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Subnautica Keyboard & Controller Controls
Survival & Sandbox games → Part of the Subnautica collection →
A complete reference to the default keyboard and mouse controls for Subnautica on PC. Learn the default keybindings for swimming and movement, using tools, the hotbar, the PDA, and the interface so you can explore the depths of planet 4546B with confidence.
Subnautica controls poster
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All Subnautica controls
26 default keybinds across 4 categories. Most can be reassigned in Subnautica's control settings. Switch to Gamepad to see Xbox, PlayStation, Switch and Steam Deck buttons side by side.
+ 1 more control in the table below
+ 1 more control in the table below
26 shortcuts
Movement 9
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Move Forward | W |
| Swim Up / Surface | Space |
| Move Backward | S |
| Move Left | A |
| Move Right | D |
| Jump | Space |
| Swim Down / Dive | C |
| Sprint (hold) | Shift |
| Look / Aim Camera | Mouse |
Tools 7
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Use Tool / Left Hand | LMB |
| Right Hand | RMB |
| Exit / Holster (un-equip, exit vehicle) | E |
| Reload / Recharge Battery | R |
| Tool Alternate Use / Load Tool (e.g. Propulsion Cannon) | F |
| Deconstruct | Q |
| Rotate Item Left | Q |
Hotbar 7
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Hotbar Slot 1 | 1 |
| Hotbar Slot 2 | 2 |
| Hotbar Slot 3 | 3 |
| Hotbar Slot 4 | 4 |
| Hotbar Slot 5 | 5 |
| Next Item (cycle hotbar) | Wheel ↑ |
| Previous Item (cycle hotbar) | Wheel ↓ |
Interface 3
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Open PDA / Inventory | Tab |
| Take Screenshot | F11 |
| Hide / Show Interface | F6 |
Sourced from wiki.subnautica.com, pcgamingwiki.com Last verified Shortcuts last changed
Movement 9
| Action | XboxPlayStationSwitchSteam Deck |
|---|---|
| Move Forward | L-Stick |
| Swim Up / Surface | LBL1L1L |
| Move Backward | L-Stick |
| Move Left | L-Stick |
| Move Right | L-Stick |
| Jump | Y▲YX |
| Swim Down / Dive | RBR1R1R |
| Sprint (hold) | LSL3L3LS |
| Look / Aim Camera | R-Stick |
Tools 7
| Action | XboxPlayStationSwitchSteam Deck |
|---|---|
| Use Tool / Left Hand | A✕AB |
| Right Hand | RTR2R2ZR |
| Exit / Holster (un-equip, exit vehicle) | B●BA |
| Reload / Recharge Battery | X■XY |
| Tool Alternate Use / Load Tool (e.g. Propulsion Cannon) | D-Pad ↑ |
| Deconstruct | D-Pad ↓ |
| Rotate Item Left | D-Pad ← |
Hotbar 2
| Action | XboxPlayStationSwitchSteam Deck |
|---|---|
| Next Item (cycle hotbar) | D-Pad → |
| Previous Item (cycle hotbar) | D-Pad ← |
Interface 2
| Action | XboxPlayStationSwitchSteam Deck |
|---|---|
| Open PDA / Inventory | ViewShareView− |
| Take Screenshot | RSR3R3RS |
Sourced from wiki.subnautica.com, pcgamingwiki.com Last verified Shortcuts last changed
Unofficial reference. ShortcutPosters is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Subnautica. All product names, logos, and trademarks are property of their respective owners. See our licensing & trademark notice.
Subnautica controls — FAQ
- What are the default controls for Subnautica?
- Subnautica, a survival & sandbox game, uses 26 default keybinds across 4 categories — on keyboard and controller. The complete, up-to-date list is free to read on this page.
- Can you remap Subnautica controls?
- Yes. These are the game's default bindings — nearly all of them can be reassigned from Subnautica's in-game control or key-binding settings.
- Does Subnautica support a controller?
- Yes — Subnautica 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 Subnautica controls cover?
- These keyboard controls apply on Windows. Subnautica 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 Subnautica resource?
- No. This is an unofficial reference and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Subnautica or its publisher. All trademarks belong to their respective owners.
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Subnautica collection
3 Subnautica games in the catalogue, every control scheme free to read.
See all 3 Subnautica games →
