What are the default controls for Don't Starve?

Don't Starve, a survival & sandbox game, uses 29 default keybinds across 7 categories — on keyboard and controller. The complete, up-to-date list is free to read on this page.

Can you remap Don't Starve controls?

Yes. These are the game's default bindings — nearly all of them can be reassigned from Don't Starve's in-game control or key-binding settings.

Does Don't Starve support a controller?

Yes — Don't Starve has full gamepad support. The Xbox, PlayStation, Switch and Steam Deck button maps are shown on this page alongside the keyboard controls.

Which platforms do these Don't Starve controls cover?

These keyboard controls apply on Windows and Mac and Linux. Don't Starve also released on Xbox, PlayStation and Switch, and this page carries those controller bindings too. Most bindings are identical across platforms unless noted.

Is this an official Don't Starve resource?

No. This is an unofficial reference and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Don't Starve or its publisher. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.

Windows · Mac · Linux · 29 default keybinds

✓ Steam Deck ready

Don't Starve Keyboard & Controller Controls

Survival & Sandbox games → Part of the Don't Starve collection →

The default keyboard, mouse and controller controls for Klei's 2013 single-player survival game Don't Starve. Covers movement, auto-action and auto-attack, the inventory hotkeys and stack modifiers, the map and camera, and the debug keys the retail build leaves switched on. Every key can be rebound in Options > Controls.

Don't Starve official site ↗ View on Steam ↗

Put it on your wall

Don't Starve controls poster

A generative poster unique to Don't Starve — styled by its genre and signature colour. Pure design, zero spoilers. Free to download for your battlestation.

✎ Customize this poster Browse all genre-styled posters →

Free PNG is web-resolution & lightly watermarked.

Want it print-ready?

Framed-quality 300 DPI, no watermark — $2.99 (PC / keyboard edition). Drop your email and we'll send the checkout link.

🎮 Controller / gamepad poster — coming soon.

All Don't Starve controls

29 default keybinds across 7 categories. Most can be reassigned in Don't Starve's control settings. Switch to Gamepad to see Xbox, PlayStation, Switch and Steam Deck buttons side by side.

Layout

Esc

F10

F11

F12

⌫ Back

Tab

[

]

Caps

;

Enter ⏎

Shift

Ctrl

Win

Alt

Space

Alt

Win

Ctrl

↑

←

↓

→

Inventory 4

Action	Shortcut
Use Inventory Slots 1-10	`1`then`2`then`3`then`4`then`5`then`6`then`7`then`8`then`9`then`0`
Split Stack in Half	`CtrlLMB`
Move Stack to Another Container	`ShiftLMB`
Place One Item from Held Stack	`CtrlLMB`

Actions 5

Action	Shortcut
Auto-Action (Pick Up, Harvest, Interact)	`Space`
Auto-Attack	`F`
Auto-Attack Neutral Creatures	`CtrlF`
Examine / Inspect	`AltLMB`
Auto-Attack Allied Creatures	`AltF`

Movement 4

Action	Shortcut
Move Up	`W`
Move Down	`S`
Move Left	`A`
Move Right	`D`

Map & Camera 4

Action	Shortcut
Toggle Map	`Tab`
Rotate Camera 45° Counterclockwise	`Q`
Rotate Camera 45° Clockwise	`E`
Zoom In / Out	`Wheel`

Debug 3

Action	Shortcut
Open Console	`
Show Log	`CtrlL`
Toggle Debug Render	`Bksp`

Menus 1

Action	Shortcut
Pause Menu	`Esc`

Sourced from dontstarve.fandom.com, github.com Last verified September 25, 2026 Shortcuts last changed September 24, 2026

Action	XboxPlayStationSwitchSteam Deck
Open Inventory	`RTR2R2ZR`
Select Inventory Slot	`R-Stick`
Use Selected Item on Self / Unequip	`D-Pad →`
Use Selected Item on World / Store / Repair	`D-Pad ←`
Drop Selected Item	`D-Pad ↓`
Inspect Selected Item	`D-Pad ↑`

Action	XboxPlayStationSwitchSteam Deck
Auto-Action (Pick Up, Harvest, Interact)	`A✕AB`
Auto-Attack	`X■XY`
Examine / Inspect	`Y▲YX`
Alternate Action / Cancel	`B●BA`

Action	XboxPlayStationSwitchSteam Deck
Move Up	`L-Stick`

Action	XboxPlayStationSwitchSteam Deck
Toggle Map	`ViewShareView−`

Action	XboxPlayStationSwitchSteam Deck
Open Crafting Tabs	`LTL2L2ZL`

Action	XboxPlayStationSwitchSteam Deck
Pause Menu	`MenuOptionsMenu+`

Unofficial reference. ShortcutPosters is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Don't Starve. All product names, logos, and trademarks are property of their respective owners. See our licensing & trademark notice.

Don't Starve controls — FAQ

What are the default controls for Don't Starve?: Don't Starve, a survival & sandbox game, uses 29 default keybinds across 7 categories — on keyboard and controller. The complete, up-to-date list is free to read on this page.
Can you remap Don't Starve controls?: Yes. These are the game's default bindings — nearly all of them can be reassigned from Don't Starve's in-game control or key-binding settings.
Does Don't Starve support a controller?: Yes — Don't Starve has full gamepad support. The Xbox, PlayStation, Switch and Steam Deck button maps are shown on this page alongside the keyboard controls.
Which platforms do these Don't Starve controls cover?: These keyboard controls apply on Windows and Mac and Linux. Don't Starve also released on Xbox, PlayStation and Switch, and this page carries those controller bindings too. Most bindings are identical across platforms unless noted.
Is this an official Don't Starve resource?: No. This is an unofficial reference and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Don't Starve or its publisher. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.

Was this reference helpful?

Don't Starve Keyboard & Controller Controls

Don't Starve controls poster

Want it print-ready?

All Don't Starve controls

Inventory 4

Actions 5

Movement 4

Map & Camera 4

Debug 3

Menus 1

Inventory 6

Actions 4

Movement 1

Map & Camera 1

Crafting 1

Menus 1

Don't Starve controls — FAQ

Don't Starve controls poster

Want it print-ready?

All Don't Starve controls

Inventory 4

Actions 5

Movement 4

Map & Camera 4

Debug 3

Menus 1

Inventory 6

Actions 4

Movement 1

Map & Camera 1

Crafting 1

Menus 1

Don't Starve controls — FAQ

Don't Starve collection

More Survival & Sandbox controls