How to play Dark Souls with an Xbox controller on PC

controllersdark-souls

I can't seem to find a reference for all the mechanics of Dark Souls as played on PC (specifically Prepare to Die Edition on Steam in case that makes a difference). These are the controls I'm aware of:

  1. Moving Left stick moves the player with two different speeds: walking and running
  2. Moving Right stick moves the camera
  3. Clicking Right stick centers the camera behind the player
  4. Start opens the in-game menu for items etc.
  5. Left bumper raises the shield
  6. Left trigger performs a shield attack (for want of a better description)
  7. Right bumper:
    • performs a regular attack when moving normally
    • performs a down stab when falling(?)
  8. Right trigger performs a power attack
  9. D-pad cycles between alternative items for that slot as defined in the equipment menu
  10. A activates looting, bonfires, player comments etc.
  11. Holding B starts the character sprinting
  12. Tapping B:
    • jumps backward if standing still
    • rolls in the direction of movement if already walking or running
    • jumps in the direction of movement if running
  13. X uses the item in the bottom slot
  14. Y toggles two-handed weapon use
  15. Back opens the gestures menu

Inside the in-game menu:

  1. A enters menus or selects an item
  2. B exits menus
  3. X changes the display of items
  4. Y unequips an item

Some of the actions which are unclear/unknown:

  1. Is it possible to do a stand-still forward jump as far as the sprint jump?
  2. Are there variants on the down stab? For example one which does more damage but takes more stamina?
  3. Is it possible to do some sort of round swing with a sword to hit multiple enemies?
  4. Is there an upward stab for better hitting bosses?
  5. Is it possible to aim the crossbow?
  6. Does clicking Left stick do anything?
  7. Is it possible to lock on an enemy with this controller?
  8. How do you kick?
  9. How do you reliably use the Left trigger to bash the enemy shield out of the way? It only seems to work very rarely.
  10. How do you aim thrown projectiles?

Xbox controller legend

Best Answer

Dark Souls: Prepare to Die Edition seem to be missing the controller compatibility, and here's another post of how to fix this:

The trick is to disable any of your devices listed as an "HID-compliant game controller". No need to uninstall. I created a system restore point JIC.

Control Panel > System > Device Manager > Human Interface Devices >> [Disable all of your devices listed as an "HID-compliant game controller"]

  1. No. The only way to jump is to run and tap the running button as you've stated. You can also do a jump attack, by pushing the left stick in a direction, and shortly after pressing the heavy attack button.
  2. If you by "down stab" refer to the plunge attack (you fall and press light attack), this can be done with every weapon while in the air. The stamina cost varies depending on your weapon and your stats.
    If you by "down stab" mean the direct slam/stab attack, this action can only be done by certain weapons. For example a halberd will be slammed to the ground in front of you with a light attack.
  3. Yes: Some swords (like greatswords) will do a swing if wielded with one hand and you do a heavy attack. Halberds also do this with a heavy attack.
  4. Again, it varies from weapon to weapon how you strike. If you want a weapon with long range (preferably upwards), a greatsword or a halberd will be quite effective.
  5. No.
  6. No.
  7. Yes, by clicking right stick.
  8. Kicking is a part of shield breaking, this is done by moving forward and doing a light attack shortly after. This can only be successfully done if the enemy has it's shield raised or is blocking. The way you shield block varies with the weapon wielded.
  9. The left trigger is used to parry with, and only works when the enemy attacks you. This is an action that requires precise timing.
  10. The only way to "aim" projectiles (like a firebomb) is to lock onto an enemy by clicking the right stick. Other than that is just lining up your character as good as possible.
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