Controls

Trees Hate You controls guide for keyboard, Xbox controller, and generic gamepad. The game uses movement only — the challenge is trap awareness, not input complexity.

How to use this page

Use this page if you searched for Trees Hate You controls, Trees Hate You how to play, or Trees Hate You controller support.

The game is simple to control — movement only — but the challenge is trap awareness, not input complexity.

If the web version runs at low framerates, the developer recommends trying a different browser or the itch.io desktop app.

Input reference

Every control mapped

Input	Action	Platform	Note
WASD / Arrow Keys	Move (walk)	Keyboard	Walking is safer than running in new areas.
Left Stick	Move (walk)	Controller	Same as keyboard movement — left stick controls direction.
Any button	Skip cutscene / restart after death	Both	The devlog confirms you can skip the picnic intro on replay.
Menu button	Open options / quit	Both	Available during gameplay for settings access.

Keyboard (WASD + Arrow Keys)

Supported

Primary input method for browser play. Both WASD and arrow keys work simultaneously.

Xbox Controller

Supported

Officially confirmed on itch.io. Left stick for movement. Works on both browser and download versions.

Generic Gamepad

Supported

Confirmed on itch.io alongside Xbox controller support. Generic gamepad mapping should work in browser.

PlayStation Controller

Unverified

Not officially listed. Generic gamepad mode may work but is untested by the developer.

Understand it

Controls

Every control mapped

Keyboard (WASD + Arrow Keys)

Xbox Controller

Generic Gamepad

PlayStation Controller

Game overview

Beginner guide

Open the demo