If your controller or gamepad isn’t working properly while playing The Last Caretaker on PC, you’re not alone. Many players report issues like:
- Controller not detected
- Inputs not responding
- Only partial buttons working
- Wrong button layout
- Xbox / PlayStation controller not recognized
This guide will help you fix controller and gamepad issues in The Last Caretaker for Steam, Epic Games, and Windows PC — so you can enjoy smooth gameplay without frustration.
⚙️ Common Causes
Before jumping to fixes, here are the most common reasons controllers fail to work:
- Steam Input conflict
- Outdated or missing controller drivers
- Using both keyboard/mouse and controller simultaneously
- Third-party apps (like DS4Windows) interfering
- Incorrect input settings (XInput vs DirectInput)
- Bluetooth connection errors
🧩 Fix 1: Check Controller Connection
Start with the basics — make sure your controller is properly connected.
Steps:
- Unplug and reconnect your controller.
- Try a different USB port (preferably on the back of your PC).
- If wireless, ensure your Bluetooth is enabled and paired.
- Test the controller on another game or website like Gamepad Tester.
✅ Result: Confirms whether the issue is with the controller or the game.
🧠 Fix 2: Enable Steam Input
Steam Input can automatically detect and configure most controllers — including Xbox, PlayStation, and generic gamepads.
Steps:
- Open Steam → Library → The Last Caretaker.
- Click the gear icon (⚙️) → Properties → Controller.
- Under “Override for The Last Caretaker,” choose:
👉 Enable Steam Input - Restart the game.
If that doesn’t work, try switching to:
👉 Disable Steam Input (sometimes fixes detection conflicts).
✅ Result: Ensures the correct controller API is being used.
🧰 Fix 3: Configure Controller in Steam Big Picture Mode
Steam’s Big Picture Mode helps fix recognition issues with Xbox, PS4, and PS5 controllers.
Steps:
- Open Steam → View → Big Picture Mode.
- Go to Settings → Controller Settings.
- Check the box for your controller type:
- ✅ Xbox Configuration Support
- ✅ PlayStation Configuration Support
- ✅ Generic Gamepad Configuration Support
- Relaunch The Last Caretaker.
✅ Result: Ensures Steam uses the correct mapping profile for your controller.
🧩 Fix 4: Update Controller Drivers
Outdated or missing drivers can prevent proper communication with your PC.
Steps:
- Press Windows + X → Device Manager.
- Expand Human Interface Devices or Universal Serial Bus Controllers.
- Right-click your controller → Update Driver → Search automatically.
- If you use an Xbox controller, open the Microsoft Store and install the Xbox Accessories App.
✅ Result: Refreshes the driver and restores compatibility with DirectInput/XInput.
🔌 Fix 5: Disconnect Other Input Devices
Having multiple input devices (like racing wheels, HOTAS, or another controller) can confuse the game.
Steps:
- Unplug all unnecessary USB devices — except the main controller.
- Restart your PC.
- Launch The Last Caretaker again.
✅ Result: Prevents input conflict and allows the game to detect your primary controller correctly.
🧱 Fix 6: Turn Off Third-Party Controller Software
Programs like DS4Windows, InputMapper, or x360ce can interfere with the game’s native input system.
Steps:
- Close all controller emulation tools.
- If you use DS4Windows, disable “Hide DS4 Controller” and relaunch the game.
- Try launching The Last Caretaker directly from Steam (not via shortcut).
✅ Result: Eliminates software conflicts causing unresponsive controls.
🧩 Fix 7: Reconfigure In-Game Controller Settings
Sometimes, The Last Caretaker itself doesn’t automatically switch to gamepad mode.
Steps:
- Open the game and go to Settings → Controls / Input.
- Look for options like:
- Input Type: Controller / Gamepad
- Vibration: On
- Controller Layout: Xbox / PlayStation
- Apply the changes and restart the game.
✅ Result: Forces the game to recognize the controller layout.
🔄 Fix 8: Use Wired Connection
Wireless controllers can lose signal or experience latency spikes, causing inputs to fail.
Steps:
- Connect the controller directly with a USB cable.
- Disable Bluetooth temporarily to avoid interference.
✅ Result: Improves stability and ensures consistent input recognition.
🧱 Fix 9: Reinstall Controller Drivers (Last Resort)
If nothing else works, try a clean reinstall of your controller’s driver.
Steps:
- Press Windows + X → Device Manager.
- Locate your controller → Uninstall Device.
- Unplug the controller and restart your PC.
- Reconnect the controller — Windows will reinstall the driver automatically.
✅ Result: Fixes corrupted or mismatched driver configurations.
💡 Bonus Tip: Run as Administrator
Sometimes The Last Caretaker needs elevated permissions to access controller input properly.
Steps:
- Right-click the game’s executable or shortcut.
- Click Properties → Compatibility.
- Check Run this program as an administrator.
- Apply and launch.
✅ Result: Grants full device access for smoother gameplay.
❓ FAQs
Q1: My controller works in other games but not in The Last Caretaker. Why?
A: The issue may be related to Steam Input conflicts or game-specific settings. Try toggling Steam Input or verifying the game files.
Q2: Can I use a PS5 DualSense controller?
A: Yes — enable PlayStation Configuration Support in Steam settings for full compatibility.
Q3: The buttons are mismatched (A acts as B, etc). How to fix?
A: Change controller layout in Steam Big Picture Mode or remap inputs in-game.
Q4: Does The Last Caretaker support generic USB controllers?
A: Yes, but make sure Generic Gamepad Configuration Support is enabled in Steam.
🎯 Conclusion
If your controller or gamepad isn’t working in The Last Caretaker, it’s usually due to Steam Input conflicts, driver issues, or incorrect configuration settings.
By following these fixes — checking connections, enabling Steam Input, updating drivers, and disabling third-party tools — you can easily restore full controller functionality.
Once fixed, you’ll be able to enjoy The Last Caretaker with a seamless, immersive gamepad experience.
