How to Fix XDefiant Controller Issues on PC

Fix these Defiant controllers!

XDefiant Key Art
Image via Ubisoft

XDefiant supports multiple input types on PC, and players can opt into input-based matchmaking as well. This includes multiple controllers from PlayStation and Xbox and the traditional keyboard and mouse. If you can’t get your controllers to work properly in XDefiant though, here is how you can address most issues.

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Fixing XDefiant Controller Issues

Since Ubisoft titles don’t have Steam Input support or anything similar, you’ll have to rely on native profiles set up for each controller by the developers.

I have personally tested the Xbox Series controller and the Dual Shock 4 with XDefiant. Both work completely fine and have proper prompts in-game as well.

If your controller isn’t getting detected by the game, here are a few suggestions to address that.

Connect One Controller at a Time

If you have multiple controllers connected to your PC, you won’t be able to switch between each. This extends to other peripherals like steering wheels, pedals, or flight sticks. Only connect one input type outside of your mouse and keyboard.

As a test, I initially plugged in my Xbox controller, and upon connecting the Dual Shock 4, I couldn’t switch to it. It was only after I unplugged the Xbox controller that the Dual Shock 4 became responsive in the menus.

For most users, this should fix the problem, and your controller should start working normally.

Check Detected Controllers

An easy way to make sure your controllers are being detected is to navigate Ubisoft Connect with the controller. Simply use the left stick of either controller and ensure that it’s being actually detected by the client. Ubisoft Connect’s prompts will also change depending on the type of controller connected.

Additionally, you can check detected controllers in the Steam client, even though XDefiant isn’t available on that platform. Simply select Steam > Settings > Controller:

XDefiant Supported Controllers

The following inputs are natively supported by XDefiant on each platform.

  • PC
    • Keyboard and mouse
    • DualSense Controller
    • DualSense Edge Controller
    • Luna Controller
    • Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
    • Xbox Wireless Controller
  • PlayStation 5
    • DualSense Controller
    • DualSense Edge Controller
  • Xbox Series X|S
    • Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2
    • Xbox Wireless Controller

Overall, we’re very happy with the controller support in XDefiant, and most controllers will work right out of the box. If you’re just starting out in XDefiant, here is how you can get XCoins, and how much they cost.

Ali Hashmi

Ali Hashmi is a games journalist, reviewer, and guides writer with over eight years of experience covering the gaming industry across news, reviews, features, walkthroughs, and technical guides. He currently writes for Prima Games and GTA 6 Bible, and has previously contributed to Dot Esports, WhatIfGaming, GameTyrant, and The OuterHaven. With a background in Computer Science and years spent covering PC gaming, Ali has developed a strong focus on performance analysis, optimization, troubleshooting, and in-depth game coverage alongside traditional reviews and features. A longtime fan of action games, Ali spends most of his time obsessing over stylish combat systems, difficult boss fights, immersive sims, and retro shooters that feel like they were pulled straight out of the late ‘90s. When he isn’t replaying Dark Souls for the hundredth time or climbing Ascension levels in Slay the Spire, he’s usually hunting for the next indie game to recommend to everyone around him. His coverage regularly includes AAA releases, indie games, Soulslikes, survival titles, live service games, and technical PC focused guides.