My thumb hurts.

[Rylai]

My thumb is really soar from pressing the A/X button really hard. Anyone got a strategy to counteract this? I actually had to stop half way through level 4 because my thumb hurt so bad.

[Heatmiser]

Use your index finger?

[Proud Son of Heaven]

You're not the only one. Not only did my thumbs hurt at first, I also ended up chipping the plastic on the controller's left stick and had to buy a new one. Got used to it eventually, though, now the only issue is the sweat due to gripping too tightly.
If you still have issues, try using the tip of your thumb (like where your nail is) instead of the base.

Thumper is very intense.

[Rylai]

I've reached the final boss of level 6, and it actually got to the point where I had to put the game down because my thumb was hurting so much. Does anyone know of any alternate control scheme that might aleviate the issue, while maintaining the accuracy needed to play this game?

[Rylai]

really my whole hand is starting to feel kind of sore. I play video games all the time and I never have issues like this.

[Aye Siwmae]

Ive played thumper on the Xbox One controller and Steam controller and the steam one hurts my thumb significantly less. I know this isn't really a solution but just thought i'd put that info out there for anyone interested. Also curious about people's experience with the ps4 controller.

[Chipmungus]

This game hates thumb joints. It'd be nice to have the button be X or Y, rather than A, so that your thumb could be extended fully.

[distantlight]

I actually switch to using the keyboard for this reason (and also because the keyboard seems more responsive).

[Rylai]

I'll just try the keyboard. Not sure I'll be as good at the game after playing on a PS4 controller for so long. For the guy who was curious, my thumb is incredibly sore from ps4 controller.

[Psymon²]

Good news!

Controller thumb relief: R1/RB can be used in addition to (X)/(A) button as the primary gameplay input.