Trees Hate You

Controls

Trees Hate You controls and browser focus

Trees Hate You supports keyboard and controller, with full controller support on Steam. Most reported input problems are focus problems in the browser build, not missing bindings.

Keyboard + controllerFull controller supportLast verified Report a correction
Play the browser demoInput not working?

What is confirmed

InputStatusWhere it applies
KeyboardSupportedSteam and itch.io builds; keyboard-only option on Steam
Xbox controllerSupportedSteam and itch.io
DualShock / DualSenseSupportedSteam (listed controller support)
Generic gamepadSupporteditch.io demo
Touch controlsNot supportedNo official mobile build
RemappingNot verifiedUse Steam Input as a workaround

The in-game controls screen is the authoritative source for individual keys. We do not publish guessed bindings.

Browser demo: make the keyboard work

  1. Click once inside the game frame, not just the page around it.
  2. Wait for the loading screen to finish before pressing keys.
  3. If the page is scrolled, use the Expand button to enter fullscreen.
  4. Still stuck? Open the itch.io demo page directly, or install the free Steam Demo.

Browser gamepads are less reliable than on Steam. If a controller is your preferred input, the Steam Demo is the better test.

Settings worth changing

  • • Timer and death counter HUD — added June 19, 2026. They show at the end of a run by default and can be enabled on the HUD in Settings.
  • • Volume — Steam lists custom volume controls.
  • • Fullscreen — useful in the browser build to keep keyboard focus and avoid page scrolling.

Controls FAQ

Does Trees Hate You support controllers?

Yes. Steam lists full controller support, including DualShock and DualSense support. The itch.io demo lists keyboard, Xbox controller, and generic gamepad input.

Can I play with keyboard only?

Yes. Steam lists a Keyboard Only Option, so a controller is not required. The exact bindings are shown in the in-game controls screen.

How do I jump?

The demo is built around movement, timing, and trap reading rather than advanced platforming. We have not verified a dedicated jump key on the current build, so this page does not list one. Check the in-game controls screen for the authoritative bindings.

Why does the keyboard not work in the browser demo?

The game frame needs keyboard focus. Click once inside the game, then try again. If it still fails, open the demo in fullscreen or switch to the Steam Demo.

My controller is not detected. What should I do?

Connect the controller before launching the game, close other apps that may capture it, and try the Steam Demo, where Steam Input handles detection. In a browser, gamepad support depends on the browser and the page having focus.

Can I change the controls?

We have not verified a rebinding menu in the demo. Steam's controller configuration can remap a controller outside the game. Check the in-game settings before assuming rebinding is supported.

How do I pause or open the menu?

Community reports point to Tab for the pause menu on keyboard, but treat that as unverified until you see it in-game. The menu includes settings for the timer and death counter HUD.

Sources checked for this page

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