Fix DualSense Controller Support Issues in Silksong
Overview of the Problem
Within 24 hours of Silksong’s launch, players began reporting issues with
DualSense controller support, particularly on PC via Steam. While the game offers improved movement physics and refined combat mechanics, controller compatibility—especially with PlayStation’s DualSense—has proven inconsistent. The most common symptoms include:
- The game not recognizing the DualSense controller at all
- Steam defaulting to Xbox button layouts even when DualSense is connected
- Bluetooth mode failing, while USB mode works intermittently
- Inputs registering incorrectly or not at all
These issues affect both standard DualSense controllers and the
DualSense Edge, though the latter is known to have limited support in some games.
Launching in Steam Big Picture Mode
One of the first recommended steps is to launch Silksong in Big Picture Mode, which can help Steam properly detect and configure controller input.
How to do it:
Open Steam and locate the Big Picture Mode icon (usually near the minimize button)Click to launch Big Picture ModeNavigate to your library and start Silksong from within this interfaceTo exit, press Esc, go to Power, and select Exit Big Picture ModeBig Picture Mode often resolves layout mismatches and improves controller detection, especially for non-Xbox devices.
Disconnecting External Input Devices
Sometimes, multiple input devices can interfere with controllerrecognition. If you have other peripherals connected—such as flightsticks, drawing tablets, or additional gamepads—they may conflict withSteam’s input mapping.
Recommended steps:
- Disconnect all external input devices
- Reconnect only the DualSense controller
- Relaunch Steam and the game
This clean setup helps isolate the controller and ensures Steam isn’t confused by multiple input sources.
Toggling Steam Input Settings
Steam offers customizable input settings per game. For Silksong, toggling Steam Input on or off can help resolve detection issues.
How to adjust:
Right-click Silksong in your Steam librarySelect PropertiesGo to the Controller tabUnder “Use default settings,” try toggling between Enable Steam Input and Disable Steam InputLaunch the game after each change to test resultsSome users have found success by disabling Steam Input entirely, allowing the game to detect the controller natively.
Checking Windows Device Recognition
If Steam isn’t the issue, Windows itself may not be recognizing the DualSense controller properly—especially in Bluetooth mode.
Steps to verify:
Open Settings → Bluetooth & Devices → DevicesLook for Wireless Controller in the listRight-click it and select Game Controller SettingsIn the pop-up window, check if inputs are registering correctlyIf not, try the following:- Connect the controller via USB
- Re-pair the controller over Bluetooth
- Restart your PC and try again
Proper recognition at the OS level is essential for Steam and Silksong to register inputs correctly.
Installing Controller Accessories Software
While not always necessary, installing official software can help with driver-level compatibility.
Options include:
- PlayStation Accessories App: Helps configure DualSense controllers and update firmware
- Xbox Accessories App: Useful if you’re switching between Xbox and PlayStation controllers
- DS4Windows: A third-party tool that emulates Xbox input for DualShock/DualSense devices (use with caution)
These tools can help bridge compatibility gaps, especially for games that default to Xbox-style input mapping.
USB vs Bluetooth Mode
Many players have reported that USB mode works, while Bluetooth mode fails to register inputs or causes layout mismatches. If you’re experiencing issues:
- Try switching to a wired connection
- Use a high-quality USB-C cable
- Avoid using USB hubs or extension adapters
Wired mode offers more stable input and is less prone to latency or detection errors.
No Official Fix Yet
As of now, Team Cherry has not released an officialpatch or statement regarding DualSense controller support. The issueappears to be widespread but not universal—some players report fullfunctionality, while others struggle to get basic input recognized.
Given the popularity of DualSense and its advanced features (adaptive triggers, haptic feedback), it’s likely that a future update willaddress these compatibility concerns.
Final Tips
- Restart Steam after making any changes
- Test in other games to confirm controller functionality
- Use Steam’s controller configuration tool to remap buttons if needed
- Monitor community forums for updates and shared fixes
Platform(s): Microsoft Windows PC, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 4 PS4, PlayStation 5 PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S
Developer(s): Team Cherry
Publisher(s): Team Cherry
Release date: 4 September 2025
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