Have a Nice Death is a lively 2D action roguelike developed by Magic Design Studios and published by Gearbox Publishing. As an overworked Death on a mission to restore balance among unruly employees, players delve into procedurally generated departments filled with quirky characters and engage in fast-paced hack-n’-slash combat. However, amidst the game’s lively charm, some players have encountered a perplexing challenge: the controller not working on PC, Xbox, and PS5 platforms. So, how do you fix it? Well, keep reading this guide until the end to learn about some potential fixes.
Action-roguelike games, with their dynamic combat and responsive movements, are uniquely tailored to the tactile experience offered by controllers. The seamless integration of button combinations and analog sticks allows players to execute intricate maneuvers with finesse, enhancing the immersive quality of the gameplay. In the case of Have a Nice Death, where precision and quick reflexes are crucial in facing the quirky challenges of the afterlife, the use of a controller becomes all the more engaging and fun. That being said, how do you fix the issue where the controller is not working as usual? Continue reading to find out.
Have a Nice Death controller not working on PC, Xbox & PS5: How to fix it?
Luckily, the officials are aware of this controller issue on Xbox Series X/S/Xbox One consoles and they acknowledged it in a post on their website. Furthermore, they have also provided a temporary workaround. So, while they are working to fix this issue once and for all, we will go over the workarounds for each platform. We will also be going over some basic checks that you should perform first in case your controller stops working. But before that, here is the temporary workaround recommended by the developers.
Dev Recommended Workaround
As a temporary workaround, the developers recommended heading to the pause menu of the game and not the main screen. After that, head over to the Options menu and select the Controls tab. Here, if you observe that there are any unassigned keybinds, select “Reset to Default.” After this, restart the game and check if your controller starts working.
If the issue persists, here are some workarounds for you to try:
Basic Checks
Check Controller
Start with a physical inspection of your controller. Ensure that there are no visible damages, loose cables, or faulty connectors. A damaged controller may lead to erratic behavior or a complete failure to connect.
Wired Connection
If you’re using a wireless controller, try switching to a wired connection. This can help troubleshoot potential wireless connectivity issues. Ensure that the cable is in good condition, and free of any significant wear and tear.
Plug and Unplug
Unplug the controller from your device and then plug it back in. Sometimes, a simple reconnection can address minor connection issues. Ensure that the connection is secure and that there are no obstructions in the USB port. You can also try connecting the controller to your system after launching the game, instead of before.
Try Different USB Ports
If you’re using a wired controller, try plugging it into a different USB port. Some ports may have issues, and switching to another port can help determine whether the problem is related to the port itself.
Test with Other Games
Check if the controller works with other games. This can help differentiate between a game-specific issue and a broader problem with the controller. If the controller functions well with other games, the problem may be related to the specific title
PC (Workarounds)
With the basic checks over, here are some PC-related workarounds for you to try:
Disconnect Other Peripherals
Consider disconnecting other peripherals connected to your system temporarily. Sometimes, conflicting inputs from multiple devices can lead to controller detection problems. Unplug additional USB devices, such as external drives or input devices, and test the controller independently.
Steam Input and Overlay
To troubleshoot controller issues, try enabling Steam Input, a feature designed to manage and configure controller settings within the Steam platform. Navigate to your Steam library, right-click on ‘Have a Nice Death,’ access the Properties option, and in the Controller tab, select “Enable Steam Input” next to the Override for the ‘Have a Nice Death’ setting. If it was enabled by default, consider disabling it and then checking whether the controller works. Additionally, disabling Steam Overlay might contribute to resolving controller-related challenges; ensure it’s turned off in Steam settings under the “In-Game” tab. Implementing these adjustments could potentially enhance the overall functionality of your controller while playing the game.
Update Drivers
Keep your controller drivers up-to-date. Visit the manufacturer’s website or use Windows Update to download and install the latest drivers. Outdated drivers can lead to compatibility issues, and regular updates often include optimizations for better performance.
Steam Big Picture Mode
If you’re playing through Steam, try launching the game using Steam’s Big Picture Mode. This mode is designed to enhance the controller experience and might resolve detection issues. Navigate to Steam’s settings and enable Big Picture Mode before launching the game.
For Xbox Controller Users (Xbox Accessories App)
If you’re using an Xbox controller, obtaining the Xbox Accessories app from the Microsoft Store can be a valuable solution. Begin by downloading and installing the app. Once installed, pair your controller and check for any pending updates within the Xbox Accessories app.
For PlayStation 5 DualSense Controller Users
If you’re encountering issues with the PlayStation 5 DualSense controller not being recognized in ‘Have a Nice Death’ on PC, a practical solution involves downloading and installing “DS4Windows” software. Acting as an emulator, DS4Windows enables the DualSense controller to emulate an Xbox 360 controller, which is widely compatible with many PC games. After installing DS4Windows, configure it to recognize your DualSense controller, launch ‘Have a Nice Death’, and check if the controller functions seamlessly.
Xbox (Workarounds)
Now, if you are facing issues with your Xbox controller on your Xbox Series X/S or Xbox One, here are some workarounds that you should try.
Restart Console
A simple restart of the Xbox console can sometimes clear temporary glitches affecting controller connectivity. Power off your Xbox, wait a few seconds and then restart it before launching the game.
Update Firmware
To fix controller issues, it’s crucial to keep your Xbox console updated. Simply press the “Home” button on your Xbox controller, navigate to the “Settings” menu in the Dashboard, select “All Settings”, then choose “System” and “Updates”. If an update is available, click on “Update Console” and follow the on-screen instructions. Complete the process by restarting your console. Regular updates enhance system compatibility and may contribute to resolving controller-related challenges.
For PS5 (Workarounds)
If you got your copy of the game on a PS5, here are the workarounds to try in case your controllers stop working in the game.
Reset Controller
On the back of the PS5 controller, locate the small reset button. Press and hold it for a few seconds using a paperclip or similar tool. After resetting, reconnect the controller to the PS5. This can sometimes resolve connection issues.
Keep your PS5 updated
Navigate to “Settings” on your PS5, select “System”, then choose “System Software Update and Settings”. If a newer version is available, you’ll see the “Update Available” option. Click on “Update System Software” and follow the on-screen instructions to initiate the update process. Completing this update may enhance system performance and contribute to resolving any controller-related challenges you may be experiencing.
Well, by following these steps, we hope that you will be successful in resolving any issues you may have had with the controller in the game. For all your inquiries related to gaming, consider visiting DigiStatement daily as we share insightful and up-to-date information. Read more: Stardew Valley crashing on Steam Deck: How to fix it?
