[Guide] Setting up an Xbox 360 Controller for DayZ

[Mucwa 68]

Hey guys, after reading a couple different posts about people asking how to set up a controller for DayZ I decided to create a guide that will hopefully help those who would like to play DayZ on a controller.

Before I start the guide, I would like ask the trolls to refrain from posting things like "K&M is better, go back to xbox noob". I understand that K&M has a lot better precision for FPS, but some people feel more comfortable playing on a controller. Some of those people can't play on K&M due to some type of disability.

Now that that's out of the way we can begin the guide!

Step 1: Download xpadder

Xpadder is a program that allows you to configure almost any type of controller to use keyboard keys. It is essential if you want to play DayZ with a controller and have all the controls available to you. You will need to have the latest version of xpadder, which is 5.7. I recommend buying it from the official site for $10. The site can be found here. Once you've downloaded xpadder you will need to give it administrative privileges so that it'll work properly in DayZ. You can do this by right clicking on the xpadder program and selecting properties. Once the properties window is open, click on the compatibility tab and then check "Run this program as an administrator". (This process might be different depending on what OS you're running, I have Windows 7.)

Step 2: Configure/ Import Controls

The next step is to either configure your own control scheme for DayZ or import the current control scheme that I'm using. First plug in your xbox 360 controller and then start up xpadder. If your computer isn't recognizing your controller then you probably need to update the controller drivers. I've attached my current controller layout and scheme if you want to use them. All you need to do is download the files and put them in the xpadder folder. Once you've placed the files in the xpadder folder open up xpadder and click on the controller icon and select the file you've downloaded. For the control scheme just click on the page icon and select the DayZ profile. My controller scheme is based off Monte87's. You can find a post about his controller scheme along with a link to download his profile here, however every time I've tried to download his controller scheme and import it I've gotten an error from xpadder. My workaround was just to configure my controller scheme exactly like his, which took me roughly two hours. Also Monte87 changed a few controls in game so if you plan on using his controller scheme or mine, you need to change a couple controls in game to the ones that he did. He has instructions on how to do so on his post.

You can download my Profile and Layout below.

DayZ Profile & Layout.zip

Edit: I've replaced the old profile to with the new one, which allows for helicopter flight. I've never been lucky enough to use a helicopter, so I don't know if the controls need to be tweaked. If someone with a helicopter available to them could test it out and let me know that would be great.

I've also changed a few more controls in-game, all the controls that will need to be changed in-game are posted below.

Stand Up ==== Double Tap X (Should show 2xX when set.)

Walk or Run Toggle ==== Left Shift

Walk or Run Temporary ==== [REMOVE]

Compass ==== [REMOVE]

Compass Toggle ==== K

Watch ==== [REMOVE]

Watch Toggle ==== O

Freelook === Left Alt

Center Look ==== [REMOVE]

Auto Hover on === P

Eject === Right Shift

Get Out === ;

Toggle View === Left Enter (non-NUM Pad)

I've changed DOWN on the d-pad from Watch to something I call Helicopter Mode. Helicopter mode changes all the controls to better suit helicopter flight. Once you get in a helicopter all you need to do is press DOWN on the d-pad and everything should be set!

Step 3: Test it out!

Once you've got the controls mapped all you need to do is test it out in game! Its kinda hard to remember the all controls right away so I recommend that you write all the controls down on a piece of paper as a reference. Once setup properly the controls for DayZ are:

Movement

Movement: Left Stick (Double tap forward to sprint)

Toggle Run/Walk: Click left stick in

Look: Right Stick

Toggle Free Look: Click right stick in

Zoom: Hold Left Trigger

Crouch: A

Prone: Hold A

Stand Up: Double Tap A

Jump over object: UP on d-pad

Toggle 1st/3rd Person: Select/Back

Lean Left: Left Button

Lean Right: Right Button

Combat

Toggle Aim: Click Left Trigger

Fire: Right Trigger

Switch to Primary/Secondary: Y

Reload: X

Toggle Weapon: Double Tap X

Adjust Range Up: While holding left trigger A

Adjust Range Down: While holding left trigger B

Inventory & Misc.

Inventory: Start

Action Menu Down: B

Action Menu Up: Hold B

Binoculars: RIGHT on d-pad

Watch: DOWN on d-pad

Compass: LEFT on d-pad

The Underlined actions can be changed to the Flashlight and Map keys if needed.

Helicopter

Toggle Helicopter Mode: DOWN on d-pad

Increase Thrust: Left Trigger

Decrease Thrust: Right Trigger

Left & Right Turn: Right Stick

Nose Up & Down: Right Stick

Bank Left: Left Button

Bank Right: Right Button

Auto Hover On: A

Auto Hover Off: B

Eject: UP on d-pad

Get Out: Y

The underlined controls are used to get out of helicopter mode and return all the controls to default.

If anyone has any questions feel free to ask!

Edit: Finally got around to uploading the new profile, I've tested the new link and it seems to work again. If the link doesn't work for you then just send me a message with an email address that you use and I'll send them to you in an email.

Edited August 18, 2012 by Mucwa

[Feint (DayZ) 27]

Awesome post, good use of a controller despite the lack of buttons :)

Beans all round!

:beans:

[mikhail 65]

why on earth would you even want to do this. This is fps, mouse/kb rules.

Edited August 11, 2012 by DJNOOB

[ButtHat 96]

why on earth would you even want to do this. This is fps, mouse/kb rules.

I HAVE AN OPINION AND I'M GOING TO POST IT!!!! Rarrrr.

[Sneakers O'Toole 57]

His last thread was entitled: How to play MW3 with no head or hands, using only a cabbage. And this thread has about the same utility.

[jingled@hotmail.com 86]

this topic would need a sticky :)

[tiptoptopper@gmail.com 244]

why on earth would you even want to do this. This is fps, mouse/kb rules.

Console kids will never learn. Even after being destroyed by mouse and keyboard players for the millionth time. :lol:

[jingled@hotmail.com 86]

Console kids will never learn. Even after being destroyed by mouse and keyboard players for the millionth time. :lol:

and why you need to be all personal all of a sudden? I have a very good PC, an xbox360, and a PS3. Why you feel the urge to call unknown people kids?

I'm 26 years old with a full time job.

And most of all a

Gamer

The so called "normal" ppl whos only enjoyment in life is to go into a pub with "friends" and drink alcohol till one of you gets sick, already keep calling us Gamers: Nerds/NoLifers/Antisocial/Etc...

It saddens me that all i see is that our "little" group called Gamers broke into 3 parts (xbox fan/ps fan/pc fan). Why and how did this happen? Are you jealous that you can't afford all of it? Maybe you have some mentality issues who can't accept that little fact that by a chance your opinion is not superior to others?

At the end of the day we are all the same... Gamers

PS.: calling others kids is just so yesterdays... try to come up with something unique. you're just being unoriginal... an unoriginal guy whos not smart enough to have his own thoughts.

Edited August 12, 2012 by MostlyPanda

[Feint (DayZ) 27]

Cover the burn with a sterile bandage...

[nufcmickey 32]

Console kids will never learn. Even after being destroyed by mouse and keyboard players for the millionth time. :lol:

Some people are just born absolute arseholes, Unfortunatly you are one of them. Ive said this many times, If you dont use a controller or never intend to, Then piss off and play the game like you enjoy, leave others to do the same. Moron !

[tiptoptopper@gmail.com 244]

and why you need to be all personal all of a sudden? I have a very good PC, an xbox360, and a PS3. Why you feel the urge to call unknown people kids?

I'm 26 years old with a full time job.

And most of all a

Gamer

The so called "normal" ppl whos only enjoyment in life is to go into a pub with "friends" and drink alcohol till one of you gets sick, already keep calling us Gamers: Nerds/NoLifers/Antisocial/Etc...

It saddens me that all i see is that our "little" group called Gamers broke into 3 parts (xbox fan/ps fan/pc fan). Why and how did this happen? Are you jealous that you can't afford all of it? Maybe you have some mentality issues who can't accept that little fact that by a chance your opinion is not superior to others?

At the end of the day we are all the same... Gamers

PS.: calling others kids is just so yesterdays... try to come up with something unique. you're just being unoriginal... an unoriginal guy whos not smart enough to have his own thoughts.

I'd like to see things from your point of view, but I can't seem to get my head that far up my ass.

Some people are just born absolute arseholes, Unfortunatly you are one of them. Ive said this many times, If you dont use a controller or never intend to, Then piss off and play the game like you enjoy, leave others to do the same. Moron !

I'm busy now. Can I ignore you some other time?

[Salvia Divinorum 30]

Works great for the Helicopter!

[Swordfish (DayZ) 23]

If only you posted this before I tried the in-game settings for a controller. I've gotten used to PC gaming now and probably won't go back to using a controller on it. The only time that I feel the need to use a controller is driving a car. Nice guide either way.

[Lin (DayZ) 22]

I enjoy using the controller for a few games.

I played WoW on a Xbox controller, I might try this.

It just comes down to what feel the most conformable. For me, sitting on the couch playing on my T.V with my wireless Xbox controller and headset is relaxing. My Big o' Lazy boy and controller.

Yes I now I am more accurate, and it is less of a hassle sometimes using a K&M, but in the end, you play for enjoyment, so I do what I feel will give me the most enjoyment.

[TheRealSpazz 0]

this is awesome hope i can still use it after standalone is realeased

[Weretoad 1]

why on earth would you even want to do this. This is fps, mouse/kb rules.

You don't read very well, do you?

[MastaOfDisasta 30]

Shame on anyone wanting to play DayZ with a 360 controller.

[xNeRo 4]

Awesome idea! im going to check it out to see if it works :)

[knawx 175]

I love how offended "PC Gamers" get when controllers are mentioned. It's almost as if they are threatened by them?? :D

I definitely wouldn't play Day Z with an Xbox Controller, but could care less if others decide to. The fact is, there are tons of people out there who are more comfortable with a controller than they are k/m. Not a big deal what so ever.

What is a big deal however, is that the OP clearly took a lot of time to put this little guide together, and looks to have done a fantastic job. It's people like you who make game communities better! So bravo and enjoy the beans! :):)

[DazTroyer 227]

I've been wanting to do this for so long I've got used to keyboard and mouse now. Not sure I'd want to change back but thanks for posting. It's such a MASSIVE jump from controller to keyboard I'm sure it will be useful to someone. :)

Edited August 13, 2012 by DazTroyer

[keeslingusarmy 17]

I'd like to see things from your point of view, but I can't seem to get my head that far up my ass.

I'm busy now. Can I ignore you some other time?

.....I'm kind of shocked you replied...more surprised you replied with that.. wait...Did you just google for comebacks?... :huh:

[kevanko 0]

Hey Mucwa , I also had problems getting xpadder to recognise Monte87`s config , so i tried yours and it works fine on my desktop but ingame it just wont recognise it , i have tried changeing the controller options to " custom controller " and back to " controller with scheme " . but no luck . the only scheme that works is the basic 360 controller . any help would be greatly appreciated .

[gorg_graggel 2]

I love how offended "PC Gamers" get when controllers are mentioned. It's almost as if they are threatened by them?? :D

well, i get why...

most triple a shooter titles of the last years have been designed around gamepads. that in itself isn't much of a big deal. but the fact that those games get (badly) ported onto pc and represent the majority of succesful titles makes ppl react rather "allergically" when someone "threatens" their pc games which such a thing...

i grew up with doom, quake and ut and i'm sure games like those don't get made anymore, because they wouldn't be the huge successes that modern console ports are in comparison (they would be huge successes compared to quake etc, but that doen't seem to count when the industry only cares about shareholder value)...

todays shooters have become so slow and ppl blame it on gamepads...kinda...

BUT:

i can perfectly understand that somneone wants to use a pad due to disability or other circumstances which the op mentioned...so...whatever...

just my 2 cents...

[Cyborg Ninja 93]

Thing is, players who use controllers for PC games like these are pretty much all casual players or just plain noobs. So it's their own choice, who cares. More easy pvp kills for us right?

(Also I lolled at the guy on page one who said he played WoW with a controller, definitely don't want to be with him in a group, lol)

[Midiouss 0]

I'd like to see things from your point of view, but I can't seem to get my head that far up my ass.

I'm busy now. Can I ignore you some other time?

Haha speechless.