Subterra Guide: Basic controls
About
OverviewSubterra is a 2.5-dimensional mining RPG with a procedurally generated underground world. You dig through increasingly hostile layers, upgrade your pickaxe, craft weapons, and build your character with Ability Cards.
What is on this page
Contents
Basic controls
Check
Everything in Subterra runs through four keys and your mouse. Open your inventory early to see what you're carrying and what you have equipped.
- Left mouse button mines ore blocks around you
- E opens your inventory to check items and gear
- F blocks or parries an incoming attack
- C interacts with nearby players or objects
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Getting started: the mining loop
Step
The core cycle of Subterra never really stops. Mine, gather, upgrade, descend.
- Mine nearby ore use the left mouse button on any ore block you can reach
- Check your inventory press E to see what you have collected
- Sell or craft turn gathered ore into currency or crafted items
- Upgrade your pickaxe a stronger pickaxe opens harder ore in deeper layers
- Descend move down to the next layer and repeat the whole cycle
Ability Cards and character builds
Tips
Instead of a fixed level-up path, Subterra lets you customise your character through Ability Cards.
- Collect Ability Cards as you progress and experiment with different combinations
- Craft weapons that help you defeat monsters
- Obtain rare recipes of weapons and potions
Combat and parrying
TipsEnemies grow more hostile the further down you go. Press F to block or parry incoming attacks.
- Use F to block or parry an incoming attack
- Craft weapons from recipes you find to defeat monsters
- Collect potion recipes and keep healing items on hand
Layers and what to expect in each
Summary
Subterra's world is split into layers that grow more hostile the deeper you go. Two named layers have their own earned milestones, and the world also contains wormholes.
- Darkstone Layer descend into it as you progress deeper
- Permafrost Layer a zone deeper still; home to the Ice Golem, a boss that drops the Heart of the Frost
- Wormholes portals scattered through the depths that transport you to a different part of the world
Boss preparation checklist
Check
Yrsa of the Sunken Seas is one confirmed boss waiting in the depths. The Ice Golem in the Permafrost Layer is another.
- Your weapon is crafted from recipes you own
- You have healing potions in your inventory
- You have your Ability Cards equipped
Notable things to craft and collect
TipsBeyond standard ore and weapons, Subterra rewards players who hunt specific items and complete specific actions.
- Craft and consume a Golden Heart when you have the materials
- After defeating the Ice Golem in the Permafrost Layer, collect the Heart of the Frost and consume it
- Treasure chests are scattered through the layers; open them as you find them
- Stalactites can be used to defeat a monster or a player
Redeem codes
SummaryAs of October 13, 2026, eight working codes were tracked for Subterra. Redeem them as soon as possible since codes can expire with updates.
- Codes found in the live section on this page
- Expiry codes can stop working after a game update with no warning
25KMEMBERS
100KMEMBERS
420 chrono shards, ten wormhole potions, and ten return by death potions
FEATURED
32 TNT blocks and one hour of double experience
UPDATE
Glossary
Glossary- Pickaxe
- Your primary mining tool; upgrading it lets you break harder ore blocks and access deeper layers.
- Layer
- A horizontal zone of the underground world — enemies and ore both get tougher the deeper the layer.
- Ability Card
- A card that grants your character a specific ability or stat boost; combining several cards shapes your overall build.
- Parry
- Pressing F at the right moment to block an incoming attack.
- Recipe
- A blueprint for crafting a weapon or potion.
- Wormhole
- A portal found in the depths that transports you to a different part of the procedurally generated world.
- Procedurally generated
- The world layout is created by the game's algorithm, producing an underground world.
Common questions
FAQI keep dying to monsters — what should I do?
Make sure your weapon is crafted from recipes you own, and carry healing potions into every fight. Use F to block or parry incoming attacks.
My inventory is full — what should I sell or keep?
Sell ore you have collected and weapons you have replaced with stronger crafted ones. Hold onto rare recipes and consumables like potions.
How do I reach the Permafrost Layer?
You need to descend through the Darkstone Layer first, then continue descending until the Permafrost Layer opens up.
Game updates can change what is on this page. If you spot something, get in touch and let us know.
