If you’ve spent hours playing open world games on console and recently switched to PC for Genshin Impact, you’ve probably wondered: can i play genshin impact with a controller on pc? The short answer is yes, and it’s way easier to set up than you might think, even if you’re using a third-party controller that isn’t official for Windows. I’ve tested four different controller types with Genshin on my own PC over the last two years, and I’ve broken down everything you need to know to get set up, fix common issues, and decide if controller play is right for your playstyle. You don’t need any fancy technical skills to get it working, either.
Can I Play Genshin Impact With a Controller on PC: Compatible Devices First
Before you start messing with settings, you first want to confirm your controller is supported by Genshin’s native PC build. HoYoverse added broad controller support back in 2021, so most popular modern controllers work right out of the box with no extra software required. Cheaper, no-name controllers might require extra work, but most reputable brands will connect without issues. I’ve listed the most common compatible options below, based on my own testing:
- Xbox Wireless Controllers (Series X/S, One): Native support, no extra setup required if paired via Bluetooth or USB cable. Button prompts automatically switch to Xbox layout when connected.
- PlayStation 4/5 DualSense/DualShock Controllers: Native support added in 2021, you can choose to show PS or Xbox button prompts in in-game settings.
- Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers: Works natively via Bluetooth, though you may need to toggle a setting in Steam if you launch Genshin through the Steam client.
- Third-party controllers (8BitDo, PowerA, Razer): Most work with Genshin as long as they are recognized by Windows first, but some cheaper models may require custom button mapping.
If your controller isn’t on this list, that doesn’t mean it won’t work. You just may need to use a tool like Steam Input to map your buttons manually, which I’ll cover in the next section.
Step-by-Step Setup for Controller Play on PC
Setting up your controller for Genshin takes less than five minutes for most supported devices. First, connect your controller to your PC either via USB cable or Bluetooth, and make sure Windows recognizes it. You can check this by going to your Windows Bluetooth & devices settings to confirm it shows up as a connected input device. Once it’s connected, launch Genshin Impact and wait for the main menu to load.
Open the Paimon menu, click the Settings icon, then navigate to the Controls tab. At the top of the menu, you’ll see a dropdown for Control Type: select Controller instead of Keyboard & Mouse. That’s it for basic setup, you can start playing right away if you’re happy with the default button mapping. You don’t need to install any third-party software like DS4Windows for PS5 controllers anymore, Genshin supports them natively now.
If you want to adjust settings, you can edit button mapping, camera sensitivity, and dead zones right in the same Controls menu. I usually turn the camera sensitivity up 15% when using a controller, because the default is too slow for fast combat against ruin guards or abyss mages. If you’re using a non-supported controller, add Genshin as a non-Steam game to your Steam library, launch it through Steam, and enable Steam Input to create custom button mappings that work with Genshin.
Pros and Cons of Using a Controller vs Keyboard for Genshin Impact
Controller play isn’t for every Genshin player, so it’s worth weighing the pros and cons before you commit to switching permanently. The biggest advantage of using a controller is comfort: it’s way easier to lean back and explore Sumeru’s rainforests or Liyue’s mountains for hours without getting hand cramp, compared to hunching over a keyboard. Movement and camera control feel much more intuitive with a joystick, especially when you’re climbing, gliding, or swimming around the map.
Controller play is especially good for players who focus on exploration, story quests, and casual co-op, since you don’t need super fast reaction times for that content. It’s also a great option if you play Genshin on both console and PC, since you don’t have to learn two different control schemes. But there are downsides too, especially if you’re a more competitive player.
The biggest downside is that fast character swaps and skill rotations are much harder on controller, especially if you’re trying to hit 36 stars in the Spiral Abyss. You can map swap shortcuts to the back paddles if you have a premium controller, but most casual controllers only have the standard face buttons and bumpers. Bow characters like Ganyu or Tighnari also feel harder to aim with on controller, though the built-in aim assist helps a lot for overworld content. I switch between controller and keyboard depending on what I’m doing: I use controller for hangout events and exploration, and switch to keyboard when I’m farming the Abyss or timed event challenges.
Common Controller Issues on PC and How to Fix Them
Most of the time, controller setup works perfectly on the first try, but there are a few common issues that pop up for some users. The most frequent problem is Genshin not recognizing your controller at all. The fix for this is almost always to restart Genshin with your controller already connected, and make sure it’s not paired to another device like your PlayStation or Xbox console at the same time. If it still doesn’t work, try plugging it into a different USB port if you’re using a wired connection.
Another common issue is wrong button prompts: if you’re using a PS5 controller and seeing Xbox button icons, you can fix this by going to Settings > Controls > Controller Button Icon Type, and selecting the PlayStation option. Never run multiple controller mapping tools at the same time, that can cause input lag or conflicting button presses that make your controller feel unresponsive.
If you notice noticeable input lag when pressing buttons, try connecting your controller via USB instead of Bluetooth, or turn off other Bluetooth devices near your PC that might be causing interference. If your bow aim feels too slow or jittery, adjust the Aim Sensitivity slider in the controller settings menu until it feels right for you. If you’re still having issues with a third-party controller, adding Genshin to Steam as a non-Steam game and enabling Steam Input usually fixes 90% of compatibility problems. I’ve used this trick for two different budget 8BitDo controllers that wouldn’t work natively, and it worked perfectly both times.
At the end of the day, the answer to can i play genshin impact with a controller on pc is a resounding yes, and it’s a great option for almost all types of players. You don’t have to stick to one input method either, you can switch between controller and keyboard anytime you want depending on what content you’re playing. Spend an hour or two testing controller play for exploration and casual combat, and you might be surprised at how much more relaxed your Genshin sessions feel. If you’re still running into issues after following the steps above, try searching for your specific controller model + Genshin PC setup for model-specific fixes.