New World: How to Use a Controller

Controllers Are Not Fully Supported On Launch

Unfortunately, the developers of New World have stated that the game will not fully support controllers, at least at launch. This means you won’t be able to map your buttons in-game.

Using Steam Controller Support

If you want to use a controller to play New World, you can use Steam’s Controller Support. You will have to enable the Configuration Support for each controller to use it.

How to Enable Controller Support

1- Launch Steam’s Big Picture mode by clicking its icon at the top right of the Steam Window.
2- Once you’re in Big Picture mode, click the cog icon on the top right of the screen to open up the settings.

3- From there, head into Controller Settings and you’ll be able to see the checkboxes for all the controller configuration support.
4- Tick the checkbox for Xbox, PlayStation and Generic Gamepad Configuration Support to enable it.

Xbox and Playstation controllers should be able to function without a problem in New World. Other gamepads that use similar button configurations should also work.

How to Remap Your Controller

You can change and remap your controller by going to Steam’s Controller Configuration through Big Picture mode.

How to Open Controller Configuration

1- Launch Steam’s Big Picture mode by clicking its icon at the Top Right of the Steam Window.
2- Once you’re in Big Picture mode, click the cog icon on the top right of the screen to open up the settings.
3- Under the Controller category, select the Base Configuration button.

4- Select the Desktop Configuration to open the Controller Configuration.
5- You can click on any of the Tabs corresponding to the button to remap it.

If you’re having difficulty setting up your controls, you can always choose a template to export. It’s recommended you go by the WASD Template to use as your base settings.

How to Apply Template Configs

1- In the Controller Configuration, select “Browse Config”.

2- Head to the Templates tab and select the Keyboard (WASD) and Mouse configuration.
3- Apply configurations and the settings from the template is now registered as your controller settings.

There is No Aim Assist

Since there is no Aim Assist in the game, aiming with a bow or musket is harder on a controller. You can remedy this by adjusting the Camera Sensitivity in the Gameplay settings.

Menu Navigation is not Supported

Although it is possible, navigating through the main menu is not ideal when using the controller. Just use your Mouse and Keyboard if you’re accessing the main menu inside the game.