Dark Souls 3 Not Detecting Controller

Considering the differences in preferences, it’s natural for gamers nowadays to be at odds about the best way to play Dark Souls III on computers. While many PC gamers rely on the good-old keyboard/mouse combo, others opt to use console controllers to manipulate the Ashen One in his adventure. Compared to a keyboard and mouse, controllers usually allow gamers to execute actions more effectively and efficiently. Still, the use of controllers for PC gaming is not free of frustration and Dark Souls 3 not detecting controller is a prime example. 

What Must Be Done

Update PC

Unable to recall the last time you updated your Windows computer? Then there is a good chance that your operating system is out of date. Obsolete versions of Windows tend to have a hard time supporting external devices such as controllers. Hence, once it comes to Dark Souls 3 not detecting controller, you should consider updating your PC. 

• Step 1: Open the Start menu and hit the gear icon to open Settings.
• Step 2:  Scroll down till you see Update and Security, select it and choose Check for updates.
• Step 3: If an update is available, allow Windows to download and install it.

Disable Controllers In Human Interface Device (HID) 

• Step 1: Connect your controller to your computer via Bluetooth or USB port.
• Step 2: Go to the Search bar, type in Device Manager and select it when you see it.
• Step 3: Scroll down to Human Interface Devices then expand it
• Step 4: Proceed to right-click “HID-compliant game controller” then pick Disable 
• Step 5: Close Device Manager, launch Dark Souls III and see how things turn out. 

Apply Changes To Steam Settings 

You play Dark Souls 3 on Steam? In that case, if you notice Dark Souls 3 not detecting controller, you should change the Steam settings. 

• Step 1: Ensure that your PS4 or Xbox controller is connected to the PC.
• Step 2: Launch Steam in Big Picture mode, go to Options and pick Controller Settings
• Step 3: If you use a PS4 controller, enable PS4 Configuration Support. If you use an Xbox controller, enable Xbox Configuration Support. Soon, your controller would show up under Detected Controller. 
• Step 4: Go to your Library, choose Dark Souls III and select Manage Game 
• Step 5: Pick Controller Configuration then calibrate and adjust your controller settings to your liking. 

Make Use Of Third-Party Applications

• Step 1: Open your web browser, go to ds4windows.com then download and install the app.
• Step 2: After you finish, launch the app and go to Settings.
• Step 3: Check the Hide DS4 Controller option.
• Step 4: Open your browser, download and install Input Mapper from inputmapper.com (inputmapper.com/downloads/download/5-tools/63-duleshock-exclusive-mode-tool_
• Step 5: Launch the app then allow it to run and connect your gamepad. Lastly, exit Input Mapper, launch Dark Souls III and determine whether the issue persists. 

Tips And Tricks

• Always ensure that when calibrating your gamepad, you do it from the Controller Configuration (the first option you see when you select Dark Souls III > Manage Game. By doing so, you could ensure your adjustments don’t hit every other game you have (which will happen if you make the changes through Steam Controller Settings). 
• If you’re using a PS4 or Xbox controller to play Dark Souls III, ensure you launch your Steam app with the Big Picture mode. That mode is designed to provide a console-like experience so it optimizes the odds of your controllers being recognized by Steam and Dark Souls III.
• You should also take a look at the requirements (minimum and recommended specs) as you look for games to play. If your computer cannot meet the requirements of a game but you still play it, you’ll likely run into issues.
• Both AMD and NVIDIA have custom drivers tailor-made for Dark Souls III. If your PC uses GPUs from these brands, you should get the custom drivers for an optimal game experience. 
• If you find that your Dark Souls III game is choppy or lagging, you might want to take a look at the in-game graphics settings. To do that, follow the steps below:
  • Step 1: Go to System and select Graphics
  • Step 2: Click on Advanced Settings
  • Step 3: Here, you’ll find a number of graphics settings that you can tweak until the game performance fits your tastes.
• The game stutters as you use the analog sticks of your Xbox controller? In that case, Windows must be updating the drivers of your controller. To put an end to the stuttering, go through the steps down below: 

• • Step 1: Go to Windows Search and type in Device Manager
  • Step 2: Navigate to Xbox Peripherals and select Xbox Controller
  • Step 3: Click on Update driver software and choose the Browse computer for driver software option
  • Step 4: Choose Let me select from a list of device drivers on my computer
  • Step 5: Roll back the driver update. 

• If you use a Razer controller to play Dark Souls III on PC and you cannot get it to work, there is something you should do: 

• • Step 1: Go to your Windows Search, type Devices and Printers and hit Enter.
  • Step 2: If you see more than one game controller icon in the list of devices, single out the Razer controller you’re using then get rid of the rest. Lastly, relaunch Dark Souls III and play it like normal.