Fix Necesse Controller / Gamepad Not Working on PC (2025 Guide)

Many Necesse players are reporting issues where their controller or gamepad isn’t working properly on PC. You may notice that button inputs don’t respond, analog sticks fail to register, or the game doesn’t detect your controller at all.

This is a common issue, especially when the wrong input mode (XInput or DirectInput) is selected, outdated drivers are installed, or Steam controller settings conflict with the game.

In this guide, you’ll learn step-by-step how to fix all controller or gamepad issues in Necesse and get your setup working again seamlessly.

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⚙️ Common Causes

Here are the most frequent reasons why your controller or gamepad isn’t working in Necesse:

• Steam Input is misconfigured or disabled
• Outdated controller or USB drivers
• Incorrect input mode (XInput vs DirectInput)
• Conflicts with third-party software like DS4Windows or InputMapper
• Bluetooth or USB connection instability
• Game not detecting controller automatically

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🛠️ Fix 1: Reconnect and Restart Your Controller

Sometimes, a simple reconnection fixes the problem instantly.

Steps:

1. Close Necesse completely.
2. Disconnect your controller from the USB port or Bluetooth.
3. Wait a few seconds, then reconnect it.
4. Relaunch Necesse and check if the game detects your controller.

✅ Result: Refreshes the device connection and forces the game to detect your controller again.

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🛠️ Fix 2: Enable Steam Input for Necesse

Steam’s Input feature helps translate different controller types (Xbox, DualShock, DualSense, etc.) into a compatible format for PC games.

Steps:

1. Open Steam Library.
2. Right-click Necesse → Properties → Controller.
3. Set Override for Necesse to Enable Steam Input.
4. Launch the game and test the controller.

If it’s already enabled, try switching to “Use default settings” instead — some games prefer native controller support.

✅ Result: Ensures Steam properly handles your gamepad input signals.

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🛠️ Fix 3: Check Controller Layout and Calibration

If buttons or sticks don’t respond correctly, recalibrating can help.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + R, type joy.cpl, and press Enter.
2. Select your controller → Click Properties.
3. Test all buttons and sticks.
4. If anything seems off, click Settings → Calibrate and follow the prompts.

✅ Result: Resets input signals and eliminates inaccurate or unresponsive controls.

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🛠️ Fix 4: Update Controller and USB Drivers

Outdated or corrupted drivers can stop your controller from being recognized.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + X → Device Manager.
2. Expand Human Interface Devices and Universal Serial Bus controllers.
3. Right-click your controller → Update driver → Search automatically for drivers.
4. Repeat for USB Root Hubs.

✅ Result: Ensures stable communication between your controller and Windows.

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🛠️ Fix 5: Disable Third-Party Input Tools

Software like DS4Windows, InputMapper, or ReWASD can override Steam Input and cause double inputs or total detection failure.

Steps:

1. Close Necesse and Steam.
2. Exit or uninstall third-party input tools temporarily.
3. Reopen Steam and start Necesse again.

✅ Result: Prevents software conflicts between native and emulated input layers.

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🛠️ Fix 6: Check for Gamepad Detection in Steam Big Picture Mode

This mode lets you test how Steam recognizes your controller.

Steps:

1. Open Steam → View → Big Picture Mode.
2. Go to Settings → Controller Settings.
3. Enable the correct configuration:
   • Xbox Configuration Support for Xbox controllers
   • PlayStation Configuration Support for DualShock/DualSense
   • Generic Gamepad Configuration Support for others
4. Relaunch Necesse and check if it detects your controller.

✅ Result: Confirms Steam recognizes your controller type and applies proper bindings.

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🛠️ Fix 7: Switch Between XInput and DirectInput

Some older controllers or adapters only work under a specific input mode.

Steps:

1. Check your controller for an X/D switch (XInput or DirectInput).
2. Toggle between the two modes.
3. Restart Necesse each time to test which one works.

✅ Result: Ensures the correct communication protocol for your specific controller.

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🛠️ Fix 8: Reinstall Controller Drivers

If none of the above works, reinstalling your controller drivers can reset all settings.

Steps:

1. Open Device Manager.
2. Right-click your controller under Human Interface Devices → Uninstall device.
3. Unplug the controller.
4. Reconnect it to reinstall automatically.

✅ Result: Resets driver configurations and restores clean controller functionality.

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💡 Additional Tips

• Try using a different USB port or cable.
• Avoid using USB hubs — connect the controller directly.
• Disable Steam Overlay if you suspect it’s interfering.
• Keep your game and Windows updated to the latest version.
• If using Bluetooth, ensure low battery isn’t causing disconnects.

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❓ FAQs

Q1: Why isn’t Necesse detecting my controller?
A: It may be due to Steam Input conflicts, outdated drivers, or incorrect input mode.

Q2: Does Necesse support PS4 or PS5 controllers?
A: Yes, but you need to enable PlayStation Configuration Support in Steam.

Q3: Can I use a wireless controller with Necesse?
A: Yes. Make sure it’s paired properly and not in power-saving mode.

Q4: My controller works in other games but not in Necesse — what now?
A: Verify Steam Input settings and check if Necesse’s controller profile is enabled.

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🎯 Conclusion

If your controller or gamepad isn’t working in Necesse, the issue usually lies with Steam Input settings, outdated drivers, or third-party conflicts.

By following the fixes above — reconnecting your device, enabling Steam Input, updating drivers, and recalibrating — you’ll restore full controller functionality in no time.

Now, grab your controller, jump back into Necesse, and enjoy smooth, uninterrupted gameplay.