Machine Party Controller Support — Keyboard & Gamepad Guide

Machine Party has full controller support via Steam Input — plus a clean keyboard/mouse scheme that works across all 15 minigames. Whether you're on keyboard or gamepad, the control language stays consistent: one set of binds, 15 minigames. Here's the complete control guide.

Here's what you'll learn:

• The default keyboard and mouse controls
• How full controller support works (Steam Input)
• The best setup for couch play
• Steam Deck control notes

Official resources: Steam store page · Steam news hub · Godot engine docs · Official site (Mike Klubnika) · Official site (ORO Interactive)

Keyboard & Mouse Controls

Machine Party's default keyboard scheme is simple and consistent:

• WASD — movement
• Mouse — camera
• Left click — interact / primary use (fork peas, grab parts, ping sonar, carve)
• Right click — secondary action (eat forked peas, alternate use)

Every minigame reuses this core scheme with per-game context: Table Manners maps fork to left click and eat to right click, Minefield maps the sonar ping to interact, Firearm Factory maps grab/place to interact. Learn one control language and all 15 minigames are controlled.

Full Controller Support via Steam Input

Machine Party declares full controller support on Steam, implemented through Steam Input. Practically that means:

• Any Steam-compatible gamepad works — Xbox, PlayStation, Switch Pro, third-party
• Steam Input handles the mapping — the game sees a consistent input profile regardless of pad brand
• Per-game controller prompts adapt to what you're holding

The controller layout mirrors the keyboard scheme: left stick moves, right stick looks, one face button interacts, one secondary button acts. Because the minigames are simple (move, interact, use), the translation to gamepad is clean — this is one of the few party games where controller is arguably better than mouse for the timed minigames.

Best Controller Setup for Party Play

If you're prepping for the late August local co-op update (or just prefer gamepad online):

1. Connect your controllers before launching — Steam Input profiles load at game start.
2. Customize your layout in Steam Input if the defaults don't match your pad — face-button interact is the universal default.
3. Test in a private lobby — run one minigame per control scheme so everyone knows their binds.
4. For Steam Deck, the built-in controls map automatically (see the Steam Deck guide for performance notes).

Steam Deck Control Notes

The Steam Deck's built-in controls work with Machine Party through Steam Input — the game sees the Deck as a standard controller. The native Linux build runs directly (no Proton needed), and the game's light spec means it runs comfortably on Deck hardware. For details on performance, see our Machine Party Steam Deck guide.

FAQ

Does Machine Party support controllers? Yes — full controller support via Steam Input, compatible with Xbox, PlayStation, Switch Pro and third-party gamepads.

What are the keyboard controls in Machine Party? WASD to move, mouse for camera, left click to interact/use, right click for secondary actions. The scheme is consistent across all 15 minigames.

Can you play Machine Party with a controller? Yes — full gamepad support, and for the simple minigame inputs the controller is arguably better than mouse in timed games.

Does Machine Party support Steam Deck controls? Yes — Steam Input maps the Deck's built-in controls automatically, and the native Linux build runs directly on Deck.

Related Guides

• Machine Party Steam Deck — How Well It Runs
• How to Play Machine Party — First Session Guide
• Machine Party Guide — How to Play & Pro Tips
• Machine Party Multiplayer — Room Codes & Online Co-op
• Machine Party System Requirements — PC Specs

Last updated: August 12, 2026