16 Ways to Fix Stalker 2 Controller Not Working on PC

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is a 2024 first-person shooter survival horror game developed and published by GSC Game World. As the fourth main installment in the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series, it marks the franchise’s long-awaited return after 15 years, following the release of Call of Pripyat in 2009. While the game offers a gripping experience, some players have encountered issues with their controllers not working on PC. This can be particularly frustrating for those who prefer the comfort and precision of a controller over a keyboard and mouse setup. Thankfully, these issues can often be resolved with a few tweaks and settings adjustments.

This guide provides 15 detailed solutions to help you fix controller-related problems in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. Whether using an Xbox, PlayStation, or a third-party controller, the methods below cover everything from simple troubleshooting to more advanced fixes. Let’s dive in and get your controller working so you can focus on surviving the challenges of the Zone!

1. Restart Your PC

A simple reboot can clear temporary glitches or cached data causing the problem. Exit Stalker 2 and Steam, then restart your computer. This often resolves minor issues with game performance and controller detection.

2. Check Controller Connection

Ensure your controller is properly connected to your PC. For wired controllers, check the cable and USB port. For wireless controllers, confirm the Bluetooth connection or dongle is working. Restart the connection if necessary.

3. Update Controller Drivers

Outdated or missing drivers can cause your controller to malfunction. Here’s how to update them:

1. Open Device Manager by right-clicking the Start Menu.
2. Expand Human Interface Devices.
3. Right-click your controller and select Update Driver.
4. Choose Search automatically for drivers.

4. Enable Controller Support in Steam

If you’re playing the game via Steam, ensure the platform recognizes your controller:

1. Open Steam and go to Settings.
2. Click Controller > General Controller Settings.
3. Enable support for your controller type (e.g., Xbox, PlayStation, or generic controllers).

5. Press Alt + Enter

If your controller disconnects during gameplay, pressing Alt + Enter will toggle between full-screen and windowed mode. Doing this can sometimes refresh the game and resolve controller issues.

6. Use Steam Big Picture Mode

Launching the game in Steam’s Big Picture Mode can fix various controller-related issues.

• Open Steam and click View in the top-left corner.
• Select Big Picture Mode and click Continue.
• Navigate to your Library and launch Stalker 2. Exit Big Picture Mode afterward and test the controller again.

7. Disable Other Input Devices

Sometimes, multiple input devices can cause conflicts. Disconnect other peripherals like flight sticks, additional controllers, or specialized gaming keyboards.

8. Launch the Game in Windowed Mode via Config File

Sometimes launching Stalker 2 in windowed mode fixes controller issues. To do this:

• Navigate to Documents > Stalker 2 folder.
• Right-click the Config.ini file and open it with Notepad.
• Find the line related to [window] mode and change the setting from “no” to “yes.”
• Save the file and restart the game.

9. Enable Steam Overlay

Enabling Steam Overlay for Stalker 2 might resolve controller detection issues:

• In Steam, go to your Library and right-click on Stalker 2.
• Select Properties > General.
• Check the box for Enable Steam Overlay while in-game.

10. Adjust Steam Controller Settings

Ensure the correct controller configuration is enabled in Steam:

• Open Steam and go to Settings.
• Under Controller, select General Controller Settings.
• Enable the configuration support that matches your controller (e.g., PlayStation, Xbox, or Generic Gamepad).

11. Set Game to High Performance Mode

Sometimes setting the game to high-performance mode helps:

• Open Graphics Settings from the Start Menu.
• Browse to your Steam installation folder and find the Stalker 2.exe file.
• Select High Performance in the options menu and save.

12. Uncheck Controller Settings in Steam

Sometimes disabling controller configuration support in Steam settings fixes the issue:

• Go to Steam Settings > Controller > General Controller Settings.
• Uncheck all controller support options and save changes.
• Restart Steam and try launching the game again.

13. Toggle Steam Input

In Stalker 2’s Steam properties, toggle Steam Input to resolve conflicts:

• Right-click the game in your Steam Library, go to Properties, and select Controller.
• Change Use default settings to Disable Steam Input.
• If it doesn’t work, try enabling Steam Input again and test it.

14. Check In-Game Settings

Ensure that controller input is enabled within the game:

1. Launch S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2.
2. Go to the Settings menu and select Controls.
3. Enable Controller Input or similar options.

16. Try DS4Windows

If you are using a PlayStation controller, DS4Windows can help map it for compatibility:

• Download and install DS4Windows.
• In the DS4Windows settings, enable Hide DS4 Controller.
• Relaunch Stalker 2 and see if the issue is resolved.

16. Try a Wired Controller

If none of the methods work, try using a wired connection instead of Bluetooth. A wired connection can often be more stable and less prone to connectivity issues.

Conclusion

Controller issues in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 can be frustrating, but these straightforward steps often resolve them. This guide covers every possible solution, from checking connections and updating drivers to tweaking in-game settings. If the problem persists, contact the game’s support team for further assistance. Good luck, and enjoy your journey in the Chornobyl Exclusion Zone!