Steam How To Make Controller First Player

Devilwatt

2 min read

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02-02-2025

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So, you've got your favorite controller hooked up to Steam, ready for some gaming action. But are you tired of always being Player 2? This guide will show you exactly how to make your controller the default Player 1 in Steam, eliminating that frustrating Player 2 designation once and for all.

Understanding the Steam Controller Configuration

Before we dive into the specifics, it's important to understand how Steam handles controller assignments. Steam isn't always intuitive about automatically assigning controllers to Player 1. It often defaults to the order in which controllers are connected, or prioritizes keyboard and mouse input. This means even if you plug your controller in first, it might still end up as Player 2. But don't worry, we've got a few methods to fix this.

Method 1: The Big Picture Mode Approach

This is often the easiest way to ensure your controller is Player 1, especially if you’re using Big Picture Mode for a more console-like experience.

1. Launch Steam in Big Picture Mode: This can typically be done by right-clicking the Steam icon in your system tray and selecting "Big Picture Mode".
2. Navigate to "Controllers": In the Big Picture Mode menu, find and select "Controllers".
3. Select Your Controller: Choose the specific controller you want to use from the list of connected devices.
4. Set as Player 1 (If Possible): Sometimes, the interface will explicitly allow you to select which player number your controller is. If you see this option, select "Player 1".
5. Test in a Game: Launch a game and check if your controller is recognized as Player 1.

Important Note: The success of this method depends heavily on the game's compatibility with Steam's controller configuration. Some games might override Steam's settings.

Method 2: Using Steam Input Configuration

Steam Input is a powerful feature allowing for extensive customization of your controller. While it doesn't directly assign "Player 1" status, you can use it to ensure your controller is properly recognized and prioritized.

1. Open Steam Controller Settings: Go to Steam > Settings > Controller.
2. General Controller Settings: Ensure "PlayStation Configuration Support" or "Generic Gamepad Configuration Support" (depending on your controller type) is enabled.
3. Individual Game Settings: Many games have individual Steam Input configurations. Navigate to the game in your Steam library, go to its properties, and then to "Controller". You can often specify settings here to override default configurations.
4. Test Thoroughly: After making changes, test your controller in the game to ensure it's functioning correctly as the primary player.

Method 3: Game-Specific Settings

Sometimes, the solution lies within the game itself. Many games have their own in-game settings to manage controllers and player assignments. Check the game's options menu for anything related to:

• Controller Configuration: Look for settings that allow you to assign controller inputs to specific player numbers.
• Input Devices: Make sure your controller is selected as the primary or default input device.
• Player Profiles: Some games allow you to create player profiles, each with their own controller assignments.

Troubleshooting Tips

• Restart Steam: A simple restart often resolves minor connection issues.
• Check Controller Drivers: Ensure your controller drivers are up-to-date and correctly installed.
• Try a Different USB Port: Sometimes, a different USB port can solve connectivity problems.
• Reinstall Steam: As a last resort, consider reinstalling Steam to rule out any corrupted files.

By following these steps, you should be able to successfully designate your controller as Player 1 in Steam. Remember to test your controller in multiple games to ensure the changes are working consistently. Happy gaming!