Arknights: Endfield supports selected PlayStation and Xbox controllers on PC, but the experience depends on the connection method and current game build. The official controller FAQ is the compatibility baseline. This guide turns it into a practical setup and troubleshooting sequence.
Which controllers are officially supported?
The official FAQ lists PS5 DualSense and DualSense Edge, PS4 DUALSHOCK 4, Xbox Wireless Controller, and Xbox Elite Wireless Controller for PC and mobile devices. It also warns that third party controllers may have compatibility issues.
That warning does not mean every third party device will fail. It means an unsupported model should be diagnosed as an individual compatibility case rather than assumed to behave like an official Xbox or PlayStation controller.
Connect the controller before starting the game
Use one connection path at a time while troubleshooting:
- Connect the controller with a USB data cable or pair it through Bluetooth.
- Confirm that Windows recognizes the device.
- Start the game after the controller is visible to Windows.
- At the login screen or during gameplay press a controller button to trigger the input layout switch when prompted.
The official FAQ recommends a wired connection for the best experience with DualSense and DUALSHOCK 4 on PC. It states that Xbox controllers support full functionality over both wired and Bluetooth connections on PC.
How input switching works
Endfield can switch between controller and keyboard/mouse layouts. At the login screen controller input can switch the interface to the controller layout. During most gameplay situations pressing a controller button displays a prompt asking whether to switch to controller input.
The official FAQ identifies exceptions, including operator selection or naming screens, tutorial sequences, character dialogue or story cutscenes, and certain battle scenes or simulations. If a prompt does not appear in one of these contexts, that may be part of the current interface rather than a controller failure.
DualSense features and audio behavior
On non PS5 platforms, the official FAQ recommends wired connections for the full functionality of DualSense, DualSense Edge, and DUALSHOCK 4. With Bluetooth, it says adaptive triggers are supported while vibration and controller speaker functions are not.
For Xbox controllers on PC the FAQ states that full functionality is supported over wired and Bluetooth connections. Actual behavior can still depend on Windows firmware and the game build.
The FAQ also says vibration and adaptive trigger features can be enabled or disabled under Settings → Controls while controller speaker behavior can be configured under Settings → Audio. If connecting a DualSense changes Windows audio output switch back to the preferred output device from the Windows speaker selector.
Controller not detected: a controlled checklist
- Confirm the controller appears in Windows before launching Endfield.
- Test USB before Bluetooth if wireless pairing is uncertain.
- Close other input remapping tools temporarily.
- Restart the game after changing the connection method.
- Press a button at login and during normal gameplay to trigger the input layout prompt.
- Test a supported controller family if available.
- Record the controller model connection method Windows version and game version before contacting support.
Do not change several variables at once. A one change approach shows whether the issue is Windows detection, connection mode, input switching, or a game build problem.
Keyboard and mouse remain useful for launcher navigation and text entry. For broader PC readiness see the system requirements checklist. If input problems appear alongside crashes or stutter use the PC troubleshooting guide.
Conclusion
Start with an officially supported controller confirm Windows detection prefer wired PlayStation connections when troubleshooting and test input switching in a normal gameplay context. Record the device and connection path before escalating because behavior can vary by platform and game version.
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