If you’re wondering why almost no one uses a controller in VALORANT, it’s not just because Riot didn’t build support for it. It’s because it can feel like you’re playing a different game. The PC version is all about fast flicks, tight angles, and rapid combos, three things you can’t really do with analog sticks. But can you play VALORANT with a controller?
If you’re committed to ditching the mouse and keyboard, you do have a way to play VALORANT with a controller. Here’s exactly how it works—and why it may not be the competitive edge you’re hoping for!
Does VALORANT Have Controller Support?
Yes, but it’s exclusive to players on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. There is no native support to play VALORANT with a controller on PC, let alone any special settings you can toggle on. The official way to play on PC is with a keyboard and mouse.
That said, you can technically play VALORANT on PC with a controller, but it relies on third-party tools like reWASD or DS4Windows. These programs remap controller inputs to mimic keyboard and mouse actions, acting as a kind of emulator.
What Makes VALORANT Controller Gameplay So Different?
VALORANT plays very differently on a controller, and it all comes down to the input method. The analog stick fundamentally changes the experience. It limits precision and speed, which naturally pushes players away from the tactical and ability-heavy strats you see on PC.
Instead, VALORANT console gameplay leans more into “contact” plays. These are slow pushes that turn explosive the moment someone makes visual contact. Without a mouse and keyboard, you’ll find it’s clunky and slow to set up perfect walls or position nanoswarms, so most players avoid it.
Additionally, there are fewer buttons, aiming is slower, and you have less mechanical flexibility. That makes it harder to pull off fast ability combos or advanced movements. The result? A simpler, scrappier meta built around raw aim and brute force. And when you factor in aim assist, the shift becomes even more obvious.
Are There Downsides To Playing VALORANT With A Controller?
Absolutely! There’s a reason why you rarely see anyone using a controller in VALORANT on PC. Let’s look at a few practical reasons why you’d be at a huge disadvantage.
No Aim Assist On PC
Love or hate it, but there’s no aim assist for VALORANT on PC. That means every flick, headshot, or spray transfer will feel much more difficult, regardless of how good you are! The short analog stick simply cannot compete with the rapid and precise sweeps of a high DPI mouse.
Slow, Clunky Movements
It’s not just your aim that suffers, but your movement too! On a controller, it takes time to speed up or slow down when you move the stick, which can make your character feel floaty or delayed. With a keyboard, your character moves instantly with each tap.
Unfair Matchmaking
Your matches simply won’t be balanced. VALORANT doesn’t support cross-platform play, so you’ll still play against people using a keyboard and mouse if you’re playing on PC with a controller. These players will out-aim and out-click you every time.
How Can You Play VALORANT On Controller On PC
As mentioned, VALORANT doesn’t officially support controllers on PC, but you can still make it work using a tool called reWASD. Here’s how to set it up:
- Download the reWASD program
- Connect your controller (Xbox controllers work best, thanks to native Windows support)
- Launch the reWASD app
- Set your key binds or import a custom configuration
- Click on “Apply” to save the layout (your controller should vibrate as confirmation)
Disclaimer: Do this at your own risk. Using a controller on PC with third-party software in VALORANT is not supported. Riot’s Vanguard anti-cheat may detect input remapping tools as unauthorized programs, which could result in an account ban.
Tips For Playing VALORANT With A Controller
After you configure the controller, you may need to tweak the in-game sensitivity and reWASD settings to make your movement and aim feel more comfortable. You can do this from within the game client itself. When you’re done, visit The Range to get the hang of things.
While you can configure the controller layout to your liking, consider browsing some community settings. There are numerous layouts for different controller models, which will save you a lot of time. And remember: there’s no aim assist, so be patient as you learn to aim.
VALORANT on Console
That said, VALORANT has been thriving on console, since its launch, players have been playing on exclusively controller. The game plays differently thanks to the general playerbase being on Controller by default. Aim Assist also being included means that rather than that fast, snappy approach to holding angles, contacting is big.
Good crosshair placement is even more important than on PC as it can be the difference between your aim assist aiming for the head or not. Playing VALORANT on Controller is easy on Console, as its what the game is made to do, even having its unique balance changes to bring agents in line for this new environment.
Think You’re Built Different? Bet On It!
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