Can you play CS2 with a controller? CS2 controller support
CS2 on controller? Sounds strange, but we'll investigate
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Counter-Strike, a mainstay for PC gaming shooters recently got a facelift when CS2 released, but can you play CS2 with a controller? Well, we’re going to get to the answer in this very article. Whether you want to play on pad for ergonomic reasons or you’re just curious to try it out, the best controller for PC is the place to look. First thing’s first though, let’s see if CS2 supports it.
The game’s predecessor, CS:GO, did include controller support. Not actually surprising once you remember that the game did indeed release to consoles back in 2012, though support for those platforms soon got left behind in favor of updating the PC version on Steam.
Can you play CS2 with a controller?
Technically, yes, but it isn’t fully working right now, so it’s not worth trying until a fix is put in place. For now, you’re better picking up the best gaming mouse for CS2 to ensure you’re locking in those headshots with no problem.
Native support currently isn’t working as intended, so you’ll need a workaround keyboard and mouse config for the foreseeable future. While this would make it possible, we don’t imagine it will be the smoothest solution or easiest to set up if you just want to jump into a casual deathmatch game.
Counter Strike 2 controller support
For the time being, it looks like controller support in CS2 is broken. Over on Reddit, u/AL2009man reports that the game controller support is broken. This is due to the fact that the Steam Input API is nowhere to be found. While that means the Native Gamepad support kicks in, it lacks some critically important inputs.
As we can see in the post, moving around with the left analog stick works fine, with some bot-like aiming available too. However, face buttons and triggers are a lost cause. So while you may eventually be able to line up a shot, you won’t be able to take one. It also looks like gyro controls are failing to work either.
Importantly, this means the game will have trouble when playing on Steam Deck too. We suspect that Valve will want to make it as compatible as possible, so a fix could soon be on its way. The Steam Deck currently defaults to a keyboard & mouse template, so finding a workaround config should be easier than on an external controller.
CS2 controller FAQs
Does CS2 support gyro controls?
While CS:GO supported gyro thanks to Steam Input, CS2 isn’t currently working with gyro controls. We can only expect this to be fixed in a future update considering its predecessor had no problems.
Should I use a controller for CS2?
Probably not. Playing CS2 on a controller would be a less than ideal experience for the large majority of players. The game is designed for, and played best, with a mouse and keyboard setup for precise aiming and movement.
