Call the play. Read the defense. Take control after the snap.
Coach Mode C adds a new way to play Pocket Dynasty: make the coaching decisions, then move your quarterback, choose your receiver and carry the ball yourself.
Development preview: These features are implemented in our latest development build and are being prepared for a future Steam update. They are not yet included in the current public Steam demo. This post introduces the mode and its default controls ahead of that release.
Three ways to coach
- Coach Mode A — You Call Plays: Choose the calls and watch your team execute.
- Coach Mode B — OC/DC Call Plays: Let your coordinators handle the calls.
- Coach Mode C — You Call Plays & Control Players: Choose the calls and control the action on the field.
Select your mode in the pregame briefing. Classic 2D remains the default view.
From the headset to the field
Move in the pocket, scramble into space or throw to one of five eligible targets. Receiver badges show the current keyboard or controller buttons. Throw directly to a target, or cycle between targets and confirm your pass. Control transfers to the runner after a handoff and to the receiver after a catch; teammates continue their routes and blocking assignments.
Pre-snap audibles offer inside runs, outside runs, quick passes and deep/play-action calls when your current package and personnel support them. The clock keeps running while you choose an audible.
Sprint to attack space, protect the football, or time a stiff arm or spin. Sprinting adds fatigue, and protecting the ball trades speed for security. Player ratings, positioning and contact still decide the outcome—manual control does not guarantee a catch or a broken tackle.
Defense can remain AI-assisted. With a controller, choose a defender before the snap and stay locked to that player until the whistle. Pursue the runner, tackle, or time a jump at the catch point. Optional pass leading and receiver movement provide extra control for players who want it.
Quick-start controls: keyboard / Xbox
Before the snap
- Choose a play: normal keyboard/mouse navigation. With a controller, X opens Package → Play; use the D-pad and A to select.
- Snap after selecting a play: Space / A.
- Open audibles: Q / Y.
Quarterback and passing
- Move: WASD / left stick.
- Throw to receivers 1–5: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 / X, Y, B, LB, RB.
- Cycle selected receiver: [ and ] / D-pad left and right.
- Throw to selected receiver: Space / A.
- Throw away: R / right-stick click. Move outside the tackle box before crossing the line of scrimmage.
- Optional pass leading: arrow keys / right stick.
Running with the ball
- Sprint while carrying: Shift / hold B.
- Protect the ball: Ctrl / LT. A quarterback committed to scrambling can use this to slide.
- Stiff arm: J / A.
- Spin: K / Y.
- Give up or slide: L / X.
Manual defense and help
- Select a defender: controller LB before the snap opens the player picker. Your selection is locked until the play ends. Keyboard Tab retains its existing take-control/switch behavior.
- Tackle: Space / A.
- Controller defense: Y attempts a jump/ball play; hold B to sprint. A tackles.
- Risk tackle: H / RB.
- Controls and options: F1 / View.
- Pause: Escape / Menu.
The new Package → Play picker and locked-defender options are controller-only; keyboard/mouse playcalling keeps its existing flow.
Buttons are contextual: Y opens an audible before the snap, selects a target while passing and performs a spin while carrying the ball. An eligible back receives a target badge; a back staying in protection is unavailable as a passing target.
Learn at your own pace
The Controls panel includes keyboard remapping, optional advanced controls and a practice checklist. Control practice has no career costs or injuries and preserves your saved career match. Career save/resume retains your coaching mode.
This first version of Mode C is for single-player matches and practice. Rivalry multiplayer retains coached play. Controller navigation now stays inside active menus, and A can skip the home-team entrance without activating the screen underneath. Automated input checks are passing; a fresh hands-on Xbox/PlayStation playthrough is still needed.
Controller special teams
Mode C adds a controller-only kick meter for your kickoffs, punts, field goals and extra points: press A to start, A to lock power, then A to lock accuracy at the center of the meter. Specialist ratings and weather still matter.
When your team fields a kickoff or punt, use the left stick to steer the returner and hold B to sprint. Sprinting drains the returner’s burst energy. Before a punt lands, press Y to signal a fair catch. Coverage, blocks, tackles, touchbacks and ball-security outcomes still use the shared football systems. Keyboard/mouse special teams keep their existing flow.
A clearer Classic 2D matchday
The latest development work also includes:
- A wider-looking field, action-following camera and automatic/manual zoom from 75% to 170%.
- Mouse-wheel, keyboard and on-screen zoom controls with a saved viewing preference.
- Updated classic crowd and sideline presentation, fans facing the field and signs that sit naturally in the stands.
- A larger, outlined football with leather shading, curved laces, pass rotation, loose-ball movement and a softer shadow.
- Better separation of pregame mode choices and pre-snap information, plus centered Three Keys to Victory.
Tell us which style you prefer: call every play, trust your coordinators, or take control on the field. Your feedback will help shape Mode C before its Steam rollout.
Wishlist Pocket Dynasty and find the current free demo on the store page.