Tales of Kenzera: ZAU blends fast-paced metroidvania exploration with fluid platforming and magical combat. Rather than relying on traditional melee weapons, Zau wields two mystical masks that completely change his fighting style. Throughout the adventure you'll switch between the Sun Mask and Moon Mask, master Spirit Attacks, unlock traversal abilities, and combine aerial movement with ranged combat to overcome increasingly dangerous enemies and environmental challenges.
Although the controls are easy to learn, mastering movement, mask switching, dodging, aiming, and ability timing is what separates surviving later biomes from constantly restarting difficult encounters. This guide covers every default control, explains how each mechanic works, and includes additional gameplay tips that aren't immediately obvious during the opening hours.
Tales of Kenzera: ZAU Controls
| Action | PlayStation | Xbox | Nintendo Switch | PC (Default) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Move | Left Stick | Left Stick | Left Stick | A / D |
| Aim | Right Stick | Right Stick | Right Stick | Mouse |
| Switch Mask | L1 | LB | L | Q |
| Light Attack | Square | X | Y | Left Mouse Button |
| Heavy Attack | Triangle | Y | X | Right Mouse Button |
| Jump | X | A | B | Space |
| Dash | Circle | B | A | Shift |
| Interact / Zawadi's Hook / Bamba's Stone / Akida's Spear | R2 | RT | ZR | E |
| Spirit Attack 1 | L3 | Left Stick Click | Left Stick Click | Assigned Key |
| Spirit Attack 2 | R3 | Right Stick Click | Right Stick Click | Assigned Key |
| Tawa's Heart | R1 | RB | R | F |
| Aim Mode | L2 | LT | ZL | Ctrl / Assigned Key |
| Pause | Options | Menu | + | Esc |
Note: Tales of Kenzera: ZAU supports complete controller remapping and multiple controller movement presets. Keyboard and mouse bindings can also be customized on PC.
Movement Controls
Movement is intentionally responsive because almost every encounter combines combat with platforming. You will constantly jump between platforms, wall-jump, air dash, grapple, and dodge enemy attacks without ever stopping.
Unlike slower metroidvanias, standing still is rarely beneficial. Many enemies are designed to pressure your position, encouraging continuous movement around the battlefield rather than stationary combat.
Jump
Jumping is your primary defensive tool during exploration and combat. Many attacks travel horizontally, allowing you to avoid damage simply by staying airborne.
As new traversal abilities unlock, jumping becomes increasingly versatile through double jumps, wall interactions, grappling points, aerial dashes, and environmental abilities.
Movement Tip
Don't think of jumping as something used only for reaching platforms. Throughout much of the game, remaining airborne actually gives you more offensive and defensive options than fighting from the ground.
Dash
Dash grants brief invulnerability while quickly repositioning Zau. Learning dash timing is considerably more important than simply increasing your damage output.
Later enemies chain together projectiles, melee attacks, and area attacks that cannot realistically be avoided by running alone. A properly timed dash lets you pass directly through many attacks without taking damage.
Try to dash through attacks instead of away from them whenever possible. This often places you behind enemies where it's safer to continue attacking.
Switch Mask
One of the defining mechanics of Tales of Kenzera: ZAU is instant mask switching.
Rather than equipping separate weapons, Zau changes between two magical combat styles:
- Sun Mask specializes in aggressive close-range combat.
- Moon Mask focuses on ranged magical attacks and safer positioning.
Many enemies possess colored shields or resistances that encourage changing masks frequently instead of committing to a single playstyle.
Learning when to switch masks naturally during combat dramatically increases your efficiency.
Sun Mask Controls
The Sun Mask excels against nearby enemies. Light Attacks create fast melee combinations while Heavy Attacks deal significantly more damage at the cost of slower animations.
Use the Sun Mask when enemies become aggressive or whenever a boss exposes a short damage window.
Because you must remain close to opponents, successful Sun Mask combat depends heavily on dash timing and recognizing enemy attack patterns.
Best Situations for the Sun Mask
- Breaking enemy guards.
- Boss stagger windows.
- High burst damage.
- Close-quarter encounters.
- Enemies resistant to ranged attacks.
Moon Mask Controls
The Moon Mask provides ranged magical attacks that allow Zau to damage enemies while remaining at a safe distance.
Instead of rushing directly toward dangerous enemies, you can attack while moving around the arena, making this mask ideal against flying creatures and bosses that constantly punish close-range combat.
Don't mistake the Moon Mask for the "safe" option. Although it provides more distance, several later enemies aggressively chase Zau, forcing accurate movement and positioning even while attacking from afar.
Best Situations for the Moon Mask
- Flying enemies.
- Hazard-filled arenas.
- Long-range engagements.
- Learning new boss patterns.
- Maintaining constant damage while avoiding attacks.
Light Attack
Light Attacks form the foundation of nearly every offensive sequence regardless of which mask is equipped.
Their quick recovery makes them useful for safely testing enemy reactions before committing to stronger attacks.
Avoid repeatedly mashing the attack button. Short controlled combinations leave enough time to dash away if an enemy begins a counterattack.
Heavy Attack
Heavy Attacks consume more commitment but reward players with greater damage, improved stagger potential, and stronger combo finishers.
Heavy Attacks work best immediately after an enemy misses an attack or becomes briefly stunned.
Against fast enemies, repeatedly attempting Heavy Attacks often results in unnecessary damage. Wait for reliable openings instead.
Aim Mode
Holding Aim Mode improves targeting precision, particularly when using ranged Moon Mask attacks or interacting with certain environmental mechanics.
While aiming, pay attention to surrounding threats. Tunnel vision is one of the biggest mistakes new players make during later encounters.
Spirit Attacks
Spirit Attacks unlock powerful magical abilities unique to each mask. They deal considerably more damage than ordinary attacks and often possess additional properties such as crowd control, enhanced range, or elemental effects.
Because Spirit Attacks are limited by their resource cost or cooldown, avoid spending them immediately against ordinary enemies.
Instead, reserve them for elite opponents, dangerous enemy groups, or boss openings where every second of additional damage matters.
Tawa's Heart
Tawa's Heart grants one of Zau's strongest support abilities. Depending on your progression, upgrades, and current situation, it can dramatically improve survivability during longer encounters.
Rather than activating it whenever available, save it for moments when recovering control of the battle becomes more important than dealing additional damage.
Interaction Abilities
The R2 / RT interaction button performs several context-sensitive actions throughout the adventure.
As Zau gains new abilities, this single button is used for:
- Interacting with environmental objects.
- Using Zawadi's Hook.
- Activating Bamba's Stone.
- Using Akida's Spear.
- Operating switches.
- Triggering traversal mechanics.
Because multiple abilities share the same button, always watch for contextual prompts before interacting.
Zawadi's Hook
Zawadi's Hook is a grappling ability used to cross wide gaps, gain height, and connect movement sequences that would otherwise end in a fall. Aim toward a valid hook point and press the shared Interact / Ability button to pull Zau toward it.
The hook preserves the direction of your movement, so the angle from which you attach matters. Approaching from below creates upward momentum, while grappling from the side carries Zau across a wider horizontal distance.
You do not always need to grapple at the first possible moment. Jump or dash toward the hook point first, then activate it when Zau begins losing momentum. This saves the pull for the part of the gap where it provides the most value.
Using Zawadi's Hook in Combat
The current version of Tales of Kenzera: ZAU also allows Zawadi's Hook to affect enemies. Its behavior changes with the equipped mask:
- Sun Mask: Zau pulls himself toward the targeted enemy, quickly closing the distance for a melee attack.
- Moon Mask: The targeted enemy is pulled toward Zau, helping isolate a threat or bring it into range of a follow-up combo.
This makes the hook more than a traversal tool. With the Sun Mask, it can begin an aggressive combo against a distant target. With the Moon Mask, it can interrupt spacing and pull a troublesome enemy away from the rest of a group.
Hook Tip
Do not pull a dangerous melee enemy toward Zau unless you already have a follow-up plan. Switch to the Sun Mask, attack immediately, freeze the target, or dash through it before it can retaliate.
Bamba's Stone
Bamba's Stone is associated with the Moon Mask and allows Zau to freeze specific environmental features and enemies. Hold Aim Mode when necessary, line up the target, and use the shared ability button to throw the stone.
During exploration, the ability can freeze waterfalls and other marked water features, turning moving water into a solid surface that can be climbed or used as part of a platforming route.
In combat, Bamba's Stone can freeze an enemy in place. A frozen target cannot immediately continue its attack, creating time to reposition, switch masks, or deliver a strong Sun Mask combo.
Best Uses for Bamba's Stone
- Stopping an aggressive enemy before it reaches Zau.
- Temporarily removing one opponent from a crowded battle.
- Creating a safe opening for a Heavy Attack.
- Interrupting an enemy that is preparing a dangerous move.
- Freezing water to reveal or create a traversal route.
Freezing the strongest enemy is not always the best choice. In a mixed group, disabling a fast or disruptive enemy can make the entire encounter easier while you deal with slower targets first.
Akida's Spear
Akida's Spear is a long-range ability associated with the Sun Mask. Enter Aim Mode, direct the targeting line toward a valid object or enemy, and press the shared Interact / Ability control to throw the spear.
The spear can pass through certain targets and is used to open sealed routes, activate distant mechanisms, and strike enemies beyond the reach of ordinary Sun Mask attacks.
Although the Sun Mask is mainly designed for close-range combat, Akida's Spear gives it a precise ranged option. Use it to begin a fight, damage an enemy across a hazard, or hit several aligned targets with one throw.
How to Aim Akida's Spear
- Hold Aim Mode.
- Use the aiming control to position the trajectory.
- Wait until the intended target is clearly lined up.
- Press the contextual ability button to throw.
- Release Aim Mode before resuming normal movement.
When a spear puzzle appears impossible, check whether the target must be struck through an opening or from another elevation. The correct firing position may be farther away than the mechanism itself.
Tawa's Heart
Tawa's Heart allows Zau to restore health by consuming Spirit energy. Hold the assigned button long enough for the healing action to complete.
Healing requires both a safe moment and available Spirit Segments. Using all of your Spirit on an offensive attack may leave no resource for recovery, so the two systems must be managed together.
Do not wait until Zau is one hit away from defeat. Tawa's Heart has an activation period, and beginning it during an enemy combo can result in taking more damage before the restoration finishes.
Safe Times to Use Tawa's Heart
- After dashing to the opposite side of an arena.
- While an enemy is frozen by Bamba's Stone.
- After launching or knocking enemies away.
- During a boss's long recovery animation.
- After the current combat wave has been defeated.
It is often better to heal after creating distance than to continue attacking with low health. Spirit can be rebuilt by landing attacks, while a failed encounter costs considerably more time.
How Spirit Attacks Actually Work
Spirit Attack 1 and Spirit Attack 2 appear as separate left-stick-click and right-stick-click assignments in the controller remapping menu, but the special attack is performed by pressing both inputs together.
On the default PlayStation layout, press L3 + R3 simultaneously. The resulting move depends on the equipped mask and consumes two full Spirit Segments.
Lunar Blast
With the Moon Mask equipped, the Spirit Attack becomes Lunar Blast. Zau releases a powerful energy beam that can be directed while active.
Lunar Blast is particularly effective against:
- Enemies grouped in a straight line.
- Flying targets that are difficult to reach with melee attacks.
- Shielded enemies after their protection has been weakened.
- Bosses that remain exposed for several seconds.
Begin the beam only when you have a clear firing lane. Turning it across several enemies is more efficient than spending the entire duration on a nearly defeated minor target.
Supernova
With the Sun Mask equipped, the same input triggers Supernova, surrounding Zau with a large eruption of shamanic fire.
Supernova is most useful when enemies have gathered around Zau or when a boss is close enough to remain within the damaging area.
Because it is centered on Zau, position yourself before activating it. Dashing into the middle of a group and then triggering Supernova is much more effective than using it from the edge of the arena.
Spirit Attack or Healing?
Both Spirit Attacks and Tawa's Heart draw from the same Spirit resource. Before spending it, ask which result the encounter requires:
- Use a Spirit Attack when eliminating enemies quickly will prevent more damage than healing.
- Use Tawa's Heart when health is low and the fight is likely to continue.
- Save the resource when the current wave is nearly finished and the next threat is unknown.
Double Jump
Double Jump adds a second airborne jump and becomes one of the most frequently used traversal abilities in the game.
Avoid pressing Jump twice immediately unless the obstacle is directly above Zau. Delaying the second jump extends horizontal distance and gives you time to adjust toward a moving platform or grapple point.
The second jump can also correct a poor takeoff. When the first jump drifts too far left or right, briefly steer in the new direction before pressing Jump again.
Wall Jumping
Zau can use suitable walls to climb vertical spaces. Jump toward a wall, allow him to make contact, then jump away and steer back toward the next surface.
Fast repeated button presses are not always necessary. A steady rhythm gives you more control and prevents accidental movement away from the wall.
In rooms with spikes or moving hazards, wait on a safe section of wall long enough to observe the pattern before committing to the next jump.
Air Dash
The aerial dash extends jumps and lets Zau pass through dangerous gaps with greater speed. It can be combined with Double Jump, wall movement, and Zawadi's Hook.
A common long-distance sequence is:
- Jump from the platform edge.
- Travel forward during the first arc.
- Use Double Jump near the highest point.
- Air dash after the second jump begins losing momentum.
- Use Zawadi's Hook if a grapple point remains ahead.
The order may change depending on the route. Some sections require an early dash to pass through a hazard, followed by a delayed jump to gain height.
Kabili's Wing
Kabili's Wing gives Zau a controlled glide that slows his descent and lets air currents carry him across longer spaces.
Activate the glide after jumping into a suitable current or whenever you need more horizontal distance without falling quickly. Small directional adjustments are generally safer than holding fully left or right.
The glide is not designed to create height by itself. Use rising currents, launch points, or other traversal abilities to gain altitude before relying on the wing.
Gliding Tips
- Enter an air current near its center rather than clipping the edge.
- Avoid excessive steering, which can pull Zau out of the current.
- Look ahead for the next current before leaving the present one.
- Cancel the glide when you need to descend onto a narrow platform.
Tshukudu's Might
Tshukudu's Might is a forceful charge used to break marked barriers and continue through certain environmental obstacles.
The ability rewards commitment and correct alignment. Face the breakable surface directly and begin the charge with enough space for Zau to build momentum.
In combat, the movement can also help Zau force his way through enemies or create space, although it should not replace the normal dash when precise invulnerability timing is required.
Combining Traversal Abilities
Later platforming routes rarely test one ability in isolation. They are built as chains in which every input prepares the next one.
A route may ask you to wall jump, air dash through a hazard, grapple to a hook point, glide through a current, and then throw Bamba's Stone or Akida's Spear before reaching safety.
When a sequence feels too fast, divide it into landmarks. Instead of memorizing ten inputs, identify where each phase begins:
- The wall where you gain height.
- The hazard crossed by the dash.
- The hook point that changes direction.
- The air current that begins the glide.
- The final ledge or mechanism.
This turns a long obstacle course into several smaller decisions.
Recommended Combat Flow
The most reliable combat style uses both masks rather than treating them as separate character classes.
Flexible Combat Sequence
Open with the Moon Mask to damage or slow enemies from range, freeze the most dangerous target with Bamba's Stone, switch to the Sun Mask, close the distance with Zawadi's Hook, use a short melee combo, and dash away before the enemy recovers.
The exact sequence changes with the arena, but the principle remains the same: use the Moon Mask to control the engagement and the Sun Mask to exploit the opening.
Breaking Enemy Shields
Shielded enemies are easier to handle when you match the active mask to the shield's associated color or energy. Attacking with the wrong style produces poor results and prolongs the encounter.
Switch masks as soon as you recognize the shield rather than completing an unrelated combo. Once the protection breaks, you can continue with the same mask or change to whichever moveset gives the best health damage.
Launching and Juggling Enemies
Several skills allow Zau to knock enemies upward and continue attacking them in the air. Airborne enemies are temporarily unable to use many grounded attacks, making a juggle both offensive and defensive.
Do not chase a launched enemy so far that you lose sight of the rest of the group. End the aerial sequence early when another attacker is preparing a strike below.
Perfect Strike Timing
Certain Sun Mask upgrades reward precisely timed attack presses instead of rapid button mashing. Press the next attack near the end of the preceding animation to strengthen the sequence.
Practice the timing against ordinary enemies or in a safe area. The rhythm is easier to learn by watching Zau's weapon animation than by listening only to button sounds.
Controller Movement Presets
The Input menu offers controller movement presets, including options based on analog-stick movement and D-Pad movement. Selecting a preset can override existing controller remapping, so choose the movement method before customizing individual actions.
The screenshots show both Stick Movement and a modified stick-based preset. The exact preset names may vary by platform or game version.
Stick Movement
The left stick controls Zau's movement while the D-Pad remains available for menus or other assigned functions. This is the most familiar setup for players accustomed to modern platformers.
D-Pad Movement
D-Pad movement provides clearly separated left and right inputs, which some players prefer for precision platforming. It may feel less natural during flowing combat, but it can reduce accidental diagonal movement.
Modified Presets
Modified presets change the positions of actions such as Dash and Switch Mask. Compare the list carefully after choosing one, because selecting a preset can replace previous custom assignments.
How to Remap Tales of Kenzera: ZAU Controls
- Open the pause menu.
- Select Settings.
- Open the Input section.
- Choose a Controller Movement Preset first.
- Scroll to Controller Input Remapping.
- Select the action you want to change.
- Press the replacement button.
- Use Reset to restore the active preset when necessary.
Basic gameplay actions can be remapped, but movement itself is selected through presets rather than freely assigned in the same way as attack buttons.
Actions Available for Controller Remapping
The attached settings screens confirm remapping for:
- Switch Mask.
- Light Attack.
- Heavy Attack.
- Jump.
- Dash.
- Interact / Zawadi's Hook / Bamba's Stone / Akida's Spear.
- Spirit Attack 1.
- Spirit Attack 2.
- Tawa's Heart.
- Aim Mode.
Spirit Attack 1 and Spirit Attack 2 should remain on buttons that can be pressed together comfortably because the mask's special move requires both inputs simultaneously.
Recommended Controller Layout
Keep Light and Heavy Attack on Adjacent Face Buttons
Many combos alternate between the two attacks. Square and Triangle on PlayStation—or their equivalent left and top face buttons—allow the thumb to move between them naturally.
Keep Jump and Dash Easy to Alternate
Platforming frequently requires Jump followed by Dash, while combat may require Dash immediately after an aerial attack. Place both actions where they can be reached without shifting your grip.
Consider Moving Switch Mask to a Shoulder Button
The default shoulder placement works well because masks are changed during attacks. Keeping Switch Mask away from the face buttons lets your thumb continue a combo while another finger changes styles.
Keep Aim Mode on a Trigger
Aim Mode is often held while selecting the direction of Bamba's Stone or Akida's Spear. A trigger is comfortable for sustained use and leaves the right thumb free for aiming.
Remap Stick-Click Spirit Inputs When Needed
Pressing both sticks simultaneously can feel awkward, particularly during a busy boss fight. Players who have difficulty with stick clicks may wish to place the two Spirit inputs on rear buttons or another comfortable pair.
Remember that the two assigned inputs must still be pressed together to activate Lunar Blast or Supernova.
Useful Input and Accessibility Settings
Stick Deadzone
Adjusting the movement deadzone can reduce unwanted drifting or make the stick react sooner. Raise it slightly when Zau moves without deliberate input. Lower it when movement feels slow to begin.
Aiming Sensitivity
Aiming sensitivity affects how quickly the targeting direction moves while using ranged abilities. Lower sensitivity supports precision; higher sensitivity makes it easier to redirect attacks quickly during combat.
Hold or Toggle Inputs
The settings include an option that changes supported held commands into toggle inputs. This can reduce fatigue when aiming or maintaining an interaction.
Toggle controls may require an extra press to disengage, so test them in a safe area before entering a demanding platforming sequence.
Difficulty Options
Difficulty can be adjusted when combat pressure begins interfering with exploration or the story. Lower settings make enemies and certain platforming elements more forgiving without removing the fundamental mask, movement, and ability systems.
Controller Haptics
Updated versions include improved controller haptics and DualSense feedback. Reduce vibration when it becomes distracting, but moderate feedback can make impacts, movement, and ability activation easier to feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the default PlayStation controls in Tales of Kenzera: ZAU?
The common stick-movement preset uses Square for Light Attack, Triangle for Heavy Attack, X for Jump, Circle for Dash, L1 to switch masks, R2 for interactions and contextual abilities, R1 for Tawa's Heart, L2 for Aim Mode, and L3 plus R3 together for Spirit Attacks.
Why do my controls differ from the table?
The game includes multiple controller movement presets and input remapping. Open Settings, select Input, and review the active preset and assignments.
How do you switch between the Sun and Moon Masks?
Press L1 on PlayStation, LB on Xbox, L on Nintendo Switch, or the assigned PC key. Mask switching is immediate and can be incorporated into combat sequences.
How do you use a Spirit Attack?
Fill two Spirit Segments, equip the desired mask, and press both Spirit inputs simultaneously. With the default PlayStation layout, this is L3 + R3.
What is the Moon Mask Spirit Attack?
The Moon Mask activates Lunar Blast, a powerful beam that can be directed while it is active.
What is the Sun Mask Spirit Attack?
The Sun Mask activates Supernova, producing a large fiery attack around Zau.
How do you heal?
Hold the Tawa's Heart button while enough Spirit energy is available. Create distance or disable nearby enemies before beginning the healing action.
How do you use Bamba's Stone?
Equip the Moon Mask, enter Aim Mode when required, target a valid enemy or water feature, and press the contextual ability button. It can freeze enemies and certain environmental water.
How do you use Akida's Spear?
Equip the Sun Mask, hold Aim Mode, line up the target, and press the contextual ability control. The spear can strike enemies and activate or break specific distant objects.
How does Zawadi's Hook work?
Aim toward a valid grapple point and press the contextual ability button. In combat, the Sun Mask pulls Zau toward an enemy, while the Moon Mask pulls the enemy toward Zau.
Can Zawadi's Hook be used against enemies?
Yes. Combat functionality was added in a post-release update. Its pull direction changes according to the equipped mask.
Can the controls be remapped?
Yes. Basic gameplay controls can be reassigned through Settings and Input. Movement is handled through selectable presets rather than ordinary button remapping.
Can you move with the D-Pad?
Yes. The Input menu allows players to choose between stick-based and D-Pad-based movement presets.
How do you dash through attacks?
Press Dash shortly before the attack reaches Zau. The safest timing depends on the enemy animation, so react to the actual strike rather than the beginning of its preparation.
Can you dash in the air?
Yes. Air Dash becomes an essential part of later traversal and can be combined with Double Jump, wall movement, gliding, and grappling.
How do you glide?
Use Kabili's Wing after it is unlocked. Activate it while airborne and steer gently through suitable air currents.
Why can I not break a barrier?
The barrier may require a later traversal power, the correct mask, Akida's Spear, Bamba's Stone, or Tshukudu's Might. Mark the location mentally and return after gaining additional abilities.
Which mask is better?
Neither mask is universally stronger. The Sun Mask provides close-range pressure and burst damage, while the Moon Mask offers range, control, and safer positioning. Strong combat relies on switching between them.
Why is my damage low against a shielded enemy?
Match the mask to the enemy's shield type. Using the wrong mask makes the protection much slower to break.
Should I use Spirit for healing or attacking?
Use Tawa's Heart when another hit could place the encounter at risk. Use a Spirit Attack when its damage or crowd clearing will remove the immediate danger faster than healing would.
Where can I review tutorials?
Open the Codex from the pause menu. New combat and traversal tutorials are added as abilities and skills are introduced.
Final Control Advice
Tales of Kenzera: ZAU is most fluid when you stop treating attacks, movement, and traversal powers as separate systems. A dash can cancel danger and begin a counterattack. A grapple can cross a gap or start a melee combo. Bamba's Stone can build a route or remove an enemy from a fight. Spirit can become damage or healing.
Practice changing masks without pausing your movement, delay aerial abilities until they are actually needed, and keep enough Spirit available for the situation ahead. Once those habits become natural, both the combat arenas and the game's hardest platforming routes become much easier to read.
Continue with our Tales of Kenzera: ZAU Tips and Tricks Guide for mask combinations, skill upgrades, trinkets, Spirit management, exploration, combat arenas, collectibles, and boss strategies.
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