Many players using the DS4Windows program to play Elden Ring with their DualShock 4 controllers experience connectivity issues. This guide will help you troubleshoot common problems and get your PS4 controller working seamlessly with Elden Ring.
Understanding the Problem
Elden Ring, like many games, doesn't natively support the DualShock 4. DS4Windows acts as a middleware, translating the PS4 controller inputs into a format Elden Ring understands (typically Xbox 360 controller emulation). When it doesn't work, the problem usually lies within the DS4Windows setup, driver conflicts, or game-specific settings.
Common Causes and Solutions
Here's a breakdown of the most frequent causes for DS4Windows malfunctioning with Elden Ring and how to resolve them:
1. Incorrect DS4Windows Installation or Configuration
- Verify Installation: Ensure DS4Windows is installed correctly and the latest drivers are installed. Download it only from the official source to avoid malware. Outdated versions often cause compatibility issues.
- HID-compliant game controller: In the DS4Windows settings, make sure "Hide DS4 controller" is unchecked. This ensures the game recognizes the controller as a generic HID-compliant game controller.
- Driver Issues: Sometimes, simply restarting your computer after installing or updating DS4Windows can resolve driver conflicts.
- Profile Settings: Check your DS4Windows profile settings. The default profile often works, but you may need to adjust specific settings for Elden Ring. Experiment with different profiles to see what yields the best results. Ensure the correct controller is selected.
- DS4Windows Version: Try installing a different version of DS4Windows. Newer versions sometimes have bugs, while older ones may have better compatibility with specific games.
2. Game-Specific Settings
- Steam Input: If you're playing through Steam, explore Steam's built-in controller configuration options. Sometimes, adjusting these settings can resolve compatibility issues, even if DS4Windows is also active. Steam's controller support is quite robust.
- In-Game Controller Settings: Elden Ring itself might have controller settings. Make sure the controller is selected correctly within the game's options menu.
3. Driver Conflicts
- Other Controller Software: If you have other controller software installed (e.g., for other controllers), these could conflict with DS4Windows. Temporarily uninstalling them can help determine if this is the root cause.
- Outdated Drivers: Ensure your system's drivers (especially USB drivers) are up-to-date. Outdated drivers can interfere with controller communication. Check your device manager for any errors.
4. Bluetooth Connection Issues
- Wired Connection: Try using a wired connection (USB cable) instead of Bluetooth. Bluetooth can sometimes be more prone to interference and disconnections.
- Bluetooth Interference: Other Bluetooth devices might be interfering with the connection. Try turning off any unnecessary Bluetooth devices.
Advanced Troubleshooting Steps
If the above steps haven't solved the problem:
- Reinstall DS4Windows: A clean reinstall can sometimes resolve stubborn issues. Make sure to uninstall completely before reinstalling.
- System Restore: If the problem started recently, a system restore to a point before the issue began might resolve it.
- Check for Windows Updates: Ensure Windows is up-to-date. Recent updates can sometimes introduce compatibility changes.
- Community Forums: Search online forums and communities for Elden Ring and DS4Windows. Other users might have encountered and solved similar problems.
By following these steps, you should be able to get your DS4 controller working correctly with Elden Ring. Remember to check each step carefully and systematically to identify the source of the problem. Good luck, and happy gaming!
