PokéSurvivor controls
Last updated · Unofficial fan guide · Facts checked against the official site and game source
In PokéSurvivor you only move: the active move fires on its own. These are the full controls for keyboard, controller and touch, including the controller support and manual aim added on 18 October 2026.
Keyboard and mouse controls
| Action | Keys |
|---|---|
| Move | WASD or arrow keys |
| Choose the active move | 1-4 (or numpad), or click the move icon |
| Previous / next move | Q / E (Tab = next) |
| Pause | Esc or P |
| Pick a level-up, bond or item card | 1-4 or click |
| Reroll level-up cards | R |
| Skip the Arceus cinematic (after the first time) | Space, Enter or Esc |
| Aim (with Manual aim on) | Mouse pointer |
Since 18 October, level-up, bond and item cards are briefly locked (dimmed) when they appear, so pressing 1-4 to switch moves mid-fight no longer picks a card by accident. You can also set move shortcuts per Pokémon (for example Confusion always on key 1) in the Upgrades screen.
Controller (gamepad) controls
Since 18 October 2026, Xbox, PlayStation, Switch and most USB or Bluetooth controllers work through the browser's standard gamepad support, so a pad works wherever the game itself runs. It handles moving, switching moves, pausing, picking cards and every menu. Connect the controller and the game shows a notice; Settings > Controls has switches to turn the controller on or off and for vibration when you take damage.
| Button | In a run | In menus, cards and pause |
|---|---|---|
| Left stick or D-pad | Move | Move the selection (gold frame) |
| LB / RB (or LT / RT) | Previous / next move | — |
| Start | Pause | — |
| A | Skip the Arceus cinematic | Press / confirm |
| B | — | Back / close (like Esc) |
| Y | — | Reroll cards (like R) |
| Right stick | Aim (with Manual aim on) | Scroll lists |
With a controller you can also select Pokémon you do not own yet in the collection. Moving the mouse or touching the screen hides the gold selection frame.
Manual aim (Accessibility)
By default every attack targets the nearest enemy. Settings > Accessibility > Manual aim (off by default) sends your attacks towards the mouse pointer or the direction of the controller’s right stick instead. It helps with beams, cones and projectiles when you want to hit a specific target such as a healer or a boss.
Mobile touch controls and button layout
- Play in landscape. Drag anywhere to move with the touch joystick and tap a move icon to make it active.
- Joystick mode: floating (it appears where you put your finger) or fixed in one spot. Joystick size: three sizes.
- Place the buttons (Settings > Controls, since 14 October 2026): drag the attack buttons (with your held item), the pause button and the fixed joystick where you want them. Positions are saved relative to the screen size.
- The Settings tabs fit in one sideways-scrolling row on phones.
- Install the game like an app with "Add to Home Screen".
Other useful settings
- Graphics quality: automatic, high, medium or low.
- Damage numbers on or off, and an FPS counter.
- An option to reduce screen shake and flashes.
- English or Spanish (follows your browser language by default).
Playing at school? Read our PokéSurvivor unblocked guide first. For your first run, see the beginner guide.
FAQ
What are the PokéSurvivor controls on PC?
Move with WASD or the arrow keys. Your active move fires automatically; pick it with 1-4 (or by clicking its icon) and cycle with Q and E (Tab also goes forward). Pause with Esc or P. On level-up cards press 1-4 to pick and R to reroll.
Can you play PokéSurvivor with a controller?
Yes, since 18 October 2026: Xbox, PlayStation, Switch and most USB or Bluetooth controllers. Left stick or D-pad moves, LB/RB (or LT/RT) switch moves, Start pauses, and in menus A selects, B goes back and Y rerolls cards. It can vibrate when you are hit; both options are in Settings > Controls.
How do I aim manually in PokéSurvivor?
Turn on Manual aim in Settings > Accessibility (off by default). Your attacks then go towards the mouse pointer or wherever you push the controller’s right stick, instead of the nearest enemy.
Can I move the buttons on mobile?
Yes. Settings > Controls > Place the buttons lets you drag the attack buttons, the pause button and the joystick. The joystick can float (it appears where you put your finger) or stay fixed in one spot, and comes in three sizes.
Are PokéSurvivor settings saved to my account?
No. Settings such as controls, graphics quality and manual aim are stored in the browser of each device, so a phone and a PC can have different layouts.
Ready to try it?
PokéSurvivor is free and runs in your browser. Play it on the official site so your progress, co-op and leaderboards work.