Is your controller dominating in Steam but ghosting you on Epic Games? Nothing kills the vibe faster!
It is a common headache caused by conflicting input wrappers, but it is an easy fix. Whether you are using an Xbox or PS5 pad, I will walk you through the steps to bridge that gap.
Let’s crush those compatibility bugs, level up your controller knowledge, and get you back in the game where you belong!
TL;DR
- Steam Input aggressively hijacks controller signals, preventing Epic Games from detecting them.
- Epic Games Store lacks a native input wrapper and relies strictly on standard XInput commands.
- Closing Steam via Task Manager allows Epic to access the controller driver directly.
- PlayStation controllers often require external tools like DS4Windows to work on Epic due to lack of native support.
Analyzing the Root Cause: Steam Input Priority vs. Epic Native Support
When your controller works perfectly in Steam but sits lifeless in the Epic Games Launcher, it feels like a hardware glitch.
Usually, this is a software turf war.
The culprit is often Steam Input. This feature is a “wrapper” that translates your controller’s signals into a language that games understand.
Steam Input is aggressive. It hooks into your device the moment it connects, even if you are not playing a Steam game. This “hijacks” the signal.
Epic Games Store lacks a built-in wrapper like Steam Input. It relies entirely on your controller sending standard “XInput” commands directly to Windows.
If Steam is running in the background, it intercepts those commands before Epic can see them. Epic is left waiting for a signal that never arrives.
This scenario is common with PlayStation controllers. Windows does not natively support them well, so Steam steps in to fix it but blocks Epic in the process.
If you suspect this conflict, you should verify if your raw inputs are being read. You can check this quickly using our Gamepad Latency Test.
A pie chart showing PC controller usage: Xbox (68%), PlayStation (20%), Switch Pro (4%), and Other (8%).
The chart above highlights why Epic favors XInput. Since nearly 70% of PC gamers use Xbox controllers, Epic assumes native support is sufficient.
Fast Facts
- Controller unresponsiveness in the Epic Games Launcher is often caused by Steam Input aggressively intercepting device signals in the background, effectively ‘hijacking’ them from other applications.
- Unlike Steam, Epic lacks a built-in input wrapper and relies solely on native XInput commands, creating compatibility issues when signals are blocked or when using non-Xbox controllers.
- Epic prioritizes XInput support because 68% of PC gamers use Xbox controllers, often leaving PlayStation users (20%) prone to software conflicts between Windows, Steam, and Epic.
Feature Comparison: Steam vs. Epic
Understanding the difference between how these two launchers handle input is key to solving the problem: Steam is proactive, while Epic is passive.
| Feature | Steam | Epic Games Store |
|---|---|---|
| Input Wrapper | ✅ Yes (Steam Input) | ❌ No (Native Only) |
| PS4/PS5 Support | ✅ Auto-converted | ❌ Depends on Game |
| Button Remapping | ✅ Extensive | ❌ None |
| Background Hooking | ✅ High Priority | ❌ None |
Because Epic does not translate inputs, users with DualShock or DualSense pads often face the most issues. They typically need external tools like DS4Windows.
If your Sony controller is struggling specifically, we have a detailed guide on what to do when a DualShock 4 is connected but not working.
“Steam Input creates a virtual controller that games listen to… This allows [unsupported] controllers to work with games that only support XInput.”– Valve Software, Steam Input Documentation
To fix this, you generally need to close Steam completely. Simply clicking the “X” is not enough; you must exit from the system tray.
Once Steam releases its grip on the driver, your controller can communicate directly with the Epic Games launcher or the specific game executable.
Strategy 1: Closing Steam Completely via Task Manager for Xbox Controllers
Steam Input is a fantastic feature, but it often acts like a jealous partner. It grabs your controller signal before any other program can touch it.
This creates a major conflict when you try to launch a game on Epic. The Epic launcher sees the hardware is busy and refuses to connect to it.
“Conflict issues can arise if you are running other launchers… Ensure that Steam is completely closed and not running in the system tray.”– Epic Games Player Support, Troubleshooting Controller Issues
To solve this, you must fully terminate Steam. Simply clicking the close button usually minimizes it to the tray, leaving the driver active.
Follow these precise steps to ensure the interference is completely gone:
- Right-click the Steam icon in your Windows system tray (near the clock) and select Exit to start the shutdown process.
- Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc on your keyboard. This shortcut opens the Task Manager immediately without extra menus.
- Scroll through the “Processes” list and look for Steam Client Bootstrapper or any remaining Steam services.
- Right-click the entry and select End Task. This forces the application to release its grip on your gamepad drivers.
Once the process is dead, your Xbox controller is free. We recommend running the Gamepad Test at the top of this page to confirm the signal.
If the controller connects but feels off, you might need to tweak settings. Read our guide on how to customize Xbox Series X|S controller vibration on PC.
Now, launch your game through Epic. Without the Steam overlay blocking the path, your inputs should register instantly and accurately.
Strategy 2: Adding the Epic Games Launcher to Steam for PS4 and Generic Pads
If your gamepad is performing perfectly on Valve’s platform but goes silent on others, you are likely dealing with a driver protocol mismatch.
Steam has a massive advantage here.
Steam uses a feature called Steam Input. This acts as a translator, converting signals from PlayStation or generic controllers into standard XInput commands.
The Epic Games Store generally relies on native Windows support.
This means it often fails to detect controllers that aren’t natively XInput, like the DualShock 4.
A pie chart showing that while XInput (Xbox) dominates with 59%, over 40% of gamers use controllers that require the translation layers discussed here.
To fix the “controller working in Steam but not Epic Games” issue, we will funnel the Epic Launcher through Steam. This forces Epic to use Steam’s drivers.
How to Route Epic Games Through Steam
- Launch the Steam client on your desktop and log in.
- Navigate to the Games menu located in the top toolbar.
- Select Add a Non-Steam Game to My Library from the dropdown.
- Scroll through the list of programs to find “Epic Games Launcher”.
- Check the box next to it and click Add Selected Programs.
- Open your Library, find Epic Games Launcher, and click Play.
Once the launcher opens via Steam, any game you start inside it should inherit Steam’s controller configuration. This is vital for PlayStation users.
If you are specifically using a Sony pad and still have issues, you might need to troubleshoot further with our DualShock 4 connection repair guide.
“Steam Input is a service that allows Steam users to play any game… with the device of their choice. Steam Input translates the user’s input into something the game can understand.”– Valve Corporation, Steamworks Documentation
Verifying the Configuration
After launching Epic through Steam, you must ensure the “overlay” is active. Press Shift + Tab while in the Epic Launcher to check.
If the Steam overlay appears, the hook is successful. Your generic or PS4 controller is now sending XInput signals that Epic Games can understand.
Keep in mind that adding a wrapper layer can sometimes introduce slight input lag. It is smart to verify performance using a Gamepad Latency Test.
If the controller still refuses to work, ensure you have checked the “PlayStation Configuration Support” box inside Steam’s Big Picture controller settings.
Fast Facts
- Steam employs a proactive ‘Steam Input’ wrapper that supports extensive button remapping and automatically converts signals for controllers like PS4/PS5, whereas Epic relies on native support that often excludes non-XInput devices.
- Steam Input can conflict with the Epic Games Store by monopolizing the controller signal, often requiring users to fully close Steam via Task Manager to free up the driver for Xbox controllers.
- For controllers lacking native support on Epic (such as DualShock 4), users can add the Epic Games Launcher to Steam to utilize Steam’s translation layer, converting input signals into standard commands the games can recognize.
Fixing Double Input Conflicts and Using External Emulators
If your character jumps and pauses the game simultaneously, you are likely experiencing a “double input” conflict. This is a common headache for PC gamers.
This glitch happens when two programs read your controller commands at the same time. Usually, Steam running in the background is the culprit.
Steam has a “Desktop Configuration” feature that translates gamepad presses into mouse and keyboard actions. This clashes with Epic Games’ native support.
To fix this immediately, you must fully close Steam. Don’t just click the X button on the window; right-click the icon in your system tray and select Exit.
Once Steam is closed, launch your game on Epic. If the issue persists, or if your controller isn’t responding at all, we need to discuss emulation.
A pie chart showing that Xbox controllers make up 59% of usage, PlayStation 26%, and others 15%.
Fast Facts
- Double input conflicts often occur when Steam’s ‘Desktop Configuration’ clashes with Epic Games’ native support.
- The primary fix is to fully close Steam by right-clicking the system tray icon and selecting Exit.
- If closing Steam does not resolve the controller issues, looking into external emulation is the recommended next step.
Using XInput Wrappers for Compatibility
Epic Games titles often rely strictly on XInput, the protocol used by Xbox controllers. If you use a PlayStation or generic controller, it might be invisible.
Unlike Steam, the Epic launcher does not automatically convert DirectInput signals (used by PS4/PS5 controllers) into XInput. You need a middleman.
Tools like DS4Windows or reWASD act as this bridge. They create a virtual Xbox 360 controller that your PC and Epic Games can easily recognize.
For those who love tweaking settings, this is similar to how you might customize Xbox Series X|S controller vibration on PC.
Step-by-Step Guide to DS4Windows
DS4Windows is the most popular free tool for this task. Follow these steps to get your controller working perfectly on the Epic Games Store.
- Download and Install: Get the latest version of DS4Windows and install the required .NET drivers if prompted.
- Connect Your Controller: Plug in your DualShock or DualSense controller via USB or pair it through Bluetooth settings.
- Enable “Hide DS4 Controller”: This is critical. In settings, check this box to prevent the double input issue we discussed earlier.
- Verify the Virtual Controller: Open our Gamepad Controller Test to ensure the system sees an “Xbox 360” input.
- Check for Drift: While testing, it is smart to run a quick Gamepad Drift Test to ensure your analog sticks are centered.
“XInput is an API that allows applications to receive input from the Xbox 360 Controller for Windows… it is easier to use and requires less setup than DirectInput.”– Microsoft, Getting Started with XInput
If you prefer a more robust paid solution, reWASD allows for advanced remapping. This is great if you want to map keyboard keys to controller buttons.
Always remember to test your new virtual setup. Use the Gamepad Latency Test tool to ensure the emulator isn’t adding too much input lag.
By using these emulators, you essentially force your non-Xbox controller to speak the language that Epic Games understands fluently.
Setting Up DS4Windows and x360ce Without Steam Interference
Sometimes, Steam’s overlay is the actual culprit preventing your controller from working in Epic Games.
If adding the game to Steam didn’t work, we need a dedicated tool.
Third-party mappers like DS4Windows and x360ce are powerful alternatives.
They bypass Steam entirely and force your PC to recognize your device as an Xbox controller.
This is crucial because most games on the Epic Store are designed natively for XInput (Xbox standards).
By emulating this signal, we ensure maximum compatibility.
A pie chart showing controller usage: Xbox (59%), PlayStation (26%), and Others (15%). This highlights why emulating XInput is vital.
Configuring DS4Windows for PlayStation Controllers
For DualShock 4 or DualSense users, DS4Windows is the gold standard. It converts your DirectInput signals into XInput data that Epic Games can understand.
However, you must prevent “Double Input.” This happens when a game sees both the physical Sony controller and the virtual Xbox controller simultaneously.
To fix this, you need to enable the “Hide DS4 Controller” option in the settings. This grants the software exclusive access to your gamepad.
“Exclusive mode is required to hide the physical controller from the system so games only see the virtual X360 one… This prevents double input issues in games.”– PCGamingWiki Contributors, DualShock 4 Guide
Once you have configured the software, it is smart to verify the output. You can use the Gamepad Drift Test to ensure the virtual sticks are centered.
Using x360ce for Generic Gamepads
If you are using a generic USB controller that Epic refuses to detect, x360ce (Xbox 360 Controller Emulator) is your best bet. It works differently from DS4Windows.
Historically, you had to place x360ce files directly into the game folder. Newer versions allow for a global setup, creating a virtual device system-wide.
Before mapping inputs, ensure your hardware is running correctly.
You might need to update firmware on generic Bluetooth gamepads to ensure they talk to Windows correctly.
Step-by-Step Setup Checklist
Follow these steps to ensure your mapper works without Steam interfering. Make sure Steam is completely closed (check your system tray) before starting.
- Install Drivers: For DS4Windows, install the ViGEmBus driver provided in the setup. This allows the creation of the virtual Xbox controller.
- Isolate the Device: In DS4Windows, check “Hide DS4 Controller.” In x360ce, ensure “Map To” is set to Controller 1.
- Test the Input: Open the “Game Controllers” menu in Windows (joy.cpl). You should see an “Xbox 360 Controller” listed, not your original device.
- Launch Epic: Open the Epic Games Launcher only after your controller is mapped and active.
If you experience latency while using these wrappers, check your Bluetooth connection.
A weak signal can cause input lag even if the software is configured perfectly.
Fast Facts
- Epic Games titles primarily support the XInput protocol, often requiring third-party wrappers like DS4Windows or x360ce to make PlayStation and generic DirectInput controllers compatible.
- These tools function by creating a virtual Xbox 360 controller, effectively translating the controller’s signals into a language that the Epic Games launcher and titles can understand.
- Correct configuration is critical, particularly enabling the ‘Hide DS4 Controller’ option to prevent the system from registering both the physical and virtual inputs simultaneously (double input).
Take Back Control on Epic
This issue usually boils down to a software clash. Steam Input grabs your controller first, leaving Epic empty-handed.
The fix is often simple. Fully close Steam before launching Epic to stop the interference immediately.
For PlayStation users, tools like DS4Windows are vital. They trick Windows into seeing an Xbox controller.
Don’t let a software glitch stop your grind. Apply these fixes, restart your launcher, and let’s get you back in the game!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Steam block my controller on Epic?
Steam Input is aggressive. It runs in the background and intercepts signals before Epic can read them.
Can I use my controller on Epic without closing Steam?
Yes! Add the Epic Games Launcher as a “Non-Steam Game” inside your Steam library. This bridges the connection.
Do Xbox controllers have this problem?
Rarely. Xbox controllers use XInput, which Windows supports natively. This issue mainly hits PS4 and PS5 users.
What software do I need for a PS5 controller on Epic?
Use DS4Windows or DualSenseX. These tools emulate an Xbox controller so Epic Games can recognize your inputs.
Technical Glossary
- Steam Input
- A feature acting as a wrapper that translates controller signals into a language games understand, known for aggressively hooking into devices and hijacking signals from other launchers.
- Wrapper
- Software that acts as an intermediary to translate raw controller signals into a format that specific games or applications can interpret.
- XInput
- The standard command format for controllers sent directly to Windows, which the Epic Games Store relies on entirely for device communication.
- Background Hooking
- A process where software, such as Steam, intercepts device signals immediately upon connection while running in the background, potentially blocking other apps from seeing the inputs.
- Native Support
- A passive input handling method used by Epic Games Store that relies solely on standard operating system commands without internal translation tools.
