The Xinput Controller Solution (Xpadder/JoyToKey)

A potential solution (intended as a temporary measure until developers address this issue) to rectify a prevalent problem faced by users with Xbox 360 and other xinput controllers.

Introduction and Requirements

[Note: Kindly be aware that this guide was written before the implementation of any significant game patches. Consequently, there is a possibility that it may be outdated.]

Introduction
This serves as a temporary solution for individuals encountering difficulties with specific controllers in Dead or Alive 5. I have personally faced these challenges and successfully resolved them using the following method. Observing numerous discussions about similar issues in various forums, I decided to create a brief guide to assist others.

A prevalent problem you might encounter involves the malfunction of your controller triggers, while the back/select and start buttons unexpectedly execute attacks instead of pausing the game, among other issues. Another challenge arises when you cannot proceed beyond the 'autosave notification' screen due to a conflict between the keyboard and controller.

This problem stems from the game incorrectly identifying x-input controllers, assuming them to be direct-input controllers, resulting in various input-related complications.

Without further ado, let's begin.

--------------------------------------------------------------

Requirements:
- Xpadder*
- Your X-Input Controller
- Keyboard
- Dead or Alive 5: Last Round

*I understand that some of you may have a preference for JoytoKey over Xpadder, and if that's your tool of choice, feel free to proceed with it. However, for the purpose of this guide, I'll be utilizing Xpadder, so please follow along accordingly.

In case you don't have access to Xpadder or JoytoKey, a viable alternative recommended by a helpful user in the comments is AntiMicro[github.com]. Allegedly, AntiMicro addresses any potential input lag issues that might be associated with Xpadder. While I haven't personally tested this alternative yet, I'm inclined to trust the user's recommendation.

This guide is specifically tailored for Xpadder users, so if you're utilizing a different program, following these instructions might be less straightforward. However, the end goal should remain consistent.

To acquire Xpadder, you can purchase it at an affordable price here[xpadder.com], or explore alternative means to obtain it.

Xpadder

Now, after successfully obtaining Xpadder (however you managed to do so), proceed to extract the files. The extracted contents should resemble the following...



Upon opening, you may encounter notifications about rights and thanks for your purchase. Regardless, you'll eventually reach this screen:



Ensure that your controller is plugged into your computer. Depending on your operating system, the drivers should automatically install when you connect your controller (for instance, in this guide, a PDP Afterglow Xbox 360 controller is used).

Once the drivers are installed, click on the small controller icon in the top left corner of the Xpadder program (as pictured) and select 'new...'.



A new screen with a purple background will appear.



Here, you need to add all your buttons, triggers, and analog sticks. It's straightforward; navigate through each tab on the side, tick the 'enabled' boxes, and follow the pop-up instructions.



When you reach the 'Buttons' tab, ensure you press every button on your controller, including clicking down on your left and right analog sticks, and the back/start buttons. Once you've added all the necessary buttons and triggers, it should resemble this:



You can optionally add an image, but it's not mandatory. Click the 'Okay' button when finished, and it will take you back to the previous window.

Now, you'll notice the buttons have been added but haven't been assigned to any keys, a topic we'll discuss in the next section...

The Key Assignments

As a time-saving gesture, I'll provide you with the default Xbox 360 controls and their corresponding keys for assignment in Xpadder. This way, you won't need to test each key in-game, and you can make any necessary adjustments later.

When you press a button on your controller, the corresponding key will flash in Xpadder. That's the key you'll need to change for each button. To make these changes, click on the button in Xpadder and select the key you want to assign.

Here's a convenient list to guide you:

----------------------------------------
Xbox 360 Button -> Keyboard
---------------------------------------
(A) -> M
(B) -> L
(X) -> J
(Y) -> K
(RS*) -> P
(LB) -> U
(RB) -> I
(Left Trigger) -> N
(Right Trigger) -> O
(Start) -> Enter
(Back) -> Space

*Click down on stick.

D-pad:
Up -> Arrow Up
Left -> Arrow Left
Right -> Arrow Right
Down -> Arrow Down

Left Analog Stick
Up -> W
Left -> A
Right -> D
Down -> S

Right Analog Stick:
Up -> T
Left -> F
Right -> H
Down -> G

And that wraps it up. Below is an illustration of my finalized controller layout.

Side note: A user brought to my attention that the d-pad input should be assigned to the 'arrow keys' on your keyboard, so the screenshot below does not accurately reflect that. I recommend assigning the d-pad to your arrow keys.



With that completed, you might want to save your layout and profile for future use. Simply click the controller icon again, choose 'save as' for the layout, and click the small notepad icon and 'save as' for the button/key profile.

Starting Up

Now that we've tackled the challenging part, here's the anticipated moment where you can finally dive into the game!

Before you begin, ensure that Xpadder is open with your layout and profile set.

The following steps are crucial to prevent Dead or Alive from overriding Xpadder and reverting to the problematic xinput mappings.

Step 1: Unplug your controller.
Step 2: Launch the game.
Step 3: Continuously press either the 'M' key or the spacebar until you reach the main menu—the screen where you can select 'Story,' etc.
Step 4: Plug your controller back in.

With any luck, your controller should function as expected, and both the triggers and the back/start buttons should be operational. Additionally, the game will display commands as actions like 'Punch,' 'Kick,' etc., eliminating any confusion about which button corresponds to which key.

Just remember to follow these steps each time you want to use your controller in this game. While it might seem like a bit of a hassle, consider it a temporary solution until the underlying issue is hopefully addressed.

Fight On!

Thank you for taking the time to read this guide, and I sincerely hope it proves beneficial for those encountering difficulties with Xbox 360 controllers and similar issues. If you continue to experience problems or if there's any aspect of the guide that remains unclear, please leave a message, and I'll do my best to provide assistance.

Once again, thank you, and may you thoroughly enjoy the game!

[RozeLich]

OH GOD THANK YOU BROTHER:*

[Not Quite Dead]

This guide is still useful after three years.

Thanks to you, Meconate, and kinda shame on Tecmo for this poor port of a nice game.

[ZelMeister]

Ok sure but like i said the 360 wireless controller works on windows 10. The triggers work

[Mek]

Before you start calling it out as "bs", may I remind you that this was a common problem for many people including myself. Some people at the time said they didn't have a problem, others said they did.

I made this guide back in 2015, not long after the game's release, and many people were having trouble with xinput controllers. The L and R triggers, and the Start and Back buttons picked up as incorrect inputs.

I haven't kept up to date with the game's patches since this guide, so if xinput controllers work, then it's about time. But in the meantime, I'll keep this guide up whilever I still hear of people having problems.

[ZelMeister]

Ok it works on a 360 controller. Just buy a Microsoft Xbox 360 Wirless Controllers for Windows.

This works on windows 10. Xbox one controller the triggers work. 360 works trust me i just bought one and triggers work. And you can ignore all this
Xinput guide its all bs, just buy a wireless 360

[Hunk Survivor]

Wow you are the best, this tutorial worked so good

[DiaborMagics]

I will try that, thanks. And yes you understood correctly. I launch xpadder, plug out my controller, launch the game, plug the controller back in and the controller doesnt get recognised. No matter when I plug it in (main screen, logo screen, intro video, whatever)

[Mek]

I am a little confused. You're saying Xpadder recognises your controller when you re-insert, yet the game itself doesn't, right?

You could try using AntiMicro instead, if you'd like.
https://github.com/AntiMicro/antimicro

[DiaborMagics]

I have this problem with a different game actually, but I just want to ask: when I take out my controller and put it back in after a game has started up (any game, whether they are fighters, rpgs, or something else), the game never detects my controller. Its a 360 wired controller. I dont get why the triggers dont work in some games and I came across this. But when I try the xpadder fix, i cant, because I cant unplug my controller, start the game and plug it back in. the controller wont be recognized. Yet Xpadder does recognize it even if I unplug/replug it

[PCerdo505]

thanks you a lot :)