At the moment, those that play Dark Souls 3 on computers could use either keyboard/mouse combos or console controllers. Both choices have unique pros and cons but many PC gamers nowadays stick to controllers for ease of convenience. Still, it’s noteworthy that the process to get console controllers to work with DS3 on computers may get tough at times. Read to the end if you notice your Dark Souls 3 PC PS4 controller not working and could use some help. 

PS4 Controller Won’t Work With Dark Souls 3 On PC: Possibilities 

Windows/Drivers 

Microsoft releases updates for Windows from time to time to fix bugs, refine features and so on. Hence, if you neglect the updates, it’s only natural that you can make the most of your Windows computers. Also, to be thorough, it’s strongly recommended that you take device drivers into account. Drivers help computers communicate with devices, so if drivers act up, devices inevitably go haywire, and the PS4 controller is not an exception.

USB Ports 

Another reason why your PS4 controller might not be working is the USB port it’s using is not in working order. USB ports won’t get damaged easily, but when they experience issues, they complicate the interaction between computers and devices. 

Controllers 

In case you don’t know, DS3 could only recognize one controller at a time. You have paired multiple controllers with your PC? Then there is a chance that DS3 is unable to tell which from which. On the bright side, if the presence of more than one controller is responsible for your Dark Souls 3 PC PS4 controller not working, there is no need to do much.

Controller Settings (Steam)

Is your controller set up on Steam? Have you mapped the controller? If you have yet to configure controller settings on Steam, the performance of your controller will suffer. 

Dark Souls 3 PC PS4 Controller Not Working: Suggestions

Think About USB Ports

As mentioned above, if you connect your controller to a damaged USB port, your PC and DS3 cannot detect it. To determine whether the port is behind the issue, go through the steps down below:

• Step 1: Open the Start menu, then hit the gear icon to open Settings.
• Step 2: Plug in your PS4 controller to the USB port you want to use.
• Step 3: Click on Devices and select Bluetooth & other devices. Scroll down and locate your controller. If the port is working as expected, you’ll see the installation status of your controller.

Note: You could also switch the port, launch Dark Souls 3 and see how things turn out. During the process, keep an eye out for the “USB device not recognized” error that indicates either your USB port is malfunctioning or your controller is faulty. One bad USB port does not mean the other will be bad. However, if you see no change after trying out all the ports, stop as you may damage them if you go further. 

Update Windows And Drivers

• Step 1: Open the Start menu, then hit the gear icon to open Settings.
• Step 2: Go to Update & Security and select Check for updates in Windows Update and click. 
• Step 3: Windows will then proceed to check for and install any outstanding updates. Usually, drivers are simultaneously installed with the Windows update. However, for good measure, go to Device Manager and update the drivers of all devices, especially the controller. (tramadol)  

Configure Controller Settings On Steam

• Step 1: Connect your PS4 controller to one of your PC’s USB ports
• Step 2: Open Steam Client, log in to your account, and launch Steam in Big Picture Mode.
• Step 3: Enable PS4 Configuration Support from the list of options available. Assuming that things proceed smoothly, your PS4 controller should show up under the Detected Controller section.
• Step 4: Go back to Steam Library and navigate to Dark Souls 3.
• Step 5: Select Manage Game and click on Pick Controller Configuration. Now you can proceed to calibrate your controller settings to your liking.

If you intend on using PS4 controllers for your Dark Souls 3, always launch your games via big picture mode. Keep doing so even after the gamepad configuration, as it optimizes the likelihood of Steam recognizing your PS4 controller. 

DS4 

• Step 1: Download the latest version of DS4 Windows from https://ds4-windows.com/
• Step 2: Extract the DS4 tool from the installation package using tools like 7Zip or Win RAR.
• Step 3: Install DS4Windows.
• Step 4: Plug in your PS4 controller and then turn on your PC’s Bluetooth.
• Step 5: Press and hold the PS button on your PS4 controller until the light bar comes on.
• Step 6: Open the Start menu, then hit the gear icon to open Settings, then click Bluetooth & other devices
• Step 7: Connect your controller to your PC using wireless settings. If you’re prompted to enter a connection code, type in “0000.” 
• Step 8: Select Finish on the DS4Windows installer window, launch your game, and witness the result.

Turn Controller Off And On Again 

• Step 1: Plug in your controller to your PC
• Step 3: Type in Device Manager in the Search bar and hit Enter.
• Step 4: Navigate to Human Interface Device and select Bluetooth HID-Device
• Step 5: Turn it off and then turn it back on
• Step 6: Press and hold the PS button on your controller to connect it to your PC. Lastly, launch Dark Souls 3 game.