diff --git a/shell/gl-draw.sml b/shell/gl-draw.sml
index c3e418b..3e50e3b 100644
--- a/shell/gl-draw.sml
+++ b/shell/gl-draw.sml
@@ -278,6 +278,8 @@ struct
             , jump = CoreKey.KEY_Z
             , attack = CoreKey.KEY_X
             }
+
+      val () = InputState.setControls controls
     in
       helpLoop (shellState, GameType.initial controls)
     end
diff --git a/shell/input-state.sml b/shell/input-state.sml
index 5607e65..88d118e 100644
--- a/shell/input-state.sml
+++ b/shell/input-state.sml
@@ -9,6 +9,8 @@ struct
     , jump = CoreKey.KEY_K
     }
 
+  fun setControls controls = keyMappings := controls
+
   (* global state detecting button inputs *)
   val state =
     { leftHeld = ref false