PC controller becomes unresponsive

[crc0427]

Any word on getting this issue that has existed since 2.0 fixed? Multiple users on here have complained about it, and it's just XIV doing this. It doesn't matter if you use the controller wired or wireless, or any controller (I've had probably 6 or 7 over the course of the years).

If you disable Microsoft Device Association Root Enumerator, it helps a bit, but doesn't resolve it.

SE - Do you plan to ever fix this issue? It's so fun when you're in an EX or Savage and you have to dodge and you can't.

[DarkArvan]

Hi there,

There is no known controller bug since 2.X as far as i know? what do you find about this issue?

What controller do you use? Please attach system info from FFXIV System Information here in thread.

Also you can try to get in touch with the SE Support, as here in the forums mostly only players are helping.

[StouterTaru]

I had issues with a cheap Bluetooth keyboard that liked to randomly go into sleep mode. Every time it went to sleep or woke up, I'd have about 3 seconds where my controller was non-responsive

I never fixed the problem, just got around it via mouse sharing and a 2nd computer

[Votraftur]

Good morning! Thank you for posting in the Final Fantasy XIV Technical Support Forums.

We apologize for any inconvenience you have been experiencing. There are a number of situations that can cause the error you are describing. Please try the following troubleshooting methods in order to resolve the issue:

- Please make sure that the gamepad setting is enabled: System Configuration > Gamepad Settings > "Enable gamepad."
- Try plugging the controller into different ports (both front and back).
- Make sure all drivers for the controller are fully up to date, even if the device is new often the drivers are not updated while it is in storage. Most times, the controller will work without them in a "plug and play" style, but for an issue like this, we must recommend that you install the official drivers for the controller.
- Hide DS4 controller, please try enabling/disabling this option.
- Disable all other device drivers, leaving the mouse, keyboard, and controller as the only active devices.
- Try unplugging all other devices and only plugging in the mouse, keyboard, and controller.
- Make sure Windows has been fully updated from the Microsoft/Windows Update website.
- Re-calibrate the controller under the System Configuration Menu under the Gamepad Settings tab.
- Delete all USB and gamepad devices via the Device Manager. Restart your computer and allow the device to rediscover the devices and reinstall the drives.
- Fully uninstall the controller, reboot the computer, and reinstall the controller.
- If you have a specialized gaming keyboard you may want to try using a different keyboard to be sure there are no conflicts with that device.
- Launch FINAL FANTASY XIV preferably with a cleanboot. To open a cleanboot, please open the Task Manager (CTRL+SHIFT+ESC) and select the "Start Up" tab. Disable every nonessential program here, and restart the computer.
- If possible, please try using other controllers.

Should the issue still persist after attempting all the listed troubleshooting, we advise that you reinstall the game (make sure to remove or rename the 'Final Fantasy XIV' folder in the 'My Documents' > 'My Games' folder). You can re-download the game client via the Steam library or at the following link for the Windows client: http://www.finalfantasyxiv.com/playersdownload/na

We recommend that the game be installed on the C: drive, as installing it on any drive that is not the default may cause more problems.

If you are still running into this issue after the provided steps please provide us with the following:

Steps taken before this issue occurs:
Are you on a Desktop or Laptop?
Does this only happen with Final Fantasy XIV?
Does this issue occur for all characters?
Are the Controllers 1st party (Microsoft/Sony/Nintendo) or 3rd party (Off-Brand)?

Thank you for visiting the Final Fantasy XIV Technical Support Forums!

[Malevalent]

So I have tried the solutions given, but there just is no fix for this issue.

Yes it only happens with FF14, and all characters, and the controllers are 1st party.

The problem lies with how controllers are coded with FF14 on pc, and unfortunately the only realistic option imo is for them to change how devices are discovered on pc. Just code it the same way that it's coded for every other game available, where it doesn't disconnect your controller when your pc attempts to refresh because it thinks a new device has connected. I don't understand why this is an issue that has been in the game for so many years.

[RadThad]

I've struggled with this issue a lot since around 6.1. Not sure if that has any significance but it's when it really became apparent to me.

I like to use a DualShock 4 controller connected directly by wire to the PC when I play. Typical symptoms are that the lightbar will briefly cut off, all inputs from the controller will be dropped during this time (for example coming to a complete stop in the middle of a fight), as well as a brief hiccup in audio. Sometimes it might take a couple hours to occur, other times it's just a gap of 10 seconds. In its worst instances the game is unplayable with a controller.

If Votraftur's advice doesn't help, here's what I've tried:

- Entering Device Manager and disabling Microsoft Device Association Root Enumerator
- Entering Device Manager again and disabling Xvdd SCSI Miniport (Listed under Storage Controllers, you might need to check View > Show Hidden Devices to find this one).

If you have ever used a Windows Store or Game Pass game on the PC before, you'll want to try the second as it seems like they create virtual drives that mount and unmount in the background. Like Malevalent has said: the issue seems to be with how the game handles any kind of change within the device manager. The controller may work perfectly in other games, but not in this one.

Unfortunately, I don't have a concrete solution as the last fix only lasted a few days for myself. I've read others claiming this might be because Windows will want to keep calling the function or it just turns itself on again by magic. Either way, some have gone ahead and tried also uninstalling the Windows Xbox application or Gaming services though I've yet to try that personally.

I'd rather not have to cannibalise a bunch of functionalities to just get my controller to work, so it would be really appreciated if the developers could address how the game handles device changes in a smoother manner.

[IsekaiProtagonist]

i dont have this issue, However, I have had similar issues in the past with other games when I uses dualshock. there is a program called "DS4Windows", it has its own controller driver and emulates xbox360 input. This resolved many of my issues, both in and out of steam when useing the DS4 controller.

For me, however, where Steam was involved, I had to remove all of the desktop controls otherwise In some games, it attempts to emulate keyboard and mouse, rather than controller input. so i go into steam and debind all desktop controls.

I don't know if this will work for you, but its worth a shot.

[Rehayem]

Make sure to check with Steam as well. In settings, there's an option in "Controller" tab that says "Idle Gamepad Shutdown Timeout" and switch that to "never"

[Malevalent]

Nah, its nothing like that. It's pure how the device recognition is coded in 14. https://www.reddit.com/r/ffxiv/comme...amepad_inputs/ if this post gets deleted cause i'm actually not allowed to post links to other posts then rip, i apologize, but this was one of the better ways to actually show it. It's not that the controller itself stops working, it's that the game itself is reading that there is a change in devices, and then tries to find said change, and in the process will then turn off the currently active controller to find the new device.