Diablo 4: No WASD Support at Launch, Playable w/ Mouse & Controller

WASD has always been a core part of the keyboard and the PC gaming community. It’s the norm in the PC gaming community for every game to have WASD support because the WASD keys are the general movement controls for PCs, just like how joysticks work on a controller. But it seems like Diablo 4 is deviating from the traditional keyboard controls.

Diablo 4 won’t have WASD support at launch; only a mouse and controllers can be used to play the game. The executive producer of the franchise, Rod Ferguson, confirmed that they’re “very aware” of the feedback, but in the meantime, he recommends players with accessibility issues give controllers a try.

There is not but we're very aware of the feedback. In the meantime, I hope you can give controller support a shot.

— Rod Fergusson (@RodFergusson) May 28, 2023

Due to accessibility reasons, many players do not support this decision, as playing with a mouse can be quite a difficult experience. While a controller might be better, it still could require movements that some may find difficult. Many players strongly feel that WASD controls are the easiest way to play and navigate through an RPG, as it has been the tradition for PC gaming.

That’s not to say that players who use controllers to play on PC are invalid or are doing a disservice to the PC community; they’re very much allowed to play with whatever peripheral they want, but keyboard controls have been the norm for PC gaming for the longest time, and seeing WASD support being omitted from the game has left many players puzzled.

Interestingly, Diablo 3 didn’t have WASD support either, but Diablo Immortal did. But the reply from Rod Ferguson does imply that support for WASD controls will arrive after the game is released since they are aware of the player feedback. Until keyboard support for the game arrives, controllers are the way to go, as is the mouse if players are willing to give it a shot.

Diablo 4 releases on June 6 for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC.

About Diablo IV

Diablo IV, developed and published by Blizzard Entertainment, is the fourth installment in the classic Diablo series. It was announced back in 2019 at BlizzCon. The game is scheduled to be released on June 6, 2023.

Players will fight against the darkness to save the Sanctuary in the brutal battle between the High Heavens and the Burning Hells. You can either play solo or with your friends in the co-op mode.

The developers are set to release a beta on March 24th,2023.