Troubleshoot Your Elden Ring Controller: 9 Fixes to Get You Back in the Game

Elden Ring, the highly anticipated action RPG from FromSoftware, has captivated gamers around the world with its stunning visuals and challenging gameplay. However, some players may encounter issues with their controllers not working while playing the game.

In this article, we’ll provide step-by-step solutions to help you troubleshoot and fix common issues for Elden Ring. So, let’s dive right in!

And if you’re a fan of action-packed games like the Batman: Arkham series, you might want to check out our blog post on Unraveling the Dark Knight’s Legacy: Batman: Arkham Games in Chronological Release Order.

1. Check Your Connection

Properly connecting your controller to your console or PC is crucial for seamless gameplay. Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide to help you ensure your joystick is connected correctly:

Wired:

• Examine the cable for any visible damage, such as fraying or exposed wires. Damaged cables can cause connectivity issues and may need to be replaced.
• Ensure the cable is securely connected. If the connection feels loose, unplug the cable and reconnect it firmly.
• Connect the other end of the cable to the appropriate port on your console or PC. Make sure the connection is secure and properly aligned with the port.
• Turn on your console or PC and wait for the system to recognize the controller. This may take a few seconds.

Wireless:

• Make sure your it has sufficient battery life. If the battery is low, charge it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Turn on your console or PC, and then power on the controller by pressing the designated button (e.g., the Xbox or PlayStation button).
• Initiate the syncing process by pressing the sync button on both the controller and the console. The location of the sync button varies depending on the controller and console model. Refer to the user manual or the manufacturer’s website for specific instructions.
• Wait for the controller to be recognized by the console or PC. The controller’s LED indicators should display a solid light when properly connected.
• If the controller is still not connecting, try moving closer to the console or removing any objects that may cause interference (e.g., other wireless devices or large metal objects).

If it still isn’t working after trying these steps, proceed to the next troubleshooting method.

2. Update Firmware

Updating your controller’s firmware can resolve compatibility issues and enhance its performance. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide for updating the firmware for both console and PC users:

For Console Users:

• Turn on your console and ensure it is connected to the internet.
• Navigate to the console’s settings or system menu, usually accessible from the home screen or main menu.
• Look for a category related to system updates or firmware updates and select it.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to check for available updates. If an update is available, the console will usually prompt you to download and install it.
• During the update process, the console may also update the firmware automatically. Make sure the controller is connected to the console (either wired or wirelessly) during the update.
• Once the update is complete, restart the console and test the controller with Elden Ring.

For PC Users:

• Identify the make and model of your controller. This information can usually be found on the controller itself or in the user manual.
• Visit the manufacturer’s official website and navigate to the support or downloads section.
• Search for your model and locate any available firmware updates. Download the latest firmware update.
• Connect the controller to your PC using a USB cable, if it is not already connected.
• Open the downloaded firmware update file and follow the on-screen instructions to install the update. This may include putting it in a specific update mode or pressing certain buttons during the process. Make sure to follow the instructions carefully.
• Once the update is complete, disconnect and reconnect it to your PC. You might need to restart your PC.
• Test the controller with Elden Ring to see if the issue is resolved.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your firmware is up-to-date, potentially resolving any issues you may have been experiencing in Elden Ring. If the problem persists after updating the firmware, continue with the next troubleshooting method.

3. Check In-Game Settings:

In some cases, it may not be working in Elden Ring due to incorrect in-game settings. To check and adjust these settings, follow these detailed steps:

• Launch Elden Ring and navigate to the main menu.
• Select “Options” or “Settings” from the main menu to access the game’s settings menu.
• Look for a category related to controls, input devices, or settings, and select it to access the relevant options.
• Within the controller settings, ensure that the game is set to use a gamepad as the primary input device. If it’s set to keyboard/mouse, switch the input device to your specific controller type (e.g., Xbox or PlayStation Controller).
• If the game offers presets or custom configurations, make sure you’re using a preset that matches your controller layout or customize the configuration to suit your preferences.
• Check for any settings related to vibration, trigger sensitivity, or button mapping, and adjust them as needed to ensure optimal functionality.
• Save any changes you made to the settings, and then return to the main menu.
• Resume or start a new game in Elden Ring and test your controller. If the issue persists, move on to the next troubleshooting step in the article.

4. Modify the Steam Input Per-Game Settings

For gamers eagerly awaiting the highly anticipated release of Elden Ring, there’s nothing more frustrating than encountering controller issues that hinder the immersive gaming experience. One common problem that has been reported by players is the “Elden Ring Controller Not Working” dilemma. This issue can occur across various platforms, including Steam, where users are unable to properly configure their controllers to interact with the game.

Fortunately, for those struggling with this predicament, there is a potential solution that may alleviate their controller-related woes. The key lies within the Steam Input Per-Game Setting known as “Force on.” By understanding and utilizing this option effectively, players can overcome the obstacles preventing their controllers from functioning optimally in Elden Ring.

The Steam Input Per-Game Setting, accessed through the Steam client, allows users to customize controller configurations on a per-game basis. It offers a plethora of options and adjustments to ensure seamless integration between a wide range of controllers and the games they are playing. “Force on” is one such setting that can potentially rectify controller compatibility issues within Elden Ring.

Enabling the “Force on” option effectively compels Steam Input to exert control over the game, ensuring that the desired controller inputs are recognized and acted upon accurately. By activating this feature, users can bypass any conflicts or discrepancies that may arise between their controllers and Elden Ring’s input recognition system.

To access the Steam Input Per-Game Settings and enable “Force on” for Elden Ring, follow these simple steps:

1. Launch the Steam client on your computer and navigate to your game library.
2. Locate Elden Ring within your library and right-click on its title.
3. From the dropdown menu, select “Manage” and then “Controller Configuration.”
4. In the Controller Configuration interface, you will find various options and settings.
5. Look for the “Force on” setting and ensure that it is enabled.
6. Save the changes and exit the configuration interface.

Once you have successfully activated the “Force on” option, launch Elden Ring and test your controller to see if the issue has been resolved. With any luck, this adjustment should mitigate any controller-related problems you may have been encountering, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the captivating world of Elden Ring.

Remember that while the “Force on” setting has proven to be effective for many players, individual results may vary. It is also worth noting that the Steam Input Per-Game Settings offer additional customization options that you can explore to further enhance your gaming experience.

5. Restart the Game and System

Occasionally, a simple restart can resolve issues with your Elden Ring joystick not working properly. This section will discuss how to restart both the game and your system to potentially fix the problem.

Restart Elden Ring

If you find that your gamepad isn’t responding while playing Elden Ring, it’s a good idea to close the game and restart it. This can resolve temporary glitches that may be causing the controller to malfunction.

1. Pause the game and navigate to the main menu.
2. Select “Quit Game” or a similar option, depending on your platform.
3. Wait for the game to close completely.
4. Restart Elden Ring and check if it is now working.

Restart Your System

If restarting Elden Ring didn’t resolve the issue, it’s time to reboot your system. This can help eliminate any background processes that may be interfering with the functionality.

For Consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, etc.):

1. Press and hold the power button on your console until it turns off completely.
2. Wait for at least 30 seconds to allow the system to cool down.
3. Turn your console back on by pressing the power button.
4. Launch Elden Ring and test if the joystick is functioning correctly.

For PC:

1. Save any open documents and close all running applications.
2. Click on the Windows Start button and select “Restart” or “Shut down” and then turn on the PC manually.
3. Wait for your PC to boot up completely.
4. Launch Elden Ring and verify if the controller is now working as intended.

If you’ve tried restarting both the game and your system but the issue persists, continue exploring the other fixes provided in this guide to resolve the problem.

6. Reinstall the Driver (PC only)

Reinstalling the driver on your PC can help resolve issues with recognition or functionality. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help you reinstall the driver:

• Close Elden Ring and any other programs that may be using the controller.
• Press the “Windows key + X” on your keyboard to open the “Quick Access” menu, and then click on “Device Manager”. Alternatively, you can search for “Device Manager” in the Windows search bar and open it from the search results.
• In the Device Manager window, expand the “Human Interface Devices” or “Xbox Peripherals” category, depending on your type.
• Look for your joystick in the list of devices. It may be labeled as an “Xbox Controller,” “Wireless Controller,” “HID-compliant game controller,” or something similar.
• Right-click on your controller in the list, and then click on “Uninstall device.” A confirmation prompt will appear. Click “Uninstall” to proceed.
• After the uninstallation is complete, disconnect the controller from your PC.
• Restart your PC to ensure the driver is completely removed.
• Once your PC has restarted, reconnect it to your PC using a USB cable or through a wireless connection.
• Windows should automatically detect and reinstall the appropriate driver. You can verify this by checking the Device Manager again and looking for your controller under the relevant category.
• After the driver is reinstalled, launch Elden Ring and test to see if the issue has been resolved.

If the problem persists after reinstalling the driver, proceed with the next troubleshooting method.

7. Verify Game Files (PC only):

Corrupted or missing game files can cause various issues, including pad problems, in Elden Ring. Verifying the game files can help detect and fix any discrepancies. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide for verifying game files on different platforms:

For Steam Users:

• Open the Steam client on your PC and log in to your account.
• In your Steam library, locate Elden Ring and right-click on the game title.
• Select “Properties” from the context menu to access the game properties window.
• In the properties window, click on the “Local Files” tab.
• Click on the “Verify Integrity of Game Files” button. Steam will then begin checking and verifying the game files. This process may take a few minutes.
• If Steam detects any issues with the game files, it will automatically download and replace the problematic files.
• Once the process is complete, restart Steam and launch Elden Ring to test it.

For Epic Games Store Users:

• Open the Epic Games Launcher on your PC and log in to your account.
• Navigate to your game library and locate Elden Ring.
• Click on the three-dot icon next to the game title, and then select “Verify” from the dropdown menu.
• The Epic Games Launcher will begin verifying the game files, which may take a few minutes.
• If any issues are detected, the launcher will automatically download and replace the necessary files.
• After the verification is complete, launch Elden Ring and test your controller.

By following these steps, you can verify the integrity of Elden Ring’s game files, potentially resolving any issues you may have been experiencing with your controller. If the problem persists after verifying the game files, continue with the next troubleshooting method.

8. Disable Steam’s Configuration (PC Only)

Steam’s configuration settings can sometimes interfere with a game’s controller detection or functionality. Disabling these settings can help resolve issues with your controller in Elden Ring. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide:

• Open the Steam client on your PC and log in to your account.
• In the top-left corner of the Steam client, click on “Steam” and then select “Settings” from the dropdown menu to access the Steam settings menu.
• In the settings menu, click on the “Controller” tab to access the controller-related options.
• Next, click on the “General Controller Settings” button. This will open a new window with various configuration options.
• In the “General Controller Settings” window, locate the box corresponding to your joystick type (e.g., “Xbox Configuration Support,” “PlayStation Configuration Support,” or “Generic Gamepad Configuration Support”) and uncheck it. This disables Steam’s custom configuration settings for your joystick.
• Click on “OK” or “Apply” to save the changes, and then close the settings menu.
• Restart Steam to ensure the changes take effect. You can do this by clicking on “Steam” in the top-left corner of the client, selecting “Exit,” and then relaunching the Steam client.
• Launch Elden Ring through Steam to see if the issue has been resolved.

9. Test the Controller with Other Games

To determine whether the problem is specific to Elden Ring or a more general issue with your controller, it’s helpful to test the controller’s functionality with other games. This will help you identify if the problem is isolated to Elden Ring, which can then guide your troubleshooting efforts accordingly.

Testing on Consoles (PlayStation, Xbox, etc.):

1. Exit Elden Ring and return to your console’s home screen.
2. Launch a different game that you know supports input.
3. Play the game for a few minutes, testing all the buttons and analog sticks to ensure they are functioning properly.
4. If the controller works fine with the other game, the issue is likely specific to Elden Ring. However, if the controller still doesn’t work, it may be a hardware issue or a problem with your console’s settings.

Testing on PC:

1. Close Elden Ring and any other running applications.
2. Open another game that supports input on your PC.
3. Play the game for a few minutes to test the functionality, ensuring all buttons and analog sticks are working correctly.
4. If the controller works without issue in the other game, the problem might be exclusive to Elden Ring. On the other hand, if the still doesn’t function properly, it could be due to hardware issues, drivers, or settings on your PC.

Once you’ve tested your controller with other games, you’ll have a better understanding of the scope of the problem. If the issue seems specific to Elden Ring, continue exploring the other fixes provided in this guide. However, if the problem is more general, you may need to investigate further into compatibility, hardware issues, or settings on your console or PC.

FAQ