Playing an MMO with a controller

Watching some videos of it and omg. That seems looks incredibly tedious. I dont think i would ever give up a keyboard and mouse for a controller for an MMO.

Its personal preference. But I think you have way better movement control with analogue stick and buttons much easier to press then keyboard buttons.

I played one on KB/mouse for awhile and could only make use of 1-6.. Cramped my hand and skills on the move were too hard. Controller is much more freeing for me.

I've been using controllers to play MMO's since LotRO, a lot less button skating, fewer mistakes from not having fingers lined up (usually occurred when going back back and forth from typing in chat and going back to skills), and I've never used a mouse when playing any games, always feels so slow and restricting, prefer keyboard shortcuts if I can't use controller.

I play better on controller

I've been forced to do it for a while on my ps4, since my laptop is garbage. When i finally got my hands on a mouse/keyboard i just couldn't do it, i had gotten so used to my controller setup. It's really not that hard once you get the hang of it. The only thing that becomes difficult is typing, which is what i use the keyboard for now. The best part of the controller is that it's impossible to backpedal, your character just does an instant 180.

When i get a new computer, i'll train myself to use the keyboard again, but until then i am content to use the PS4 controller.

i started out on steam
got a ps4 and tried using controller
once i setup extended crosshotbar i never went back
its better

It's all about personal preference and what you're used to. As someone who's been a console gamer for 20+ years I picked up the controller and it made sense right away. But make me use K/M and I can't even walk around town properly.

I find it's actually very convenient.
All the buttons are right there.

Been using KB/M with MMOs for at least 5+ years now and when I tried controller with FFXIV I couldn't do it, much preferred the KB/M (even though I prefer a controller for almost every other game, with the obvious exceptions). Just what you're used to I guess, if I had given the controller a go for longer than 20 minutes and gotten used to it I'm sure I wouldn't mind it as much.

Started ARR with controller, can't play it without controller now

Used controller for all games I could. Lol. I'm just so much faster, more accurate. And more responsive with a controller. I tried with keyboard and it's just difficult for me.

I played FFXI with a controller so when FFXIV 1.0 came out I kinda carried that over and made use of their similar macro system to do the same kind of play style.

After 2.0 the new cross hotbar system came and it took a bit of getting used to since it was slightly different from FFXI type macros, but once I did I find it great. I've played WoW and I used KB/M strictly for that (not sure if you can even use controller on WoW), I did PvE and a lot of PVP and it was fine, but I find the controller is way easier on my hands and wrists than KB/M.

It just seems more relaxing and comfortable to use controller, if I stay up late I can lie down or lean back and if I have to type I can just prop up for a second. If you can get used to using a controller effectively in this game you might get to like it ^^

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Originally Posted by Cutie_McSnuggles

It's all about personal preference and what you're used to. As someone who's been a console gamer for 20+ years I picked up the controller and it made sense right away. But make me use K/M and I can't even walk around town properly.

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This is basically my exact sentiment on the subject, I've played video games for about the same number of years, and being solely used to a controller only, it's hard to break out of that mold. It's just more fluid and easier for me to pick up a controller, then trying to learn how to KB/M properly on some games @.@

I switch to controller for certain types of activity, such as long stretches of gathering or when I make certain jumps for the exploration journal. But generally I have trouble with precise targeting using a controller. The auto-switch target function is pretty scatterbrained in this game (targeting a passive enemy out of range when there are two enemies smacking me in the face) and ground targeting attacks and pet movement just aren't quick enough for me.

Not to mention I love having tons of shortcuts and rows of toolbars so I can do a dozen different things without opening a menu. One toolbar for instant job changes, one toolbar for professions, one toolbar for mounts/pet/potions/companion skills, etc. I think the controller crossbar barely has enough room for combat skills.

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Originally Posted by Gunspec

Not to mention I love having tons of shortcuts and rows of toolbars so I can do a dozen different things without opening a menu. One toolbar for instant job changes, one toolbar for professions, one toolbar for mounts/pet/potions/companion skills, etc. I think the controller crossbar barely has enough room for combat skills.

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I have shared crossbars for job changes, mounts, misc skills, etc. Only #2-4 are unique per class (as it's only really convenient for me to use one + expanded in combat, then have a switching macro on scholar to use a third). You can easily swap out crossbars with R1+button.. DoL/DoH is R1+down for me, DoW/DoM is R1+left, and my standard out of combat stuff is R1+triangle. I just built muscle memory to easily swap to what I want without thinking much about it.

I played FFXI for years with a controller, I used that same controller for FFXIV 1.0.

Now with 2.0 Controller use is faster, the UI is easier and it means I can lean back all nice and comfy while tearing apart the mob of choice ^^

The only thing was I needed to get used to the Xbox style controller since 2.0 didn't support my trusty old logitech. But I'm ok with that.

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Originally Posted by Zumi

Its personal preference. But I think you have way better movement control with analogue stick and buttons much easier to press then keyboard buttons.

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You can move while pressing down on mouse L+R as well, which I often use. I could also select targets using the mouse while moving with my keyboard. I think essentially controller mode is very precisely optimized for the game, while keyboard-mouse mode is the usual versatility mode that can end up better or worse than the controller entirely depending on individual preferences.

Personally I find the camera control on the controller quite imprecise. :(

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Originally Posted by raela

I played one on KB/mouse for awhile and could only make use of 1-6.. Cramped my hand and skills on the move were too hard. Controller is much more freeing for me.

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The keyboard-mouse mode need a lot of keybinds customization. For example, my left hand covers 48 key-binds without having to move its position even 1 inch.

In the end it's all just personal preferences.

I started ARR with my keyboard/mouse... but on a laptop it's just not good, even when I plugged in my USB mouse. I ordered an adapter for my XBOX controller like as soon as I knew I was going to be playing this game a lot.

It took getting used to but now that I have my controller it's so much easier for me; I just can't do keyboard/mouse only. (I do have a few shortcuts onscreen that are accessible by mouse but nothing intense like fighting and..moving...)

I tried to use a controller for a while with FFXI on PC. About the only thing I really liked was being able to move and look in first person and have total control over the direction I was looking in.

I currently play with the PS4 controller for FFXIV. However most of the macro and dps rotations I see are all Kb and mouse with various hotbar setups. A lot of it is point and click especially with mob swapping on paladin to build hate in a group. I would really appreciate it if someone did a guide on how to set up and streamline the crossbar and controller settings so people who are trying to learn the setup or melee with out a kb and mouse can move and cycle through rotations closer to what folks seem to do with kb and mouse. Especially since we can't have as much on one row as with a hot bar. Or multiple bars that are visible making it a point and click cycle around rotations.

My controller died in the middle of Titan Ex once because I wasn't paying attention to the battery. While dead, I quickly switched to keyboard/mouse mode thinking I'd be able to at least get the fight done--and hey, Titan never even hit me once after that! ...Because I walked myself off the edge within three seconds.

People who can play with keyboard/mouse seem completely strange to me. Any time I try, the movement feels so imprecise and all the different keys... Blech.

Though it has its issues (targetting on controller does pretty much suck, even with custom targetting settings), the ease of movement and the hotbar far outweigh the negatives in my opinion.

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Originally Posted by Averax

I've been forced to do it for a while on my ps4, since my laptop is garbage. When i finally got my hands on a mouse/keyboard i just couldn't do it, i had gotten so used to my controller setup. It's really not that hard once you get the hang of it. The only thing that becomes difficult is typing, which is what i use the keyboard for now. The best part of the controller is that it's impossible to backpedal, your character just does an instant 180.

When i get a new computer, i'll train myself to use the keyboard again, but until then i am content to use the PS4 controller.

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Try using Legacy Camera Mode (Change via Character Configuration )

You will never backpedal again.

I don't know how people do it but I can't press 6-0 on the keyboard with their left hand without looking at the keyboard mid play. My KB set up usually ends up with 3 stacked bars going from 1-5 plus other around-wsad shortcuts. Still, that usually ends up making my left hand do all the work and left+right mouse hold to do precision running just doesn't feel right.

Plus, performing an uncommon set of actions (combat actions done in an order you dont usually do because a certain fight requires you to) feels better on controller because each of the actions have a distinct way of activating them, especially when they're on different sets. Then hand motions you do for everything on your kb hotbar are largely the same. Some may argue that it's better that way because it's faster but I prefer the former and my hands are fast enough for it.

I bind my keys this way:

Bar 1 = 1234qerfzxcv
Bar 2 = shift+1234qerfzxcv
Bar 3 = alt+shift+1234qerfzxcv
Bar 4 = alt+1234qerfzxcv

I don't find that my left hand is going all the work because during combat I often hold down my left mouse button and swivel the camera to check on patrols, look at party members outside my view etc.

As for actions, if you are able to touch type, each set of keybinds are distinct. It's like playing the piano. All the keys are essentially the same actions, or maybe two different actions, but you just know they're distinct keys due to their relative position.

That said, though, I find controllers better for my gathering sessions because it doesn't fix my arms at the rigid positions that the keyboard-mouse mode require. It's more relaxing on the controller for me.

I first played FFXI on ps2, so it just felt natural for me to play on a controller when I switched to pc. Started FFXIV on PS3, and again have stayed with controller on pc.

BUT I loved playing GW2 with my keyboard and gaming mouse that has 12 buttons on the side!

I've been a gamer since the late 80's. First console and later PC. Playing MMO's since the last 10 years.

For me personally the keyboard + mouse combination is the one that works for me. When playing FF-X or GTA Vice City on my old PS2 for example I keep running into walls. While with I the WASD combination I can navigate a labyrinth without problems. :)

Played all MMO's with Keyboard/mouse and when I first got FFXIV i started with the controller, it was nice it was responsive and was definitely a great way to play.

However I then went back to my PC and keyboard/mouse and honestly, nothing compares. I will do casual raiding on the PS4 like WoD and my crafting/gathering and fates etc, but for Final coil its keyboard and mouse all the way. I much prefer the precision.

It is all down to preference, i also have a razer naga which just makes PC gaming a dream.

In FFXI I was keyboard only and tried that in FFXIV 1.0 as much as possible, but since 2.0 I've been using controller exclusively. I tank and DPS no problem with it. The scholar in my static uses a gamepad too and he's an absolute beast. All about what you're most comfortable with, as others have said.

I play on a controller. I don't see anything hard with it. I share your opinions of the controller, on the Keyboard/Mouse however. Movement is jarring and my fingers aren't spiders (even though I'm a pianist)

I wish more MMOs supported controllers. I play on my MacBook Pro and the keyboard is not positioned well enough for me to keep my hands atop the keys for very long.

This is the same type of debate that fighting games get when it's controller vs. fight stick. It's simply a preference, as you can play both ways optimally depending on your style. There are some advantages over others (healing is significantly easier on kb with mouse macros vs. a controller cycling through the party list), but the game was designed around ease of access on both accounts. I always tell new players to enjoy whichever comes more natural to them.

Personally, I'm a controller user. I have been since FFXI, and I love the immersion I get from playing with one.

I find playing on a keyboard to be incredibly tedious, especially if I want to chat and I chat alot. Always having to hit some chat-activator before I can use the keyboard to talk. And the targeting is even more so. Camera control isn't too hard, I use a trackball so no need to worry about running off the table. I've played alot of MMOs and have only really enjoyed the control schemes of those that allowed for controllers.

I find the controller to be great for tanking. Camera usage is just so easy.

It is kinda hard to drop the controller and type then pick it back up mid fight though. So explaining things on the fly becomes difficult. Other than that I target faster on the controller.

I have played just fine on PS3 and now PS4 :D
It really is not that bad, i do also use a keyboard alongside the controller

I think FFXIV has a very good controller scheme but it will never be as good as mouse & keyboard.

this game needs at least 3 action bars to play your job to its full potential.

targeting with a controller is no match to mouse & keyboard as well.

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Originally Posted by Gunspec

I switch to controller for certain types of activity, such as long stretches of gathering or when I make certain jumps for the exploration journal. But generally I have trouble with precise targeting using a controller. The auto-switch target function is pretty scatterbrained in this game (targeting a passive enemy out of range when there are two enemies smacking me in the face) and ground targeting attacks and pet movement just aren't quick enough for me.

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There are some options for this situation

- cancel your current target. The next enemy that hit you is your new target
- Use L1 + Dpad up/down to switch between the enemies in your enemy list
- Switch to a target filter that target only enemies that are aggro on you.

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Originally Posted by Zfz

The keyboard-mouse mode need a lot of keybinds customization. For example, my left hand covers 48 key-binds without having to move its position

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I've been using the same keybind setup over a decade now. I have around 35 on my left hand which i can manage.

The basic keybind layout doesn't really work on any mmo. It needs to be tailored to work for each player and this is what many players don't do.

I cringe everytime i see someone use number keys for actions that need fast reaction times.

To each his own i guess.

I've been using controller so long now that I could never stop doing it this way, but targetting can be a big problem. When you have 72-players in PvP, it takes like 10 minutes to toggle over to the target I want to attack. Targetting difficulty can cause problems.

I played for a long time on KB+Mouse until Titan Hard was clobbering faces for a very long time, with a little support from Twintania. Once I crossed those two I realized quick movement and reaction was something that this game absolutely required and that's when I tried a controller. Once I made the swap it was so hard to swap back, as movement on the keyboard and mouse just seemed clunky and difficult (try auto-facing when using a skill on the KB vs controller, especially as a bard or tank on the move).

Only downfall I've noticed is immediately available actions. With ctrl+alt and 1 thru = on the keyboard you have almost 40 abilities on demand. That's a lot of bumping r1 to swap tabs right quick. I did go out and get a razer tartarus to help extend my access to keys and that has been a dream. When I want to dps as a healer now I can easily use the keys on the tartarus to click on cleric stance and sling my spells, then bump cleric stance off and go back to the controller for my heals and movement.

It has seriously increased my a game. :D

Edit: also, having a single vertical bar to track things like cooldowns and a macro with them all on it (no wait) has been great for me, too. Especially as a bard with 6 dps cooldowns or whatever. I hit the button 6 times to fire them all, or hit it once if I know one is off cooldown and ready to fire (looking at you, internal release). Pretty nifty. Macros definitely help the controller, too. Mashing Straight Shot + Bloodletter + Misery's End into one button helps me get the most out of the crossbar while not sacrificing critical abilities on demand.

For a few MMO I've played with Keyboard/mouse, its not too hard... but personally the character movement always felt so restricting.
Controller makes it much more free.
Altho I have to admit that most of the time keeping track of your cooldowns can be an issue since you will always have at most 16 buttons on view on the screen with the sole crosshotbar, so keyboard wins on that, as well as moving through menus, but I like the fact that I can hide EVERYTHING thanks to that too...

If you get used enough to the controller you can even play with the whole HUD hidden for a while and admire all the cool skill's light effects in a way you cant while staring at skills cooling down.
Since I play on PC with an Xbox controller, I think I can enjoy both features in a sense.

I would love that the camera spinning could be increased a 10 times fold tho...