Fix Brick by Brick Controller & Gamepad Issues on Steam

If your Brick by Brick controller or gamepad isn’t working on Steam, this guide walks you through the most common fixes—from basic connection checks to Steam Input configuration and driver-level troubleshooting. You’ll learn how to get your controller recognized, mapped correctly, and working in-game.

What You’ll Need

• A Steam account and the Steam client installed
• The Brick by Brick game installed (any platform that supports Steam)
• Your controller (Xbox, PlayStation, Switch Pro, or generic gamepad)
• A USB cable or wireless adapter for your controller
• Basic familiarity with Windows or macOS settings (for driver checks)

Step-by-Step

1. Verify the controller is detected by Steam. Open Steam and go to Steam > Settings > Controller. Under Detected Controllers, you should see your gamepad. If not, reconnect it (unplug/replug USB, or re-pair Bluetooth) and try again.
2. Check the game’s controller support. In your Steam Library, right-click Brick by Brick and select Properties. Go to the Controller tab. Look at the Override for Brick by Brick dropdown. If it’s set to “Use default settings,â€� try switching to “Enable Steam Inputâ€� or “Disable Steam Inputâ€� depending on whether the game has native controller support. If the game uses Steam Input, enable it; if it has its own controller API, disable Steam Input to avoid double input.
3. Calibrate or remap your controller via Steam Input. If the game is using Steam Input, go to the same Controller tab and click Controller Configuration (or “Edit Layout�). You can test each button and adjust the layout. Make sure the stick dead zones are set appropriately (default is usually fine).
4. Update controller drivers (Windows). For Xbox controllers, Windows Update usually installs drivers automatically. For other gamepads, visit the manufacturer’s website for the latest driver. To check, open Device Manager (Win+X > Device Manager), expand “Human Interface Devicesâ€� or “Xbox Peripherals,â€� right-click your controller, and select Update driver.
5. Disable Steam Input for the game if you’re using a third-party tool. If you use DS4Windows, reWASD, or similar, Steam Input can conflict. Disable Steam Input in the game’s properties and let the external tool handle mapping.
6. Run the game as administrator (Windows). Sometimes controller drivers have permission issues. Right-click the game in your Library, go to Manage > Properties, then under General click Set Launch Options and add -admin (or run Steam as administrator). This can help if the game can’t access the controller due to permissions.
7. Verify game files. Corrupted game files can cause input issues. In Steam, right-click the game, select Properties > Local Files, and click Verify Integrity of Game Files.
8. Restart Steam and your computer. This clears temporary glitches and re-initializes controllers.

Common Mistakes

• Not checking if the controller works in other games. If it fails everywhere, the issue is likely with the controller or its connection, not the game.
• Enabling Steam Input when the game already has native support. This can cause double inputs or unresponsive buttons. Try both settings.
• Ignoring Bluetooth interference. Wireless controllers can drop inputs if the signal is weak. Move closer to the receiver or use a USB cable.
• Using the wrong USB port. Some ports (especially front-panel) may not provide enough power. Try a rear port directly on the motherboard.
• Forgetting to update the controller’s firmware. Many modern controllers (like Xbox and PlayStation) receive firmware updates via their respective apps. Outdated firmware can cause compatibility issues.

Tips

• Use Steam’s Big Picture mode for easier controller setup. The interface is more controller-friendly and can help with mapping.
• Create a custom layout for Brick by Brick if the default layout feels off. You can bind actions like “jumpâ€� or “attackâ€� to any button you prefer.
• Keep your controller’s firmware up to date via the manufacturer’s app (Xbox Accessories, PlayStation, etc.).
• Test with the game’s built-in controller test if available (often in options or settings menu). This helps isolate whether the issue is with the game or Steam.
• Use a wired connection for troubleshooting to eliminate wireless issues.

Troubleshooting

If the steps above don’t solve the problem, try these additional checks:

• Controller not detected at all: Try a different USB cable (some are charge-only, not data). For Bluetooth, remove the device from Windows/macOS and re-pair it. On Windows, go to Settings > Bluetooth & devices and remove the controller, then add it again.
• Controller works in menus but not in-game: This usually means Steam Input is overriding the game’s native input. In the game’s properties, try disabling Steam Input completely.
• Buttons are swapped or reversed: Go to the controller configuration in Steam and check the layout. You may have an Xbox layout while using a PlayStation controller, or vice versa. Use the “Detectâ€� button in Steam to automatically set the correct layout.
• Stick drift or unresponsive sticks: In Steam’s controller settings, increase the dead zone. If that doesn’t help, the controller may need calibration via the OS or manufacturer’s software.
• Input lag: Try using a wired connection. If you must use wireless, ensure the receiver is not behind obstructions and is close to the controller.
• Game crashes when controller is connected: This could be a driver conflict. Try updating your graphics drivers and the controller drivers, and check if the game has a patch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my controller work on the Steam interface but not in Brick by Brick?

This usually happens when the game is not using Steam Input. Check the game’s properties in Steam and either force Steam Input off (if the game has native support) or on (if it doesn’t).

Can I use a PlayStation controller with Brick by Brick?

Yes, Steam Input supports DualShock 4 and DualSense controllers. Make sure Steam Input is enabled for the game, and the controller is detected in Steam settings.

My generic controller isn’t recognized at all. What should I do?

First, try connecting via USB. If it’s still not detected, you may need to install generic drivers (like the Xbox 360 controller driver for Windows) or use a tool like DS4Windows to emulate an Xbox controller.

Why is my controller’s left stick moving the camera instead of my character?

That’s a mapping issue. In Steam’s controller configuration for the game, swap the left and right stick functions, or adjust the layout to match your preference.

Does Brick by Brick support multiple controllers for local co-op?

Yes, the game supports local multiplayer. Ensure each controller is detected in Steam before launching the game, and then assign them in the game’s controller settings.

I have a Switch Pro controller. Any special steps?

Switch Pro controllers work over USB and Bluetooth. In Steam, enable “Switch Pro Configuration Supportâ€� in Controller Settings. If using Bluetooth, make sure it’s paired properly with Windows/macOS.

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