Nightwater GuideController Support: What Works and What Needs a Keyboard
Controller support in Nightwater is partial. The Steam page lists full controller support, but players report that many actions still require a keyboard. The developer has promised a rework before the full release.
On this page
Controller vs. Keyboard at a Glance
| Option | What works | What requires keyboard | Developer response |
|---|---|---|---|
| Controller only | Basic movement, some menu navigation | Building menu (B key), many other actions | None specific |
| Keyboard and mouse | All functions | Nothing | None |
| Mixed (controller + keyboard) | Movement with controller, menu actions with keyboard | Some functions still need mouse | None |
When to Use Controller Only
Use controller only if you are okay with frequent keyboard interruptions. Players report the controller works for basic movement, but the game often shows prompts like "Press [B] to open the Building Menu" without clarifying that B is on the keyboard, not the controller. One player said this confusion made them quit within three minutes. Another player with an Xbox controller said it works "great" overall but needs "a little more love." The Steam page lists full controller support, but the demo and early release build do not match that claim. If you want to avoid touching the keyboard, this is not possible. The developer has acknowledged the issue and said they will rework controller support before the full release, but no timeline has been given.When to Use Keyboard and Mouse
Use keyboard and mouse for the complete experience. All game functions are accessible this way. The HUD shows hotkeys: V for build or place structures, B for blueprints or crafting menu, Tab for backpack or inventory. The build mode uses R to rotate and Left Shift to build multiple. Players who use keyboard and mouse do not report missing functionality. One player noted that pressing B to select buildings is a useful shortcut, though they wished for a way to assign objects to quick-select. The game's tutorial messages are written for keyboard and mouse, which is why controller users see confusing prompts. If you want to avoid frustration, keyboard and mouse is the safe choice. The developer's promise to rework controller support does not affect keyboard and mouse users.When to Use a Mixed Setup
A mixed setup can work if you prefer the controller for movement but are willing to use the keyboard for menus and other actions. Players have reported using an Xbox controller for the whole game while still needing the keyboard for certain tasks. One player said the controller works, but "there are many things you need to do in the game that you still need keyboard for." Another player found that the game's prompts were confusing because they expected the controller button to work but had to find the keyboard key instead. The developer replied to the controller support thread saying they would rework it before the full release, which suggests the current state is not final. If you want to play on the couch with a controller, you will need to keep a keyboard nearby for now. The full release may change this, but the current build does not offer a complete controller experience.What the Developer Has Said
The developer, Studio Ashty, has directly responded to the controller support complaint. In the Steam forum thread titled "Controller support minimal," the developer replied that they would rework the controller support prior to the full release and thanked the player for the feedback. This is the only official statement on the matter. The game released on September 18, 2026, and the day-one patch 1.0.10 fixed Oasis minigame spelling and icons, but it did not mention controller changes. No patch notes since release have addressed controller support. Players still report the issue after the 1.0.10 update. There is no confirmed fix yet. The developer's promise stands, but no date has been given for when the rework will arrive. If controller support is important to you, check the Steam page or Discord for updates before purchasing.Last updated: 2026-09-20. Game builds change; cross-check details with your installed version.