Exploring Forza Horizon 4 Compatibility with PS4 Controller
Forza Horizon 4 is a popular open-world racing game that has captivated racing enthusiasts with its stunning graphics, dynamic weather changes, and a vast collection of vehicles. Although designed for Xbox and PC, many players wonder if it’s possible to enjoy this game with a PS4 controller instead of the standard Xbox gamepad. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at how compatible Forza Horizon 4 is with the PS4 controller and walk you through the steps to set it up, along with troubleshooting tips if you run into any issues.
Is Forza Horizon 4 Compatible with PS4 Controller?
Despite Forza Horizon 4 being developed with Xbox controllers in mind, it’s absolutely possible to use a PS4 controller on the PC version of the game. By leveraging compatibility settings on your PC, you can map the controls to the PS4 controller, enabling a comfortable and familiar gaming experience for those who prefer the DualShock 4. However, achieving compatibility involves a few setup steps, which we’ll cover below.
What You Need to Set Up Forza Horizon 4 with a PS4 Controller
Before getting started, ensure you have the following items:
- A Windows PC with Forza Horizon 4 installed
- A DualShock 4 (PS4) controller
- A USB cable or Bluetooth connection for wireless use
- Access to Steam (optional but recommended for easier setup)
Step-by-Step Guide to Connecting Your PS4 Controller to Play Forza Horizon 4
Step 1: Install the Required Software
To ensure smooth connectivity, it’s recommended to use Steam as it has built-in support for PS4 controllers, even for non-Steam games:
- Install Steam: If you don’t already have Steam installed, download it here and set up an account.
- Add Forza Horizon 4 to Steam: Open Steam, go to Library, click on Add a Game, then select Add a Non-Steam Game and browse to add Forza Horizon 4 to your library. This will enable controller configuration settings.
Step 2: Configure the PS4 Controller in Steam
Once Forza Horizon 4 is added to Steam, follow these steps to configure your PS4 controller:
- Open Steam and go to Settings.
- Select Controller Settings under the Controller tab.
- Check the box for PlayStation Configuration Support. This allows Steam to recognize the PS4 controller layout.
- Connect your controller either via USB or Bluetooth.
- After connecting, Steam should display the PS4 controller in the detected devices list. Customize button configurations if desired.
With these steps, your PS4 controller should now be properly recognized by Steam and configured for Forza Horizon 4. However, if you experience any issues, move on to the troubleshooting tips below.
Troubleshooting PS4 Controller Issues in Forza Horizon 4
If you’re having trouble with your PS4 controller in Forza Horizon 4, there are a few common issues and fixes to try:
1. Controller Not Recognized
If Forza Horizon 4 doesn’t detect your PS4 controller, here are some steps to troubleshoot:
- Ensure your controller is connected properly via USB or paired with Bluetooth.
- Restart Steam and confirm that PlayStation Configuration Support is checked in Controller Settings.
- Try reconnecting your controller and restarting Forza Horizon 4.
2. Button Mapping Issues
Sometimes, buttons might not respond as expected. Here’s how to fix this:
- Open Big Picture Mode in Steam and go to Controller Settings.
- Select your PS4 controller, then adjust the button mappings. Sometimes setting custom configurations helps with input issues.
3. Calibration Problems
If your controller’s joystick isn’t responding correctly, try calibrating it:
- In Steam, go to Settings > Controller > Calibration.
- Follow the on-screen prompts to recalibrate the controller.
Additionally, make sure your drivers are up-to-date. Using outdated drivers can sometimes cause input lags or calibration issues.
Alternative Ways to Use PS4 Controller on Forza Horizon 4 Without Steam
While Steam is one of the simplest methods, you can also use third-party software such as DS4Windows to connect your PS4 controller without Steam:
- Download and install DS4Windows.
- Open DS4Windows, connect your PS4 controller, and configure it as prompted.
- Launch Forza Horizon 4, and DS4Windows will enable controller compatibility directly.
DS4Windows works by emulating an Xbox controller, so Forza Horizon 4 should recognize it without any issues. This method can be useful if you prefer not to use Steam for configuration.
Advantages of Using a PS4 Controller on Forza Horizon 4
There are a few reasons players may want to use a PS4 controller for Forza Horizon 4:
- Ergonomics: The DualShock 4 has a unique design that many find more comfortable than the Xbox controller.
- Familiarity: PS4 players can transition seamlessly without adjusting to a new layout.
- Additional Features: With the right software, you can customize button sensitivity, triggers, and even use the touchpad on the PS4 controller.
Common Questions About Forza Horizon 4 and PS4 Controller Compatibility
Can I Use a PS5 Controller Instead?
Yes, Forza Horizon 4 also supports PS5 controllers with similar setup steps in Steam. Just ensure you have PlayStation Configuration Support enabled in Steam’s settings.
Do I Need an Adapter?
No adapter is necessary for using a PS4 controller on PC. You can connect via USB or Bluetooth. However, make sure you have the right drivers installed for seamless performance.
Conclusion
While Forza Horizon 4 is optimized for Xbox controllers, using a PS4 controller is entirely possible with the right setup. Whether you use Steam’s configuration support or a tool like DS4Windows, you can enjoy this acclaimed racing game with the controller of your choice. By following the steps and troubleshooting tips provided in this guide, you should be able to configure your PS4 controller for a smooth and enjoyable experience in Forza Horizon 4.
For more insights and guides on enhancing your gaming experience, check out our other gaming setup tutorials.
This article is in the category Reviews and created by GameMasterHub Team