If you’re not a pro at using mouse and keyboard but still want to dive into the hardcore extraction genre, you may be wondering if you can play Escape from Tarkov with a controller.
The game has a lot of actions and may not be the first game that comes to mind when thinking of using a controller, but for some players, it’s the only option. So, can you play Escape from Tarkov with a controller? The answer is yes, but with a few caveats.
There are a few different methods for playing Escape from Tarkov with a controller. One way is through Steam by adding the game as a Non-Steam Game and launching it through Big Picture Mode.
Alternatively, third-party programs can be used to allow controllers to be recognized. Xbox Series/One controllers are natively recognized on PCs, but DualShock 4 and Xbox 360 controllers will require DS4Windows and X360ce, respectively.
However, using a controller in Escape from Tarkov may not be the best experience. The game has a lot of keybinds, and you may quickly run out of buttons on your gamepad. You can map most of the basic functions, but performing intricate systems may be challenging.
Can you play Escape from Tarkov on Steam Deck?
Yes, it is possible, but it’s not an optimal experience. To do so, you will have to install Windows on your Steam Deck and run the game through that due to anti-cheat complications on Linux.
However, online raids on Steam Deck are not currently possible as it would require an update from Battlestate Games.
Despite the caveats, Escape from Tarkov has been reported to run well on Steam Deck with framerates between 40 and 60.
