If you already have a PS4, it’s also worth knowing how to use a PS4 controller on Steam.
In 2018, Valve officially introduced support for the PS4’s DualShock 4 pad on Steam, and it’s actually impressively customizable.
Not only will it connect and play gamepad-compatible games (with a little work), but you can also make the trackpad control your mouse (a big trip in Windows) or that camera. movements are performed by tilting the controller.
However, learning how to use a PS4 controller on Steam isn’t as simple as plugging in an Xbox One controller and jumping into the game of your choice, especially if you want to use it wirelessly.
But we’re here to help, so here’s our guide on how to use a PS4 controller on Steam.
1. Connect your DualShock 4 controller
If you like to use it wired, simply connect a microUSB cable from the pad to your PC, then continue to Step 10.
2. Check that your PC has Bluetooth
If you want to use your DualShock 4 controller wirelessly with Steam, there are a few additional steps. First of all, make sure that your PC has Bluetooth. If not, Sony sells an official DualShock 4 USB adapter (opens in a new tab), though it’s pretty hard to find these days. Fortunately, any old dongle that supports Bluetooth 2.0 or higher should do the trick.
3. Press the Start button, then Settings
In Windows, press the Start button, and then press Settings.
4. Press Devices
From the next set of options, select Devices.
5. Turn Bluetooth on, then add Bluetooth device
Make sure Bluetooth is turned on, and then tap Add Bluetooth or other device .
6. Select Bluetooth
Simply choose the top option in this menu.
7. Pair PS4 Controller
Now grab your PS4 DualShock 4 controller and press and hold the PS button (the one on between the two analog sticks) and the Share button (the one above and to the right of the D pad). When the light bar on the controller starts blinking, it’s ready to be discovered by your computer.
8. Select Wireless Controller
Back in Windows, the PS4 pad will now appear in the list of devices ready for mate . It will be called the very generic “Wireless Controller”, so when it appears, click on it.
9. Look for the “Device Ready” message
If all goes well, you’ll see this. Success!
10. Go to Steam Settings
Login to Steam. Tap the Steam menu in the upper left corner, and then tap Settings.
11. Select Controller in Steam
In the sub-menu that appears, tap Controller and then General Controller Settings.
12. Check PlayStation Setup Support
Check the box that says “PlayStation Setup Support” to set it up for the final stage of the process.
13. Customize your PS4 controller for Steam
Your PS4 controller is now ready to use on Steam, but to really power it up, go back to the previous menu and play around with the Big Picture settings and the desktop settings. This will allow you to customize your controller in really cool ways both in-game and in general when using Steam.
In addition to remapping each button and adjusting the sensitivity of the joysticks, you can also take advantage of the controller’s unique touchpad and gyroscope in many ways. Do you want the DualShock 4 touchpad to behave like a mouse? Go for it. How about controlling the game camera just by moving the controller? You can make that happen. If you like to tweak as many parameters as possible when setting up controllers for games, Steam’s DualShock 4 features can keep you busy for hours.
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