Current controller support#
Deadlock’s controller support runs through Steam Input. In November 2024 Valve added a controller tab to the settings, a button that opens the Steam Input configurator, glyph options and official configurations for Steam Deck. Before that, early-beta reports (Aug 2024) said there was no native controller support.
Mouse and keyboard is still the main way people play, and the game was designed around it. A controller works best for casual play or on the Deck.
Setup through Steam Input#
- Connect your controller and make sure Steam recognises it (Steam → Settings → Controller).
- In your library, right-click Deadlock → Properties → Controller and make sure Steam Input is enabled for the game.
- Launch Deadlock and open the controller tab in the settings, or open the Steam Input configurator from there.
- Start from an official or popular community layout, then adjust.
A sensible layout#
| Action | Suggested button | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Shoot / aim | Right trigger / left trigger | Standard shooter muscle memory |
| Abilities 1–4 | Face buttons, or bumpers + face buttons | Reachable without letting go of the sticks |
| Parry | A bumper | Parry is reactive — it must be instant |
| Dash / jump | Left stick click / face button | Movement stays on the left hand |
| Active items | D-pad or back paddles | Used less often, but needs to be quick |
Gyro aiming (on controllers that support it) makes fine aim much easier. Pair it with a modest stick sensitivity.
Fixes for controller problems#
- Controller does nothing in game: check Steam Input is enabled for Deadlock, and close other controller software that may grab the device.
- Wrong button prompts: change the glyph setting in the game’s controller tab.
- Inputs doubled: disable either Steam Input or the other mapping tool, not both.