Vampire Survivors - Controls

Vampire Survivors has one of the simplest control schemes in modern action games. During a normal run, you mainly control movement while weapons attack automatically. There is no manual fire button to constantly press, which means survival is about positioning, choosing upgrades and moving through enemy waves without trapping yourself.

The PlayStation version supports DualSense and DualShock controllers, and the same basic layout applies whether you are playing alone or using local couch co op.

Vampire Survivors PS5 and PS4 Controls

For most of an actual run, movement is the only input you need continuously. Your equipped weapons activate automatically according to their own cooldowns and targeting rules.

How Attacking Works in Vampire Survivors

You do not manually fire your normal weapons. Once a weapon is equipped, it attacks automatically.

For example, some weapons fire toward nearby enemies, some attack in the direction your character is facing, and others create effects around your position. This means movement can indirectly control where your damage goes even though there is no standard attack button.

Movement is part of your aiming

With directional weapons, where you stand and which way you move can determine which enemies get hit. Learning the behavior of each weapon is far more important than memorizing extra buttons.

How to Pause Vampire Survivors

Press the Options button on PlayStation to pause during offline gameplay.

Pausing is useful when you need to check your current build, review weapon levels or simply decide where you want to move next before a crowded wave closes in.

How Menus Work

Use the directional controls to move through menus, Cross to confirm a selection and Circle to go back.

These controls are used when choosing characters, stages, PowerUps and level up rewards.

Level Up Selection Controls

When your character gains enough experience, the action pauses and you are shown a selection of upgrades.

Move through the available choices with the directional controls and press Cross to select the weapon, passive item or upgrade you want.

Because enemies stop moving during the selection, there is no reason to rush. Read the options carefully, especially when planning a weapon evolution.

Does Vampire Survivors Have an Attack Button?

No standard attack button is required during normal gameplay. Weapons activate automatically.

This is one of the most important things for new players to understand. You are controlling positioning and survival rather than manually swinging or shooting every weapon.

Can You Use the D Pad?

Yes. You can move with either the left stick or the D Pad.

The stick generally feels smoother when weaving between dense enemy groups, while the D Pad can be useful when you want very precise straight movement.

Vampire Survivors PC Controls

The exact experience is effectively the same as controller play. Normal attacks remain automatic, so movement is the main gameplay input.

Controls in Local Co Op

Vampire Survivors supports local couch co op for up to four players. Each player controls a survivor on the same screen.

The core idea does not change. Each player moves independently while that character's weapons activate automatically.

In co op, positioning becomes even more important because the group shares the battlefield. Avoid dragging dangerous enemy clusters directly into another player's path when there is room to move around them.

Why the Simple Controls Matter

Vampire Survivors deliberately removes complicated combat inputs so your attention can stay on the decisions that determine whether a run succeeds.

You are constantly deciding where to move, when to collect experience, which weapons to upgrade and whether entering a dangerous cluster is worth the reward waiting inside it.

The controls are simple. The strategy is not.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you attack in Vampire Survivors?

Weapons attack automatically. You normally do not press a dedicated attack button.

How do you move on PS5?

Use the left stick or D Pad.

How do you pause Vampire Survivors?

Press the Options button on PlayStation.

How do you select a level up reward?

Move to the reward you want and press Cross.

Can you play Vampire Survivors without holding buttons?

Yes. The game is designed so normal gameplay does not require constant button holding or rapid button presses.

Does Vampire Survivors support local multiplayer?

Yes. Local couch co op supports up to four players.

Can you manually aim every weapon?

No. Different weapons use their own targeting behavior. Your movement and facing direction can influence some attacks, but weapons generally activate automatically.

Focus on Movement, Not Button Presses

If you are new to Vampire Survivors, do not search for a hidden combat combo. The game is intentionally built around movement and automatic attacks.

Learn how your weapons behave, keep a clear escape route and use the simple controls to place your character where those weapons can do the most damage.

See our Vampire Survivors Tips and Tricks Guide for weapon evolutions, leveling, PowerUps and practical survival advice.