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
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.moridomdigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/controller-not-working-mw2.jpg?resize=1024%2C702&ssl=1)
- Open Steam and log in to your account.
- Go to your library and right-click “Palworld”.
- Select Properties > Controller > Override for “Palworld”.
- 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
- Open Steam and log in to your account.
- Select Steam > Settings > Controller > External Gamepad Settings.
- If you’re using a PlayStation controller, enable “Enable Steam Input for PlayStation controllers”.
- 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