21 Ways to Fix Stalker 2 Controller Not Working on PC

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is a highly anticipated 2024 first-person shooter survival horror game by GSC Game World. It marks the return of the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. series after 15 years, delivering an immersive experience in the treacherous Chornobyl Exclusion Zone. However, some players encounter frustrating controller issues on PC, disrupting their gameplay. This guide provides 15 detailed solutions to get your controller working seamlessly, whether you use an Xbox, PlayStation, or a third-party controller.


Fixes: Stalker 2 Controller Not Working on PC

Fix Stalker 2 Controller Not Working on PC

1. Restart Your PC

Simple yet effective:

  • Exit S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 and Steam.
  • Restart your PC to clear temporary glitches.

2. Check Controller Connection

Ensure your controller is connected:

  • Wired: Check the USB cable and port.
  • Wireless: Confirm Bluetooth or dongle functionality.

3. Update Controller Drivers

Outdated drivers cause issues:

  • Open Device Manager → Expand Human Interface Devices.
  • Right-click your controller → Update DriverSearch automatically for drivers.

4. Enable Controller Support in Steam

Ensure Steam recognizes your controller:

  • Go to Steam SettingsControllerGeneral Controller Settings.
  • Enable support for your specific controller type (Xbox/PlayStation/Generic).

5. Press Alt + Enter

If the controller disconnects mid-game, toggling between full-screen and windowed mode (Alt + Enter) can refresh connections.


6. Use Steam Big Picture Mode

Launching via Big Picture Mode resolves various issues:

  • Open Steam → ViewBig Picture Mode.
  • Navigate to your Library → Launch S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2.

7. Disable Other Input Devices

Conflicts arise with multiple devices. Disconnect any:

  • Flight sticks
  • Extra controllers
  • Special gaming peripherals

8. Launch in Windowed Mode via Config File

Edit the Config.ini:

  • Go to DocumentsStalker 2 folder.
  • Open Config.ini → Change [window] mode to yes.

9. Enable Steam Overlay

Sometimes, this helps:

  • In Steam, right-click Stalker 2PropertiesGeneral.
  • Check Enable Steam Overlay.

10. Adjust Steam Controller Settings

Ensure the correct configuration:

  • Steam SettingsControllerGeneral Controller Settings.
  • Match your controller’s support type.

11. Set Game to High Performance Mode

Optimize performance:

  • Open Graphics Settings → Add Stalker 2.exe.
  • Set to High Performance.

12. Uncheck Controller Settings in Steam

Sometimes, disabling helps:

  • Go to Steam SettingsController.
  • Uncheck all support options.

13. Toggle Steam Input

  • Steam Library → Right-click Stalker 2Properties.
  • Change Steam Input settings (try enabling/disabling).

14. Check In-Game Settings

Ensure Controller Input is enabled:

  • Open S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2SettingsControls.

15. Use DS4Windows (PlayStation Controllers)

For better compatibility:

  • Download and install DS4Windows.
  • Enable Hide DS4 Controller.

16. Try a Wired Connection

Bluetooth issues? Use a stable wired connection.


17. Update Game and Steam

Ensure both S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 and Steam are up-to-date:

  • In Steam, go to LibraryRight-click Stalker 2PropertiesUpdates.
  • Check for Steam Client updates under Steam > Check for Steam Client Updates.

18. Check Power Management Settings

Windows may disable USB devices to save power:

  • Open Device Manager → Expand Universal Serial Bus controllers.
  • Right-click each USB Root HubPropertiesPower Management tab.
  • Uncheck Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power.

19. Update Windows

Make sure your OS is up-to-date:

  • Go to Settings > Update & Security > Windows Update.
  • Click Check for updates and install any pending updates.

20. Check for Background Apps

Some software can interfere with your controller:

  • Close background apps like game launchers, keyboard utilities, or overlay software.

21. Use Third-Party Tools for Third-Party Controllers

If you’re using a generic gamepad, consider tools like:

  • X360CE: Emulates an Xbox controller.
  • InputMapper: Great for customizing inputs.

These solutions should resolve controller issues in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2. If problems persist, consider reaching out to the game’s support team. Enjoy navigating the dangerous Chornobyl Exclusion Zone!


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Pramod Yadav

I'm Pramod Yadav, the person who owns and leads PCMobitech. I really love technology, and I know a lot about the digital world. This passion pushes me to create interesting content. I mainly write about Windows, Android, iOS, VPNs, and keeping things secure online. I make helpful articles, guides, and share tips & tricks to help you understand and use these things better.

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