Hi all,
This post is fairly lengthy but I promise it’s worth stepping through here if you’re playing with a controller on Steam PC and feeling like the aim just isn’t right. I’ve got a brief description below as well as multiple methods to fix the problems with aim, and then some supplemental information at the bottom.
BACKGROUND:
After playing Infinite on launch my hopes were dashed by what felt like one of the worst controller aim implementations I’ve experienced in a Halo game. Regardless of how much tweaking I did for my in-game settings, the aim just did not feel good at all. Sensitivity, dead zones, and acceleration were all over the place when aiming compared to MCC.
Some of you may already be aware of this, but I was not - By default, Steam is overlaying it’s own controller dead zones and acceleration curves on top of what you’re setting up in-game. If you haven’t played with the Steam controller configuration on your own yet (or even if you have), I can all but guarantee your aiming experience in Halo is about to take a giant leap forward. Steps are below so you can try for yourself.
SOLUTIONS:
Method 1:
- Right click Halo Infinite from your game library
- Click ‘Properties…’
- Select ‘Controller’ from the left panel
- Under the ‘Override for Halo Infinite’ drop-down list, select ‘Disable Steam Input’
Method 2:
- Enter ‘Big Picture Mode’
- Navigate to ‘Library’
- Navigate to Halo Infinite and select the game
- Select ‘Manage Game’
- Select ‘Controller Options’
- In the ‘Steam Input Per-Game Setting’ drop-down list choose the ‘Forced Off’ option
Method 3:
- This one isn’t a set of steps for Steam, but you also have the option of simply installing and playing the game through the Xbox application instead, where this issue is not present.
By following the above steps, you’re disabling anything Steam is changing about how your sticks function, and leaving it solely up to the Infinite in-game settings.
To close this post out, I’d like to thank 343 for putting out an incredible game multiple weeks ahead of the launch date. Thank you!!!
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:
– Explanation of sensitivity, dead zones, and acceleration –
I feel like I should add that fully understanding the fundamentals of acceleration, sensitivity, dead zones, and the max input threshold are also very important to be able to tweak and fine tune your settings to something that will cater best to your preferences and playstyle. There is a great youtube video for MCC that does a good job of explaining how dead zones and acceleration (and acceleration zone a.k.a. max input threshold) work. Search for “Halo MCC - Modern Aiming Explained” by No Strings Prd.
– Special note for Dual Shock controller users –
If you’re using a Dual Shock and aren’t using DS4Windows, I think you might need to get that installed so that Windows will natively recognize the controller, and not just Steam. I no longer use a DS controller but have for many years and this software worked great and continues to get active updates. Simply search “ds4windows” on google and the first result should be the github for ryochan7.