Overview
Paralives is designed for PC and Mac with mouse and keyboard as the primary input method. Controller support is not planned at this time. All keys can be rebound for accessibility purposes, allowing players to customize their control scheme. The game features distinct control sets for Build Mode, Live Mode, and developer/modding tools. Build Mode hotkeys are displayed in the bottom right corner of the screen for quick reference while building.
Build Mode Controls
Build Mode provides a set of keyboard and mouse shortcuts for manipulating objects, walls, and other elements. These controls enable the grid-free building system that is one of the defining features of Paralives.
Action | Default Key | Description |
|---|---|---|
Rotate 90 degrees | X | Rotates the selected object by 90 degrees. |
Rotate counterclockwise 45 degrees | , (comma) | Rotates the selected object 45 degrees counterclockwise for finer angular adjustment. |
Rotate clockwise 45 degrees | . (period) | Rotates the selected object 45 degrees clockwise for finer angular adjustment. |
Free rotation | Right-click (hold and drag) | Allows full 360-degree free rotation of objects by holding right-click and dragging the mouse. This provides precise angular positioning beyond fixed increments. |
Toggle advanced widget | * (asterisk) | Activates the Advanced Object Placement Tool, which provides additional manipulation options for stacking, rotating, and elevating objects. |
Move vertically | Shift | Raises or lowers objects vertically, allowing placement at different heights independent of surfaces. |
Disable snap | Alt | Temporarily disables object snapping, allowing completely free placement without grid or object alignment constraints. |
Sell object | Del | Sells the currently selected object, removing it and refunding its value in Paradimes. |
Cancel | Esc | Cancels the current action or deselects the active object. |
Object Placement System
The placement system in Paralives is built around freedom and flexibility. Objects can be placed anywhere without being locked to an invisible grid. An optional grid can be enabled to assist with alignment when desired, and it is adjustable to different sizes. Snapping tools are available to speed up placement by aligning objects to nearby surfaces and other objects, but these can be disabled with the Alt key for fully freeform positioning.
Most objects can be stacked, rotated, and elevated at will using the Advanced Object Placement Tool (toggled with the asterisk key). Combined with the Shift key for vertical movement and right-click dragging for free rotation, players have precise control over every aspect of object positioning. Many objects can also be resized by pulling corner anchors, transforming a single bed into a king-size bed or stretching a small window into a dramatic large one.
Walls, half-walls, and fences can be placed freely without following a set grid. This includes the ability to create curved walls and walls at any angle, giving builders architectural freedom that goes well beyond traditional grid-based construction.
Camera
Paralives uses a free 3D camera similar to other simulation games. The camera can be panned, zoomed, and rotated to view the game world from any angle. The game does not feature first-person or third-person camera modes; instead, players always view the world from an overhead perspective that can be freely adjusted. This camera system applies across all modes of play, including Build Mode, Live Mode, and Photo Mode.
Time Speed Controls
During Live Mode gameplay, players can control the speed at which time passes. The time controls allow pausing the simulation entirely and increasing the speed to fast-forward through routine activities. The available speed settings include standard play speed and multiple faster speed options. There is currently no ultra-speed option for rapidly skipping through long periods such as sleep.
Time controls are accessible through the game interface and allow players to balance between watching events unfold in real time and progressing through the day more quickly when Parafolk are engaged in lengthy activities.
Developer and Modding Tools
Paralives includes built-in developer tools that are useful for both testing and modding. These tools are accessible through keyboard shortcuts at any point during gameplay.
Tool | Shortcut | Description |
|---|---|---|
Console | Ctrl+F1 | Opens the Console, which allows players and modders to monitor whether modifications cause errors or exceptions in the game code. No red errors should appear in the console during normal operation. Useful for debugging mods and custom content. |
Control Panel | Ctrl+F2 | Opens the Control Panel, which displays how game content was configured and integrated. Lists of elements can be searched and reordered. This is the primary tool for understanding existing game systems before creating custom content. |
The Control Panel organizes content into categories such as Build and Characters, making it straightforward to browse and examine game data. It serves as a reference tool for modders who want to understand how existing content is structured before adding their own. The developers note that sometimes restarting the game is necessary after making changes, as some settings modifications may temporarily break game data but work correctly after a restart.
Accessibility
All keyboard controls in Paralives can be rebound to accommodate different player needs and preferences. This applies to both Build Mode hotkeys and the developer tool shortcuts. The ability to customize controls is part of the game's broader approach to accessibility, ensuring that players with different physical capabilities can interact with the game comfortably.
The controls for Paramaker, Live Mode, and Photo Mode have not been fully disclosed ahead of the Early Access launch. Additional control documentation is expected to be made available as the game enters its public release phase on May 25, 2026.