40 replies to this topic

[ROOK1]

Can anyone recommend the best specific controller to use for the game?
I have read joysticks have some trouble with the game right now, but I don't like the keyboard/mouse combo much either. Has anyone tried a control pad? What about something unconventional? If it must be a mouse and keyboard then what brand and model?

[StarGeezer]

Some people (including yours truly) found using a flight throttle controller in the left hand to control throttle and direction to be a bit more adaptive and intuitive than the WASD keyboard cluster. I specifically use the Thrustmaster T-Flight Hotas X, which consists of a throttle and flight stick combo. However, I only use the throttle...aiming and torso movement is still handled by the mouse.

[Koniving]

I also do the same. If you do choose a Throttle and flight stick combination, there's a feature called Zero something. I wish I knew what the heck it is but it's related to the analog and it gives it more of a function like a mouse than a 'flight stick'.

For example if I move it 10% upwards and hold it, my mech will look up slightly and lock. When I let go of the joystick, the mech will lock back to center. If I move it 30% left and 10% down, it'll twist 30% left, and look 10% down. Then I can adjust it slightly from there or just let it go to get back to center. The reason I like this is that it simulates a look spring function which MWO does not have at the moment. Sadly any joystick with this feature built in (usually as a toggle) is over 120 dollars.

Though if PGI puts in a look-spring function, I'd be able to use the T-flight Hotas X's flight stick too. O_O

Edited by Koniving, 30 September 2013 - 10:51 PM.

[StarGeezer]

Koniving, on 30 September 2013 - 10:49 PM, said:

I also do the same. If you do choose a Throttle and flight stick combination, there's a feature called Zero something. I wish I knew what the heck it is but it's related to the analog and it gives it more of a function like a mouse than a 'flight stick'.

They're called Zero-order controls. There's a real good read about it here.

[Koniving]

That's exactly what I meant. Great find! Since I know PGI won't be implementing it (a look spring) any time soon, I'm likely to hunt for one soon. It'd really add to that feeling.

Edited by Koniving, 01 October 2013 - 05:37 PM.

[StarGeezer]

I'd love to find one as well...as long as it didn't cost a small fortune. Some of the high-end ones I looked at can start at $500 and work up from there.

[Koniving]

Oh Star, do you remember the joystick settings I gave you? I reinstalled the game and forgot to keep the user.cfg. I need those again. Trying to set it up and having issues.

P.S. Original poster, once I get the joystick working again I'll do a little diagram to show what my buttons are set to.

Edited by Koniving, 30 September 2013 - 11:07 PM.

[StarGeezer]

Let me check, I might have them here...

EDIT: Well, for whatever reason I don't have anything in my user.cfg file except the (non-functioning, it appears) FOV fix. I checked through the "New Casual User" thread to see if I could find it, but didn't see it. I'll keep looking for it. I could possibly send you my actionmaps.xml file, which has the rebinds I used for the throttle.

Edited by StarGeezer, 30 September 2013 - 11:20 PM.

[Koniving]

It'll be in your user.cfg.

Btw. If FOV is non-functioning, reinstall the game. It fixed my issue.

Found the basics.

cl_joystick_gain = 8
cl_joystick_sensitivity = 0.75
cl_joystick_throttle_range = 0
cl_joystick_invert_throttle = 1
cl_joystick_invert_pitch = 1
cl_joystick_invert_yaw = 0
cl_joystick_invert_turn = 0
cl_joystick_deadzone = 0.1

Edited by Koniving, 30 September 2013 - 11:29 PM.

[StarGeezer]

Really don't want to re-install if I don't have to...will the Repair Tool suffice?

Send me an IM if you want a link to that .xml file.

[Koniving]

StarGeezer, on 30 September 2013 - 11:07 PM, said:

I could possibly send you my actionmaps.xml file, which has the rebinds I used for the throttle.

Sigh. It wasn't enough, yeah I'll take those.

StarGeezer, on 30 September 2013 - 11:30 PM, said:

Really don't want to re-install if I don't have to...will the Repair Tool suffice?

Nope, that didn't fix it. I had to reinstall.

Edited by Koniving, 30 September 2013 - 11:34 PM.

[Sephlock]

"Best Controller To Buy"



I know, I know... but it's still true .

[StarGeezer]

Koniving, on 30 September 2013 - 11:33 PM, said:

Sigh. It wasn't enough, yeah I'll take those.

Done.

Koniving, on 30 September 2013 - 11:33 PM, said:

Nope, that didn't fix it. I had to reinstall.

Well poop. I'll have to consider it. It's working fine otherwise for me, so maybe I'll just grin 'n bear it as it is.

[627]

I know, joysticks are cool and immersive and all and I'd love to take mine out for a ride, but do you guys hit anything with it in this game?

Besides brawling range, it's hard enough to point that double crosshair on a mech with a mouse, but with a joystick? Do you ever land a gauss shot with it beyond 500m?

[StarGeezer]

627, there are a few guys who have built mech-pits that use zero-order control sticks and they appear to be quite pleased with the results. I still use a mouse for torso-twist/aiming, I just use the throttle to control speed/direction and a few other sundry tasks with the left hand.

[Koniving]

StarGeezer, on 30 September 2013 - 11:42 PM, said:

Well poop. I'll have to consider it. It's working fine otherwise for me, so maybe I'll just grin 'n bear it as it is.

After the fix I noticed this: If you switch to third person you'll hear a "zoom" effect as they lock the third person field of view on you. When you switch back to first person, it'll be at the default field of view then you'll hear the "zoom" and it'll go to your set FOV. Requires a total reinstall to work because it works very differently.

[StarGeezer]

Koniving, on 30 September 2013 - 11:55 PM, said:

After the fix I noticed this: If you switch to third person you'll hear a "zoom" effect as they lock the third person field of view on you. When you switch back to first person, it'll be at the default field of view then you'll hear the "zoom" and it'll go to your set FOV. Requires a total reinstall to work because it works very differently.

Fascinating. Did you do a total uninstall/reinstall, or just re-run the installer and let it copy files?

[Buckminster]

I'm a huge fan of the off-hand joystick combined with a mouse. There's an article around here somewhere about it... but it really works fantastically. Basically I use the stick for moving - front and back for throttle, left and right for turning - and use the mouse for aiming and firing. I use the joystick buttons for vision modes, targeting, jump jets, etc, and the mouse buttons for fire groups.

And it's an old Sidewinder 2 that I'm using - something I've had floating around for years. It's specifically molded for the right hand, but you can use it left handed no problem.

[Amsro]

I use a Joystick for leg movement; forward, reverse, turning. I use a mouse for torso/arms; aiming, twisting, shooting

With a total of 12 buttons on the mouse and joystick I have all the options I need.

[charov]

I suggest throttle, pedals and mouse (CH Pro Throttle and CH Pro Pedals).
Tons of buttons and hats/povs, every axis is analog and it's quite immersive too.