Check this Death Stranding guide to learn the game's essential controls. Includes keys, functions, and vital commands.
Table of Contents
Basic Controls List

R1 To Scan Terrain

Press R1 to scan your surroundings to gain vital info on the terrain, cargo locations, and more.
How to Use Odradek ScannerHold R1 To Stop Breathing
If a BT is near, hold down R1 to pause breathing to be less likely to be caught. It will drain your endurance meter while holding Sam's breath.
How To Deal With Beached Things (BT)Move With L3, Press To Toggle Run
Use L3 to dictate which direction you move. Press it once to toggle into running, and again to stop. Running is less stable and could cause toppling on rough terrain.
Move Camera With R
Move the camera around by turning the R joystick to check things out without changing your direction. Press it to quickly move camera right/left to
Press L1 To Check Depth In Compass Mode
Before jumping off a ledge or a rock, enter Compass mode and check how deep a point is from you with your reticle. The degrees of danger will be shown in colors from yellow to red, with red representing the most risks.
Climb By Holding X
Some vertical terrain can be climbed by holding X if you can get a good hand / foothold. Remember to just hold the button instead of spam pressing it. Climbing drains Endurance Gauge.
Important Control Commands
L2, R2 Key To Stabilize
L2, R2 Key will not only determine which hand does the action, it is also used to balance yourself when you're off center and leaning towards either left or right.
Optimize Cargo Load With Triangle Key
While in the Cargo Management screen, press Triangle to quickly and automatically to arrange the most optimized cargo loads.
Take A Rest
Find a place you can sit down and hold O to take a rest. It will restore blood levels and stamina slowly.
Hold Square Key To Take A Nap
While resting, you can hold Square Key to take a nap, restoring blood levels faster.
Soothing BB

You will need to frequently sooth BB by opening the command above and rocking BB gently. It will help reduce BB's stress level and stop his crying.
What Is BB (Bridge Baby)?Dodge Attacks With L2 / R2 + X

When under attack from Mules or BT, you can dodge their attacks with a well-timed dodge command to preserve health.
Set Up Signs To Warn others

Hold L1 and press Triangle Key to prompt a sign menu to place signs on the map. Signs can give intel to other players on the situation nearby.
What Are Signs?