If you’ve ever wanted to try playing Dota 2 with a controller but weren’t sure if it’s supported, you’re in luck! Dota 2 does indeed have controller support. Valve even has an official FAQ on how to set it up and customize the options.
However, playing Dota 2 with a controller shouldn’t be your first choice, especially if you have a traditional PC setup with a mouse and keyboard. But if you’re determined to give it a try, we have a guide to help you play Dota 2 with a controller.
Steam Controller (Image credit: Valve)
How to play Dota 2 with a controller?
Most Dota 2 players choose not to play with a controller for good reasons. The game demands quick reflexes, precise movements, and targeting, making it challenging to control with a joystick. However, if you’re up for the challenge, here are the basic controls:
- Use the left stick to move your hero
- Use the right stick to move the camera, and clicking it re-centers the camera on your hero
- The face buttons (X, Y, A, B) function as hotkeys for a hero’s four skills
- R1 and R2 buttons switch between different skill and item pages
- The D-pad provides shortcuts in the hero UI for leveling up abilities, buying items, and accessing the shop
In addition to these controls, targeting accurately can be a challenge. To select targets on a controller, hold the L1 or L2 buttons to cycle through different units in your vicinity. Any attacks or abilities will prioritize the locked unit, but you can cancel the process by adjusting your camera.
Face Buttons’ hotkeys on Dota 2 hero skills (Image credit: Dota 2)
How to enable controller support in Dota 2?
If you’re still interested in playing Dota 2 with a controller, here’s how you can enable controller support before you start:
In the Steam app, ensure that Steam Input is enabled. Then, within the Dota 2 client, go to Options, select Advanced Options, and enable experimental controller support.
If you can’t find the option, you can also enable controller support by adding a command in the launch options. In the Steam app, go to the game Library, right-click on Dota 2, open Properties, and navigate to the launch options. Add ‘+dota_disable_controller_support 0’.
Steam Controller (Image credit: Valve)
Does Dota 2 Run on Steam Deck?
If you’re wondering whether Dota 2 can be played on Steam Deck, the answer is yes. Any controller supported by Steam Input, such as Steam Controller, Xbox controllers, PlayStation controllers, Switch Pro, and PC gamepads, should work just fine.
