Marvel Rivals is an action-packed team-based PVP shooter set in the Marvel Universe, developed by Marvel Games and NetEase Games. Since its release on December 6, 2024, for PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S, the game has captivated players with its roster of 35 iconic Marvel characters. However, some PC players have reported issues with their controllers not working properly while playing the game. Whether you’re using Steam or Epic Games, the problem can stem from incorrect settings, driver conflicts, or compatibility issues.
This guide provides effective solutions to help you fix controller issues and get back to the action smoothly.
Page Contents
- 1. Check Controller Compatibility
- 2. Enable Controller Support in Steam
- 3. Check Epic Games Controller Settings
- 4. Disable Steam Input
- 5. Update Controller Drivers
- 6. Configure Controller in Big Picture Mode (Steam)
- 7. Disable Other Peripherals
- 8. Turn Off Third-Party Overlays
- 9. Use DS4Windows for PlayStation Controllers
- 10. Try a Wired Connection
- 11. Reinstall the Game
- Conclusion
1. Check Controller Compatibility
Before diving into more advanced fixes, ensure your controller is compatible with the game and your PC. Marvel Rivals generally supports Xbox, PlayStation, and most generic gamepads. Follow these steps to ensure everything is connected properly:
- For wired controllers, check if the USB cable is securely plugged into your PC.
- For wireless controllers, make sure they are properly paired via Bluetooth.
- Verify that the controller is detected by Windows by opening Settings > Devices and checking for your connected controller.
2. Enable Controller Support in Steam
If you’re using Steam, it’s important to enable controller support in the platform’s settings:
- Open Steam and click on Steam in the top-left corner.
- Navigate to Settings > Controller > General Controller Settings.
- Enable support for your specific controller:
- Xbox Configuration Support for Xbox controllers.
- PlayStation Configuration Support for PlayStation controllers.
- Generic Gamepad Configuration Support for other controllers.
- Restart Steam and launch Marvel Rivals to check if the controller works.
3. Check Epic Games Controller Settings
Unlike Steam, Epic Games does not have built-in controller settings. Instead, you can use third-party tools to enable controller support:
- For PlayStation controllers, install DS4Windows to map your controller.
- For Xbox controllers, use the Xbox Accessories App to check for firmware updates or configuration options.
Make sure your controller is configured correctly before launching the game
4. Disable Steam Input
Sometimes, Steam Input can interfere with controller detection. You can disable it for Marvel Rivals by following these steps:
- Open Steam and go to your Library.
- Right-click Marvel Rivals and select Properties.
- Click on the Controller tab.
- Set Override for Marvel Rivals to Disable Steam Input.
- Relaunch the game and check if the controller is now recognized.
5. Update Controller Drivers
Outdated or missing drivers can cause your controller to stop working:
- Open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start menu and selecting Device Manager.
- Expand Human Interface Devices or Xbox Peripherals.
- Right-click your controller and select Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for drivers to let Windows find the latest updates.
- After updating, restart your PC and relaunch Marvel Rivals.
For PlayStation and Xbox controllers, make sure the latest firmware updates are installed using the appropriate apps (DS4Windows or Xbox Accessories App).
6. Configure Controller in Big Picture Mode (Steam)
Steam’s Big Picture Mode offers enhanced controller configuration options:
- Open Steam and click View in the top-left corner.
- Select Big Picture Mode.
- Navigate to your Library and launch Marvel Rivals.
- Check if the controller is now recognized and working properly.
7. Disable Other Peripherals
Other connected input devices, such as additional controllers, joysticks, or steering wheels, can cause conflicts:
- Disconnect all unnecessary peripherals.
- Restart your PC and reconnect only the controller you intend to use.
- Launch the game and check if the issue persists
8. Turn Off Third-Party Overlays
Third-party overlays from apps like Discord, Nvidia GeForce Experience, or Xbox Game Bar can interfere with controller functionality:
- Discord:
- Open Discord and go to Settings > Overlay.
- Toggle off Enable In-Game Overlay.
- Nvidia GeForce Experience:
- Open GeForce Experience.
- Go to Settings and disable the In-Game Overlay.
Disabling these overlays can help improve controller detection and reduce input delays
9. Use DS4Windows for PlayStation Controllers
If you’re using a PlayStation controller, DS4Windows is a must-have tool:
- Download and install DS4Windows from the official website.
- Connect your PlayStation controller to your PC via Bluetooth or USB.
- Configure the controller settings in DS4Windows.
- Launch Marvel Rivals and test the controller.
10. Try a Wired Connection
Wireless connections can sometimes cause input delays or failed connections:
- Use a USB cable to connect your controller directly to your PC.
- Restart the game and see if the controller works with the wired connection.
11. Reinstall the Game
If none of the above solutions work, consider reinstalling Marvel Rivals. Corrupted game files can sometimes cause issues that affect controller detection:
- Uninstall Marvel Rivals from Steam or Epic Games.
- Reinstall the game and ensure all updates are applied.
- Launch the game and check if the controller works.
Conclusion
By following these steps, you should be able to resolve any controller issues you’re experiencing in Marvel Rivals on Steam or Epic Games. Whether it’s a configuration issue, outdated drivers, or a conflicting peripheral, these solutions cover all the common problems players encounter. If the issue persists, consider reaching out to Marvel Rivals Support for further assistance.
Happy gaming! Let us know in the comments if you found this guide helpful or if you have any additional questions!