Drill Core is a strategy management game, so its controls work differently from a typical action game. You are directing miners, carriers and guards, choosing blocks to excavate, managing buildings and preparing defenses rather than controlling a single character.
On PC, the mouse handles most direct orders. Controller play uses a dedicated interface built around selection modes and radial menus, making it possible to manage the entire operation without a mouse.
Drill Core PC Controls
| Action | PC Control |
|---|---|
| Select / Issue Order | Left Mouse Button |
| Increase Order Priority | Double Click Left Mouse Button |
| Cancel Order | Right Mouse Button |
| Select Mining Block | Left Mouse Button |
| Direct Carrier to Resource | Left Mouse Button on Resource |
| Direct Guard | Left Mouse Button on Desired Position |
| Navigate Interface | Mouse |
| Open Block Information Console when Available | Ctrl |
The game supports keyboard and mouse remapping, so some bindings can be changed from the control settings if you prefer a different layout.
How Worker Orders Work
Worker control is more important than memorizing a long list of keys. Each worker type responds to orders differently.
| Worker | What They Do | How You Direct Them |
|---|---|---|
| Miner | Digs through blocks and opens routes underground | Select blocks you want mined |
| Carrier | Collects resources and returns them to the platform | Usually works automatically, but resources can be selected manually |
| Guard | Protects workers and patrols the excavation area | Select an area to reposition the guard |
How to Prioritize an Order
Double click a valid task to give it higher priority.
This is extremely useful when you uncover Green Ore, need one specific resource for an upgrade or must clear a route before the day ends. Instead of waiting for workers to choose the job naturally, mark the important task as a priority.
How to Cancel an Order
Use the Right Mouse Button on PC to cancel an existing order.
Cancelling outdated orders keeps miners from wasting valuable daylight on blocks you no longer need and makes it easier to redirect the workforce toward a new objective.
Drill Core Controller Controls
Current versions of Drill Core have full controller support. The newer gamepad system does not simply imitate a mouse cursor. Instead, controller play uses dedicated modes and radial menus for common actions and abilities.
The interface separates important management functions such as digging, platform management and defensive control. Shoulder and trigger inputs are used to move between these contexts, while radial menus provide faster access to frequently used abilities.
| Controller Function | How It Works |
|---|---|
| Navigate Management Modes | Use the displayed shoulder or trigger prompts |
| Select Commands | Use the highlighted controller selection prompt |
| Open Action or Ability Radial | Use the displayed bumper prompt |
| Navigate Radial Menu | Use the analog stick |
| Confirm | Use the displayed confirm button |
| Cancel / Back | Use the displayed back button |
| Pause | Pause button |
The exact button symbols are shown by the game for the controller connected to your platform. Drill Core supports PlayStation and Xbox style controller prompts, so checking the current prompt is safer than memorizing another platform's button symbols.
Digging Mode
Digging mode is where most daytime management happens. Select the underground blocks that miners should work on and think about the route you are creating rather than simply clearing everything.
A narrow path toward important ore can save much more time than excavating a large empty area.
Platform Management
The platform is where you build facilities, manage resources and prepare the operation for later stages of the contract.
Controller players can switch into the relevant management context rather than dragging a cursor across the entire screen. Get comfortable moving between the underground area and the platform because you will do it constantly.
Turret and Defense Controls
Night changes the purpose of the interface. Your attention moves from maximizing excavation to keeping the Drill Core alive.
Turrets normally attack automatically, but their placement, upgrades and targeting options determine how effectively they protect the platform. Some permanent upgrades also unlock more detailed turret management.
Can You Change Drill Core Controls?
Yes. Drill Core supports customizable control bindings on PC and controller. The game also provides controller sensitivity options.
If the controller interface feels unusual at first, give yourself time to learn the management modes. The current system is designed around radial actions rather than moving a virtual mouse pointer across the screen.
Does Drill Core Support Controllers?
Yes. Drill Core has full controller support and is available on consoles as well as PC. PlayStation users can play entirely with the DualSense controller.
The game can also be played without motion controls, touch controls, rapid button presses or simultaneous button combinations.
Can You Slow the Game Down?
Yes. Drill Core includes game speed options.
This is worth using if you are learning controller management or if the transition between mining, building and defending feels too fast. Slowing the action gives you more time to read the battlefield and issue deliberate orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you tell miners where to dig in Drill Core?
On PC, left click the block you want mined. With a controller, switch to the relevant digging context and select the block using the displayed controller prompts.
How do you make workers prioritize a task?
On PC, double click the task to increase its priority.
How do you cancel an order?
Right click the active order on PC.
Do carriers collect resources automatically?
Yes. Carriers normally retrieve resources automatically, although you can direct them toward a specific mineral when something needs immediate attention.
Can you command guards?
Yes. Guards can be directed toward a selected area, which is useful when enemies threaten workers underground.
Does Drill Core have full controller support?
Yes. Current versions support full controller navigation and dedicated gamepad controls.
Can Drill Core controls be remapped?
Yes. Control customization is available, including keyboard and controller related settings.
The Controls Make More Sense Once You Think Like a Manager
Drill Core is not about fast button combinations. The important skill is issuing the right order at the right moment. Prioritize valuable blocks, cancel work that no longer matters and move quickly between excavation, platform management and defense.
Once those actions become familiar, the interface fades into the background and you can focus on the real challenge: reaching the contract objective before your increasingly questionable corporate mining operation falls apart.
See our Drill Core Tips and Tricks Guide for mining routes, Green Ore, workers, turrets, upgrades and survival strategies.
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