For many gamers, the keyboard and mouse remain the quintessential tools for precision and control, especially in competitive settings. However, there are moments when the allure of a gamepad becomes irresistible, particularly when indulging in platformers on a large screen from the comfort of a couch. The experience can be reminiscent of console gaming, seamlessly blending the best of both worlds.
Despite the convenience that controllers offer, users often encounter challenges with compatibility and functionality. A common hurdle is ensuring that the controller is properly configured within Steam, which is crucial for a smooth gaming experience. Here’s a straightforward guide to setting up your controller in Steam, ensuring it works flawlessly with your favorite games.
How to set up your controller in Steam
Begin by launching Steam and navigating to the Settings option located in the top left corner of the interface. From there, scroll down to select Controller.
- Under External Gamepad Settings, check the box corresponding to your controller type. For instance, if you’re using an Xbox controller, ensure that Enable Steam Input for Xbox controllers is selected. If you have a generic controller, opt for Enable Steam Input for generic controllers.
Once you’ve made your selections, exit the settings menu and click on Library in the top menu.
Locate the game you wish to play with your controller, right-click on it, and select Properties.
- In the left sidebar, choose Controllers. On the right side of the screen, you will see options such as Use default settings or Disable Steam input. Change this setting to Enable Steam Input.
To finalize the setup, restart your PC to ensure that all settings are properly applied.
With these steps completed, your controller should now function seamlessly with the selected Steam game. Should you wish to use the controller with additional games, simply repeat the process for each title.
Tip: For those looking to fine-tune their gaming experience further, consider calibrating your controller. This option can be found under Calibration and Advanced Settings in the same menu where you selected your controller.
