The Ranchers Controller Support
PlayStation controllers with in-game button icons — farm, build, and explore from the couch.
The Ranchers advertises full controller support on Steam, including native PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 controllers with correct PlayStation button icons in UI prompts. Xbox and generic XInput pads typically work on PC through Steam Input, but Sony pads received explicit engineering attention in pre-launch news posts.
Supported controllers
- DualShock 3 (PlayStation 3)
- DualShock 4 (PlayStation 4)
- DualSense (PlayStation 5)
Icons match in-game prompts — Square, Triangle, etc. — reducing guesswork when tutorials reference face buttons.
Gamepad strengths
Controllers excel at:
- Vehicle driving across Sunvale
- Couch co-op sessions with friends
- Relaxed farming loops without desk setup
Precision building placement can feel slower than mouse for fine blueprint edits. Many players hybridize: gamepad for travel, mouse for construction — Steam Input allows hot-swapping if supported.
Co-op mixed input
Four-player co-op supports seamless drop-in. Mixed keyboard and controller lobbies are normal. Assign vehicle driver to gamepad players comfortable with analog steering; designate mouse user for water tower grid placement.
GeForce NOW and handhelds
Cloud streaming via GeForce NOW at launch enables handheld play before native console ports. Controller mappings follow NVIDIA client settings — verify latency before competitive auction market timing.
Configuration tips
- Update controller firmware before July 30 launch
- Disable conflicting Steam Input profiles for other farming sims
- Test aim controls in mines before co-op dives
Accessibility
RedPilz continues adjusting control simplification during Early Access. Watch updates for rebinding expansions or stick sensitivity patches.
Return to keyboard controls for PC-specific binding tables.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to the most common questions.
Does The Ranchers support PS5 controllers?
Yes. DualSense is supported with PlayStation button icons in UI.
Can I play entirely on controller?
Yes for most farming, ranching, driving, and combat. Some players prefer mouse for precise building.
Are Xbox controllers supported?
Steam PC builds typically support XInput controllers via Steam Input, though PlayStation pads received explicit icon support.