From the main menu, you can turn co-op on or mess around with the settings before starting the game. If playing co-op, you can assign controllers to limbs or even set the assignments to change randomly (via "roulette") whenever a checkpoint is reached. For example, one player may start by controlling an arm and a leg, but this may change so that the same player is controlling both arms after a checkpoint. This is recommended for players seeking a challenge or pure chaos.
The controls of Octodad: Dadliest Catch are intentionally frustrating, as this is where the game's challenges come from; Octodad may have to throw objects, outrun pursuers, or balance on narrow walkways, all while clumsily coordinating his limbs. Try to practice the controls early on, as the game only becomes more challenging as it progresses.
Controls[edit]
Use of a controller is recommended on PC. If playing without a controller, you must use the mouse to control Octodad. With the mouse, 
can be used to switch between control of Octodad's arms and legs. With a controller, rather than switching between arms and legs, the legs can be controlled with a separate button combination.
| PS4/Vita | Xbox One | PC | Wii U | Switch | Action |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 
|
 
|
|
 
|
 
|
Move arms |
 or  
|
 or  
|
 
|
 or  
|
 or  
|
Grab/drop objects |
 + /  +
|
 + /  +
|
|
 + /  +
|
 + /  +
|
Move legs |