface(FootstepSurface::GRASS, buildClassicFootstepSet("Grass"));
+    preloadSurface(FootstepSurface::WOOD, buildClassicFootstepSet("Wood"));
+    preloadSurface(FootstepSurface::SNOW, buildClassicFootstepSet("Snow"));
+    preloadSurface(FootstepSurface::WATER, buildClassicFootstepSet("Water"));
+
+    // Alternate naming seen in some builds (especially metals).
+    preloadSurface(FootstepSurface::METAL, buildAltFootstepSet("MediumLargeMetalFootsteps", "MediumLargeFootstepMetal"));
+    if (surfaces[static_cast<size_t>(FootstepSurface::METAL)].clips.empty()) {
+        preloadSurface(FootstepSurface::METAL, buildClassicFootstepSet("Metal"));
+    }
+
+    LOG_INFO("Footstep manager initialized (", sampleCount, " clips)");
+    return sampleCount > 0;
+}
+
+void FootstepManager::shutdown() {
+    stopCurrentProcess();
+    std::remove(tempFilePath.c_str());
+    for (auto& surface : surfaces) {
+        surface.clips.clear();
+    }
+    sampleCount = 0;
+    assetManager = nullptr;
+}
+
+void FootstepManager::update(float) {
+    reapFinishedProcess();
+}
+
+void FootstepManager::playFootstep(FootstepSurface surface, bool sprinting) {
+    if (!assetManager || sampleCount == 0) {
+        return;
+    }
+    reapFinishedProcess();
+    playRandomStep(surface, sprinting);
+}
+
+void FootstepManager::preloadSurface(FootstepSurface surface, const std::vector<std::string>& candidates) {
+    if (!assetManager) {
+        return;
+    }
+
+    auto& list = surfaces[static_cast<size_t>(surface)].clips;
+    for (const std::string& path : candidates) {
+        if (!assetManager->fileExists(path)) {
+            continue;
+        }
+        auto data = assetManager->readFile(path);
+        if (data.empty()) {
+            continue;
+        }
+        list.push_back({path, std::move(data)});
+        sampleCount++;
+    }
+
+    if (!list.empty()) {
+        LOG_INFO("Footsteps ", surfaceName(surface), ": loaded ", list.size(), " clips");
+    }
+}
+
+void FootstepManager::stopCurrentProcess() {
+    if (playerPid > 0) {
+        kill(-playerPid, SIGTERM);
+        kill(playerPid, SIGTERM);
+        int status = 0;
+        waitpid(playerPid, &status, 0);
+        playerPid = -1;
+    }
+}
+
+void FootstepManager::reapFinishedProcess() {
+    if (playerPid <= 0) {
+        return;
+    }
+    int status = 0;
+    pid_t result = waitpid(playerPid, &status, WNOHANG);
+    if (result == playerPid) {
+        playerPid = -1;
+    }
+}
+
+bool FootstepManager::playRandomStep(FootstepSurface surface, bool sprinting) {
+    auto& list = surfaces[static_cast<size_t>(surface)].clips;
+    if (list.empty()) {
+        list = surfaces[static_cast<size_t>(FootstepSurface::STONE)].clips;
+        if (list.empty()) {
+            return false;
+        }
+    }
+
+    // Keep one active step at a time to avoid ffplay process buildup.
+    if (playerPid > 0) {
+        return false;
+    }
+
+    std::uniform_int_distribution<size_t> clipDist(0, list.size() - 1);
+    const Sample& sample = list[clipDist(rng)];
+
+    std::ofstream out(tempFilePath, std::ios::binary);
+    if (!out) {
+        return false;
+    }
+    out.write(reinterpret_cast<const char*>(sample.data.data()), static_cast<std::streamsize>(sample.data.size()));
+    out.close();
+
+    // Subtle variation for less repetitive cadence.
+    std::uniform_real_distribution<float> pitchDist(0.97f, 1.05f);
+    std::uniform_real_distribution<float> volumeDist(0.92f, 1.00f);
+    float pitch = pitchDist(rng);
+    float volume = volumeDist(rng) * (sprinting ? 1.0f : 0.88f);
+    if (volume > 1.0f) volume = 1.0f;
+    if (volume < 0.1f) volume = 0.1f;
+
+    std::string filter = "asetrate=44100*" + std::to_string(pitch) +
+                         ",aresample=44100,volume=" + std::to_string(volume);
+
+    pid_t pid = fork();
+    if (pid == 0) {
+        setpgid(0, 0);
+        FILE* outFile = freopen("/dev/null", "w", stdout);
+        FILE* errFile = freopen("/dev/null", "w", stderr);
+        (void)outFile;
+        (void)errFile;
+        execlp("ffplay", "ffplay", "-nodisp", "-autoexit", "-loglevel", "quiet",
+               "-af", filter.c_str(), tempFilePath.c_str(), nullptr);
+        _exit(1);
+    } else if (pid > 0) {
+        playerPid = pid;
+        return true;
+    }
+
+    return false;
+}
+
+const char* FootstepManager::surfaceName(FootstepSurface surface) {
+    switch (surface) {
+        case FootstepSurface::STONE: return "stone";
+        case FootstepSurface::DIRT: return "dirt";
+        case FootstepSurface::GRASS: return "grass";
+        case FootstepSurface::WOOD: return "wood";
+        case FootstepSurface::METAL: return "metal";
+        case FootstepSurface::WATER: return "water";
+        case FootstepSurface::SNOW: return "snow";
+        default: return "unknown";
+    }
+}
+
+} // namespace audio
+} // namespace wowee
diff --git a/src/rendering/camera_controller.cpp b/src/rendering/camera_controller.cpp
index ab6ceda0..48f5f9b0 100644
--- a/src/rendering/camera_controller.cpp
+++ b/src/rendering/camera_controller.cpp
@@ -12,6 +12,27 @@
 namespace wowee {
 namespace rendering {
 
+namespace {
+
+std::optional<float> selectReachableFloor(const std::optional<float>& terrainH,
+                                          const std::optional<float>& wmoH,
+                                          float refZ,
+                                          float maxStepUp) {
+    std::optional<float> best;
+    auto consider = [&](const std::optional<float>& h) {
+        if (!h) return;
+        if (*h > refZ + maxStepUp) return;  // Ignore roofs/floors too far above us.
+        if (!best || *h > *best) {
+            best = *h;  // Choose highest reachable floor.
+        }
+    };
+    consider(terrainH);
+    consider(wmoH);
+    return best;
+}
+
+} // namespace
+
 CameraController::CameraController(Camera* cam) : camera(cam) {
     yaw = defaultYaw;
     pitch = defaultPitch;
@@ -29,12 +50,47 @@ void CameraController::update(float deltaTime) {
     bool uiWantsKeyboard = ImGui::GetIO().WantCaptureKeyboard;
 
     // Determine current key states
-    bool nowForward = !uiWantsKeyboard && !sitting && input.isKeyPressed(SDL_SCANCODE_W);
-    bool nowBackward = !uiWantsKeyboard && !sitting && input.isKeyPressed(SDL_SCANCODE_S);
-    bool nowStrafeLeft = !uiWantsKeyboard && !sitting && input.isKeyPressed(SDL_SCANCODE_A);
-    bool nowStrafeRight = !uiWantsKeyboard && !sitting && input.isKeyPressed(SDL_SCANCODE_D);
+    bool keyW = !uiWantsKeyboard && !sitting && input.isKeyPressed(SDL_SCANCODE_W);
+    bool keyS = !uiWantsKeyboard && !sitting && input.isKeyPressed(SDL_SCANCODE_S);
+    bool keyA = !uiWantsKeyboard && !sitting && input.isKeyPressed(SDL_SCANCODE_A);
+    bool keyD = !uiWantsKeyboard && !sitting && input.isKeyPressed(SDL_SCANCODE_D);
+    bool keyQ = !uiWantsKeyboard && !sitting && input.isKeyPressed(SDL_SCANCODE_Q);
+    bool keyE = !uiWantsKeyboard && !sitting && input.isKeyPressed(SDL_SCANCODE_E);
+    bool shiftDown = !uiWantsKeyboard && (input.isKeyPressed(SDL_SCANCODE_LSHIFT) || input.isKeyPressed(SDL_SCANCODE_RSHIFT));
+    bool ctrlDown = !uiWantsKeyboard && (input.isKeyPressed(SDL_SCANCODE_LCTRL) || input.isKeyPressed(SDL_SCANCODE_RCTRL));
     bool nowJump = !uiWantsKeyboard && !sitting && input.isKeyPressed(SDL_SCANCODE_SPACE);
 
+    bool mouseAutorun = !uiWantsKeyboard && !sitting && leftMouseDown && rightMouseDown;
+    bool nowForward = keyW || mouseAutorun;
+    bool nowBackward = keyS;
+    bool nowStrafeLeft = false;
+    bool nowStrafeRight = false;
+    bool nowTurnLeft = false;
+    bool nowTurnRight = false;
+
+    // WoW-like third-person keyboard behavior:
+    // - RMB held: A/D strafe
+    // - RMB released: A/D turn character+camera, Q/E strafe
+    if (thirdPerson && !rightMouseDown) {
+        nowTurnLeft = keyA;
+        nowTurnRight = keyD;
+        nowStrafeLeft = keyQ;
+        nowStrafeRight = keyE;
+    } else {
+        nowStrafeLeft = keyA || keyQ;
+        nowStrafeRight = keyD || keyE;
+    }
+
+    // Keyboard turning updates camera yaw (character follows yaw in renderer)
+    if (nowTurnLeft && !nowTurnRight) {
+        yaw += WOW_TURN_SPEED * deltaTime;
+    } else if (nowTurnRight && !nowTurnLeft) {
+        yaw -= WOW_TURN_SPEED * deltaTime;
+    }
+    if (nowTurnLeft || nowTurnRight) {
+        camera->setRotation(yaw, pitch);
+    }
+
     // Select physics constants based on mode
     float gravity = useWoWSpeed ? WOW_GRAVITY : GRAVITY;
     float jumpVel = useWoWSpeed ? WOW_JUMP_VELOCITY : JUMP_VELOCITY;
@@ -42,27 +98,34 @@ void CameraController::update(float deltaTime) {
     // Calculate movement speed based on direction and modifiers
     float speed;
     if (useWoWSpeed) {
-        // Movement speeds (Shift = sprint, Ctrl = walk)
+        // Movement speeds (WoW-like: Ctrl walk, default run, backpedal slower)
         if (nowBackward && !nowForward) {
             speed = WOW_BACK_SPEED;
-        } else if (!uiWantsKeyboard && (input.isKeyPressed(SDL_SCANCODE_LSHIFT) || input.isKeyPressed(SDL_SCANCODE_RSHIFT))) {
-            speed = WOW_SPRINT_SPEED;  // Shift = sprint (faster)
-        } else if (!uiWantsKeyboard && (input.isKeyPressed(SDL_SCANCODE_LCTRL) || input.isKeyPressed(SDL_SCANCODE_RCTRL))) {
-            speed = WOW_WALK_SPEED;    // Ctrl = walk (slower)
+        } else if (ctrlDown) {
+            speed = WOW_WALK_SPEED;
         } else {
-            speed = WOW_RUN_SPEED;     // Normal run
+            speed = WOW_RUN_SPEED;
         }
     } else {
         // Exploration mode (original behavior)
         speed = movementSpeed;
-        if (!uiWantsKeyboard && (input.isKeyPressed(SDL_SCANCODE_LSHIFT) || input.isKeyPressed(SDL_SCANCODE_RSHIFT))) {
+        if (shiftDown) {
             speed *= sprintMultiplier;
         }
-        if (!uiWantsKeyboard && (input.isKeyPressed(SDL_SCANCODE_LCTRL) || input.isKeyPressed(SDL_SCANCODE_RCTRL))) {
+        if (ctrlDown) {
             speed *= slowMultiplier;
         }
     }
 
+    bool hasMoveInput = nowForward || nowBackward || nowStrafeLeft || nowStrafeRight;
+    if (useWoWSpeed) {
+        // "Sprinting" flag drives run animation/stronger footstep set.
+        // In WoW mode this means running pace (not walk/backpedal), not Shift.
+        runPace = hasMoveInput && !ctrlDown && !nowBackward;
+    } else {
+        runPace = hasMoveInput && shiftDown;
+    }
+
     // Get camera axes — project forward onto XY plane for walking
     glm::vec3 forward3D = camera->getForward();
     glm::vec3 forward = glm::normalize(glm::vec3(forward3D.x, forward3D.y, 0.0f));
@@ -189,17 +252,15 @@ void CameraController::update(float deltaTime) {
 
             // Helper to get ground height at a position
             auto getGroundAt = [&](float x, float y) -> std::optional<float> {
-                std::optional<float> h;
+                std::optional<float> terrainH;
+                std::optional<float> wmoH;
                 if (terrainManager) {
-                    h = terrainManager->getHeightAt(x, y);
+                    terrainH = terrainManager->getHeightAt(x, y);
                 }
                 if (wmoRenderer) {
-                    auto wh = wmoRenderer->getFloorHeight(x, y, targetPos.z + 5.0f);
-                    if (wh && (!h || *wh > *h)) {
-                        h = wh;
-                    }
+                    wmoH = wmoRenderer->getFloorHeight(x, y, targetPos.z + 5.0f);
                 }
-                return h;
+                return selectReachableFloor(terrainH, wmoH, targetPos.z, 1.0f);
             };
 
             // Get ground height at target position
@@ -274,35 +335,17 @@ void CameraController::update(float deltaTime) {
                 wmoH = wmoRenderer->getFloorHeight(targetPos.x, targetPos.y, targetPos.z + eyeHeight);
             }
 
-            std::optional<float> groundH;
-            if (terrainH && wmoH) {
-                groundH = std::max(*terrainH, *wmoH);
-            } else if (terrainH) {
-                groundH = terrainH;
-            } else if (wmoH) {
-                groundH = wmoH;
-            }
+            std::optional<float> groundH = selectReachableFloor(terrainH, wmoH, targetPos.z, 1.0f);
 
             if (groundH) {
                 float groundDiff = *groundH - lastGroundZ;
-                float currentFeetZ = targetPos.z;
-
-                // Only consider floors that are:
-                // 1. Below us (we can fall onto them)
-                // 2. Slightly above us (we can step up onto them, max 1 unit)
-                // Don't teleport to roofs/floors that are way above us
-                bool floorIsReachable = (*groundH <= currentFeetZ + 1.0f);
-
-                if (floorIsReachable) {
-                    if (std::abs(groundDiff) < 2.0f) {
-                        // Small height difference - smooth it
-                        lastGroundZ += groundDiff * std::min(1.0f, deltaTime * 15.0f);
-                    } else {
-                        // Large height difference - snap (for falling onto ledges)
-                        lastGroundZ = *groundH;
-                    }
+                if (std::abs(groundDiff) < 2.0f) {
+                    // Small height difference - smooth it
+                    lastGroundZ += groundDiff * std::min(1.0f, deltaTime * 15.0f);
+                } else {
+                    // Large height difference - snap (for falling onto ledges)
+                    lastGroundZ = *groundH;
                 }
-                // If floor is way above us (roof), ignore it and keep lastGroundZ
 
                 if (targetPos.z <= lastGroundZ + 0.1f) {
                     targetPos.z = lastGroundZ;
@@ -334,26 +377,21 @@ void CameraController::update(float deltaTime) {
         float zoomLerp = 1.0f - std::exp(-ZOOM_SMOOTH_SPEED * deltaTime);
         currentDistance += (userTargetDistance - currentDistance) * zoomLerp;
 
-        // Desired camera position (before collision)
-        glm::vec3 desiredCam = pivot + camDir * currentDistance;
-
         // ===== Camera collision (sphere sweep approximation) =====
         // Find max safe distance using raycast + sphere radius
         collisionDistance = currentDistance;
 
         // Helper to get floor height
         auto getFloorAt = [&](float x, float y, float z) -> std::optional<float> {
-            std::optional<float> h;
+            std::optional<float> terrainH;
+            std::optional<float> wmoH;
             if (terrainManager) {
-                h = terrainManager->getHeightAt(x, y);
+                terrainH = terrainManager->getHeightAt(x, y);
             }
             if (wmoRenderer) {
-                auto wh = wmoRenderer->getFloorHeight(x, y, z + 5.0f);
-                if (wh && (!h || *wh > *h)) {
-                    h = wh;
-                }
+                wmoH = wmoRenderer->getFloorHeight(x, y, z + 5.0f);
             }
-            return h;
+            return selectReachableFloor(terrainH, wmoH, z, 0.5f);
         };
 
         // Raycast against WMO bounding boxes
@@ -409,7 +447,7 @@ void CameraController::update(float deltaTime) {
         // After smoothing, ensure camera is above the floor at its final position
         // This prevents camera clipping through ground in Stormwind and similar areas
         constexpr float MIN_FLOOR_CLEARANCE = 0.20f;  // Keep camera at least 20cm above floor
-        auto finalFloorH = getFloorAt(smoothedCamPos.x, smoothedCamPos.y, smoothedCamPos.z + 5.0f);
+        auto finalFloorH = getFloorAt(smoothedCamPos.x, smoothedCamPos.y, smoothedCamPos.z);
         if (finalFloorH && smoothedCamPos.z < *finalFloorH + MIN_FLOOR_CLEARANCE) {
             smoothedCamPos.z = *finalFloorH + MIN_FLOOR_CLEARANCE;
         }
@@ -506,14 +544,7 @@ void CameraController::update(float deltaTime) {
                 wmoH = wmoRenderer->getFloorHeight(newPos.x, newPos.y, newPos.z);
             }
 
-            std::optional<float> groundH;
-            if (terrainH && wmoH) {
-                groundH = std::max(*terrainH, *wmoH);
-            } else if (terrainH) {
-                groundH = terrainH;
-            } else if (wmoH) {
-                groundH = wmoH;
-            }
+            std::optional<float> groundH = selectReachableFloor(terrainH, wmoH, newPos.z - eyeHeight, 1.0f);
 
             if (groundH) {
                 lastGroundZ = *groundH;
@@ -565,6 +596,19 @@ void CameraController::update(float deltaTime) {
             }
         }
 
+        // Turning
+        if (nowTurnLeft && !wasTurningLeft) {
+            movementCallback(static_cast<uint32_t>(game::Opcode::CMSG_MOVE_START_TURN_LEFT));
+        }
+        if (nowTurnRight && !wasTurningRight) {
+            movementCallback(static_cast<uint32_t>(game::Opcode::CMSG_MOVE_START_TURN_RIGHT));
+        }
+        if ((!nowTurnLeft && wasTurningLeft) || (!nowTurnRight && wasTurningRight)) {
+            if (!nowTurnLeft && !nowTurnRight) {
+                movementCallback(static_cast<uint32_t>(game::Opcode::CMSG_MOVE_STOP_TURN));
+            }
+        }
+
         // Jump
         if (nowJump && !wasJumping && grounded) {
             movementCallback(static_cast<uint32_t>(game::Opcode::CMSG_MOVE_JUMP));
@@ -591,13 +635,17 @@ void CameraController::update(float deltaTime) {
     wasMovingBackward = nowBackward;
     wasStrafingLeft = nowStrafeLeft;
     wasStrafingRight = nowStrafeRight;
+    wasTurningLeft = nowTurnLeft;
+    wasTurningRight = nowTurnRight;
     wasJumping = nowJump;
     wasFalling = !grounded && verticalVelocity <= 0.0f;
 
-    // Reset camera (R key)
-    if (!uiWantsKeyboard && input.isKeyPressed(SDL_SCANCODE_R)) {
+    // Reset camera/character (R key, edge-triggered)
+    bool rDown = !uiWantsKeyboard && input.isKeyPressed(SDL_SCANCODE_R);
+    if (rDown && !rKeyWasDown) {
         reset();
     }
+    rKeyWasDown = rDown;
 }
 
 void CameraController::processMouseMotion(const SDL_MouseMotionEvent& event) {
@@ -648,7 +696,20 @@ void CameraController::reset() {
     yaw = defaultYaw;
     pitch = defaultPitch;
     verticalVelocity = 0.0f;
-    grounded = false;
+    grounded = true;
+    swimming = false;
+    sitting = false;
+
+    // Clear edge-state so movement packets can re-start cleanly after respawn.
+    wasMovingForward = false;
+    wasMovingBackward = false;
+    wasStrafingLeft = false;
+    wasStrafingRight = false;
+    wasTurningLeft = false;
+    wasTurningRight = false;
+    wasJumping = false;
+    wasFalling = false;
+    wasSwimming = false;
 
     glm::vec3 spawnPos = defaultPosition;
 
@@ -665,11 +726,32 @@ void CameraController::reset() {
     }
     if (h) {
         lastGroundZ = *h;
-        spawnPos.z = *h + eyeHeight;
+        spawnPos.z = *h;
     }
 
-    camera->setPosition(spawnPos);
     camera->setRotation(yaw, pitch);
+    glm::vec3 forward3D = camera->getForward();
+
+    if (thirdPerson && followTarget) {
+        // In follow mode, respawn the character (feet position), then place camera behind it.
+        *followTarget = spawnPos;
+
+        currentDistance = userTargetDistance;
+        collisionDistance = currentDistance;
+
+        glm::vec3 pivot = spawnPos + glm::vec3(0.0f, 0.0f, PIVOT_HEIGHT);
+        glm::vec3 camDir = -forward3D;
+        glm::vec3 camPos = pivot + camDir * currentDistance;
+        smoothedCamPos = camPos;
+        camera->setPosition(camPos);
+    } else {
+        // Free-fly mode keeps camera eye-height above ground.
+        if (h) {
+            spawnPos.z += eyeHeight;
+        }
+        smoothedCamPos = spawnPos;
+        camera->setPosition(spawnPos);
+    }
 
     LOG_INFO("Camera reset to default position");
 }
@@ -701,22 +783,24 @@ bool CameraController::isMoving() const {
     }
 
     auto& input = core::Input::getInstance();
+    bool keyW = input.isKeyPressed(SDL_SCANCODE_W);
+    bool keyS = input.isKeyPressed(SDL_SCANCODE_S);
+    bool keyA = input.isKeyPressed(SDL_SCANCODE_A);
+    bool keyD = input.isKeyPressed(SDL_SCANCODE_D);
+    bool keyQ = input.isKeyPressed(SDL_SCANCODE_Q);
+    bool keyE = input.isKeyPressed(SDL_SCANCODE_E);
 
-    return input.isKeyPressed(SDL_SCANCODE_W) ||
-           input.isKeyPressed(SDL_SCANCODE_S) ||
-           input.isKeyPressed(SDL_SCANCODE_A) ||
-           input.isKeyPressed(SDL_SCANCODE_D);
+    // In third-person without RMB, A/D are turn keys (not movement).
+    if (thirdPerson && !rightMouseDown) {
+        return keyW || keyS || keyQ || keyE;
+    }
+
+    bool mouseAutorun = leftMouseDown && rightMouseDown;
+    return keyW || keyS || keyA || keyD || keyQ || keyE || mouseAutorun;
 }
 
 bool CameraController::isSprinting() const {
-    if (!enabled || !camera) {
-        return false;
-    }
-    if (ImGui::GetIO().WantCaptureKeyboard) {
-        return false;
-    }
-    auto& input = core::Input::getInstance();
-    return isMoving() && (input.isKeyPressed(SDL_SCANCODE_LSHIFT) || input.isKeyPressed(SDL_SCANCODE_RSHIFT));
+    return enabled && camera && runPace;
 }
 
 } // namespace rendering
diff --git a/src/rendering/character_renderer.cpp b/src/rendering/character_renderer.cpp
index 94a14239..1f7c1988 100644
--- a/src/rendering/character_renderer.cpp
+++ b/src/rendering/character_renderer.cpp
@@ -1141,6 +1141,30 @@ void CharacterRenderer::removeInstance(uint32_t instanceId) {
     instances.erase(instanceId);
 }
 
+bool CharacterRenderer::getAnimationState(uint32_t instanceId, uint32_t& animationId,
+                                          float& animationTimeMs, float& animationDurationMs) const {
+    auto it = instances.find(instanceId);
+    if (it == instances.end()) {
+        return false;
+    }
+
+    const CharacterInstance& instance = it->second;
+    auto modelIt = models.find(instance.modelId);
+    if (modelIt == models.end()) {
+        return false;
+    }
+
+    const auto& sequences = modelIt->second.data.sequences;
+    if (instance.currentSequenceIndex < 0 || instance.currentSequenceIndex >= static_cast<int>(sequences.size())) {
+        return false;
+    }
+
+    animationId = instance.currentAnimationId;
+    animationTimeMs = instance.animationTime;
+    animationDurationMs = static_cast<float>(sequences[instance.currentSequenceIndex].duration);
+    return true;
+}
+
 bool CharacterRenderer::attachWeapon(uint32_t charInstanceId, uint32_t attachmentId,
                                       const pipeline::M2Model& weaponModel, uint32_t weaponModelId,
                                       const std::string& texturePath) {
diff --git a/src/rendering/renderer.cpp b/src/rendering/renderer.cpp
index ac03ef30..31561105 100644
--- a/src/rendering/renderer.cpp
+++ b/src/rendering/renderer.cpp
@@ -27,11 +27,14 @@
 #include "game/world.hpp"
 #include "game/zone_manager.hpp"
 #include "audio/music_manager.hpp"
+#include "audio/footstep_manager.hpp"
 #include <GL/glew.h>
 #include <glm/gtc/matrix_transform.hpp>
 #include <glm/gtx/euler_angles.hpp>
 #include <glm/gtc/quaternion.hpp>
 #include <cctype>
+#include <cmath>
+#include <optional>
 #include <unordered_map>
 #include <unordered_set>
 
@@ -185,6 +188,7 @@ bool Renderer::initialize(core::Window* win) {
 
     // Create music manager (initialized later with asset manager)
     musicManager = std::make_unique<audio::MusicManager>();
+    footstepManager = std::make_unique<audio::FootstepManager>();
 
     LOG_INFO("Renderer initialized");
     return true;
@@ -257,6 +261,10 @@ void Renderer::shutdown() {
         musicManager->shutdown();
         musicManager.reset();
     }
+    if (footstepManager) {
+        footstepManager->shutdown();
+        footstepManager.reset();
+    }
 
     zoneManager.reset();
 
@@ -492,6 +500,87 @@ bool Renderer::isMoving() const {
     return cameraController && cameraController->isMoving();
 }
 
+bool Renderer::isFootstepAnimationState() const {
+    return charAnimState == CharAnimState::WALK || charAnimState == CharAnimState::RUN;
+}
+
+bool Renderer::shouldTriggerFootstepEvent(uint32_t animationId, float animationTimeMs, float animationDurationMs) {
+    if (animationDurationMs <= 1.0f) {
+        footstepNormInitialized = false;
+        return false;
+    }
+
+    float norm = std::fmod(animationTimeMs, animationDurationMs) / animationDurationMs;
+    if (norm < 0.0f) norm += 1.0f;
+
+    if (animationId != footstepLastAnimationId) {
+        footstepLastAnimationId = animationId;
+        footstepLastNormTime = norm;
+        footstepNormInitialized = true;
+        return false;
+    }
+
+    if (!footstepNormInitialized) {
+        footstepNormInitialized = true;
+        footstepLastNormTime = norm;
+        return false;
+    }
+
+    auto crossed = [&](float eventNorm) {
+        if (footstepLastNormTime <= norm) {
+            return footstepLastNormTime < eventNorm && eventNorm <= norm;
+        }
+        return footstepLastNormTime < eventNorm || eventNorm <= norm;
+    };
+
+    bool trigger = crossed(0.22f) || crossed(0.72f);
+    footstepLastNormTime = norm;
+    return trigger;
+}
+
+audio::FootstepSurface Renderer::resolveFootstepSurface() const {
+    if (!cameraController || !cameraController->isThirdPerson()) {
+        return audio::FootstepSurface::STONE;
+    }
+
+    const glm::vec3& p = characterPosition;
+
+    if (cameraController->isSwimming()) {
+        return audio::FootstepSurface::WATER;
+    }
+
+    if (waterRenderer) {
+        auto waterH = waterRenderer->getWaterHeightAt(p.x, p.y);
+        if (waterH && p.z < (*waterH + 0.25f)) {
+            return audio::FootstepSurface::WATER;
+        }
+    }
+
+    if (wmoRenderer) {
+        auto wmoFloor = wmoRenderer->getFloorHeight(p.x, p.y, p.z + 1.5f);
+        auto terrainFloor = terrainManager ? terrainManager->getHeightAt(p.x, p.y) : std::nullopt;
+        if (wmoFloor && (!terrainFloor || *wmoFloor >= *terrainFloor - 0.1f)) {
+            return audio::FootstepSurface::STONE;
+        }
+    }
+
+    if (terrainManager) {
+        auto texture = terrainManager->getDominantTextureAt(p.x, p.y);
+        if (texture) {
+            std::string t = *texture;
+            for (char& c : t) c = static_cast<char>(std::tolower(static_cast<unsigned char>(c)));
+            if (t.find("snow") != std::string::npos || t.find("ice") != std::string::npos) return audio::FootstepSurface::SNOW;
+            if (t.find("grass") != std::string::npos || t.find("moss") != std::string::npos || t.find("leaf") != std::string::npos) return audio::FootstepSurface::GRASS;
+            if (t.find("sand") != std::string::npos || t.find("dirt") != std::string::npos || t.find("mud") != std::string::npos) return audio::FootstepSurface::DIRT;
+            if (t.find("wood") != std::string::npos || t.find("timber") != std::string::npos) return audio::FootstepSurface::WOOD;
+            if (t.find("metal") != std::string::npos || t.find("iron") != std::string::npos) return audio::FootstepSurface::METAL;
+            if (t.find("stone") != std::string::npos || t.find("rock") != std::string::npos || t.find("cobble") != std::string::npos || t.find("brick") != std::string::npos) return audio::FootstepSurface::STONE;
+        }
+    }
+
+    return audio::FootstepSurface::STONE;
+}
+
 void Renderer::update(float deltaTime) {
     if (cameraController) {
         cameraController->update(deltaTime);
@@ -569,6 +658,25 @@ void Renderer::update(float deltaTime) {
         characterRenderer->update(deltaTime);
     }
 
+    // Footsteps: animation-event driven + surface query at event time.
+    if (footstepManager) {
+        footstepManager->update(deltaTime);
+        if (characterRenderer && characterInstanceId > 0 &&
+            cameraController && cameraController->isThirdPerson() &&
+            isFootstepAnimationState() && cameraController->isGrounded() &&
+            !cameraController->isSwimming()) {
+            uint32_t animId = 0;
+            float animTimeMs = 0.0f;
+            float animDurationMs = 0.0f;
+            if (characterRenderer->getAnimationState(characterInstanceId, animId, animTimeMs, animDurationMs) &&
+                shouldTriggerFootstepEvent(animId, animTimeMs, animDurationMs)) {
+                footstepManager->playFootstep(resolveFootstepSurface(), cameraController->isSprinting());
+            }
+        } else {
+            footstepNormInitialized = false;
+        }
+    }
+
     // Update M2 doodad animations
     if (m2Renderer) {
         m2Renderer->update(deltaTime);
@@ -820,6 +928,9 @@ bool Renderer::loadTestTerrain(pipeline::AssetManager* assetManager, const std::
     // Initialize music manager with asset manager
     if (musicManager && assetManager && !cachedAssetManager) {
         musicManager->initialize(assetManager);
+        if (footstepManager) {
+            footstepManager->initialize(assetManager);
+        }
         cachedAssetManager = assetManager;
     }
 
@@ -883,6 +994,11 @@ bool Renderer::loadTerrainArea(const std::string& mapName, int centerX, int cent
             musicManager->initialize(cachedAssetManager);
         }
     }
+    if (footstepManager && cachedAssetManager) {
+        if (!footstepManager->isInitialized()) {
+            footstepManager->initialize(cachedAssetManager);
+        }
+    }
 
     // Wire WMO, M2, and water renderer to camera controller
     if (cameraController && wmoRenderer) {
diff --git a/src/rendering/terrain_manager.cpp b/src/rendering/terrain_manager.cpp
index aba9430e..dc44f3ec 100644
--- a/src/rendering/terrain_manager.cpp
+++ b/src/rendering/terrain_manager.cpp
@@ -21,6 +21,66 @@
 namespace wowee {
 namespace rendering {
 
+namespace {
+
+bool decodeLayerAlpha(const pipeline::MapChunk& chunk, size_t layerIdx, std::vector<uint8_t>& outAlpha) {
+    if (layerIdx >= chunk.layers.size()) return false;
+    const auto& layer = chunk.layers[layerIdx];
+    if (!layer.useAlpha() || layer.offsetMCAL >= chunk.alphaMap.size()) return false;
+
+    size_t offset = layer.offsetMCAL;
+    size_t layerSize = chunk.alphaMap.size() - offset;
+    for (size_t j = layerIdx + 1; j < chunk.layers.size(); j++) {
+        if (chunk.layers[j].useAlpha()) {
+            layerSize = chunk.layers[j].offsetMCAL - offset;
+            break;
+        }
+    }
+
+    outAlpha.assign(4096, 255);
+
+    if (layer.compressedAlpha()) {
+        size_t readPos = offset;
+        size_t writePos = 0;
+        while (writePos < 4096 && readPos < chunk.alphaMap.size()) {
+            uint8_t cmd = chunk.alphaMap[readPos++];
+            bool fill = (cmd & 0x80) != 0;
+            int count = (cmd & 0x7F) + 1;
+
+            if (fill) {
+                if (readPos >= chunk.alphaMap.size()) break;
+                uint8_t val = chunk.alphaMap[readPos++];
+                for (int i = 0; i < count && writePos < 4096; i++) {
+                    outAlpha[writePos++] = val;
+                }
+            } else {
+                for (int i = 0; i < count && writePos < 4096 && readPos < chunk.alphaMap.size(); i++) {
+                    outAlpha[writePos++] = chunk.alphaMap[readPos++];
+                }
+            }
+        }
+        return true;
+    }
+
+    if (layerSize >= 4096) {
+        std::copy(chunk.alphaMap.begin() + offset, chunk.alphaMap.begin() + offset + 4096, outAlpha.begin());
+        return true;
+    }
+
+    if (layerSize >= 2048) {
+        for (size_t i = 0; i < 2048; i++) {
+            uint8_t v = chunk.alphaMap[offset + i];
+            outAlpha[i * 2] = (v & 0x0F) * 17;
+            outAlpha[i * 2 + 1] = (v >> 4) * 17;
+        }
+        return true;
+    }
+
+    return false;
+}
+
+} // namespace
+
 TerrainManager::TerrainManager() {
 }
 
@@ -807,6 +867,69 @@ std::optional<float> TerrainManager::getHeightAt(float glX, float glY) const {
     return std::nullopt;
 }
 
+std::optional<std::string> TerrainManager::getDominantTextureAt(float glX, float glY) const {
+    const float unitSize = CHUNK_SIZE / 8.0f;
+    std::vector<uint8_t> alphaScratch;
+
+    for (const auto& [coord, tile] : loadedTiles) {
+        (void)coord;
+        if (!tile || !tile->loaded) continue;
+
+        for (int cy = 0; cy < 16; cy++) {
+            for (int cx = 0; cx < 16; cx++) {
+                const auto& chunk = tile->terrain.getChunk(cx, cy);
+                if (!chunk.hasHeightMap() || chunk.layers.empty()) continue;
+
+                float chunkMaxX = chunk.position[0];
+                float chunkMinX = chunk.position[0] - 8.0f * unitSize;
+                float chunkMaxY = chunk.position[1];
+                float chunkMinY = chunk.position[1] - 8.0f * unitSize;
+                if (glX < chunkMinX || glX > chunkMaxX || glY < chunkMinY || glY > chunkMaxY) {
+                    continue;
+                }
+
+                float fracY = (chunk.position[0] - glX) / unitSize;
+                float fracX = (chunk.position[1] - glY) / unitSize;
+                fracX = glm::clamp(fracX, 0.0f, 8.0f);
+                fracY = glm::clamp(fracY, 0.0f, 8.0f);
+
+                int alphaX = glm::clamp(static_cast<int>((fracX / 8.0f) * 63.0f), 0, 63);
+                int alphaY = glm::clamp(static_cast<int>((fracY / 8.0f) * 63.0f), 0, 63);
+                int alphaIndex = alphaY * 64 + alphaX;
+
+                std::vector<int> weights(chunk.layers.size(), 0);
+                int accum = 0;
+                for (size_t layerIdx = 1; layerIdx < chunk.layers.size(); layerIdx++) {
+                    int alpha = 0;
+                    if (decodeLayerAlpha(chunk, layerIdx, alphaScratch) && alphaIndex < static_cast<int>(alphaScratch.size())) {
+                        alpha = alphaScratch[alphaIndex];
+                    }
+                    weights[layerIdx] = alpha;
+                    accum += alpha;
+                }
+                weights[0] = glm::clamp(255 - accum, 0, 255);
+
+                size_t bestLayer = 0;
+                int bestWeight = weights[0];
+                for (size_t i = 1; i < weights.size(); i++) {
+                    if (weights[i] > bestWeight) {
+                        bestWeight = weights[i];
+                        bestLayer = i;
+                    }
+                }
+
+                uint32_t texId = chunk.layers[bestLayer].textureId;
+                if (texId < tile->terrain.textures.size()) {
+                    return tile->terrain.textures[texId];
+                }
+                return std::nullopt;
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    return std::nullopt;
+}
+
 void TerrainManager::streamTiles() {
     // Enqueue tiles in radius around current tile for async loading
     {