Hold Your King Controls Guide: Master Every Keybind

Default Keyboard Controls

Understanding the default keyboard controls in Hold Your King is the first step to successfully navigating its chaotic cooperative challenges. The game is designed around simple, intuitive inputs that allow you and your partner to focus on the frantic task of keeping the king safe.

The primary movement keys are WASD. W and S move your character forward and backward, while A and D strafe left and right. To jump, press the Spacebar. This is crucial for avoiding ground-level traps like spikes or rolling barrels.

Interaction is handled with the E key. This is used to pick up items, activate levers, or, most importantly, grab hold of the king. Lifting the king requires coordination, as both players must press E near him simultaneously. Once lifted, you can move while carrying him, but your speed is significantly reduced.

The Shift key is used for sprinting. Use this sparingly, as it can cause you to lose your grip on the king or stumble into hazards. For a quick dodge roll, tap the Ctrl key. This is invaluable for avoiding sudden traps like swinging axes or falling debris.

Mouse Controls and Camera

The mouse in Hold Your King controls the camera and a few key actions. Moving your mouse rotates the camera around your character, giving you a full 360-degree view of the environment. This is essential for spotting upcoming traps and coordinating with your partner.

Left-click performs a basic action, like pushing a movable block or slapping an enemy. Right-click is used for a "taunt" or to signal to your partner. While this has no gameplay effect, it is a useful communication tool when you are not using voice chat.

The Mouse Wheel allows you to zoom the camera in and out. We recommend keeping the camera zoomed out to a medium distance to get a good view of both your character and the king. A close-up camera can lead to unexpected deaths from off-screen hazards.

For precise platforming sections, you can hold the Middle Mouse Button to "lock" the camera angle, preventing it from rotating as you move. This is a pro-tip that many players overlook but is vital for crossing narrow beams or jumping across moving platforms.

Controller Setup

For players who prefer a gamepad, Hold Your King offers full controller support on PC. The controls are mapped intuitively for both Xbox and PlayStation controllers, providing a more relaxed experience for couch co-op.

• Left Stick: Move your character.
• Right Stick: Rotate and zoom the camera.
• A Button (Xbox) / Cross Button (PS): Jump.
• B Button (Xbox) / Circle Button (PS): Dodge roll.
• X Button (Xbox) / Square Button (PS): Interact (pick up/put down king, activate levers).
• Y Button (Xbox) / Triangle Button (PS): Taunt/Signal.
• Left Bumper (LB/L1): Sprint.
• Right Bumper (RB/R1): Basic action (push/slap).

The controller setup is highly recommended for its analog stick precision, especially when carrying the king across uneven terrain. The vibration feedback also provides a tactile cue when the king is about to lose his balance.

Cooperative Controls and Communication

Hold Your King is fundamentally a cooperative game, and its controls reflect this. The most important mechanic is the shared control of the king. When two players lift him, each player is responsible for one side of his weight. If one player moves too fast or turns abruptly, the king will tilt and potentially fall.

To manage this, use the E key (or X/Square on controller) to synchronize your lifts. A common strategy is for one player to count down ("3, 2, 1, lift!") before pressing the interact button. Once the king is airborne, move in a straight line as much as possible.

For communication, the Y key (or Triangle/Y button) triggers a ping system. This places a visible marker on the screen for your partner, which is excellent for pointing out hidden traps or suggesting a path. Combine this with the T key for text chat to coordinate complex maneuvers, like throwing the king across a gap.

Advanced Techniques and Keybinds

Once you are comfortable with the basics, you can explore advanced techniques to speed up your runs. The "King Toss" is performed by pressing the interact button (E) while sprinting (Shift) and immediately pressing the jump key (Spacebar). This launches the king forward a short distance, allowing you to clear small gaps quickly.

You can remap all controls in the Settings > Controls menu. We highly recommend rebinding the dodge roll (Ctrl) to a side mouse button if you have one. This frees up your left hand for movement and makes dodging feel much more responsive.

For players using a controller, consider swapping the Sprint and Interact buttons. Mapping Sprint to a face button (like A) and Interact to a bumper can make it easier to perform the King Toss without awkward finger gymnastics.

Troubleshooting Common Control Issues

Some players report that the controls feel "floaty" or unresponsive. This is often due to the game's physics engine. If you feel your character is sliding too much, go to Settings > Gameplay and increase the Ground Friction slider. This will give you more traction when carrying the king.

If you are having trouble with the camera, ensure that Camera Shake is set to a low value or turned off. This setting is particularly jarring when the king is angry and stomping, and reducing it will make your control inputs feel more precise.

Finally, if your controller is not being recognized, check that you have launched Steam in Big Picture Mode or that your controller's drivers are up to date. Hold Your King uses Steam Input, so configuring your controller through Steam's controller settings often resolves any detection issues.

For more tips on getting started, check out our Beginner Tips guide. If you are curious about the game's story, read our Lore Explained page.