Play TSW using only a controller (Successfully)

This guide will show you how to play The Secret World using only a gaming controller (specifically an xbox 360 wireless controller). A keyboard is only needed if you want to type in chat.

Guide

Hey everyone, every now and then I see questions asking if anyone uses a controller to play and most people don't seem to have very much success doing so. I've been playing using only a controller for over a year now and it works great for me, The only time I need the use of a keyboard is when I am logging in or typing in chat. Everything else can be mapped to controller functions. So here's a little rundown of how I do it..

For Starters, there are 2 requirements:
1. You will need a program called Xpadder($10) which can be found at the below link, or if you're good at searching, maybe you can find it free on the web http://xpadder.com/

2. You will need a controller of some sort. I use an Xbox360 wireless, but Xpadder is customizable with many MANY different types, so if you wanna use a PS3 controller, go for it!

Once you have the controller connected and Xpadder running, you'll see an image of your controller with a little blank box next to each button. Those blank spaces are what you use to map a certain key with the corresponding button.

Now for the configuration:
For Char Movements
Forward(W) = Left Joystick up
Strafe Left(Q) = LJ Left
Strafe Right(E) = LJ Right
Backwards(S) = LJ Down
Jump(Spacebar) = Right Bumper
Run(X) = D-pad Right
Auto-Run(NumLock) = D-pad Left
Dodge(Left Shift) = Right Trigger + whichever direction using Left Joystick
Interact(U) = D-pad Down
Mouse (Left Click) = Left Trigger + Right Trigger
Mouse (Right Click) = Left Trigger + Right Joystick Pressed inward until click
Now if you want to move the mouse cursor independently without moving the camera angle all you have to do is hold down Left Trigger and use the Right Joystick to move the cursor. As soon as you release Left Trigger, the cursor will be locked in that location and camera angle functions will return automatically.
Auto-Loot(V) = D-Pad Up
Target Select(Tab) = Left Bumper
Switch from mouse view to reticule(T) = Right Joystick pressed inward until click

Camera Controls
Normally the mouse cursor is in locked position so,
Tilt camera up(Mouse2+Cursor Up) = Right Joystick Up
Tilt camera down(Mouse2+Cursor down) = Right Joystick Down
Tilt camera Left(Mouse2+Cursor Left) = Right Joystick Left
Tilt camera Right(Mouse2+Cursor Right) = Right Joystick Right

Left Trigger is used as an active toggle between 2 different control mappings. When its not being held down, controls function as shown above. When you hold Left Trigger down however, it switches to secondary mappings which is how I pull off using all 8 abilities.

Abilities
So for abilities 1-4, I just assign as
1 = X(Blue button)
2 = Y(Yellow)
3 = B(Red)
4 = A(Green)
For abilities 5-8
5 = Left Trigger + X(Blue button)
6 = Left Trigger + Y(Yellow)
7 = Left Trigger + B(Red)
8 = Left Trigger + A(Green)

Now for those times when you're just about to die and need to pop a health potion or Karma Curio extremely fast, just assign said potion or gadget to the quick bar.
For myself, I keep Curio in slot one and potion in slot two. When you need to activate:
Quick Slot 1(Left Shift + 1) = Left Joystick pressed in until click.
Quick Slot 2(Left Shift + 2) = The back button located in the center of controller.

That about covers it for my guide, and as you can see, it's highly customizable and has a few empty slots if you want to add more functions. If you have any questions, or would like my Xpadder config file, just send me a message here or in-game at Burncycle and I'll be happy to send it to you. If you found my guide helpful, please do me a favor and give me some stars for ratings :D

Edit: My xpadder config file can be found here: https://www.dropbox.com/s/2acmoc6iatnn5u4/TSW%20Xpadder%20Config%20Files.zip?dl=0

[Sysgen]

Guide is outdated. Steam has builtin controller mapping software.

[RebelRedneck]

the Fisher86 can u send or show the mapping you did with JoyTokey i have it for years just cant really figure out the layout for the SWL i missing something cause some things regard using same buttons for different things . hope u reply soon ty

[RebelRedneck]

hi i tried xpadder and i have a xbox360 controller thats for xbox 360 and windows i bought at walmart for 14.99 i have win 10 64 bit enterprise . i could not get it to us e the image of my controller or get it to show any xbox360 controllers when i selected new. so how i get it to work right for win 10 64 bit. can someone plesase help ty. the steam controller config found mine but its missing some keys that needed. anyway any help be appricated ty

[astriferous]

I've also previously published an SWL profile on Controller Companion, for those who prefer that.

[rthibodeau2009]

I'm not sure that anyone has pointed this out.

Since you're reading this on Steam, you should know that Steam has built-in controller support for all Steam games. Furthermore, you could also configure your controller to function as a programmable mouse, allowing it to function even for non-Steam games.

To access this function, you need to enter Big Picture Mode (controller icon in upper right). Then click the gear icon once in BPM. You will find the controller settings under 'Controller Settings'. You'll need to experiment at this point to find the settings that work best for you. The important thing is: You do not need a Steam Controller to use this functionality.

I've used a Razer Wildcat since the beginning of SWL beta.

[NachtRitter]

Steamlink can be acquired overseas via amazon if you can't get it there from valve for some reason. Steam controller too, although I switched it out for a ps4 controller and am much happier. All of the 'big' controllers are natively supported in steamlink now, no need for a bunch of extra software, just use your steamlink and any old controller hooked up to it to get started,

[bean O'Neil]

too bad Steam Controller doesn't sale/ship overseas.

[Vipes #FixTF2]

Since Steam Controller has been enabled for Xbox controllers, think you'll just add this in the config?

[Chaos]

If you want a cheaper option; I use Controller Companion ($2.99 on Steam) for the same thing (different button assignments of course) and that also lets you run all of windows from any controller too!

[musicitykicks]

Is there a way to just use key bindings instead of xpadder, because xpadder doesn't like work on Windows 10? I'm asking because I bought the game but I'm out of town and haven't played it yet.