Subnautica Keyboard & Controller Controls
Survival & Sandbox games →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.
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All Subnautica controls
24 default keybinds across 4 categories. Most can be reassigned in Subnautica's control settings. Switch to Gamepad to see Xbox and PlayStation buttons side by side.
+ 1 more control in the table below
+ 1 more control in the table below
Movement 8
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Move Forward | W |
| Swim Up / Jump / Surface | Space |
| Move Backward | S |
| Move Left | A |
| Move Right | D |
| Swim Down / Dive | C |
| Sprint (hold) | Shift |
| Look / Aim Camera | Mouse |
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 ↓ |
Tools 6
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Use Tool / Left Hand | LMB |
| Alternative Use / Right Hand | RMB |
| Exit / Holster (un-equip, exit vehicle) | E |
| Reload / Recharge Battery | R |
| Load Tool (e.g. Propulsion Cannon) | F |
| Deconstruct / Rotate Item Left | Q |
Interface 3
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Open PDA / Inventory | Tab |
| Take Screenshot | F11 |
| Hide / Show Interface | F6 |
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Movement 8
| Action | Xbox PlayStation Steam Deck Switch |
|---|---|
| Move Forward | L-Stick |
| Swim Up / Jump / Surface | RBR1R1R |
| Move Backward | L-Stick |
| Move Left | L-Stick |
| Move Right | L-Stick |
| Swim Down / Dive | LBL1L1L |
| Sprint (hold) | A✕AB |
| Look / Aim Camera | R-Stick |
Hotbar 2
| Action | Xbox PlayStation Steam Deck Switch |
|---|---|
| Next Item (cycle hotbar) | D-Pad → |
| Previous Item (cycle hotbar) | D-Pad ← |
Tools 5
| Action | Xbox PlayStation Steam Deck Switch |
|---|---|
| Use Tool / Left Hand | LTL2L2ZL |
| Alternative Use / Right Hand | RTR2R2ZR |
| Exit / Holster (un-equip, exit vehicle) | B●BA |
| Reload / Recharge Battery | X■XY |
| Deconstruct / Rotate Item Left | D-Pad ↓ |
Interface 2
| Action | Xbox PlayStation Steam Deck Switch |
|---|---|
| Open PDA / Inventory | ViewShareView− |
| Take Screenshot | RSR3R3RS |
Sourced from wiki.subnautica.com , subnautica.fandom.com , bisecthosting.com , holy.gg Last verified
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 24 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 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. 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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