Steam Input can make controllers work in games that do not have perfect native controller support. It translates controller inputs into a layout the game understands, lets you remap buttons, and can apply community-made configurations for older or awkward PC games.
Table Of Contents
What Steam Input Does
Steam Input sits between your controller and the game. It can make a DualSense, DualShock 4, Xbox controller, Switch Pro Controller, Steam Controller, or generic gamepad behave like a standard XInput controller, mouse and keyboard, or a custom mix of both. This is useful when a game has no controller support, only partial support, or strange default bindings.
Enable Controller Support in Steam
- Open Steam.
- Go to Settings > Controller.
- Make sure your controller is detected.
- Enable Steam Input support for the controller type you are using if required.
- Connect the controller by USB or Bluetooth before launching the game.
Steam’s controller settings have changed over time, but the important step is confirming that Steam can see the controller before the game starts.
Force Steam Input for One Game
- Open your Steam Library.
- Right-click the game and choose Properties.
- Open the Controller tab.
- Set the override to Enable Steam Input.
- Launch the game from Steam.
This is the best option when one game refuses to recognise a controller or shows the wrong button prompts.
Choose or Create a Layout
With the controller connected, open the game’s controller layout screen from Steam. You can start with an official layout, a template, or a community layout. For games without controller support, choose a keyboard and mouse template, then map movement, camera, actions, menus, and shortcuts to the controller.
Keep the first layout simple. Map only the essentials, test in-game, then add advanced commands such as radial menus, mode shifts, gyro aiming, or touchpad shortcuts later.
Fix Common Problems
If the controller works in Steam but not in the game, make sure the game is launched through Steam and that Steam Input is enabled for that title. If inputs are doubled, the game may be reading both native controller input and Steam Input at the same time. Try disabling Steam Input for games with excellent built-in support, or enable it only when native support fails.
If button prompts look wrong, choose a layout that matches the controller type or switch the game to Xbox-style prompts if available. Many PC games display Xbox prompts even when using a PlayStation controller.
Non-Steam Games
You can add many non-Steam games to your library with Add a Non-Steam Game. Launching them through Steam can apply Steam Input, although compatibility varies. This is useful for older PC games, emulators, and launchers that do not handle modern controllers well.
Best Practice
Use native controller support when a game handles your controller correctly. Use Steam Input when the game ignores the controller, needs remapping, lacks modern gamepad support, or benefits from advanced features. Once configured, Steam Input can make even old keyboard-only games comfortable from the couch.
