> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://harvest-vale.gitbook.io/harvest-vale-docs/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://harvest-vale.gitbook.io/harvest-vale-docs/getting-started/controls-and-movement.md).
# Controls & Movement
**Learn to navigate the Vale with confidence.** Desktop and mobile players use the same checked by the game world interactions, but the on-screen controls and shortcuts change with the current gameplay context.
{% hint style="info" %}
**MOST-USED DESKTOP KEYS:** **WASD / Arrow Keys** to move · **Shift** to run · **Space** for the selected action · **E** to interact · **I** for Inventory · **M** for World Map.
{% endhint %}
## 1. Desktop Movement & Interaction
| Key / Input | Action | When It Applies |
| -------------------- | ------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------- |
| **W / A / S / D** | Walk up / left / down / right | World movement |
| **Arrow Keys** | Alternative movement controls | World movement |
| **Shift + Movement** | Sprint while Stamina allows | World movement |
| **Space** | Use the active tool / primary action | Context-dependent |
| **E** | Interact with an eligible nearby world object | Context-dependent |
| **I** | Open or close Inventory | When modal/input focus permits |
| **M** | Open or close the World Map | When gameplay state permits |
| **Esc** | Close the World Map or dismiss supported overlays | When a relevant overlay is open |
Keyboard actions may be temporarily disabled while another menu, popup, text field, or active interaction has focus. Always follow the prompts visible on the screen.
## 2. The Farm Action Bar
| Tool Slot | Original Tool | Action |
| :-------: | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **1** | 
**Hoe** | Till eligible empty ground |
| **2** | 
**Watering Can** | Water crops when required |
| **3** | 
**Sickle** | Harvest mature, freshly watered crops |
| **4** | 
**Hammer** | Reset eligible empty tilled tiles; contextual rock clearing uses separate rules |
| **5** | 
**Fishing Rod** | Initiate available fishing interactions |
### How to Plant a Seed
**Planting is not a fixed sixth tool slot.** Prepare an empty tile using your Hoe, **click the prepared soil**, choose an owned seed from the **Choose Seed to Plant** interface, then press **PLANT NOW**.
* Select a tool, move into an allowed position, then activate it on an eligible tile.
* Crop information panels can provide a **HARVEST NOW** action if the crop meets game conditions.
* Higher Player Levels expand the area affected by eligible farming tools; **planting remains one seed per tile**.
See [Farming: Plant, Water & Harvest](https://harvest-vale.gitbook.io/harvest-vale-docs/farming-and-homestead/farming-plant-water-and-harvest) for the complete walkthrough.
## 3. Fishing, Mining & Combat Controls
{% tabs %}
{% tab title="Fishing" %}
Equip **Fishing Rod** and use the fishing interaction near an eligible fishing spot. A fishing attempt requires the game to validate your location, bait, resources, and current fishing state. Depending on the context, use the active action button or displayed fishing UI.
Check [Fishing Guide](https://harvest-vale.gitbook.io/harvest-vale-docs/adventures-and-activities/fishing-guide) before starting an extended fishing session.
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="Mining" %} 
The **Underground Mine** uses an on-screen **Mine** action. Pressing **E** or **Space** does not start mining. Move close to an available ore node and select **Mine**.
A mining attempt normally costs **5 Energy + 10 Stamina** and resolves over **10–20 seconds**.
Read [Mining & Minerals](https://harvest-vale.gitbook.io/harvest-vale-docs/adventures-and-activities/mining-and-minerals).
{% endtab %}
{% tab title="Combat" %} 
In supported combat areas, equip an appropriate weapon and use the screen's target-selection and attack controls. **Space / the action button** can start the relevant Auto Fight behavior when the required target and combat conditions are met.
The **open-world combat hotbar is different from the farm bar**:
| Combat Shortcut | Consumable |
| :-------------: | -------------- |
| **3** | HP Potion |
| **4** | MP Potion |
| **5** | Stamina Potion |
These are combat-context shortcuts, not permanent replacements for the farm tools. Using a potion also depends on the item being owned and any applicable cooldown or condition.
Read [Combat & Monsters](https://harvest-vale.gitbook.io/harvest-vale-docs/adventures-and-activities/combat-and-monsters).
{% endtab %}
{% endtabs %}
## 4. Mobile and Touch Controls
The mobile UI provides **a movement joystick**, a contextual **action/interact button**, and **walk/run** controls. Underground Mine combat also provides **AIM/NEXT** behavior to switch between eligible monster targets.
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
### Rotate to Landscape
Harvest Vale is designed for **landscape orientation**. If your device does not rotate, disable Portrait Lock / Rotation Lock and retry. Some in-wallet browsers handle orientation differently.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Move with the Virtual Joystick
Use the on-screen joystick to walk through the environment. Toggle the **Run** control only when you have enough Stamina.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Use Contextual Controls
Stand near an NPC, portal, farm object, fishing area, monster, or mine node. The game displays eligible interactions based on your current location and state.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
### Open Menus from the HUD
Use the on-screen Inventory, Map, quest and character controls rather than relying on a hardware keyboard.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
## 5. Stamina and Movement
**Running consumes Stamina**: the current game charges **0.05 Stamina per 8 pixels of running movement**. Stamina regenerates while your character has an active online presence. If it reaches zero, the game forces you to walk until recovery reaches **20% of your maximum Stamina**.
Walking normally does not carry the sprint Stamina charge. See [Energy & Stamina](https://harvest-vale.gitbook.io/harvest-vale-docs/player-progression/energy-and-stamina) for regeneration and recovery details.
## 6. Frequently Asked Control Questions
Why does pressing E or Space do nothing?
The action may not be eligible in your current position, or a menu may have focus. In the Underground Mine, use the **Mine** button to interact with ore nodes: mining does not start through E/Space.
Why are keys 3, 4, and 5 different in combat?
Farm tools and combat consumables use separate hotbar contexts. The same numeric keys can mean different things depending on where you are and the current game mode.
Why did my character stop running?
Running depends on Stamina. When sprint Stamina is depleted, the player can be forced to walk until reaching the recovery threshold.
Where do I find the map?
Press **M** on desktop when permitted, or open the World Map using the HUD on mobile. Not every illustrated landmark is an enterable location.
*Keyboard binding references are taken from the live HarvestScene feature and GameShell HUD. Controls may be gated by focus, location, and available interaction state.*