Keyboard & QTE reference

Forgotten Stories Controls: Block, Parry & Dodge

Forgotten Stories controls turn every incoming attack into a chance to defend: use F to block or parry, A to dodge left, S to dodge down, D to dodge right, and Space to jump. Read the requested key, then time your response with the attack. Use the lookup, weapon demos, and fixes below to sharpen your next run. Console players need a mouse and keyboard.

Interactive key lookup

Forgotten Stories QTE key lookup

Click a key or press it on your keyboard to see its Forgotten Stories QTE action and what to watch for in combat.

F
Defense

Block / Parry

Triggers a Block or Parry during enemy attack turns. Timely parries mitigate damage and can build Counter stacks with gear like the Parrying Dagger (1 stack per 5 parries), while blocking reduces applied debuffs by 1 stack on multi-application attacks.

Combat Essentials
  • Match the exact key displayed during defensive QTEs—F defends via block or parry, while A, S, D, and Space execute directional evasions.
  • Adjust indicator anticipation to 300ms in your settings to give yourself earlier advance visual notice before attacks land.
  • Console players must use a connected mouse and keyboard, as gamepad controllers and mobile touchscreens are not supported.
Read the Current Prompt

Forgotten Stories QTE controls: F defends, A/S/D/Space dodge

During enemy turns in Forgotten Stories, incoming attacks prompt defensive QTE inputs that dictate whether your character guards or evades. Paying attention to the displayed prompt ensures you respond with the exact defensive action required—bracing with F or evading along the requested dodge lane.

Block / Parry

  • Press F when an incoming attack prompts for a block or parry to mitigate incoming damage or deflect the strike.
  • Timing a parry can turn defense into offense when paired with Counter gear like the Parrying Dagger (which builds a Counter stack after 5 parries), while a solid block reduces applied debuffs by 1 stack on multi-stack afflictions that cannot be avoided.

Directional Dodges

  • Match the prompt with A for Left, S for Down, D for Right, or Space for Jump, watching the enemy's attack animation rather than hitting the key prematurely.
  • Inputting the exact dodge direction indicated sidesteps avoidable strikes cleanly; avoid substituting another direction or mistaking Space for forward movement.
Keyboard Reference

Complete Forgotten Stories controls table

Keep this Forgotten Stories controls reference handy while exploring tile maps and battling through encounters. Matching these inputs to onscreen combat prompts ensures your party defends effectively when enemies take their turn.

Key / InputAction NameCategoryCombat ContextMechanical EffectPractical Tip
FBlock / ParryDefenseWhen the QTE requests FExecutes a Block or Parry response against incoming enemy attacks.Press F in rhythm with the enemy's strike rather than tapping prematurely when the prompt first appears. Timely parries mitigate damage and build Counter charges when equipped with offhands like the Parrying Dagger, while blocking multi-debuff strikes reduces applied stacks by one.
ALeftDodgeWhen the QTE requests AExecutes a left directional dodge.Press A when the left prompt is displayed, timing your input with the enemy's swing instead of guessing an evasion lane early.
SDownDodgeWhen the QTE requests SExecutes a down directional dodge.Press S when the down prompt appears. The game maps S strictly to Down, so match the onscreen direction rather than substituting alternate movement keys.
DRightDodgeWhen the QTE requests DExecutes a right directional dodge.Press D when prompted for Right, aligning your defensive reaction with the incoming strike to clear the hit safely.
SpaceJumpDodgeWhen the QTE requests SpaceExecutes a jump dodge response.Press Space when prompted for Jump. Treat Space strictly as an evasive vertical reaction rather than forward movement or an attack.

Forgotten Stories QTE: Fix Missed Inputs

Learning the Ropes and Defensive QTE Timing

Forgotten Stories controls depend on both the requested key and your timing. Defensive timing in Forgotten Stories depends on learning individual enemy attack animations rather than pressing keys the split second an indicator flashes. To give yourself more preparation time, you can adjust the indicator anticipation setting to 300ms in your game options. This displays incoming QTE keys earlier on screen so you can recognize the required input ahead of time, while traits such as Learning the Ropes provide valuable timing cues during combat.

  1. Notice the cue

    Read the incoming direction or F prompt.

  2. Follow the attack timing

    The cue can appear ahead of the required input.

  3. Press and check the result

    Use the displayed key, then compare the feedback.

What happened?Check next
A direction appeared, but you pressed another keyMatch A / S / D / Space to the prompt. F is Block / Parry.
You pressed as soon as the warning appearedSeparate advance warning from the required input. Try the 300ms indicator setting, then compare the same kind of attack.
Timing guidance is missingCheck whether Learning the Ropes is enabled.
The move has no dodge or parry indicatorSome pure debuff moves cannot be dodged or parried. Blocking can reduce a multi-stack debuff application by one stack.

Rapier QTE: Targets, Critical Hits and Misses

RapierClick to enlarge
Rapier

The Rapier is a light one-handed starter weapon that rewards evasive defense, granting the Duelist Dance buff (+0.4 Speed) after every 3 successful dodges. This extra Speed can push your character past turn thresholds to gain bonus actions in team combat.

Watch how Puncture resolves, then track the onscreen targets cleanly to complete the attack sequence and confirm your critical hit.

Build around your Rapier →
MoveCostCooldownCritical effect
Puncture2 EnergyNot listedBleed +2.
Needle Flurry6 Energy2 turnsNot listed

Greataxe QTE: Check the Whole Target

GreataxeClick to enlarge
Greataxe

For the Greataxe QTE, check the whole chopping target before finishing your input. A small missed area is easy to overlook when you are focused on the largest part.

Watch how the chop animation resolves, then line up your input with the full chopping target displayed on screen to complete the strike.

Compare Greataxe stats →
MoveCostCooldownCritical effect
Cleave4 EnergyNot listedBleed +2 and Vulnerable +2.
Sharp Sweep6 Energy3 turnsBleed +2.
Community Video Walkthrough

Watch Forgotten Stories combat controls in action

Follow how players select actions during their turn and transition into defensive reactions when enemies strike back.

What you should do in Forgotten Stories thumbnail
By steeb4:33
Beginner route

What you should do in Forgotten Stories

This community showcase demonstrates the rhythm of combat encounters in Forgotten Stories. Follow along as the player chooses skills and spells on their turn, then watch how incoming enemy telegraphs cue up defensive responses.

What this video helps with

  • Observe how offensive turn choices—such as selecting spells or weapon skills—flow directly into defending against enemy attacks.
  • Follow the opponent's attack animations to see how distinct enemy windups lead directly into defensive prompt reactions.
FAQ

Forgotten Stories controls FAQ

Find answers about Forgotten Stories QTE keys, blocking, parrying, dodging, and mouse-and-keyboard support.

What does F do in Forgotten Stories?↓

Pressing F triggers your character's Block or Parry action during enemy attack turns. Parrying incoming strikes mitigates damage and can generate Counter stacks when equipped with defensive offhands like the Parrying Dagger (which builds 1 Counter stack per 5 successful parries). On multi-stack debuff attacks that cannot be avoided, a successful block reduces incoming status accumulation by 1 stack.

Which keys are used for dodge QTEs?↓

Dodge QTEs utilize four dedicated inputs: A for Left, S for Down, D for Right, and Space for Jump. When an enemy attacks, pay attention to the specific key shown on screen and time your press with the strike rather than guessing an evasion direction beforehand.

Can I play Forgotten Stories on mobile or with a controller?↓

Forgotten Stories currently requires a mouse and keyboard to play, including for console users. Direct controller support and mobile touchscreen controls are not supported, so you will need a keyboard and mouse connected to play.

Do different Inheritances affect my QTE timings?↓

Inheritances can change how you handle defensive QTEs. The Brawler starts with Bruiser Bands, which reduce Restrain QTEs by 2 required key presses when there are more than 3. That helps you break free; it does not replace learning the F and directional prompts. Check your chosen Inheritance’s gear and passives when planning your defense.