The Controls Screen Appears When You First Launch the Game

When you open Pokémon Go on your PC for the first time, the game displays a controls tutorial screen that walks you through the basic button layout and movement commands. This screen is designed to teach new players how to navigate the game world, but if you've played before or want to skip it, you can move past it in a few seconds.

The controls screen is not a settings menu you need to configure—it's a one-time tutorial overlay. Once you dismiss it, you won't see it again unless you reset the game or clear your local data.

Key Takeaways

  • The controls screen appears only on your first launch of Pokémon Go on that PC, and you dismiss it by pressing a button or clicking the on-screen prompt.
  • You do not need to change any settings on the controls screen; you only need to acknowledge it to proceed to the main game.
  • If the controls screen reappears after you've already dismissed it, clearing your browser cache or reinstalling the game will reset it.
  • The controls shown on that screen match the keyboard and mouse layout for PC play, so reviewing them once can help you navigate faster later.

Press the Button or Click the Prompt to Dismiss It

On the controls screen itself, you will see a button or clickable area—usually labeled "Got it," "Continue," "OK," or "Next"—at the bottom or corner of the overlay. Click or tap that button to close the tutorial and move to the main game screen.

If you are using a keyboard, you may also be able to press Enter or Spacebar to dismiss the screen. If you are using a mouse, a single click on the prompt button is the fastest way through.

What the Controls Screen Shows You

The controls screen displays the keyboard and mouse commands you will use to play Pokémon Go on PC. These typically include movement keys (usually WASD or arrow keys), how to interact with Pokéstops and gyms (usually a click), and how to throw Poké Balls at wild Pokémon (usually a mouse drag or click-and-release motion).

You do not need to memorize these controls before dismissing the screen—the game will remind you of key actions as you encounter them during play. However, taking a few seconds to glance at the layout can save you time when you encounter your first wild Pokémon or Pokéstop.

If the Controls Screen Keeps Reappearing

If you dismiss the controls screen but it appears again the next time you launch the game, the game's local data may not have saved properly. This can happen if the browser cache was cleared, if you are playing in an incognito or private window, or if the game crashed before saving.

To prevent this, make sure you are playing in a regular (non-incognito) browser window and that your browser is set to allow cookies and local storage for the Pokémon Go website. If the problem persists, clear your browser cache for the Pokémon Go domain and relaunch the game.

Keyboard and Mouse Controls After the Tutorial

Once you pass the controls screen, you will use your keyboard to move your character around the game map. The standard layout is WASD for movement (W forward, A left, S backward, D right), though some versions allow arrow keys as an alternative.

Your mouse is used to interact with the world: click on Pokéstops to collect items, click on gyms to battle, and click and drag to throw Poké Balls at wild Pokémon. The controls screen will show you the exact layout for your version, so if you forget a command during play, you can usually find a help menu or settings option that displays the controls again.

Resetting the Controls Screen If You Need to See It Again

If you want to review the controls tutorial after you have dismissed it, look for a Help, Settings, or Tutorial option in the game menu. Some versions of Pokémon Go on PC allow you to replay the tutorial from the settings screen.

If no replay option is available, you can force the controls screen to reappear by clearing your browser's local storage for Pokémon Go and restarting the game. Be aware that this will also reset any other local game data, so use this method only if you are certain you want to start fresh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I skip the controls screen without watching it?

Yes. You can click the dismiss button when ready without reading the controls. The game will teach you how to perform actions as you encounter them during play, so you do not need to study the tutorial first.

Will the controls screen appear every time I launch the game?

No. The controls screen appears only once, when you first launch Pokémon Go on that PC. After you dismiss it, it will not appear again unless you clear your browser data or reinstall the game.

What if I cannot find the dismiss button on the controls screen?

Try pressing Enter, Spacebar, or Escape on your keyboard. If that does not work, look for a small button or arrow at the bottom right or center of the overlay. You can also try clicking anywhere outside the tutorial box, though not all versions allow this.

Do I need to change any settings on the controls screen?

No. The controls screen is a read-only tutorial. You cannot and do not need to change any settings there. Once you dismiss it, you can adjust game settings from the main menu if you want to remap keys or change other options.

What if the controls screen is frozen or will not respond?

Refresh the page or close and reopen the game. If the screen remains frozen, clear your browser cache for Pokémon Go and try again. If the problem persists, try a different browser or check that your internet connection is stable.