Project Zomboid Controls Guide

Becoming proficient with the controls in Project Zomboid is crucial for staying alive in its unforgiving, zombie-filled environment. Survivors must use the game’s available controls to make conscious decisions, such as attacking or running away, which ultimately affect their survival. So, continue reading to learn more about the controls and keybinds for Project Zomboid and become a master survivor in Knox Country.

All Project Zomboid Controls and Keybinds

The following controls and keybinds for Project Zomboid follow Build 41. Some controls may change with future builds.

Keyboard & Mouse

Note that most Project Zomboid controls and keybinds are editable. Players can modify certain controls to help fit their preferred playstyle.

Player Control

• Forward: W
• Backward: S
• Left: A
• Right: D
• Run: Left Shift
• Sprint: Left Alt
• Rotate Building: R
• Toggle Mode: Tab
• Cancel Action: Escape
• Walk To: Y

Note: Players can toggle Left Shift to jog or double-tap Left Shift or Left ALT to Sprint.

Combat

• Sneak: C
• Aim: Left Control
• Shove/Stomp: Space
• Rack Firearm: X
• Reload Weapon: R
• Manual Floor Attack: Left Alt

Note: Players can toggle Left Control to Aim and also let the game auto-detect prone or standing attacks.

Vehicle

• Start Vehicle Engine: N
• Toggle Vehicle Headlights: F
• Vehicle Heater: O
• Vehicle Info: U
• Horn: Q
• Vehicle Radial Menu: V
• Switch Seat: Z

User Interface

• Toggle Crafting UI: B
• Main Menu: Escape
• Toggle Inventory: I
• Toggle Skill Panel: L
• Toggle Health Panel: H
• Toggle Moveable Panel Mode: ]
• Toggle Map: M
• Take Screenshot: F10
• Toggle Survival Guide: F1
• Display FPS: K
• Pause: F2
• Normal Speed: F3
• Fast Forward x1: F4
• Fast Forward x2: F5
• Fast Forward x3: F6
• Zoom In: =
• Zoom Out: .

Hotkeys

• Hotbar 1: 1
• Hotbar 2: 2
• Hotbar 3: 3
• Hotbar 4: 4
• Hotbar 5: 5
• Equip/Turn/Off Light Source: F

Multiplayer

• Toggle Safety: G
• Toggle Chat: T
• Alt Toggle Chat: Return
• Switch Chat Stream: Tab

Voice

• Push-to-Talk: Left Alt

NPC Interaction

• Shout: Q
• Emotes Wheel (long press): Q

Debug

• Toggle Lua Debugger: F11
• Toggle Lua Console: `
• Toggle God Mode and Invisible: N
• Toggle Models Enabled: F3
• Toggle Animation Text: F6

Search Mode

• Toggle Search Mode: End

Gamepad

It’s important to mention that the gamepad controls for Project Zomboid are displayed with the configurations of an Xbox controller. Although it’s possible to use other gamepads with other button layouts, such as the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller, the game will still display the button configurations of an Xbox controller, which may confuse some players.

• Move Player: Left stick
• Toggle Walk/Run: Press Left analog stick
• Navigate Contextual Menus: Directional Pad
• Sneak/Aim, Navigate Radial Menu: Right analog stick
• Interact 1: A
• Interact 2: B
• Display Contextual Menu, Available Interactions, & Quick Loot/Drop Item: X
• Inventory: Y
• Navigate Tabs: Left and Right Bumpers
• Shove/Stomp: Left Trigger
• Fire/Attack: Right Trigger
• Display Radial Menu: View/Back
• Pause/Menu: Start