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How to Fix Controller Not Working in Palworld

Palworld is a game where players coexist with Pals, mystical creatures.

Players can live with them, use them for fighting or farming, sell them, or consume them.

The game involves survival in a harsh environment and exploration using mounted Pals.

Build structures with Pal labor, farm, explore dungeons, and poach for profit.

It offers a unique blend of resource management, creativity, and ethical dilemmas.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to fix your gamepad or PS4/PS5/Xbox controller not working, detecting, or switching in Palworld on Steam.

Fix 1: Disable/enable Steam Input

  1. Open Steam and log in to your account.
  2. Go to your library and right-click “Palworld”.
  3. Select Properties > Controller > Override for “Palworld”.
  4. Select “Disable Steam Input”.

Note: If disabling Steam Input does not fix your controller, try enabling it instead.

Fix 2: Launch Steam and the game as an administrator

  • Right-click Steam > properties > Compatibility > Run this program as an administrator > tick > Apply > OK.
  • Right-click “Palworld” application > properties > Compatibility > Run this program as an administrator > tick > Apply > OK.

Fix 3: Enable controller-specific Steam Inputs

  1. Open Steam and log in to your account.
  2. Select Steam > Settings > Controller > External Gamepad Settings.
  3. If you’re using a PlayStation controller, enable “Enable Steam Input for PlayStation controllers”.
  4. If you’re using an Xbox controller, enable “Enable Steam Input for Xbox controllers”.

Note: If your controller is still not working, try disabling the Steam Input for PlayStation/Xbox controllers instead.

Fix 4: Other troubleshooting methods

  • Unplug and replug your controller if it’s wired (it can be simply a loose plug).
  • Unplug external unused USB devices (Logitech racing wheel, Thrustmaster racing wheel, additional controllers, etc.).
  • Open Steam > Steam > Settings > Downloads > Clear Download Cache.
  • Open Steam > Steam > Settings > Controller > Enable Steam input for general controllers.
  • Launch Steam in big picture mode and then launch the game (Palworld-specific).
  • If you’re using an Xbox controller, install the Xbox Accessories app and update the controller (Palworld-specific).
  • Non-Steam Users (if you didn’t buy the game on Steam): Add Palworld to Steam (https://help.steampowered.com/en/faqs/view/4B8B-9697-2338-40EC) and launch the game there.

Further reading

How to Fix Controller Not Working in Starfield

How to Fix Controller Not Working in Armored Core VI Fires of Rubicon

How to Fix Controller Not Working in The Last of Us Part 1