Controller problems are among the most frequently reported issues in Crimson Desert, particularly among PC players using Xbox or PlayStation controllers. The game supports both Xbox and DualSense controllers natively, but several bugs and configuration conflicts can prevent them from working correctly.
The most common issues players encounter include:
- Controller disconnects randomly - The controller loses connection mid-game, often during combat or fast travel loading screens
- Input lag - There is a noticeable delay between pressing a button and the action registering on screen
- Button mapping errors - Buttons perform the wrong actions, or the on-screen prompts show keyboard keys instead of controller buttons
- Controller works in menus but not in combat - Inputs register when navigating menus but stop responding during actual gameplay
- DualSense not detected - The PS5 controller is not recognized by the game at all on PC
Most of these issues stem from driver conflicts, Steam Input configuration problems, or frame-rate related bugs. The good news is that nearly all of them can be resolved with the fixes outlined in the following sections. Start with the fix that matches your specific controller model, as Xbox and DualSense require different approaches.
Common Controller Issues
Controller problems are among the most frequently reported issues in Crimson Desert, particularly among PC players using Xbox or PlayStation controllers. The game supports both Xbox and DualSense controllers natively, but several bugs and configuration conflicts can prevent them from working correctly.
The most common issues players encounter include:
- Controller disconnects randomly - The controller loses connection mid-game, often during combat or fast travel loading screens
- Input lag - There is a noticeable delay between pressing a button and the action registering on screen
- Button mapping errors - Buttons perform the wrong actions, or the on-screen prompts show keyboard keys instead of controller buttons
- Controller works in menus but not in combat - Inputs register when navigating menus but stop responding during actual gameplay
- DualSense not detected - The PS5 controller is not recognized by the game at all on PC
Most of these issues stem from driver conflicts, Steam Input configuration problems, or frame-rate related bugs. The good news is that nearly all of them can be resolved with the fixes outlined in the following sections. Start with the fix that matches your specific controller model, as Xbox and DualSense require different approaches.
Xbox Controller Fixes
The Xbox controller is the most commonly used gamepad for Crimson Desert on PC, and most issues can be resolved through a combination of Bluetooth resets, firmware updates, and connection method changes.
Fix 1: Bluetooth Reset. If your Xbox controller keeps disconnecting, the most likely cause is Bluetooth interference. Go to Windows Settings > Bluetooth and devices, remove the controller from your paired devices list, then hold the pairing button on the controller for 10 seconds to reset its Bluetooth module. Re-pair the controller and test the connection.
Fix 2: Firmware Update. Outdated firmware can cause connectivity issues and input lag. Download the Xbox Accessories app from the Microsoft Store, connect your controller via USB cable, and check for firmware updates. Install any available updates and restart your PC.
Fix 3: Use a Wired Connection. If wireless issues persist, connect the controller directly via USB cable. This eliminates all Bluetooth-related problems and provides the lowest possible input latency. Use a high-quality USB cable that supports data transfer, not just charging.
Fix 4: Disable Other Bluetooth Devices. Multiple Bluetooth devices competing for bandwidth can cause drops. Temporarily disable other Bluetooth peripherals like headphones or speakers to see if the controller stabilizes.
PS5 / DualSense Fixes
The DualSense controller works on PC but requires additional configuration to function properly with Crimson Desert. The game does not natively support DualSense on PC without Steam Input, so you must enable it manually.
Fix 1: Enable Steam Input. Open Steam, go to Settings > Controller, and enable Steam Input. Then right-click Crimson Desert in your library, select Properties > Controller, and set the override to Enable Steam Input. This forces Steam to translate DualSense inputs into a format the game recognizes.
Fix 2: Use ds4windows. If Steam Input does not resolve the issue, download and install ds4windows, a third-party driver that emulates an Xbox controller using your DualSense. Configure the profile to use Xbox 360 emulation, then launch the game. This is the most reliable method for DualSense compatibility.
Fix 3: Update DualSense Drivers. Connect the controller via USB and let Windows install any pending driver updates. You can also check for firmware updates through the PlayStation Accessories app if available on PC.
Fix 4: Disable HID Compliant Game Controller Conflict. Some systems have conflicting HID drivers. Open Device Manager, expand Human Interface Devices, and disable any duplicate game controller entries, leaving only the active one enabled.
Steam Big Picture and Controller Configuration
Steam Big Picture mode provides the most robust controller configuration environment for Crimson Desert. Even if you play in desktop mode, configuring your controller through Big Picture ensures that Steam Input settings are applied globally and consistently.
Step 1: Open Steam and click the controller icon in the top-right corner to enter Big Picture mode.
Step 2: Navigate to Settings > Controller and ensure that controller support is enabled. For Xbox controllers, select Xbox Configuration Support. For DualSense, select PlayStation Configuration Support.
Step 3: Go to your library, select Crimson Desert, and open the Controller Configuration tab. Here you can customize button mappings, adjust deadzones, and set trigger sensitivity. If you are experiencing button mapping errors, load the default gamepad template and then customize from there.
Step 4: If your controller works in menus but not in combat, this is a known frame-rate bug. Try capping your frame rate to 60 FPS in the game graphics settings, as inputs can fail above certain frame rates. You can also try enabling or disabling V-Sync to see which configuration resolves the issue.
Step 5: To reset all controller settings to default, go to Settings > Controls > Reset to Default in the in-game menu. If that does not work, navigate to Documents > Crimson Desert > Config and delete the inputconfig.ini file, then relaunch the game.