How To Use External Game Controllers With Steam Games

Using external game controllers with Steam games has become increasingly straightforward, thanks to Steam's robust support for various controller types. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you set up and use any controller with your Steam games.

Connecting Your Controller

Before you start, ensure your controller is connected to your PC. Here are the steps for different types of controllers:

• Wired Controllers: Simply plug the controller into a USB port on your computer.
• Wireless Controllers: For controllers like the Xbox One Elite or PlayStation 5, use a USB dongle or Bluetooth. To connect via Bluetooth, go to your Windows settings, navigate to "Bluetooth and devices," and add your controller as a Bluetooth device. For example, on a PlayStation 5 controller, press the sharing button and the PlayStation button simultaneously to enter pairing mode.

Enabling Controller Support in Steam

1. Open Steam: Launch the Steam client on your computer.
2. Access Settings: Click on "Steam" in the top-left corner and select "Settings" from the dropdown menu.
3. Navigate to Controller Settings: In the settings window, select "Controller" from the left menu.
4. Enable Your Controller: In the "Controller" tab, click on "General Controller Settings." Here, you will see options to enable support for your specific controller type. Check the box corresponding to your controller (e.g., Xbox, PlayStation, Switch, or generic gamepad).
5. Additional Settings: For PlayStation and Switch controllers, you may need to enable "Configuration Support" to map these controllers as Xinput/Xbox controllers, which can be necessary for some games.

Configuring Controller Settings for a Game

1. Open Your Steam Library: Navigate to your Steam library.
2. Select the Game: Right-click on the game you want to play with the controller and select "Properties".
3. Access Controller Options: In the game properties window, select the "Controller" section on the left.
4. Enable Steam Input: From the dropdown menu, select "Enable Steam Input" to use your controller with the game. If it doesn't enable immediately, you may need to close and reopen Steam.
5. Customize Controller Layout: You can customize your controller’s layout by clicking on the "Controller Configuration" button. Here, you can choose from various pre-made configurations or create your own.

Advanced Settings and Calibration

• Calibration: You can calibrate your controller by accessing the advanced settings. This allows you to adjust dead zones for your joysticks, gyro settings, and other output settings like LED lights.
• Big Picture Mode: For a more immersive experience, you can use Steam's Big Picture mode. Access this by clicking the icon to the right of your username at the top right of the Steam client. In Big Picture mode, you can manage game settings and test your controller inputs.

Troubleshooting and Additional Tips

• Restarting Steam: After making changes to your controller settings, it's a good idea to restart Steam to ensure the settings are saved.
• Checking for Updates: Ensure your controller drivers are up to date. For example, if you're using an Xbox controller, you can download additional drivers from the Steam settings.
• Custom Layouts: Take advantage of community-created controller layouts available in the Steam community. These can be accessed through the "Controller Configuration" window.

By following these steps, you can seamlessly integrate any external game controller with your Steam games, enhancing your gaming experience with customizable controls and support for a wide range of controllers.