ABOVE Controls Guide: Keyboard, Mouse, and Gamepad

Default Keyboard and Mouse Controls

ABOVE is designed for precise management of your alpine resort, and the default keyboard and mouse setup gives you quick access to every essential action. Understanding these controls from the start will save you time and prevent costly mistakes.

The core of your interaction revolves around selecting buildings, assigning workers, and navigating the mountain map. Left-click is your primary action for selecting units and confirming commands, while right-click is used to move characters or cancel selections. The mouse wheel lets you zoom in and out on the beautifully rendered 1960s landscape.

Here is the complete default keyboard layout:

Gamepad Controls for ABOVE

If you prefer playing with a controller, ABOVE offers full gamepad support. The layout is optimized for comfort, letting you manage your resort from the sofa. All prompts will automatically switch when you connect a supported controller.

The left stick controls camera movement, while the right stick handles rotation and fine-tuned zoom. Face buttons are used for primary actions, and the shoulder buttons cycle through your menus quickly.

1. Connect your controller

   Plug in a USB or Bluetooth controller before launching the game. ABOVE natively supports Xbox and PlayStation controllers.

2. Check the button layout

   Open the controls menu (F1 on keyboard) to see the current mapping. The game will display the correct button icons for your specific controller model.

3. Adjust sensitivity

   Head to Settings > Controls > Gamepad to tweak camera speed and dead zones for a smoother experience.

Advanced Controls and Tips

Once you have mastered the basics, these advanced controls will help you run your resort like a seasoned professional. Efficient use of these shortcuts can double your productivity during busy tourist seasons.

• Shift + Click: Queue multiple movement or build commands for your workers. This is essential for planning efficient routes.
• Ctrl + Number: Assign a building to a control group. Press the number to instantly select that building, even if it is off-screen.
• Alt + Left Click: Force a worker to ignore their current task and move to a new location immediately. Use this for emergencies.
• Z: Toggle terrain overlay to see elevation and pathing difficulty. This helps when planning new hiking trails.
• V: Switch between top-down and isometric camera views. The top-down view is better for resource management, while isometric is more immersive.

For a deeper dive into managing your resort, check out our beginner guide and resource management guide.

Troubleshooting Common Control Issues

If your controls are not responding as expected, try these quick fixes before restarting the game. Most issues are related to input device conflicts or settings.

• Ensure your keyboard or controller is properly connected before launching ABOVE.
• Check that no other software (like Discord overlay) is intercepting your inputs.
• Reset controls to default in the Settings > Controls menu if you have made many custom changes.
• Update your controller drivers through Windows Device Manager or your console's settings.

My mouse cursor disappears during gameplay.
This usually happens when a controller is connected. Unplug the controller or press a mouse button to bring the cursor back. You can also disable "Auto-hide cursor" in the settings.

Camera rotation feels too fast or too slow.
Adjust the "Camera Sensitivity" slider in Settings > Controls. There are separate sliders for keyboard and gamepad.

Some keys do nothing when pressed.
Verify that you have not accidentally rebound those keys to an empty action. Go to Settings > Controls > Key Bindings and check the mapping for the specific function.

Frequently Asked Questions about Controls

Can I use a mouse and keyboard simultaneously with a gamepad?
Yes, ABOVE supports mixed input. You can use the mouse for menus while holding the controller for movement. The game will seamlessly switch between input prompts.

Is there a way to rebind controls mid-game?
Absolutely. Pause the game (press Space or Start), go to Settings, then Controls. You can rebind keyboard keys, mouse buttons, and gamepad buttons individually.

Does ABOVE support ultrawide monitors?
Yes, the game natively supports 21:9 and 32:9 aspect ratios. The controls scale correctly, and you can adjust the HUD position in the display settings.

Will my control settings carry over to future updates?
Your key bindings and sensitivity settings are saved locally in the config file. They should persist through game updates, but we recommend noting your custom settings in case of a clean reinstall.