WASD or the arrow keys move; 1–4 or Q/E switch the active move; Esc pauses. If the keyboard does nothing, click inside the official game window first. On AZERTY or QWERTZ, the labelled W/A/S/D keys may not match the physical keys; the arrow keys are the layout-independent fallback. On a phone, use the touch joystick instead.
The correct keys
| Action | Key |
|---|---|
| Move | WASD or arrow keys |
| Switch active move | 1–4, Q/E or click a move icon |
| Pause | Esc or P |
| Attack | Automatic |
The game prevents the browser from scrolling with the arrow keys, Space and Tab during play. If the page scrolls instead of moving, the game likely does not have focus.
Click inside the game window
If the game opened in a new tab or window, the browser may keep focus on the address bar, the previous tab or an overlay. Click once inside the game canvas, then try the keys again. A third-party guide records this as the usual fix for “can’t move.”
Do not click a browser extension overlay or a pop-up. If a site opens an ad or a “download” panel over the game, close it and return to the official page. The official game does not require a launcher.
Non-QWERTY layouts
The game binds physical key codes, not the printed letter. On an AZERTY keyboard, the key labeled W may send a different code; on QWERTZ, the same applies to Y and Z. The arrow keys are also bound and do not depend on the letter layout.
Use the arrow keys as the safe fallback. If you need WASD, switch the keyboard layout in the OS or use a gamepad. Do not remap the browser’s system shortcuts to force a letter; that can break other pages.
Phone and tablet
There is no keyboard requirement on mobile. The game uses a touch joystick in landscape: drag anywhere to move, tap a move icon to switch and use the top-right button to pause. A Bluetooth keyboard is not part of the documented control scheme.
If the touch controls do not respond, check the landscape orientation and the Settings → Controls layout. The mobile guide covers button placement and home-screen install.
Gamepad fallback
The game has gamepad support enabled by default in Settings. A standard controller can move the partner and use the virtual inputs. The exact button mapping depends on the controller; check the Settings screen before a run.
A gamepad is useful on a laptop with a problematic keyboard layout, but it is not a fix for a browser that has no focus. Click the game window first, then use the controller.
Protect progress while testing
- Use an official account if the run matters. A guest run can be lost on reload.
- Do not clear site data to “fix” the keyboard. Try focus and layout first.
- Do not switch to a copy site to test a different build; the account database is separate.
- Note the exact symptom (no movement, wrong direction, only some keys) before reloading.
The save guide explains cloud vs local progress. The troubleshooting guide covers a game that does not load at all.
When to report a bug
Report through the official GitHub issues if the keyboard fails after focus, the arrow keys fail in a current browser, and the same account works on another device. Include the browser, OS, keyboard layout, whether the game is embedded, and the exact keys that fail. Do not include a password.
The game is a browser project, not a native desktop app. A global keyboard failure in every application is outside the game’s scope; check the OS or hardware first.
Quick answers
Which keys move the character?
WASD or the arrow keys. 1–4 or Q/E switch the active move; Esc or P pauses.
Why does WASD not work on my keyboard?
The game uses physical key codes. On AZERTY or QWERTZ, the labelled keys can differ; use the arrow keys as the layout-independent fallback.
Why do the keys do nothing after opening the game?
Click inside the official game window to restore focus. A new tab or an overlay can leave the keyboard focused elsewhere.
Can I use a controller?
Yes. Gamepad support is enabled by default in Settings. Check the mapping before a run.
Sources and scope
These sources were checked on 22 October 2026. This is source-based guidance, not a claim that the site played every route. The live game can change after an update.
- PokéSurvivor official guide — WASD/arrows, 1–4/QE, Esc and mobile touch controls.
- Official input.js (GitHub main) — Physical key codes, arrow fallback and preventDefault behavior.
- PokeSurvival how-to-play — Independent focus tip: click inside the official game window.
- Official settings code (GitHub main) — Gamepad enabled by default.