Fix The Farmer Was Replaced Controller / Gamepad Not Working on PC (2025 Guide)

Many PC players have reported that their controller or gamepad is not working in The Farmer Was Replaced. The game may fail to detect your input, only partially respond, or switch randomly between keyboard and controller.

This issue often happens due to missing drivers, Steam Input misconfiguration, or interference from other connected devices. But don’t worry — this guide explains step-by-step fixes to make your controller work properly again.

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⚙️ Common Causes of Controller Issues

Before applying fixes, let’s look at the most common causes:

• Steam Input configuration not set correctly
• Outdated or missing controller drivers
• Multiple input devices conflicting (keyboard + controller + wheel)
• USB port or cable malfunction
• Third-party tools (like DS4Windows) conflicting with Steam settings
• Controller not set as the default input device

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🛠️ Fix 1: Check Controller Connection

Ensure your controller is connected properly and detected by Windows.

Steps:

1. Unplug your controller and plug it back in.
2. Try a different USB port — preferably a rear port (for desktop users).
3. For wireless controllers, make sure Bluetooth is turned on.
4. Press Windows + R → type joy.cpl → press Enter.
   • You should see your controller listed here.
   • If not, reinstall its driver or reconnect it.

✅ Result: Confirms your PC detects the controller correctly.

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🛠️ Fix 2: Configure Steam Input Settings

If you’re playing through Steam, controller input is managed via Steam Input.

Steps:

1. Open Steam → Library → The Farmer Was Replaced.
2. Right-click the game → Properties → Controller.
3. Under Override for The Farmer Was Replaced, choose one of these:
   • ✅ Enable Steam Input → for Xbox / PS / generic controllers.
   • ❌ Disable Steam Input → if Steam Input conflicts with the game’s native support.
4. Restart the game and test.

✅ Result: Ensures Steam uses the correct input profile for your controller.

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🛠️ Fix 3: Check Steam Big Picture Configuration

Steam’s Big Picture Mode lets you test controller support.

Steps:

1. Open Steam → click the Big Picture Mode icon (top-right).
2. Go to Settings → Controller Settings.
3. Enable your controller type:
   • ✅ Xbox Configuration Support
   • ✅ PlayStation Configuration Support
   • ✅ Generic Gamepad Configuration Support (if using non-branded gamepad)
4. Return to your Library → launch The Farmer Was Replaced.

✅ Result: Ensures Steam recognizes and maps your controller correctly.

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🛠️ Fix 4: Disconnect Other Input Devices

Sometimes, having multiple controllers or devices connected causes input conflicts.

Steps:

1. Disconnect extra controllers, racing wheels, or VR devices.
2. Keep only your main gamepad plugged in.
3. Restart the PC and the game.

✅ Result: Prevents input confusion between devices.

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🛠️ Fix 5: Reinstall or Update Controller Drivers

If the system doesn’t recognize your controller properly, reinstalling the driver can help.

Steps:

1. Press Windows + X → Device Manager.
2. Expand Human Interface Devices or Sound, video and game controllers.
3. Right-click your controller → Uninstall device.
4. Reconnect it — Windows will automatically reinstall the correct driver.

✅ Result: Refreshes driver configuration for clean detection.

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🛠️ Fix 6: Use DS4Windows (For PS4 / PS5 Controllers Only)

If you’re using a DualShock or DualSense controller, some games may not detect it natively.

Steps:

1. Download DS4Windows.
2. Install and open the tool.
3. Connect your controller (wired or wireless).
4. It will emulate an Xbox controller — making it compatible with most PC games.

✅ Result: Makes PlayStation controllers work seamlessly with PC titles.

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🛠️ Fix 7: Disable Steam Overlay

In some cases, the Steam Overlay interferes with input detection.

Steps:

1. Open Steam → Settings → In-Game.
2. Uncheck Enable the Steam Overlay while in-game.
3. Relaunch the game.

✅ Result: Prevents overlay conflicts affecting controller input.

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🛠️ Fix 8: Launch the Game in Administrator Mode

Some controller drivers may need admin privileges to function.

Steps:

1. Go to the game installation folder, for example: C:\Program Files (x86)\Steam\steamapps\common\The Farmer Was Replaced
2. Right-click game.exe → Properties → Compatibility.
3. Check Run this program as an administrator.
4. Click Apply → OK → launch the game.

✅ Result: Grants full access to input device handling.

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🛠️ Fix 9: Use Wired Connection (if using Bluetooth)

Wireless controllers sometimes drop connection or lag.

Steps:

• Connect your controller directly via USB cable.
• Disable Bluetooth temporarily to prevent signal interference.
• Test the input responsiveness again.

✅ Result: Provides a stable, lag-free input connection.

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💡 Bonus Tip: Reset Controller Settings

If the game has saved old input data, reset it.

Steps:

1. Navigate to: %appdata%\The Farmer Was Replaced
2. Delete or rename input.json or settings.cfg.
3. Launch the game — it will create a new configuration file.

✅ Result: Clears corrupted input bindings.

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❓ FAQs

Q1: My controller works in other games but not this one — why?
A1: It’s likely a Steam Input conflict or an unrecognized device ID; adjust controller settings in Steam.

Q2: Does the game support PlayStation controllers?
A2: Yes, but you may need DS4Windows or Steam Input enabled.

Q3: Is Bluetooth delay normal?
A3: Slightly, yes — but wired mode eliminates lag completely.

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🎯 Conclusion

If your controller or gamepad isn’t working in The Farmer Was Replaced, it’s usually a simple configuration or driver issue. By checking Steam Input, updating drivers, and ensuring the right connection mode, you can restore full control and enjoy a smooth, immersive farming experience using your favorite gamepad. 🌾