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You selected the issue: Doesn't work as expected in a game

The Steam Overlay is vital to Steam Controller functionality.


If the Steam Overlay doesn't appear when you press the Steam button, make sure you've enabled it through the Steam settings menu.
If you haven't added the game to your Steam library, do so with the '+ ADD A GAME' button.

Troubleshooting:
Calibrate your Steam Controller
  1. Launch Steam in Big Picture Mode
  2. Select the settings icon in the top-right
  3. Under 'Controller', select 'Controller settings'
  4. Find your controller listed under 'Detected Controllers:'
  5. Select your controller and click 'CALIBRATE'
  6. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete calibration
Change your controller configuration
If your Steam Controller configuration doesn't work in a game, it may be because the game doesn't support the style of input you've chosen. Browse through community configurations for that game and see if one works.

Gamepad-only input styles will only work with gamepad supported games.
If you're playing a game that doesn't have gamepad support, like DOTA 2, you won't be able to use gamepad-only input styles, 'Joystick Move' and 'Joystick Camera', to move or look around.

Flexible input style commands must accommodate game limitations.
Flexible input styles, 'Directional Pad' and 'Button Pad', give you the choice to allocate a keyboard, mouse or gamepad command to a button. If you choose a gamepad-specific command, like a Y or X button, this input will only function properly in games with gamepad support.
Restart the Steam client
  1. In the Steam client, click on the Steam dropdown
  2. Select Exit
  3. Re-launch Steam from your desktop
Disable conflicting programs
Some third-party programs have been found to conflict with Steam Controller functionality. Try disabling these programs and restarting your computer.
  • Razer Synapse
  • XInput emulators
  • Screen capture software (Fraps, etc.)
  • Skype, Skypehost
  • MSI Afterburner
  • ASUS AI Suite
  • ZoneAlarm
Unplug keyboard and other controllers
Some games prioritize specific input devices and become confused if you have other gamepads or a gaming mouse and keyboard plugged in.

As a test, unplug your keyboard, mouse, and all other gamepads. Then, relaunch the game with your Steam Controller.
Disable external launcher overlays
External game launchers, such as Uplay and Origin, may have dedicated overlays that take priority over the Steam Overlay.

If your game is launching through another service or external launcher, try disabling the launcher's overlay.

  1. Launch the game from Steam
  2. Locate the external launcher settings menu
  3. Select the option to disable the overlay
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