Xbox controller far superior; PLEASE don't make same mistake with FFXIV on PS4

I have a PS3 and a PC copy of the game. On my PS3 copy I use the PS3 controller. On my PC version I use the Xbox controller.

There is one huge glaring issue with using a PS3 controller on this game.

You can't move at the same time as activating an ability with the D-Pad. You control the movement stick as well as the d-pad with the same finger (your left thumb.) I have to be very careful which abilities I assign to my D-Pad (for example, Lustrate CANNOT on the d-pad because of the amount of times I need to be moving at the same time I lustrate.)

Sometimes you can use autorun to mitigate this problem, but I've had my share of derp moments using autorun while activating abilities with the D-pad (running off of the side of Titan, while dodging bombs and reading for a swiftcast to heal tank while moving.)

So, why is the X-box controller better? The D-pad and stick are in reversed positions on the X-box controller You can EASILY activate every single ability on your crossbars by reaching over with your right thumb and hitting the d-pad.

For those of you don't use a controller to play this game, this may seem like a small detail. But, I can guarantee that being able to keep your left thumb for movement no matter which ability you need to activate is a FAR superior way to play this game.

So, please find a way to fix this for the PS4 release. I will not be playing with a PS4 controller if this current configuration is used.

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Originally Posted by reality_check

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Not to be overly confrontational, but that's a matter of opinion and preference. I can use all of my abilities fine enough with a PS3 controller and tanking while moving out of AOE's. But I don't claim that the ps3 controller is superior to a mouse. It's a matter of how you prefer to play the game--as an individual. You can't possibly expect an entire company to change how things work just to suit your personal taste.

I have no problems.

There's no real way to "fix" something like this so looks like you're not using a ps4 controller.
/thread answered

Or you know... use your left index finger o.o??????

The xbox one controller feels much cheaper than its predecessor, and both drive me nuts with the swapped analog/d-pad placements.

No.....

...just no

This wasn't supposed to be an x-box versus ps3 controller argument.

I only brought it up because it wasn't until I used the xbox controller that I realized how annoying it is to have to stop moving in order to use any of your abilities on the D-Pad.

Reasons like this is why the Keyboard will ALWAYS be better than the controller.

The intended design of a PS3 controller is to use the D-Pad and the Left analog stick with the left thumb. This does not work well with this game because there are abilities you need to use while directing your character in a certain direction.

or use mouse and keyboard, which doesn't have this problem.

xbox < PS(doesng matter the number)

a dualshock is all i need. i never liked that big thing in my hand u call an xbox xontroller.

Like above said, i can do all with the controller.

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Originally Posted by Alhanelem

or use mouse and keyboard, which doesn't have this problem.

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Unfortunately reasons like this are why I will always feel more comfortable playing this game with a mouse and keyboard. You can get around the awkwardness of moving and activating abilities with the same finger (left thumb) by using an xbox controller but this isnt really an option with the ps4 version.

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Originally Posted by Ramzal

You can't possibly expect an entire company to change how things work just to suit your personal taste.

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This isn't a matter a personal taste. It's a clunky design of controller usage. SE obviously wants this game to be very controller accessible, and you can't possible tell me that using the left sides of your crossbars is near as fluid as using the right side.

There are adaptors that let you use an Xbox 360 controller with the PS3, and i'm sure there will be adaptors that let you use the Xbox One controller on the PS4 eventually.

I don't have that issue, i can move and hit the dpad at the same time with the same hand, Its not that hard if you actually try to do it.

My OCD doesn't allow this to be a problem. Your most spammed/positional moves should be on buttons and not dpad if it is causing you too much of a headache.

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Originally Posted by KenzieLynch

There are adaptors that let you use an Xbox 360 controller with the PS3, and i'm sure there will be adaptors that let you use the Xbox One controller on the PS4 eventually.

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There's also a 3rd-Party controller that makes PS3 controllers in the XBox360 configuration. I use that whenever I'm on my PS3. It's possible they'll make one. Gamestop has some, starting at $40. I forget how much I paid for mine. PS3 Controller, XBox360 Style

You could bypass this problem by going into the settings and changing your cross bar to mixed or toggle, so instead of holding down the L and R buttons, you just tap them. It's quite useful when dealing with the cross bar, but can also be a real pain if you never get used to it. I've been meaning to give it a second chance myself but I haven't had any dire need to do so.

im using a DS3 controller, but i have not even stumble on your problem, perhaps you need to get use to it?

It's all about hand positioning. Granted, I'm left handed, but I don't have any problem using the knuckle of my thumb to move while pressing the D-pad buttons with the end of my thumb, and I have really small hands (I actually have trouble even reaching all the buttons on an Xbox controller).

Also, Xbox controllers are asymmetrical. *shudder*

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Originally Posted by Calyanare

Also, Xbox controllers are asymmetrical. *shudder*

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Lol, this. A million times this.

I've hated the Xbox controllers since forever because of how freaking awkwardly i have to hold the damned thing.
Hell, Even the N64 controller was easier to use than an Xbox controller IMO.

It's extremely subjective.

I've been playing with a dualshock 3 since launch (and early 1.0) without any issues whatsoever. I now play with a dualshock 4 100% of the time. I'm not sure why you are having these issues as they haven't seem to have come up for me. I do know that because of Monster Hunter, I've developed some crazy good claw abilities. Using my left index finger on the D Pad while I move around with my left thumb.. something impossible on a Xbox controller.

If you really don't like the dualshock, grab a converter.. but there's nothing you can do on a Xbox controller than you can't do on a dualshock. Also, avoid the Xbox One controller... it's one of the worst I've ever used (other than the trigger rumble.. that's really cool).

EDIT: Also, your issues sound like they might be caused by poor X hot bar planning. You shouldn't be putting skills that have no cast time on your dpad when you can put them on the face buttons. You get 8 skills on a pallet with your facebuttons, there's no reason to put a heal on your D pad. I think this is really your problem, not the controller layout.

SE has multiple controller configurations to deal with with any preference someone might have.

As others have said, if you have problems with the DualShock3 layout you can always remap important abilities to the ABXY keys and less used abilities to the D-pad.

Personally, I use a wireless Xbox 360 controller for Windows to play FFXIV and if I need to activate an ability while running I can reach over with my right thumb and activate the D-pad (kinda awkward, but I don't even realize I'm doing it half the time). I also use a Logitech F310 (DualShock2 PS2 design) to play FFXIV on other PCs and have no problem using the palm part of my thumb to run while activating abilities on the D-pad with the thumb pad.

When it comes to comfort I've found I prefer the Xbox 360 controller design over the PS2-3, but that's simply because I can play for hours without my hands cramping up. Once again, that's a personal preference though.


As far as the PS4 goes, bear in mind that they have redesigned the DualShock4 just like they have for each iteration of the PlayStation and it "looks" to me like it could be quite comfortable.

Sighs this had nothing to do with Controller of PS3 vs XBOX. Trash this topic please. I have both PS3 and PC version, I also have XBOX controllers and a VERY cheap Gigaware one. Conclusion? Even the Gigaware works better XD. The difference its in the PC specs vs PS3 NOT on the controllers. Controllers work exactly the same on any platform.

Welp Ronyx missed the point as this has nothing to do with specs. Anyway, I use the edge of my thumb when I move so this isnt a problem with me even with my small hands. If the 360 controller is more comfortable to you thats good. They make ps3 controllers setup like 360 ones. I personally could never use a 360 d pad anyway considering how bad of a dpad it is in the first place.

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Originally Posted by Cynric

Welp Ronyx missed the point as this has nothing to do with specs. Anyway, I use the edge of my thumb when I move so this isnt a problem with me even with my small hands. If the 360 controller is more comfortable to you thats good. They make ps3 controllers setup like 360 ones. I personally could never use a 360 d pad anyway considering how bad of a dpad it is in the first place.

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Do you mean how they have the D-pad positioned on the controller or the fact that the 360 controller's D-pad is raised up on the controller unlike the DualShock controllers where it is inlaid into the surface?

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Originally Posted by reality_check

You can't move at the same time as activating an ability with the D-Pad.

So, why is the X-box controller better? The D-pad and stick are in reversed positions on the X-box controller You can EASILY activate every single ability on your crossbars by reaching over with your right thumb and hitting the d-pad.

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I have no issues at all playing PLD, BRD or DRG on a DualShock 4, running the game's current End Game content.

This is all personal preference and there are already solutions for your problem: 3rd Party Controllers

This is a PS3 controller with a 360 design:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/...UL._SX385_.jpg
Expect a PS4 version as well.

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Originally Posted by Calyanare

It's all about hand positioning. Granted, I'm left handed, but I don't have any problem using the knuckle of my thumb to move while pressing the D-pad buttons with the end of my thumb, and I have really small hands (I actually have trouble even reaching all the buttons on an Xbox controller).

Also, Xbox controllers are asymmetrical. *shudder*

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this. I am not exaggerating when I say that the xbox controler actually HURTS my hands (the ONE controller seems to be a tiiiny bit better but still feels uncomfortable)
and the asymetric stuff really bothers me. -.-

just looking at it already gives me OCD panic attacks

http://cdn.fansided.com/wp-content/b...ront-Large.jpg


no no no no noooooo

I use my right hand to activate abilities on the d-pad when I'm moving.

Awkward? Yes, at first. But I'm used to it now.

The OP does have a point though.

The assymetric design of the Xbox controllers is actually to prevent tendinitis in your thumbs. This isn't a big problem with the dualshock because it's slightly smaller putting the sticks in a position that you don't have to stretch your thumbs to reach them. Question still remains though. WHy did Microsoft engineer their controller so large lol.

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Originally Posted by Kittra

Do you mean how they have the D-pad positioned on the controller or the fact that the 360 controller's D-pad is raised up on the controller unlike the DualShock controllers where it is inlaid into the surface?

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second part plus it wiggles around and makes it hard for me to tell which direction its in. Whenever ive played games like fighters or something that needs real accuracy I wont even touch that pad. Id rather take my chances with the analog stick lol.

I use PS3 controller on my PC and I have no issues

I fail to see how an X-Box controller is better than the DS3 for movement and action inputs at the same time. Both are limited in the way that the thumb controls the stick and D-pad/face buttons, maybe it's time for you to adopt the "Claw Grip" many Monster Hunter players used to control both the camera and movement. I understand that controllers are flawed by design for the limited inputs a player can utilize compared to a keyboard & mouse, or if you want to go to extremes, G13/Orbweaver and G600/Naga users. But my point is that I find it odd that a 360 controller is better than the DS3 when both have design failures that controller designers are too afraid to move away from.

Or you could just play on PC with a keyboard and mouse and be superior to both.

I really don't understand why people play with controllers on PC.

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Originally Posted by Ryios

Or you could just play on PC with a keyboard and mouse and be superior to both.

I really don't understand why people play with controllers on PC.

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Because they can. If I wasn't SCH Healing I'd be using a controller too.

It's kind of fun to just sit back in your chair and play with a controller when you have 3 monitors in Eyefinity setup.

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Originally Posted by Lithera

The assymetric design of the Xbox controllers is actually to prevent tendinitis in your thumbs. This isn't a big problem with the dualshock because it's slightly smaller putting the sticks in a position that you don't have to stretch your thumbs to reach them. Question still remains though. WHy did Microsoft engineer their controller so large lol.

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Microsoft didn't. The X-box controller is based off of (well, a clone of) the Dreamcast controller designed by Sega.

Dualshock-style lets you move with left thumbstick, control camera with right thumbstick, AND use the d-pad all at the same time without having to use a claw-grip or completely re-orientate your right hand; Xbox-style does not.

I've never had an issue activating the D-Pad skills with my PS3 controller. Although I don't really see a huge detriment in not being able to use certain moves while moving other than being on a frontline melee role or Bard. Even then, we are able to set up where we want our skills to be on the crossbar and we have 8 full bars to switch between, so it shouldn't really be an issue. Put the less used abilities on the d-pad and most used on the face buttons. Works perfectly for me on both WHM and Bard at least.

For example on WHM I have cures set to L2+Face buttons and attacks on R2+Face, while having important, yet less used actions on the d-pad (stoneskin, regen, repose, esuna, etc.). On bard I have the main attacks set up similarly, but replace the cures with AoE and support spells with non global cooldown actions (such as blunt arrow and blood letter). Other important actions, such as Medica II, Benediction, and songs, I set to another bar for easy access on the face buttons.

In my opinion, the original post is a non-issue. If anything, you may just need to adjust your setup and you'll be golden with a Dualshock controller.