This guide lists all the game controls in Kirby and the Forgotten Land. Read on to see each type of controls and the useful button settings for playing.

List of Controls

Kirby One Player Type A Controls

Action
Move (Walk/Run)
Jump
Hover	Hold/Tap	Hold/Tap
Attack/Swallow
Drop Ability	Hold	Hold
Use Items
Crouch Guard	/	SL/SR
Dodge	/ +	SL/SR +

Kirby One Player Type B Control

Action
Move (Walk/Run)
Jump
Hover	Hold/Tap	Hold/Tap
Attack/Swallow	Hold	Hold
Drop Ability	Hold	Hold
Use Items
Crouch Guard	/	SL/SR
Dodge	/ +	SL/SR +

Bandana Waddle Dee Type A Controls

Action
Move (Walk/Run)
Jump
Hover	Hold
Basic Attack
Targetted Attack	+ (Use your joystick to aim)
Hovering Attack	Hold
Crouch Guard	SL/SR

Bandana Waddle Dee Type B Controls

Action
Move (Walk/Run)
Jump
Hover	Hold
Basic Attack
Targetted Attack	+ (Use your joystick to aim)
Hovering Attack	Hold
Crouch Guard	SL/SR

Useful Controls For Gameplay

Turn On Auto Swallow

Turning on the Auto Swallow in the Control Settings will help you transform and use that ability instantly. It will also prevent you from throwing and destroying your ability accidentally.

Use Guard

Most attacks will not damage you if you Guard, even against bosses. Make it a habit to block the incoming attacks, especially if they are unavoidable, to survive more while taking on the stages.

Slide In and Out

Another control worth mastering is the slide. You can slide away from the attacks quickly or use it to defeat bigger enemies you can't swallow, especially if you currently don't have any abilities. Also, note that you won't be invincible while dashing, so be careful as you will take damage if done wrong!
How to Slide

Dodge Attacks

Learning how to dodge attacks will give you a short time to reposition yourself at a better angle to beat your enemies. It can also activate a slow-motion effect if you dodge attacks at the right time.

How to Dodge

Can Controls Be Changed?

Choose Control Type In-Game

Controls Overview
Type A Controls
Type B Controls

There are two types of controls in the game that you can freely choose from when taking on a stage. To change your controls, go to the options menu by pressing the + button, select the Control Settings, and choose the control type you prefer.

Nintendo Switch Button Mapping

As of April 13, 2020, the Nintendo Switch V10.0.0 system update added the option to change your controller button mapping. You can see more of the update patch notes on Nintendo's official site.

How to Change Button Mapping

Kirby and the Forgotten Land Related Guides

Tips and Tricks