Honkai: Star Rail is a new space fantasy Japanese role-playing video game developed by miHoyo. It’s the fourth entry in the HoYoverse’s Honkai franchise, inspired by Genshin Impact. Ever since its launch on PC, iOS, and Android platforms, the latest game has been a popular title among players – with talks of a PlayStation version already making rounds.
The controls in Honkai: Star Rail vary based on the specific type of device it is being played on. Mobile devices (iOS and Android) have primarily touch-based controls, PC has keyboarded and mouse controls – but there’s an option to attach a controller on both mobile and PC, if players prefer using a gamepad.
How to Connect Controller to Honkai: Star Rail
Honkai: Star Rail allows players to smoothly switch between gamepad and mouse or keyboard controls – and even allows the use of both simultaneously. To switch from the action-based combat game’s default control methods, players must get the right controller for the specific device they use to play Honkai: Star Rail. The following controllers are supported on PC:
- Xbox 360
- Xbox Series X|S
- PS4 DualShock
- PS4 DualSense
Once the controller is plugged into the PC’s USB port or connected via Bluetooth, the game will automatically detect it, allowing players to use it right away.
If a controller is not detected automatically, it is advised to close any third-party apps and restart the game.
How to Play with a Controller on Mobile
For many players, the tactile feedback of a gamepad offers a more intuitive and immersive gameplay. Most gamers are accustomed to using analog sticks for in-game navigation and camera controls. Here’s how to connect a controller on the mobile version of Honkai: Star Rail.
- Open Settings
- Go to “Other Settings”
- From the “Switch Control Mode” option, Select “Controller Mode”
- The game will restart once this feature is on, so players should connect controllers before entering the gameplay.
Although iOS users have the option to utilize PS4 and PS5 controllers, Android devices exclusively support compatibility with 8bitdo and Xbox controllers when it comes to Honkai: Star Rail.
Nevertheless, certain aspects of the game are not yet entirely compatible, including the exit button. Players might occasionally need to tap their screens or use their mouse to interact with the screen in such instances.
Honkai: Star Rail is available now for Android, iOS, and PC. A PlayStation 5 version launches in Q4 2023.