Blocks can be moved around and used in the solution of some of the puzzles. Press 'Circle' and move Ico in the desired direction to push or pull a block in that direction. If a block is against a wall or in a corner and movable, it can be pulled away. Blocks can also be manipulated while they're in water but are subject to the movement of the water currents.

Bombs can be used to destroy certain elements in the game. Push the 'Circle' button to have Ico pick up a bomb. Use the directional buttons or the left mini-joystick to move him about and carry it. You'll need to be wielding a staff in order to light the fuse. You can light the staff by pushing the 'Circle' button when the tip of the staff is near a flame. Next position Ico so that the flame at the tip touches the bomb's fuse. The bomb will explode in a few seconds. If Ico needs to pick up the lit bomb, he should obviously do so as soon as possible after it's been lit. The bomb can then be thrown by again pressing the 'Circle' button and moving the left mini-joystick in the direction you want him to throw it. Although it appears quite heavy when he's carrying it, he can actually throw one a good distance! Exploding bombs have no direct affect upon Ico or Yorda.

Chains can be grabbed by jumping (press the 'Triangle' button) toward them facing either forward or backward. Ico can then climb as far up or down as the chain will permit. Chains can be used to climb to a higher area, swing (press the 'Circle' button) to another platform or chain, or trigger a change in the environment. Ico can jump backwards or forwards from one when you press the 'Triangle' button.

Idol Doors block access to areas until certain events have transpired. Ico can not affect them until near the end of the game but Yorda has the power to open them from the start. Yorda merely needs to stand in front of them to cause them to open. Doing so will cause any remaining spirit demons in the area to be immediately dissipated.

Ladders and Pipes are everywhere in the castle and serve the same basic purposes. Ico can climb both, while Princess Yorda can not climb pipes (generally because she can't reach them). Ico can jump backwards off of ladders and pipes when you press the 'Triangle' button. Pipes are for sliding across hand over hand and climbing up or down upon.

Ledges are omnipresent in the game. Ico can use them to his advantage by hanging from some of them and you can use the directional buttons or the left mini-joystick to move him horizontally across them. Ico will drop from ledges when the 'X' button is pressed. He can climb them generally by pressing the 'Up' directional button or pushing the left mini-joystick up. You may first need to press the 'Triangle' button to cause him to jump up to the first ledge.

Levers are usually found installed on a floor, but sometimes attached to walls. They can be operated with the 'Circle' button to open gates or other things.

Pressure switches are found set in floors and on the tops of cylinders. They can open doors by placing a weight of some kind on them (e.g. a block, Ico, and/or Yorda).

Wheels are few and far between in the game. Have Ico grab as far out on the edge as possible, then push and hold 'Circle', and push the appropriate directional button or push the left mini-joystick to move the wheel forward. If the wheel doesn't move, try pushing it in the opposite direction. However the correct direction is given in the walk through for all cases.

Staffs can be used as weapons and to bear a flame for a short period of time, which is useful for lighting torches and bombs, etc. Pick one up by pressing the 'Circle' button. Place the tip of the staff near fire, then once lit, quickly move it to the intended object and light it by pressing the 'Circle' button again.

Stone Couches are the game's save points. Ico and Yorda must sit down together on one in order to do so. This is best accomplished by walking hand in hand to the couch and then having Ico sit down on the left side.

Swords are stronger and more powerful than staffs and can be used as weapons. Their other primary usage is for cutting certain ropes.

The mace is more powerful than the normal sword.