Overwatch 2 is a free-to-play sequel to the original title by Blizzard Entertainment. Overwatch 2 offers players the option to play matches across platforms by enabling cross-play. This causes many players to question if they can use a controller to play Overwatch 2 on PC.
Blizzard has added controller support for PC players so users can enjoy the comfort and ease of playing with a controller anytime they want. Players can connect their Xbox controller directly or via Bluetooth as Overwatch supports Xinput. In contrast, PS4 controllers require third-party software to map their inputs to Xinput to be used in the game.
That was a brief overview of how players can play Overwatch 2 on PC with a controller. For more details, read the article below.
Does Overwatch Support A Controller On PC?
Blizzard Entertainment has made sure to include complete controller support in their latest release of the game. Allowing players to not only select different layouts but also configure their controller settings to their liking. This makes for increased customisability and makes the game accessible to a larger player base.
Why Do Players Want To Use A Controller In Overwatch?
A lot of players across the world feel more comfortable using a controller, especially players who have used gaming consoles for the majority of their lives. In addition to this, the learning curve for a keyboard and mouse tends to be higher as compared to a controller. Using a controller makes it easier for new players to learn the ropes.
However, in this particular case, it is important to note that Overwatch 2 does not feature aim assist for PC players using a controller, so some may find themselves at a slight competitive disadvantage when playing the game with a controller.
How Can You Connect A Controller To Play Overwatch?
There are various ways using which you can connect your controller to your PC for Overwatch. These are relatively simple ways and can be implemented in a few minutes.
1. Connect Your Xbox Controller Via The USB Port
If you happen to have an Xbox controller, connecting it to your PC is as simple as just plugging it into your computer’s USB port. Windows will automatically detect your Xbox controller and recognize it as a controller. This is the simplest method to connect your controller to your PC.
Moreover, no further setup will be required. You simply have to launch the game and the controller will be ready to work with Overwatch without the hassle of any additional steps in the process.
2. Connect Your Controller Via Bluetooth
Another way you can connect your controller is through Bluetooth. This, however, requires your PC to have a Bluetooth card or dongle. You can connect via Bluetooth in the following steps.
- Put your controller into Bluetooth Pairing mode.
- Right-click on the Start menu and go to Settings.
- Open Bluetooth and Devices and click Add Device.
- Choose your controller from the list and wait for it to finish pairing.
Once you have completed the above-mentioned steps, your controller will be ready to use in Overwatch.
3. Use The DS4Windows Utility To Connect Your PS4 Controller
If you happen to own a PS4 controller, you will have to download a third-party software called DS4Windows. Since your PC and overwatch support Xinput (Xbox controllers), this software maps your DS4 to Xinput, making it usable in Overwatch.
- Download DS4Windows and extract it to a new folder.
- Launch DS4Windows.exe to run the setup.
- Install the ViGEmBus Driver.
- Plug in the controller using a USB cable.
- Restart your PC.
After the setup is complete, whenever you feel like using your PS4 controller, you can simply launch DS4Windows and connect your PS4 controller via a USB cable. You can then use it in Overwatch without any issues or errors. DS4Windows will also let you change controller configurations and button mapping according to your preferences, to maximise customisability.
Wrapping It Up
Players can make use of Blizzard’s support for controllers in Overwatch 2 and enjoy the game with their preferred input device without any issues. Xbox controller can simply be connected via USB or Bluetooth whereas the PS4 controller will require third-party software, DS4Windows, to work properly with Overwatch. These are all simple and quick ways you can play Overwatch with a controller.
