Control settings in Zelda Breath Of The Wild (BotW). Learn about the control settings, how to change the operation control keys in the settings and how to use the Ability Controls.
Table of Contents
Basic Controls
| Button | Action |
|---|---|
| A | Talk, Take & Climb down. |
| B | Sprint, Close |
| X | Jump, Climb |
| Y | Hold a weapon, Attack, and Rearrange items in the inventory screen. |
| L Stick | Move, selection |
| L Stick Pushed in | Crouch |
| R Stick | Rotate the camera, switch pages in the inventory, and select weapons such as swords and shields. |
| R Stick Pushed in | Move camera, Telescope view |
| L | Use item, navigate menu |
| ZL | Shield/Lock on target (hold) |
| R | Throw weapon, navigate menu |
| ZR | Bow (draw and shoot arrows) |
| D-pad ▲ | Rune selection |
| D-pad▼ | Whistle |
| D-pad ◀ | Normal: Shield selection screen Bow use: arrows selection screen |
| D-pad ▶ | Normal: Weapon selection screen Bow use: Bow selection screen |
| + | Open Inventory |
| - | Open Map |
How To Control Combat And Weapon Actions
| Action | Controls |
|---|---|
| Normal Attack | Y button |
| Continuous Attack | Y button repeatedly |
| Dash attack | Press Y button while dashing. |
| Jump Slash | Press the Y button while jumping or falling. |
| Charged Attack | Press and hold the Y button |
| Throw a weapon | Press and hold the R button+release |
| Sneakstrike | When the enemy is not aware, such as when they are sleeping, press the Y button to attack. |
| Side Hop | Press ZL button, move L stick sideways, and press X button. Perform a perfect dodge by timing your movements to match the enemy's attack. |
| Backflip | ZL Button+L Bottom+X Button Timing your movements to match the enemy's attack allows you to perform a perfect dodge. |
| Backflip | After a perfect dodge, rapidly press the Y button. |
| Spinning Slash | L Stick 1 Rotation + Y Button Only for Sword Equipment |
| Get Bow | ZR Button |
| Set Up Shield | ZL button Only when the Sword is equipped or sheathed |
| Perfect Guard | Press the ZL button and then, timing it with the enemy's attack, press the A button. |
| Shield Surf | ZL Button + X Button + A Button |
Underwater Controls
| Action | Controls |
|---|---|
| Acceleration | X button |
| Spin Attack | Y button Only when equipped with Zora Helm |
Paraglider Controls
| Action | Controls |
|---|---|
| Open Paraglider | X Button |
| Close Paraglider | B Button |
| Get Bow | ZR Button |
Climbing Controls
| Action | Controls |
|---|---|
| Jump | X Button |
| Release | B Button |
Horse Controls
| Action | Controls |
|---|---|
| Get On | A Button |
| Go Down | B Button |
| Jump From Horse | X Button |
| Move | L Stick or A Button (while riding) |
| Acceleration | A Button (while riding) |
| Calm Down | L Button |
| Stop | L Stick down |
| Attack with weapons | Y Button |
| Shoot With Bow | ZR Button |
Runes Control
| Item | Controls |
|---|---|
| Remote Bomb | A Button: Let R Button: Throw L Button: Detonation |
| Magnesis | [Before grabbing] A Button: Attack [Holding] Cross key ▲ ▼ Move to the back or just before R Stick: Move in the up, down, left, and right directions. |
| Stasis | A Button: Attack |
| Cryonis | A Button: Create, Destroy D-pad ▼：Aim at the feet |
| Camera | A button: Shooting D-pad ▲▼：Zoom X button：Switch between portrait and landscape camera. -Button: Album |
| Amiibo | Move closer to the NFC area |
| Master Cycle Zero | A button: accelerate (acceleration) B button: Brake LButton: Jump X: Jump from a motorcycle Y Button: Attack with weapons ZR button: Attack on Bow Snow while stopping: Change direction Press B and move the stick sideways while accelerating: Drift Move the stick downwards while accelerating |
How To Change Controls
Change From Options
| Procedure | + Button → System → Option |
|---|
Jump Buttons Are Switchable
Controller settings in the game are limited to just switching the jump button. The jump button is switched between X and B cancel buttons.
Detailed Changes Can Be Made On The Switch Itself
You can also make more detailed settings from "Settings" → "Controllers and Sensors" on the Switch. However, be careful as it may also affect other game settings.
Default Settings Are Fine
It is recommended to play without changing the default settings. However, there are some parts, such as camera settings, that are a matter of personal preference, so feel free to make changes as necessary.
BoTW Useful Guides and Articles
Early Game Guide
