Input guide

Trees Hate You Controls: Keyboard and Controller Setup

Confirmed Trees Hate You keyboard and controller inputs, plus practical fixes when the browser demo does not detect movement.

Published Official sources reviewed

Short answer

The useful version.

Use WASD or the arrow keys on a keyboard. On a supported controller, use the left stick. If input does not register in the browser, click inside the game frame and reconnect the controller before reloading.

Keyboard
WASD or arrow keys
Controller
Left stick
Official input support
Keyboard, Xbox controller, generic gamepad
Touch controls
Not listed by the developer
01

Confirmed movement controls

The official itch.io listing confirms WASD, arrow-key, Xbox controller, and generic gamepad support. The page specifically identifies the controller's left stick for movement.

Some third-party game pages publish extra keys, mobile joysticks, or dash controls that are not present in the developer's current input listing. This guide does not treat those claims as confirmed.

  • WASD: keyboard movement.
  • Arrow keys: alternate keyboard movement.
  • Left stick: controller movement.
02

Make the browser receive your input

Click once inside the game frame after it finishes loading. If the browser tab, address bar, or another form field has focus, key presses will not reach the embedded game.

Avoid pressing browser shortcuts while testing. Start with a single direction and confirm movement before trying a full run.

03

Fix a controller that is not detected

Connect the controller before loading the game, then press a button or move the stick after the frame is focused. If it still fails, reload the page with the controller connected.

Close controller remapping tools temporarily if they create duplicate devices. You can also test the Steam Demo, where Steam's own controller layer may work better for your setup.

04

Know the mobile limitation

The developer lists keyboard and gamepad inputs, not native touch controls. A phone can open the site, but opening a page is not the same as having a playable touch-control layout.

For the intended experience, use a desktop or laptop with a keyboard, or connect a compatible controller.

Primary sources

Check the developer's current pages.

Builds and store details can change. These first-party pages take precedence over this fan guide.

Keep going

Beginner guideStart Trees Hate You, learn the confirmed controls, use checkpoints, and turn each surprise trap into a better next attempt.Browser fixesFix a black screen, stuck load, missing controls, or low frame rate in the Trees Hate You browser demo, with official fallback options.Challenge ModeWhat the official Steam Demo confirms about Trees Hate You Challenge Mode, how to unlock it, and how to prepare without invented rules.