Enable DualSense haptic functions

Using a DualSense (PS5) controller? Want to enable the fancy haptic functions and adaptive triggers from the PS5 version? Check this quick guide to see how to enable it!

DualSense features vs regular Steam Input

Feel free to skip this and go straight to the steps if you don't want to read the differences between the two.

Why should you go through all this trouble just to enable DualSense features? Isn't the regular Steam Input method sufficient?

For one, the way that the DualSense handles normal vibration inputs from a game is... weird as a way to say it. If you've ever tried playing a PS4 game on your PS5, you'll notice the vibration patterns are weird when using a DualSense. If you've ever enabled the experimental vibration support for the Steam Controller you'll get a good idea of why it feels weird. Imagine a very very fine but strong buzz instead for each vibration input. Normal vibration motors feel more chunkier, are less powerful, and aren't as uncomfortable on your hands.

So besides the weird vibration patterns, what's added for DualSense functionality?

• Haptics are now more precise and granular allowing a wider range of vibration patterns and strengths.
  
• Noticeable examples of haptics would be using the shower and feeling the fine soft rumbles to imitate the pitter patter of the water. The left and right side of the controller will rumble to match the footsteps of Sam.
  
• Vibrations match cutscenes much more accurately.
  
• Adaptive triggers add resistance when trying to maintain balance of Sam. As you load more cargo, the more resistant the triggers will be.

What you need

• Official DualSense (PS5) controller.
  
• USB-C cable to connect your controller to your PC.

Note: This has not been tested using Bluetooth. Other games such as Metro: Exodus - Enhanced Edition require a USB cable to enable haptics and adaptive triggers.

Setting up Steam

What we need to do is disable Steam Input for Death Stranding. We can choose to do this globaly (don't recommend) or we can do this on a per-game basis. This guide will show you how to do this per-game so that you don't mess up any other game in your library.

Before completing the steps below, ensure your DualSense controller is plugged into your system and make sure that Steam recognizes the controller.

• Open Steam and make sure you're NOT in Big Picture Mode.
  
• Go to your Steam Library by clicking Library > Home at the top of Steam window.
  
• Look for Death Stranding: Director's Cut and select the game. Do not press Play/Stream when trying to select it.
  
• Click on the Settings button. It looks like a cog/gear.
  
• Go to Properties.
  
• Go to Controller.
  
• Under "OVERRIDE FOR DEATH STRANDING: DIRECTOR'S CUT", click the drop down box and select "Disable Steam Input".
  
• Close the window and launch the game.

[ekze]

@parski but does haptic feedback work on Flydigi Apex 4 with Death Stranding?

[RandAlThorONI]

Can't get adaptive triggers to work using this method. Vibrations work fine, but no change in resistance when you press a trigger during running and falling over for example. Please help

[WhiskySolo]

Its possible to have haptics and triggers wireless via bluetooth? I read many people who said they can, but my dualsense does nothing when I used wireless without steam input. Im doing something wrong?

[parski]

Not entirely related to the guide but you might want to know that there is a controller called Flydigi Apex 4. In addition to having support for adaptive triggers like the DualSense it has Xbox thumbstick layout, mechanical action buttons, hall effect joysticks and triggers, gyro, support for 2.4 GHz dongle polled at 1000 Hz with minimal latency, support for Nintendo Switch and PC, bluetooth, etc, etc. It's a mile better than the DualSense in my opinion.

[Starscream1291]

I got the adaptive triggers to work via Bluetooth with the guide, but I'm not sure about the Haptic vibrations

[elioncaplan]

@Styx it did for me

[Styx]

would this work on steam deck using the controller wired while docked?

[HRDSalami654]

As a note, there is a way to do this through bluetooth using Voicemeeter. The main takeaway is that the controller speaker input must be se to mono.

[monstera]

you're my hero. this makes the game feel so much better. thank you.

[Æther]

yep, has to be wired and you have to enable the controller in sound settings. UNFORTUNATELY, even tho I am finally enjoying adaptive triggers, BB voice doesn't come out of the controller no matter what BB setting I choose in the game audio options.