The player character
An adventurer chosen from several roles, races, alignments, and genders who seeks the Amulet of Yendor.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
hjkl | Move left, down, up, or right Standard vi-style movement. |
|---|---|
yubn | Move diagonally Moves northwest, northeast, southwest, or southeast. |
. | Wait one turn Useful for passing time without moving. |
s | Search nearby squares Searches for hidden doors, passages, and traps. |
i | Open inventory Displays carried items. |
e | Eat Consumes edible food or another suitable item. |
o | Open a door Used while standing next to a door. |
c | Close a door Used while standing next to an open door. |
? | Open help Displays command information. |
Control notes
NetHack uses keyboard commands rather than a standardized gamepad layout.
Exact prompts and available commands can vary by game situation and version.
How it plays
How does NetHack play?
The game uses a character-based, top-down dungeon view. You move one square at a time, explore connected levels, fight monsters, collect and identify equipment, and decide when to rest, search, eat, pray, or retreat.
Each run begins with a chosen role, race, alignment, and gender. Dungeon layouts, objects, and many encounters are randomized. Progress depends on improving attributes and equipment while managing hunger, hit points, status effects, carrying capacity, and limited resources. Death normally ends the run permanently.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play NetHack?
Treat every unidentified object cautiously. Test equipment in safe circumstances, keep backup food and useful escape items, and avoid fighting when retreat is safer.
Learn the command system and use search frequently around suspicious walls, doors, traps, and corridors. Protect valuable resources for deeper levels, keep resistances and status effects in mind, and do not assume that a promising item is safe merely because it looks helpful.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
The Wizard of Yendor
The principal supernatural adversary who pursues the Amulet and interferes with the dungeon journey.
The Oracle
A named dungeon character who can provide cryptic advice, usually in exchange for payment.
Death
One of the powerful riders encountered near the end of the dungeon.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Read the in-game help and identify commands before beginning a serious run.
- 2
Use safe areas to test unknown equipment and preserve reliable escape options.
- 3
Permanent death makes information from failed runs part of normal progression.
Community discussion
What are players saying? 0