Digimon Story Time Stranger has quickly become one of the most loved titles for Digimon fans on PC, offering deep gameplay, exciting battles, and nostalgic storytelling. While the game shines in many areas, some players are running into frustrating issues where their controller or gamepad does not work properly on PC.
If you’re facing problems like your controller not being detected, incorrect button mapping, or the game only recognizing keyboard inputs, you’re not alone. These controller-related issues are common in PC games due to compatibility settings, Steam Input conflicts, outdated drivers, or configuration problems.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through step-by-step fixes to resolve the controller/gamepad not working issue for Digimon Story Time Stranger on PC.
Common Controller Issues in Digimon Story Time Stranger
Before jumping into solutions, here are the most reported problems by PC players:
- Controller not detected at all
- Game only responding to keyboard and mouse
- Incorrect or mixed button mappings
- Inputs working inconsistently
- Game recognizing controller as “Player 2” instead of “Player 1”
- Steam Input overriding controller settings
Understanding these problems will make it easier to fix them.
Step-by-Step Fixes for Controller / Gamepad Not Working on PC
Follow these troubleshooting steps one by one until your issue is resolved:
1. Check Controller Connection
- Ensure your controller is properly connected via USB cable or Bluetooth.
- For wired controllers, try switching to a different USB port.
- For wireless controllers, re-pair them with your PC and make sure the battery is charged.
- Test your controller in another game or the Windows Game Controller Test (search joy.cpl in Windows Run box) to confirm it works outside Digimon Story Time Stranger.
2. Enable Steam Big Picture Mode
- Open Steam.
- Click on the Big Picture Mode icon in the top-right corner.
- Go to Settings > Controller Settings.
- Enable support for your specific controller type (Xbox, PlayStation, or Generic).
- Restart the game and check if the controller works correctly.
3. Disable Steam Input Override
Sometimes Steam Input can conflict with in-game controller support.
- Open Steam Library.
- Right-click on Digimon Story Time Stranger → select Properties.
- Go to Controller tab.
- Change the dropdown option for Override for Digimon Story Time Stranger to:
- Disable Steam Input (if controller is not working).
- Or Enable Steam Input (if game doesn’t recognize it otherwise).
- Test both settings to see which works best.
4. Update Controller Drivers
Outdated drivers can cause detection issues.
- Press Windows + X → Select Device Manager.
- Expand Human Interface Devices or Universal Serial Bus controllers.
- Right-click on your controller → Update driver.
- Choose Search automatically for updated drivers.
- For Xbox controllers, install the latest Xbox Accessories App from Microsoft Store.
- For PlayStation controllers, consider using DS4Windows for proper mapping.
5. Configure DS4Windows (for PlayStation Controllers)
If you’re using a DualShock 4 or DualSense controller:
- Download DS4Windows from its official site.
- Install and run it.
- Connect your PlayStation controller via USB or Bluetooth.
- Map the buttons as needed.
- Launch the game again with DS4Windows running in the background.
6. Set Controller as Default Device
- Press Windows + I → Open Settings.
- Go to Devices > Bluetooth & Other Devices.
- Ensure your controller is listed and set as the primary input device.
- Disable any extra connected controllers to avoid conflicts.
7. Check In-Game Settings
Some games have built-in settings to toggle controller or keyboard priority.
- Launch Digimon Story Time Stranger.
- Navigate to Options > Controls.
- Ensure “Controller” is set as the primary input method.
- Rebind buttons if necessary.
8. Run Game in Administrator Mode
- Right-click the game’s .exe file or in Steam select Manage > Browse Local Files.
- Right-click on Digimon Story Time Stranger.exe → Select Properties.
- Go to Compatibility tab → Check Run this program as an administrator.
- Apply changes and relaunch the game.
9. Reinstall Gamepad Drivers
If nothing else works, a clean driver installation might help:
- Open Device Manager.
- Right-click your controller → Uninstall device.
- Disconnect and reconnect the controller.
- Windows will reinstall the drivers automatically.
10. Reinstall the Game
If controller issues persist despite all fixes, the game files may be corrupted.
- Open Steam Library.
- Right-click on Digimon Story Time Stranger → Select Uninstall.
- Restart your PC.
- Reinstall the game fresh and check controller functionality again.
Additional Tips
- Use a wired connection instead of Bluetooth for more stability.
- Disable any third-party controller software that may interfere.
- If you’re using multiple controllers, unplug the extras before launching the game.
- Keep both Steam and Windows updated for the latest compatibility improvements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Why is my controller not being detected in Digimon Story Time Stranger?
A1. This usually happens due to Steam Input conflicts, outdated drivers, or improper connection. Follow the fixes above to resolve it.
Q2. Do I need DS4Windows for PlayStation controllers?
A2. Yes, DS4Windows is recommended if you’re using a DualShock 4 or DualSense controller, as it improves button mapping and compatibility.
Q3. My controller works in other games but not in Digimon Story Time Stranger. What should I do?
A3. Disable Steam Input override, check in-game settings, and verify that the game prioritizes controller input over keyboard.
Q4. Is it better to play with a wired or wireless controller?
A4. Wired controllers are more stable and recommended for avoiding lag or disconnection issues.
Q5. Will reinstalling the game fix controller problems?
A5. Yes, if the issue is caused by corrupted files, reinstalling may resolve it. But try other fixes first to save time.
Conclusion
Playing Digimon Story Time Stranger with a controller offers a much smoother and immersive experience compared to a keyboard and mouse. If your controller/gamepad isn’t working on PC, don’t worry—by following the steps above, you should be able to resolve the issue quickly.
Start with simple fixes like checking connections, updating drivers, and tweaking Steam Input settings, then move on to advanced solutions like DS4Windows or reinstalling the game. With these methods, your controller should work perfectly, letting you dive back into the Digital World without frustration.
