Hytale is now available in early access, and the developers are clear that some major accessibility features are still missing. One of the most important gaps is the lack of controller support, which directly affects players who prefer or require gamepads over a mouse and keyboard.
Current controller support in Hytale early access
Hytale’s early access build does not include native controller support. The game’s own store page and accessibility information state that controller support is currently absent and treated as a missing accessibility feature, not just a convenience option.
That means the game only accepts traditional mouse and keyboard input on the platforms listed in the system requirements. These platforms are:
- Windows 10 (x64, version 1809) and Windows 11
- Linux on x64 (Kernel 6.15)
- Apple Silicon Macs running macOS Tahoe (26.0)
Plugging in a gamepad such as a DualSense, DualShock, or Xbox controller to one of these systems will not automatically make it usable in Hytale. The game client does not expose controller bindings, dead zone settings, or any gamepad-specific options in its own settings menu at this stage.
Hytale is purchased and downloaded through the official store at https://store.hytale.com, and all copies of the game share this same input limitation in early access.
PlayStation and Xbox controllers on PC
PlayStation and Xbox controllers can usually be connected to a PC through USB or Bluetooth, where the operating system recognizes them as standard gamepads. For Hytale, that recognition at the OS level is not enough. Because the game itself does not read controller input, pressing buttons on a connected pad will not trigger in-game actions.
Some players attempt to work around this by routing their controller through input remapping tools that translate gamepad input into mouse movements and keyboard presses. Steam Input is a common example, where Hytale is added as a non-Steam game and a custom layout is created.
Early player reports indicate that this approach is unreliable. In some cases, controller input appears to function in the overlay or configuration screen, then stops responding once the actual Hytale game window opens. Other community comments suggest that user-created layouts exist on devices like the Steam Deck, but these are entirely unofficial and not supported by the developer.
Because there is no native gamepad layer in Hytale yet, any third-party mapping is essentially emulating a mouse and keyboard from the outside. Behavior can break with updates, and there is no in-game way to refine sensitivity, camera acceleration, or button prompts for these setups.
Developer plans for future controller support
The development team classifies controller support as a priority feature for the post-launch period of early access. The public accessibility information explains that controllers are not yet supported, and describes adding support as one of the team’s top priorities, with an expectation that it will arrive not too long after release.
No firm date or patch version is announced for this feature, and there is no published list of which controller families or advanced features (such as remappable radial menus or aim assist) will be included when it arrives. The intent is clear that official support is planned rather than hypothetical, but the exact timing and scope remain open.
Because early access is explicitly flagged as an in-development phase, controller support may arrive alongside other accessibility and quality-of-life updates rather than as a separate, standalone milestone. Until a specific update is announced, the only safe assumption is that controller play is not yet ready for day-to-day use.
Accessibility impact of missing controller support
The absence of controller support is more than a comfort issue for many players. For anyone who relies on gamepads due to mobility limitations, wrist pain, or other ergonomic needs, Hytale’s current input scheme can create a hard barrier to participation.
The developers acknowledge this by listing controller support under missing accessibility features on the store page. That framing matters: it positions gamepad support as an essential part of making the game playable for a broader group of players rather than a luxury that may or may not appear.
If you know that long sessions with mouse and keyboard are painful or not feasible, the present early access build is unlikely to meet your needs. In that case, the practical options are to watch for dedicated controller updates before purchasing, or to treat any current experimentation with input remappers as short, limited tests rather than a full playthrough solution.
What you can and cannot do right now if you prefer controllers
For players who strongly prefer using a controller but are willing to compromise temporarily, there are a few points to keep in mind.
First, there is no way to enable controller input purely through Hytale’s own settings. No hidden toggle, launch parameter, or in-game menu unlocks native gamepad support, because that functionality simply is not included yet.
Second, external mapping tools can sometimes provide basic functionality by converting stick movement to mouse movement and button presses to keys. However, these setups depend entirely on the tool and the configuration you build or download. They can also feel very different from a game with genuine controller support, especially for camera control and precise aiming.
Third, issues like the controller ceasing to respond when the game gains focus, mismatched button prompts, or menus that are awkward to navigate are all likely to persist while native support is missing. These are limitations of trying to “fake” a keyboard and mouse through a controller rather than integrating controllers into the game itself.
Given these constraints, players who absolutely need a stable, controller-first experience are better served by waiting for the official implementation, while those who are simply curious can experiment in short sessions with the understanding that results may be mixed.
Staying updated on Hytale controller support
Because controller support is framed as a key post-launch goal, it is worth monitoring official communication channels for changes. The Hytale website outlines early access details and will reflect major updates to features such as input support and accessibility.
The studio also communicates through social channels, including the Hytale account on X, where patch announcements and feature rollouts are highlighted. When controller support moves from planned to available, it is likely to be called out clearly in patch notes and accessibility updates.
Until that point, the situation is straightforward: Hytale early access does not yet offer native controller support on any platform, and any form of controller play depends on unofficial workarounds. For players who rely on gamepads, treating early access as a preview of what is coming later, rather than a fully accessible release, will help set realistic expectations.
