[Steam Input] - Controller Does Not Work On Startup **04/17/2026 Steam Beta Client Has FIXED This Bug**

[DeadlockerFanReporting]

03-21-2026 update did not fix this issue

 

[DeadlockerFanReporting]

Bump but with an update, I discovered something strange that got it to work without having to do the temporary fix. This was found with the 8bitdo Ultimate 2 Wireless in 2.4ghz Dinput mode (Home + B):

I connected it to Steam before starting Deadlock which would normally break it from working but before launching the game I opened the “Calibration & Advanced Settings” window, closed it, opened it again, closed again then launched Deadlock with the controller still connected and finally the game detected inputs.

My theory if this can be replicated consistently is that Steam is not recognising the controller for SIAPI supported games (these are games with official Game Action controls) and bringing up the settings twice sort of jolts the software to become aware of the controller and use it properly. This could be completely fabricated but I have no idea why this solution also works.

This is probably an issue that’s deeper than Deadlock, luckily the developers work for the same company so it shouldn’t be a big ask to get a Steam Input developer to check this out.

 

[DeadlockerFanReporting]

Tested more this morning and I found a new temporary fix that I will add to the main post.

Connect your controller to Steam, go to Steam > Settings > Controller > Calibration & Advanced Settings > Close this pop up window > Reopen Calibration & Advanced Settings > Close again > Launch Deadlock > Press an Input to start the game and play.

This will make the controller work when connecting before launching the game. This still doesn't solve the problem as it still requires the user to go through extra steps but atleast it's another option and you can calibrate your Gyro while doing this before playing if you'd like.

 

[DeadlockerFanReporting]

Bump

 

[DeadlockerFanReporting]

As of recent Steam Beta Client Update for my 8BitDo Ultimate 2 Wireless in 2.4ghz Dinput mode, the controller is now working without any workarounds needed. I have currently tested this 10 times from a cold boot into Steam, connecting the controller and launching the game and now the game is fully responding to my inputs and gyro movement.

Here is the reference to the recent beta client update: https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1675200/view/577165112126734558

If this is consistent then I'd like to end this topic by thanking the Steam Beta Client team for working on this fix as I have been reporting this on the Steam discussions in the background.

I will update main post and title to clarify this solution.