Trees Hate You

Troubleshooting

Trees Hate You not loading, crashing, or ignoring your controller

Start with the browser checks, then switch to the native Steam Demo if the problem follows you. Change one thing at a time so you know what fixed it.

Demo build fixesBrowser · itch · SteamLast verified Report a correction
Switch to the Steam DemoControls guide

Symptom → first fix

SymptomTry this first
Stuck on loading or black screenSwitch to the Steam Demo, or try the itch.io page directly in a new tab.
Keyboard does nothingClick inside the game frame, then press a key. Use fullscreen if the page scrolls.
Controller not detectedConnect it before launching; use the Steam Demo so Steam Input can handle it.
Low FPS or stutterClose other GPU-heavy tabs/apps, disable browser hardware acceleration if it is unstable, or use the native build.
Game crashes on startUpdate the browser/GPU driver, try the native build, and verify Steam files.
No soundCheck the game volume, the browser tab mute state, and the Windows output device.

The browser checklist

  1. Use a current Chrome, Edge, or Firefox on a desktop, not an in-app browser.
  2. Allow the first load to finish; the asset bundle is downloaded once.
  3. Click inside the game frame before testing movement.
  4. Enter fullscreen so the page cannot steal scroll or key events.
  5. Close other tabs and overlays, then reload once.
  6. If it still fails, open the itch.io page directly or install the Steam Demo.

The native checklist

  • • Verify the Steam Demo files from the Steam library.
  • • Update the GPU driver, then reboot before retesting.
  • • Disconnect extra controllers or input devices that may capture the game.
  • • If a controller is not detected, launch through Steam so Steam Input can map it.
  • • Recheck after a demo update; the June 19, 2026 patch fixed several trap and physics issues.

Troubleshooting FAQ

Why does the browser demo never finish loading?

The HTML5 build downloads a large asset bundle on first load. Give it time, keep the tab open, and avoid reloading mid-load. If it still fails, use the Steam Demo or the itch.io Windows ZIP.

Why is the screen black but the game is running?

This usually points to WebGL or GPU trouble in the browser. Try another browser, update the GPU driver, or switch to the native Steam Demo. A black screen is not a game progress problem, so do not delete saves.

Why is the game slow in a browser but fine on Steam?

The browser build has less control over GPU resources than the native build. Close other tabs, disable overlays, and use fullscreen. If performance is still poor, the native demo is the better test.

How do I verify the Steam Demo files?

Open the Steam library, right-click Trees Hate You Demo, open Properties, then Installed Files, and choose Verify integrity of game files. This checks the local build against Steam's manifest.

The game stutters when a trap triggers. Is that a bug?

The demo has had trap and physics adjustments through 2026. If you are on an older itch build, update to Version 19 or use the Steam Demo, which includes the latest demo features.

Sources checked for this page

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