gaming joystick questions

[Kagami_Engel]

1) is it possible to use a gaming joystick to play ffxiv?

2) ^ if yes can it be effective?

3) can you use a joystick and a mouse?

4) can you use 2 joysticks?

5) ^ can that be effective?

6) any additional info or tips about playing with a joystick would be appreciated

[Lupus_Lux]

1.)I use an Xbox 360 wired controller it works great.
2.)Not sure, I use a controller because I can't move/aim with mouse and keyboard, I haven't encountered any problems so far with being able to play effectively.
3.) Yes, for some things. If you choose a controller as your input device then it will be your main device for interacting with the environment and NPC's. You can use the mouse for your menu items and manipulating the map as well as using skills on your hotbar. I usually use a mouse for crafting as I'm stationary and don't move around.
4.) Not sure.
5.) Not sure.
6.) There are good threads about this here, one I liked was a guideline for controller hotbar layouts. Set up a crossbar that is shared between all classes that will have commonly used functions like sprint, teleport, mount/dismount, FC, Journal etc. Disable hotbars you don't need to cut down on clutter. Use macros too, the downside to the controller is the limited space.

[Jinx]

He said Joystick, not gamepad/controller....

I'd say while you can map anything to most joysticks via software I doubt that it would be an ideal setup. Joysticks are good for flying planes etc... not the ergonomics you want for this game.

[Rhona]

My guess would be shortage of buttons for skills etc.

I use a G13 with thumbstick for the movement and that works very well for me.

[SkyfangRauss]

I used to use a 360 gamepad on my PC to play, but the cross hotbar doesn't have enough slots, and targeting has some serious issues, even if you customize the target filters.

so I pulled out my old nostromo speedpad and haven't had nearly as many issues as with a gamepad.

I will say, however, than the gamepad is superior to kb+m when gathering, but that's about it.

[Kagami_Engel]

k i boiled down to i want to use a joystick and a mouse

will ffxiv let me bind the joystick directions to keys
and the hat switch to keys?

alot of joysticks have many buttons on them can i bind them too?
and the trigger?

or will i have to use a emulator