This guide will break down the essential controls for both keyboard and controller in Rematch, helping you dominate the futuristic pitch in this fast-paced soccer game. While the developers generally recommend a controller for the optimal experience, both keyboard and controller offer unique advantages, allowing players to find their preferred style.
Keyboard & Mouse - Precision and Control
Keyboard and Mouse means you'll have better precision when shooting and aiming in Rematch matches. You'll hit those long-distance shots and passes much easier with a mouse, which is very important especially when playing Ranked.
Note: The game is still in development, and controls can be subject to change.
Outfield Player Controls (Keyboard & Mouse)
| Action | Keyboard Input | Mouse Input | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Move | W, A, S, D | - | Standard directional movement. |
| Sprint/Dash | Left Shift (Hold) | - | Cover ground quickly. |
| Extra Effort | Left Shift + Left Shift (Tap) | - | Run extra fast, but drains the meter so you can't use it all the time. |
| Rotate Camera | - | Move your Mouse | Orient yourself easily in a match. |
| Ball Call | 1 - We Got This 2 - Good Job 3 - Sorry 4 - Thanks |
Click on Scroll Wheel | Use this to communicate with your teammates. |
| Shoot/Pass | - | Left Mouse Button Aim with Mouse |
Direction is determined by mouse aim. Holding can affect power/type. |
| Tap | - | Right Mouse Button | Kick the ball in a direction. |
| Light Tap | Space | Right Mouse Button | Same as above, just lighter. |
| Push Ball | Space | - | When you are running with the ball, push it ahead of you to run faster. |
| Dribble Stance | Left Ctrl (with ball) | - | Hold down the button to avoid opponents |
| Dribble | Space (while in Dribble Stance) | - | After entering the Dribble Stance, proceed to dribble by tapping on Space to avoid the opponents stealing the ball. |
| Lob | F /C / X | - | Modifies a pass/shot into a lob. |
| Tackle/Slide | E | - | Pressing while sprinting initiates a slide tackle. |
| Defense Stance | Left CTRL (without the ball) | - | Enter a defensive stance while the opponents have the ball |
| Dash (without the ball) | Space | - | Run while in Defense Stance |
| Dive | Space | - | Used for aerial defense or blocking shots. |
Goalkeeper Controls (Keyboard & Mouse)
When you enter your team's goalkeeper box, your controls will immediately switch for the role.
| Action | Keyboard Input | Mouse Input | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Movement | W, A, S, D | - | Move within the goal area. |
| Dive | Space | - | Dive in one direction to save shots. |
| Sliding Tackle | E | - | Slide across the ground to take the ball from the opponents. |
| Push Ball | V | Aim with Mouse | Release the ball with a throw or kick. |
Controller - Fluid Movement and Intuitive Actions
While many (like myself) prefer Keyboard and Mouse for all games, the developers themselves recommend that you use a controller when playing Rematch. This is primarily due to the analog stick which allows you fluid movement and aiming. This is important when you're dribbling around the opponents. The precision isn't as good as with a mouse, but the movement is more natural.
Outfield Player Controls (Controller - Xbox Layout Example)
| Action | Controller Input | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Move | Left Stick | Full 360-degree movement. |
| Sprint/Dash | Left Bumper (LB) (Hold) | Essential for covering ground quickly. |
| Extra Effort | LB+LB (Tap) | Even faster quick dash that has a shorter meter than the regular sprint. |
| Rotate Camera | Right Stick | Adjust your view of the field. |
| Ball Call | Right Stick Button + D-Pad buttons for various calls | Easily communicate with your teammates. |
| Shoot/Pass | Right Trigger | A powerful kick towards the goal or towards your teammates |
| Tap | X | Kick the ball in a direction. |
| Light Tap | X+A | Same as above, just lighter. |
| Push Ball | A | Kick the ball slightly ahead of you while running to get more speed. |
| Dribble Stance | Left Trigger (LT) (with ball) | Get into a stance to dribble the ball around the field. |
| Dribble | A (while in Dribble Stance) | When in Dribble Stance, move the ball around to avoid opponents. |
| Lob | RB + A / RB + X / X+A+RB |
Modifies a pass/shot into a lob. |
| Tackle/Slide | B | While sprinting, go into a tackle to steal a ball. |
| Defense Stance | Left Trigger (LT) (without the ball) | Enter a defensive stance while the opponents have the ball |
| Dash (without the ball) | A | Run while in Defense Stance |
| Dive | Y | Block shots in the air. |
Goalkeeper Controls (Controller - Xbox Layout Example)
Same as with Mouse and Keyboard, your controls will adjust from a Striker to Goalkeep controls once you get into the area around your team's goal.
| Action | Controller Input | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Movement | Left Stick | Allows you to move in the goal area to catch the ball. |
| Dive | Y | Dive in the direction of the ball to stop it. |
| Sliding Tackle | B | Slide across the ground to take the ball from the opponents. |
| Push Ball | A | Release the ball with a throw or kick. |
Finding Your Fit - Controller vs. Keyboard
The devs suggested a controller, but what should you choose? It comes down to personal preference as well as previous experience. If you're used to a Controller, then stick to it. You can also practice with either, but maybe avoid playing Ranked if you're just learning.
- Keyboard & Mouse - tighter precision when shooting and passing
- Controller - more fluid movements, but takes off from the precision. Better for dribbling and getting the ball across the field.
No matter what you choose, these are just the basics. As you play more, you'll be able to learn special moves like the Rainbow Flick. Rematch has a high skill ceiling, so you'll be learning and getting better the more you play. Join the practice mode to get the basics, and then switch to versus matches and test your skills.
Rematch is currently in Playtest on Steam. It's an open beta, which means that everyone can join. Just go to the game's Steam store page, and request access. You'll get it instantly.
The Rematch Playtest started on May 28 and will end on May 31. This is the final open beta before release, so use this opportunity to play the game and see if you enjoy the gameplay.
Rematch will have an official release on June 19, 2025.
If you're interested in other sports games, check out our MotoGP25 review here on Pro Game Guides.
