Complete keyboard key bindings and shortcut guide for "Dying Light"
A complete keyboard control guide for the PC version of the zombie survival action game "Dying Light." Covers every shortcut from basic controls and combat to co-op and Zombie Mode. Also provides a detailed breakdown of key layouts that are useful when playing alongside a controller.
Posted at: 2025.11.21
Basic controls
The basic controls in Dying Light let you use either WASD or the arrow keys, which is a slightly unusual setup. Apart from that, the controls are close to a typical first-person shooter (FPS), but having the option to use the arrow keys can make it a bit easier for players who are new to keyboard-and-mouse controls.
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Move forward / backward / left / right | W / A / S / D / Arrow keys |
| Look around | Mouse |
| Crouch | C |
| Sprint | Shift |
| Jump | Space |
| Use equipment | Mouse wheel click |
| Use / Interact | F |
| Survivor Sense (scan area) | Q |
| Look back | B※1 |
Combat
Most combat motion shortcuts are similar to common FPS conventions, such as using the R key for Reload, but some are unique to Dying Light, like using E for Kick or Alt for using the Grappling Hook, so it is worth learning them.
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Attack | Left click |
| Kick | E |
| Use grappling hook | Alt |
| Aim | Right click |
| Reload / Repair weapon | R |
| Switch weapon | Mouse wheel up / down |
| Flashlight | T※2 |
| Use medkit | H※3 |
Equipment and items
Shortcuts for managing equipment and items use number keys 1–3 in combination with Tab, Backspace, and a few others, making for a somewhat unconventional pattern. This section is something that needs to be memorized step by step.
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Previous equipment | 2 |
| Next equipment | 3 |
| Weapon menu (hold) | Tab |
| Equipment menu (hold) | 1 |
| Quick equipment | - |
| Drop equipment | Backspace |
Menus and UI
Shortcuts for menus and the user interface are generally assigned to the first letter of each menu name, which makes them relatively easy to remember. These key bindings are used quite often, so it is worth committing them to memory.
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Inventory | I |
| Map | M |
| Quest journal | L |
| Character sheet | U |
| Track objective | T※2 |
Co-op only
The shortcuts that are exclusive to co-op play are used frequently in multiplayer sessions, so they should be learned in advance by anyone planning to play online. Since experienced players tend to move things along quickly, knowing these controls helps keep the pace smooth.
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Chat | Enter |
| Vote to kick player | K |
| Respawn in the waiting area | B※1 |
| Create challenge | H※3 |
| Join favorite game / show challenge invitations | J |
| Select “Yes” when completing a quest | T※2 |
| Select “No” when completing a quest | N |
Zombie Mode (multiplayer only)
In Zombie Mode, the player takes the role of a zombie, so it has its own dedicated set of shortcuts. Because the control scheme differs from the standard human mode, checking these key bindings beforehand makes playing as a zombie much more comfortable.
| Action | Shortcut |
|---|---|
| Move | W / A / S / D / Arrow keys |
| Look around | Mouse |
| Sprint | Shift |
| Jump | Space |
| Block UV light | V |
| Launch yourself at a target | Q |
| Close attack | E |
| Howl | Mouse wheel |
| Main attack | Left click |
| Fast move | Right click |
| Horde Summoner Spit attack | R |
| Suppress UV | T※2 |
| Spit Smash attack | B※1 |
| Cancel ground smash | Z |
| Spit | G |
| Use / Interact | F |
Footnotes (multiple functions on the same key)
※1 B key: Functions as Look Back in normal play, Respawn in the waiting area in co-op, and Spit Smash attack in Zombie Mode.
※2 T key: Context-sensitive; in menus it tracks objectives, in combat it toggles the flashlight, in co-op it selects “Yes” on quest completion, and in Zombie Mode it suppresses UV.
※3 H key: Functions as Use medkit in combat and Create challenge in co-op.