S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is a highly anticipated 2024 first-person shooter survival horror game by GSC Game World. It marks the return of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series after 15 years, delivering an immersive experience in the treacherous Chornobyl Exclusion Zone. However, some players encounter frustrating controller issues on PC, disrupting their gameplay. This guide provides 15 detailed solutions to get your controller working seamlessly, whether you use an Xbox, PlayStation, or a third-party controller.
Fixes: Stalker 2 Controller Not Working on PC
1. Restart Your PC
Simple yet effective:
- Exit S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 and Steam.
- Restart your PC to clear temporary glitches.
2. Check Controller Connection
Ensure your controller is connected:
- Wired: Check the USB cable and port.
- Wireless: Confirm Bluetooth or dongle functionality.
3. Update Controller Drivers
Outdated drivers cause issues:
- Open Device Manager → Expand Human Interface Devices.
- Right-click your controller → Update Driver → Search automatically for drivers.
4. Enable Controller Support in Steam
Ensure Steam recognizes your controller:
- Go to Steam Settings → Controller → General Controller Settings.
- Enable support for your specific controller type (Xbox/PlayStation/Generic).
5. Press Alt + Enter
If the controller disconnects mid-game, toggling between full-screen and windowed mode (Alt + Enter) can refresh connections.
6. Use Steam Big Picture Mode
Launching via Big Picture Mode resolves various issues:
- Open Steam → View → Big Picture Mode.
- Navigate to your Library → Launch S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2.
7. Disable Other Input Devices
Conflicts arise with multiple devices. Disconnect any:
- Flight sticks
- Extra controllers
- Special gaming peripherals
8. Launch in Windowed Mode via Config File
Edit the Config.ini:
- Go to Documents → Stalker 2 folder.
- Open Config.ini → Change [window] mode to yes.
9. Enable Steam Overlay
Sometimes, this helps:
- In Steam, right-click Stalker 2 → Properties → General.
- Check Enable Steam Overlay.
10. Adjust Steam Controller Settings
Ensure the correct configuration:
- Steam Settings → Controller → General Controller Settings.
- Match your controller’s support type.
11. Set Game to High Performance Mode
Optimize performance:
- Open Graphics Settings → Add Stalker 2.exe.
- Set to High Performance.
12. Uncheck Controller Settings in Steam
Sometimes, disabling helps:
- Go to Steam Settings → Controller.
- Uncheck all support options.
13. Toggle Steam Input
- Steam Library → Right-click Stalker 2 → Properties.
- Change Steam Input settings (try enabling/disabling).
14. Check In-Game Settings
Ensure Controller Input is enabled:
- Open S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 → Settings → Controls.
15. Use DS4Windows (PlayStation Controllers)
For better compatibility:
- Download and install DS4Windows.
- Enable Hide DS4 Controller.
16. Try a Wired Connection
Bluetooth issues? Use a stable wired connection.
Here are some additional solutions to further enhance the guide:
17. Update Game and Steam
Ensure both S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 and Steam are up-to-date:
- In Steam, go to Library → Right-click Stalker 2 → Properties → Updates.
- Check for Steam Client updates under Steam > Check for Steam Client Updates.
18. Check Power Management Settings
Windows may disable USB devices to save power:
- Open Device Manager → Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
- Right-click each USB Root Hub → Properties → Power Management tab.
- Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.
19. Update Windows
Make sure your OS is up-to-date:
- Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
- Click Check for updates and install any pending updates.
20. Check for Background Apps
Some software can interfere with your controller:
- Close background apps like game launchers, keyboard utilities, or overlay software.
21. Use Third-Party Tools for Third-Party Controllers
If you’re using a generic gamepad, consider tools like:
- X360CE: Emulates an Xbox controller.
- InputMapper: Great for customizing inputs.
These solutions should resolve controller issues in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2. If problems persist, consider reaching out to the game’s support team. Enjoy navigating the dangerous Chornobyl Exclusion Zone!
