Curse of Pirates features native controller support on PC, including recognized compatibility for standard gamepads like Xbox controllers, PlayStation DualShock, and DualSense controllers. While early players encountered menu freezes and rebinding glitches during the version 1.0 launch, developer Funky Parrot rolled out an official hotfix specifically addressing UI gamepad navigation and button rebinding.
Official Controller Compatibility and Device Support
The Steam store page for Curse of Pirates officially lists the title with full controller support, alongside specific tags for DualShock and DualSense hardware. Players utilizing Xbox gamepads, including standard controllers and the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2, can plug in and play directly via Windows.
| Feature / Hardware | Support Status | Notes Based on Official Data and Patch Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Xbox Controllers | Supported | Plug-and-play via XInput; works for ship movement and actions |
| PlayStation DualShock | Supported | Listed natively under Steam store features |
| PlayStation DualSense | Supported | Listed natively under Steam store features |
| Button Rebinding | Supported | Addressed in post-launch gamepad hotfix |
| Steam Deck Native Layout | Playable | Requires switching Steam layout from keyboard/WASD to gamepad |
| Dynamic UI Prompts | Partially Supported | Gamepad prompts appear when connected, though keyboard hints (e.g., Alt, Esc) may still appear on select screens |
Known Gamepad Bugs and the UI Hotfix
During the initial 1.0 release window, players reported critical interface issues when using controllers. The most severe bug caused the screen to freeze during the first combat level-up selection, preventing inputs from registering on either the controller or the mouse. Other reported issues included:
- Difficulty selecting boons or exiting reward screens after banishing an upgrade option.
- Being unable to progress past the post-death loot and quest summary screen without using keyboard shortcuts like Alt+F4.
- In-game menus and chapter selection maps losing focus or registering unexpected directional inputs on the D-pad.
- Leaving a controller plugged in while trying to play on keyboard and mouse, which forced controller button prompts across the interface.
To address these reports, the development team published the "Hotfix: Gamepad input & button rebinding" update. This patch fixed core issues with gamepad input in the user interface and addressed button rebinding functionality. Community feedback following the update confirmed that combat upgrades and standard runs became fully playable on controllers.
Steam Deck Control Configuration
Curse of Pirates holds a Playable rating on Steam Deck rather than fully Verified status. When first launching the game on handheld hardware, the default controller profile may occasionally load as a standard keyboard and WASD layout rather than a gamepad scheme.
- Press the Steam button while running the game to open the overlay.
- Select Controller Settings from the quick menu.
- Switch the active layout from the keyboard/WASD configuration to the official Default Gamepad template.
- Apply the layout and return to the game to verify analog steering and face button responses.
Players on handheld devices should note that some UI text elements and upgrade descriptions appear small on portable screens, and certain menu interactions may occasionally require tapping the touchscreen.
In-Game Controls and Handling
Navigating the ocean requires managing ship inertia, dodging hazards, and interacting with upgrade altars:
- Steering and Direction: Left analog stick controls the heading and steering of your vessel. Turning radius depends on the active ship, with heavier craft turning slower than lighter hulls.
- Dash / Evasion: Dashing allows you to break free from harpoons when enemy ships attempt to tether and anchor your hull.
- Menus and Bins: Bumpers handle screen switching, such as opening inventory screens or navigating base upgrade tabs.
- Aiming Differences: Most ships utilize automated firing cones or auto-targeting abilities for cannons and summons, but specific unlockable vessels—such as the submarine—require active manual aiming during combat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Curse of Pirates have full controller support?
Yes. The official Steam page lists full controller support, including dedicated support for Xbox controllers, PlayStation DualShock, and PlayStation DualSense devices.
Why does the upgrade screen freeze when playing with a controller?
Early 1.0 builds contained a bug that locked the upgrade and level-up screens during controller play. The developer addressed this issue in an official hotfix titled "Hotfix: Gamepad input & button rebinding." Ensure your game is updated to the latest Steam version if you experience menu freezes.
Can I rebind controller buttons in Curse of Pirates?
Yes. Button rebinding is available in the settings menu, and UI rebinding errors were patched in the official gamepad hotfix.
How do I fix controller detection issues on Steam Deck?
If your Steam Deck does not register controls on boot, open the Steam Deck controller settings menu and manually switch your template from keyboard/WASD emulation to the standard Gamepad template.
