Having issues with Dune Awakening controller not working on PC? Learn how to fix detection, input lag, and disconnection problems for Xbox and PS5 gamepads.
Dune Awakening is one of the most anticipated survival MMO games, blending exploration, survival, and crafting across a harsh sci-fi desert world. While it’s designed to be played on both keyboard and mouse or controller, many PC players are running into frustrating Dune Awakening controller issues—from non-recognition to disconnects and buggy inputs.
If your Dune Awakening controller is not working, this guide offers complete troubleshooting steps for Xbox, PS5, and Steam controllers, as well as Steam Deck. Whether the Dune Awakening controller is not detected, you’re facing input lag, or your buttons aren’t working properly, we’ll walk you through every proven fix.
Why is My Controller Not Working in Dune Awakening?
Understanding the issue is the first step before jumping into any Dune Awakening controller fix. The game has partial controller support on PC, but multiple bugs and compatibility issues affect different setups. Here are the most commonly reported Dune Awakening controller problems:
Some players experience total controller detection failure—the game doesn’t register the controller even when it’s plugged in. Others report random disconnections mid-game, or problems where buttons don’t work as expected, especially on PS5 or third-party gamepads.
There are also issues like joystick drift, actions that aren’t mapped, or delayed inputs. In some cases, controllers plugged in after launching the game aren’t detected at all, making it feel like the Dune Awakening gamepad is not recognized even though it works in other games.
These issues affect both wired and wireless setups, and although the game is Steam Deck Verified, even handheld players have run into clunky UI and awkward menu navigation.
How to Fix Controller Not Working in Dune Awakening
You don’t need to wait for an official patch to resolve many of the Dune Awakening input issues. Below are several methods to fix Dune Awakening controller bugs, including configuration steps through Steam and basic system fixes.
Restart Your PC and Plug in Controller Before Launch
If your game controller in Dune Awakening isn’t recognized at all, the most effective first step is a complete system restart. This helps reset hardware detection and can solve issues caused by game updates or previous crashes.
- Shut down Dune Awakening and Steam
- Plug in your controller (Xbox, PS5, or third-party)
- Restart your PC
- Relaunch the game through Steam
This method often resolves both controller input lag and failure to detect any inputs.
Use a Wired Connection or Wireless Dongle
Bluetooth connectivity introduces latency and instability, especially in newer games with incomplete gamepad optimization. Many users have resolved their Dune Awakening controller disconnection issues by using wired USB or proprietary dongles.
- Use a USB cable to connect your controller directly to the PC
- For Xbox controllers, use the official Xbox Wireless Adapter if available
- Avoid third-party Bluetooth adapters which may not support full input profiles
Switching to a wired or dongle-based connection significantly improves Dune Awakening controller responsiveness.
Configure Steam Input to Resolve Input Conflicts
One of the top causes of Dune Awakening controller setup problems is Steam Input. It sometimes interferes with the game’s native controller support, especially with PlayStation controllers.
To reconfigure Steam Input:
- Go to Steam Library
- Right-click Dune Awakening > Properties > Controller
- Change “Use default settings” to either “Forced On” or “Forced Off”
- Test both options to see which resolves the problem
- Access the Steam Controller Configurator to manually remap buttons if needed
Many PS5 users have reported better stability with Steam Input set to “Forced On”, but even then the in-game UI still shows Xbox button prompts. Xbox controllers tend to work better out of the box but may also benefit from custom input profiles.
Reconnect Controller Before Game Launch
A known issue with Dune Awakening controller detection is that the game often fails to recognize controllers plugged in after launch. Always ensure the controller is connected before you open the game.
Unplugging and reconnecting mid-session often doesn’t trigger input recognition, leading to confusion over why your Dune Awakening controller is not detected during gameplay.
What to Do When Dune Awakening Is Not Detecting DualSense or Xbox Controller
The game supports both Xbox and DualSense (PS5) controllers, but inconsistently. If you’re using a PS5 controller in Dune Awakening, you may face extra complications like incorrect prompts, input delays, or lack of feedback.
Here’s how to troubleshoot these issues specifically:
For DualSense (PS5) Controllers
- Enable Steam Input and configure the controller manually
- Accept that UI prompts will default to Xbox icons
- Use Steam Controller Configurator to map actions like crouch, flashlight, or weapon switching
Steam Input helps address Dune Awakening controller button mapping, especially when native support is lacking.
For Xbox Controllers
- Use a wired connection or Xbox Wireless Adapter
- Restart PC and launch the game with the controller already plugged in
- Avoid using custom third-party drivers
Xbox controllers are the most stable choice for Dune Awakening on PC, but can still experience disconnections or lag over Bluetooth.
Does Dune Awakening Support Xbox or PS5 Controllers?
Yes, the game supports both officially, but not equally.
Xbox Controllers
- Most compatible and stable
- Plug-and-play functionality
- UI and prompts match physical button layout
PS5 DualSense Controllers
- Supported through Steam Input
- In-game icons will still show Xbox layout
- May require custom mapping for unmapped actions
Despite controller support being available, neither type is without bugs. Until Funcom releases updates, the best experience comes from using Steam controller setup tools and wired connections.
How to Troubleshoot Gamepad Issues in Dune Awakening
If the above fixes don’t solve your Dune Awakening PC controller problems, try these advanced steps to fully troubleshoot your setup.
Update Drivers and Check Device Manager
Outdated or corrupted drivers can prevent your controller from being recognized.
- Open Device Manager
- Locate your controller under “Human Interface Devices” or “Universal Serial Bus Controllers”
- Right-click and update drivers or uninstall and reconnect
- Restart the PC and launch Steam
This helps resolve Steam controller not working or Epic Games controller issues that could carry over to Dune Awakening.
Fix Cursor Drift and Menu Lag
Cursor drift is common when a controller is used on secondary monitors. If your mouse or joystick moves on its own:
- Switch Dune Awakening to the primary monitor
- Disable Steam Overlay if active
- Reconfigure joystick dead zones in the Steam Controller Configurator
Handle Character Freeze Bugs
Some users report that after missions or cutscenes, their character becomes unresponsive.
Pressing a keyboard movement key (like W) reactivates controls. This is a temporary workaround until a patch addresses the bug.
Improve Performance on Steam Deck
Dune Awakening is Steam Deck Verified, but the small screen causes UI crowding. For better gameplay:
- Enable Performance Overlay to track input lag
- Remap controls via Steam Input
- Switch to desktop mode for Steam settings access
Despite the clutter, Steam Deck provides an enjoyable experience with the right controller configuration.
FAQs About Dune Awakening Controller Not Working
1. Why is my controller not working with Dune Awakening?
It may be due to Steam Input conflicts, using Bluetooth instead of wired, or plugging in the controller after game launch.
2. How do I fix Dune Awakening controller detection issues?
Restart your PC, plug in the controller before launch, and ensure Steam Input is correctly configured.
3. Why does my PS5 controller show Xbox prompts?
The game lacks native DualSense support. Steam Input allows PS5 controller use, but the UI remains Xbox-based.
4. Can I remap controller buttons in-game?
No. Dune Awakening doesn’t offer in-game button remapping. Use the Steam Controller Configurator instead.
5. Why does my controller disconnect mid-game?
Bluetooth instability is the main reason. Switch to a wired connection or official dongle to fix this.
6. Does Dune Awakening support gamepads on Steam Deck?
Yes, the game runs well on Steam Deck with verified support, though menus may feel cramped.
7. Why do I stop moving after completing some missions?
A known bug causes character freeze. Press a keyboard key to regain movement control.
8. How do I fix cursor drift with a controller?
Ensure your display setup is configured properly and adjust joystick dead zones in Steam Input.
9. Is Dune Awakening better with controller or keyboard?
Exploration and driving are better with a controller. Crafting and UI interaction work smoother with mouse/keyboard.
10. What’s the best controller for Dune Awakening on PC?
Xbox controllers offer the most seamless support. PS5 controllers work well through Steam Input with manual mapping.
Conclusion
While Dune Awakening controller support exists across Xbox, PS5, and Steam Deck, it’s far from flawless. With known issues around detection, disconnection, input lag, and button mapping, many players face problems when trying to enjoy the game with a gamepad.
By following this Dune Awakening controller troubleshooting guide, you can solve most input-related problems on your own. Whether it’s adjusting Steam Input, switching to a wired setup, or manually configuring button layouts, these solutions offer a practical path to fix Dune Awakening PC controller problems while we await official updates.
If you’re still experiencing issues, make sure to report them via Funcom forums or the Steam discussion board to help improve Dune Awakening controller support for everyone.
Visit Our Post Page: Blog Page