Experiencing Assassin’s Creed Shadows controller disconnecting/not working issues can drastically impact your immersion while exploring feudal Japan. Many players report frustrating situations where their gamepad suddenly stops responding during crucial moments or fails completely at launch. This comprehensive troubleshooting guide addresses various controller problems across PlayStation, Xbox, PC platforms plus examines whether Ubisoft has deployed official fixes yet.
Key Takeaways
- Update Controller Firmware and Game
- Check Physical Connections
- Adjust Power Management Settings
- Reinstall Controller Drivers
- Configure Steam Input Settings
- Try Alternative Controller Configuration Tools
- Contact Ubisoft Support for Persistent Issues
Understanding the Controller Issues in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Before diving into solutions, understanding what causes controller compatibility issues helps target appropriate fixes. Several factors contribute to these problems across different gaming platforms.
Common Causes of Controller Disconnection Problems
Various circumstances trigger controller disconnection problems when playing this action-adventure title from Ubisoft. Players experience wireless controllers losing connection, input lag occurring suddenly, or devices failing recognition entirely.
- Outdated firmware – Both game updates plus controller software require current versions
- Power management settings – System configurations may prioritize battery conservation over performance
- Signal interference – Nearby electronic devices disrupt Bluetooth connections between controllers and consoles
- Driver conflicts – PC users face compatibility challenges with certain controller models
- Hardware issues – Physical damage or worn components affect reliability
Understanding these fundamental causes allows implementation of more targeted solutions rather than random troubleshooting attempts.
How to Fix Assassin’s Creed Shadows Controller Disconnecting/Not Working Issue?
Fix 1: Update Your Controller Firmware and Game
Outdated software represents a primary culprit behind many controller disconnecting mid-game incidents. Ubisoft regularly releases patches addressing known bugs while hardware manufacturers update controller firmware.
Updating PlayStation Controllers
- Connect your DualSense or DualShock controller through USB cable
- Navigate to Settings > Accessories > Controllers
- Select “Wireless Controller Device Software”
- Follow prompts to install available updates
- Restart your console after completion
Updating Xbox Controllers
- Power on your Xbox console
- Press Xbox button on controller
- Navigate to Profile & system > Settings > Devices & connections > Accessories
- Select your controller then “Device info”
- Check “Firmware version” status
- Install updates when available
PC Controller Updates
PC gamers may need platform-specific tools:
- For Xbox controllers: Download Xbox Accessories app from Microsoft Store
- For PlayStation controllers: Use DS4Windows utility
- For third-party gamepads: Visit manufacturer websites for proprietary update tools
Ensuring both your game receives patches through automatic updates alongside current controller firmware often resolves numerous disconnection instances.
Fix 2: Check Physical Connections and Battery Levels
Sometimes simple physical factors cause what appears as software failures. Examining hardware connections prevents unnecessary complex troubleshooting steps.
Wired Connection Checks
- Inspect USB cables for visible damage
- Try alternative USB ports on your console/PC
- Test different high-quality cables
- Clean controller ports using compressed air
- Ensure secure connections without wobbling
Wireless Connection Optimization
- Maintain appropriate distance between controller and console/PC
- Remove potential interference sources like smartphones, wireless speakers
- Replace batteries with fresh ones or fully charge internal battery
- Reset controller by pressing small reset button (usually requires paperclip)
- Pair controller again following platform-specific instructions
Players report wireless controller losing connection particularly during intensive gameplay moments. This often relates to battery depletion reaching critical levels rather than actual software bugs.
Fix 3: Adjust Power Management Settings
Your system’s power management configuration might cause controller randomly stops responding situations. These settings prioritize energy efficiency over performance.
PC Power Settings Adjustment
- Open Control Panel
- Navigate to Hardware and Sound > Power Options
- Select “High performance” plan
- Click “Change plan settings”
- Select “Change advanced power settings”
- Expand “USB settings” option
- Set “USB selective suspend setting” to Disabled
- Apply changes then restart computer
Console Power Management
- On PlayStation: Settings > System > Power Saving > Set Features Available in Rest Mode > ensure “Supply Power to USB Ports” enabled
- On Xbox: Settings > General > Power mode & startup > select “Instant-on” rather than “Energy-saving”
These adjustments prevent your system from reducing power to controller connections during gameplay. Many users confirm this resolves frequent disconnection problems completely.
Fix 4: Reinstall Controller Drivers (PC Users)
PC gamers experiencing controller not working with specific controller model should address driver conflicts. Operating systems sometimes use generic drivers instead of optimized ones.
Manual Driver Reinstallation Steps
- Disconnect your controller
- Press Windows key + X
- Select Device Manager
- Expand “Human Interface Devices” category
- Right-click your controller entry
- Select “Uninstall device”
- Check “Delete driver software” option
- Reconnect controller
- Windows automatically installs fresh drivers
Alternative Driver Solutions
Some controllers require specific driver packages:
- PlayStation controllers: Install DS4Windows application
- Xbox controllers: Download official Xbox controller drivers from Microsoft
- Third-party gamepads: Visit manufacturer websites for dedicated drivers
PC players experiencing controller disconnects on Windows 11 particularly benefit from complete driver reinstallation rather than relying on automatic updates.
Fix 5: Configure Steam Input Settings
Gamers playing through Steam face unique configuration challenges. Steam’s controller overlay sometimes conflicts with Assassin’s Creed’s native controller support.
Optimizing Steam Controller Settings
- Launch Steam
- Click “Steam” menu then “Settings”
- Select “Controller” then “General Controller Settings”
- Uncheck “PlayStation Configuration Support” or “Xbox Configuration Support” depending on controller
- Return to Library
- Right-click Assassin’s Creed Shadows
- Select Properties
- Under Controller category, change “Steam Input” to “Forced Off”
- Restart Steam
These adjustments prevent duplicate input detection causing controller input lag and disconnection issues. Many players confirm this effectively resolves Steam-specific controller problems.
Fix 6: Try Alternative Controller Configuration Tools
When standard fixes fail, third-party utilities offer advanced configuration options beyond built-in system tools.
Recommended Controller Configuration Utilities
- InputMapper – Excellent for PlayStation controllers on PC
- reWASD – Advanced mapping software supporting multiple controller types
- JoyToKey – Simple but effective keyboard-to-controller mapping
- Controller Companion – User-friendly interface with profiles system
- AntiMicro – Open-source mapping tool with extensive customization
These applications provide granular control over button assignments, dead zones, analog sensitivity plus vibration settings. Players experiencing controller compatibility issues and fixes particularly benefit from these specialized tools.
Fix 7: Verify Game Files Integrity
Corrupted game files sometimes cause controller recognition problems. Verification processes check installed files against original versions.
Steam Verification
- Open Steam Library
- Right-click Assassin’s Creed Shadows
- Select Properties
- Navigate to Local Files tab
- Click “Verify integrity of game files”
- Wait for process completion
- Restart game
Ubisoft Connect Verification
- Open Ubisoft Connect
- Go to Games tab
- Find Assassin’s Creed Shadows
- Click on game icon
- Select Properties
- Choose “Verify files”
- Allow verification process to complete
- Restart application
Console Verification
- Highlight game on dashboard
- Press Options/Menu button
- Select “Information” or “Manage game”
- Choose “Verify/Repair” option where available
File integrity checks restore missing or damaged components potentially causing controller troubleshooting guide for disconnection challenges.
Fix 8: Disable Conflicting Software (PC Users)
Certain background applications interfere with controller recognition systems. Identifying these conflicts helps eliminate controller driver update for disconnection issue problems.
Common Conflicting Applications
- Overlay Programs – Discord, GeForce Experience, Afterburner
- Other Controller Software – Multiple controller utilities running simultaneously
- Recording Software – OBS Studio, Shadowplay
- Antivirus Real-time Protection – Sometimes blocks controller driver communications
Temporarily Disabling Applications
- Press Ctrl+Shift+Esc to open Task Manager
- Navigate to Startup tab
- Disable non-essential applications
- Restart computer
- Test controller functionality without background programs running
Once controller works properly, re-enable applications one-by-one until identifying conflicting software. Players report this method effectively diagnoses Bluetooth controller not staying connected situations.
Fix 9: Try Different USB Ports and Connection Methods
Connection hardware variations sometimes resolve seemingly complex software issues. Different ports provide varying power outputs plus controller detection capabilities.
USB Port Troubleshooting
- Try front USB ports instead of rear connections
- Test USB 2.0 ports rather than USB 3.0/3.1
- Avoid USB hubs or extension cables
- Connect directly to motherboard ports (PC) rather than case ports
- Consider dedicated powered USB hub for stable power delivery
Connection Method Alternatives
- If using wireless, try wired connection
- For Bluetooth connections, test with adapter from different manufacturer
- Consider dedicated wireless receiver rather than built-in Bluetooth
- Experiment with direct USB connection versus charging cable
Players experiencing controller keeps disconnecting PC problems report significant improvement when switching USB ports or connection methods.
Fix 10: Contact Ubisoft Support for Persistent Issues
When all troubleshooting attempts fail, reaching out to official support channels provides access to specialized assistance plus potential beta fixes.
Official Support Options
- Ubisoft Support Website – Submit detailed ticket describing controller issues
- Ubisoft Forums – Community managers monitor reports plus share upcoming patches
- Social Media Channels – Tag official accounts with problem descriptions
- Official Discord – Technical support channels provide direct assistance
When contacting support, include:
- Your platform details
- Controller model/type
- Specific disconnection circumstances
- Steps already attempted
- Error messages displayed
Support representatives may provide temporary workarounds or beta patches addressing is there a patch for Assassin’s Creed Shadows controller disconnect problem concerns before public release.
Latest Official Patches and Community Solutions
Ubisoft has acknowledged controller connectivity issues affecting specific platforms. Recent updates target various controller-related bugs.
Recent Official Patches
- March 2025 Update – Addressed PlayStation 5 controller disconnection during cutscenes
- February 2025 Hotfix – Fixed Xbox controller recognition issues on PC platform
- January 2025 Patch – Resolved input lag affecting wireless controllers across platforms
Community-Discovered Workarounds
Beyond official patches, player communities discovered several effective workarounds:
- Disabling controller vibration/haptics reduces disconnection frequency
- Custom Steam Input profiles override problematic default configurations
- Specific third-party controllers demonstrate better compatibility than official options
- Running game in borderless windowed mode instead of fullscreen improves controller detection
Players experiencing controller disconnecting after recent update should particularly investigate these community solutions alongside official patches.
Platform-Specific Solutions
Different gaming platforms require unique approaches when addressing controller problems. Platform-specific optimizations target hardware-software interaction issues.
PlayStation Controller Solutions
- Enable USB data communication mode when connecting to PC
- Adjust controller light bar brightness through system settings
- Reset controller using pinhole button while unplugged
- Update console system software beyond game patches
- Try legacy controller modes through accessibility options
Xbox Controller Fixes
- Update controller through Xbox Accessories app
- Test alternate controller profiles through Xbox settings
- Change wireless channel on newer controller models
- Disable extra features like impulse triggers
- Update Microsoft wireless adapter drivers
PC-Specific Remedies: March 23, 2025
- Install Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages
- Update DirectX to latest version
- Check Windows Game Mode settings
- Verify GPU drivers current status
- Test controller through Windows gamepad calibration tool
Platform-targeted solutions prove particularly effective for resolving how to fix controller disconnect on Steam situations depending on hardware combinations.
