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PS4 controller map for Unity

151 points · submitted Dec 2013 by u/drakfyre

I just spent a few minutes finally figuring this out; figured I'd save other folks the time. :)

PS4 Controller Map for Unity

Buttons
    Square  = joystick button 0
    X       = joystick button 1
    Circle  = joystick button 2
    Triangle= joystick button 3
    L1      = joystick button 4
    R1      = joystick button 5
    L2      = joystick button 6
    R2      = joystick button 7
    Share   = joystick button 8
    Options = joystick button 9
    L3      = joystick button 10
    R3      = joystick button 11
    PS      = joystick button 12
    PadPress= joystick button 13

Axes:
    LeftStickX      = X-Axis
    LeftStickY      = Y-Axis (Inverted?)
    RightStickX     = 3rd Axis
    RightStickY     = 4th Axis (Inverted?)
    L2              = 5th Axis (-1.0f to 1.0f range, unpressed is -1.0f)
    R2              = 6th Axis (-1.0f to 1.0f range, unpressed is -1.0f)
    DPadX           = 7th Axis
    DPadY           = 8th Axis (Inverted?)

Edit: Formatting

Edit2: I put a question mark after Inverted because I swear that the LeftStickY axis worked just fine with one of my scripts, but when I was using a certain test case it seemed like it was inverted. YMMV.

62 comments · 99% upvoted · other discussions

comments

eedok 9 points · Dec 2013

Just use InControl: https://github.com/pbhogan/InControl

drakfyre [OP] 2 points · Dec 2013 · Expert

When did this happen! This looks AWESOME!

I am going to give a shot at integrating it into our Ludum Dare Jam entry, thank you!

xniinja 6 points · Dec 2013

Thanks, saved this post. Should come in handy.

Aggravating-Sink-520 6 points · Apr 2022

personally love this guy

drakfyre [OP] 3 points · Apr 2022 · Expert

Awww, thanks! <3

Drop me a line if you ever have any questions.

GamingStef 4 points · May 2022 · Indie

This doesn't seem to be correct.

RightStickY isn't the 4th axis, but the 6th, and L2 and R2 are 4th and 5th.

Which honestly does seem weird, isn't the mapping the same for all ps4 controllers? Why would they do this?

drakfyre [OP] 1 points · May 2022 · Expert

Thanks for the info. I may go in and see what it's doing now, for curiosity's sake. What version of Unity are you running?

Though again, I recommend using the new input system and avoiding this entirely.

Upstairs_Day3483 1 points · Jan 2025

Thanks! I have had many hours spent trying to find why controllers sticks dont work. Finally an answer!

Sennior_Duck 3 points · Dec 2021

Sorry I have a problem because I use the old Input System I couldn't find the "name" for the RightStickPress, PS4

Example: Input.GetKeyDown(KeyCode.RightStickPress)

Please if you could help me that would be great! :)

drakfyre [OP] 5 points · Dec 2021 · Expert

It isn’t in GetKeyDown, it’s not a key. You need to make the entries in the Axes in the Input settings (this is all still part of the legacy input system) and use GetAxis instead.

Sennior_Duck 4 points · Jan 2022

Thank you very much for replying😊

Square-Training-4979 1 points · Nov 2023

Hey, i need your help !

Sennior_Duck 1 points · Sep 2024

sorry for replying so late😭

skyline79 6 points · Dec 2021

Just wanted to say how ridiculous it was expecting OP to respond 8 YEARS after he posted this, and yet he managed it... amazing :-D

Sennior_Duck 3 points · Jan 2022

Actually, I didn't release it was 8 years ago he created this post, but I'm glad he responded😁

MaterialExternal7483 3 points · Mar 2022

Is there a reason the camera is constantly moving down slowly, I tried multiple controllers so it's not stick drift. It just keeps going

Edit: never mind I figured it out, I just increased the dead to 0.01

Rubb3rDucky 2 points · Apr 2014 · Hobbyist

Interesting. Now I need to figure out how to set up the PS4 controller on pc so I can stop testing with a keyboard

drakfyre [OP] 3 points · Apr 2014 · Expert

Step 1: Plug in via USB

Step 2: You are done.

You don't even have to restart Unity if it's already running.

Rubb3rDucky 4 points · Apr 2014 · Hobbyist

Guess I was thinking it was gonna be a process like the ps3 controller.

AngusPrime509 2 points · Apr 2022

Would the xbox controller be the same? just replace the buttons respectively?

drakfyre [OP] 1 points · Apr 2022 · Expert

I don't think so.

https://answers.unity.com/questions/1350081/xbox-one-controller-mapping-solved.html

Also this may help on future controllers:

https://forum.unity.com/threads/finding-joystick-mapping-inputs-with-unity.204429/

That said if you can move to the new Input system that's a better way to go these days.

AngusPrime509 2 points · Apr 2022

Thanks! You rock!

[deleted] 2 points · Apr 2022

This REALLY helped with my platformer. Thanks a lot!

drakfyre [OP] 1 points · Apr 2022 · Expert

Is there some game jam or something going on because this post has got a lot of traction recently hahaha!

[deleted] 2 points · Apr 2022

This is probably the most useful post. It really helped with my game! Thanks! (I think I might have already said that but i dunno.)

drakfyre [OP] 1 points · Apr 2022 · Expert

Hey, thanks. Where did you hear about this? I keep seeing people show up here in the last week or so after this has been dormant for like 8 years. I'd love to know what caused this sudden "rush" for this information.

Global_Ad3707 3 points · Apr 2022

Hey OP, just wanted to say thanks for the post even though I'm only finding it now after 8 years lol

Your post is linked in the iRDS Discord, That's probably where everyone is coming from.

pUbErtYy-_-49 3 points · Feb 2024

Just want to come in 2 years later to tell you that your post is the 1st result when you search for "unity ps4 controller mapping".

drakfyre [OP] 2 points · Feb 2024 · Expert

Well I'm honored lol. Still it's funny to me that people even need this now with the new controller stuff; though admittedly it is real easy to use.

[deleted] 2 points · May 2022

Left joystick in a ps4 controller is joystick 1 but wich number is the right joystick?

drakfyre [OP] 2 points · May 2022 · Expert

It's 3rd and 4th axis. The "Joystick #" is for when you have multiple controllers connected, it's not an axis for a stick.

(So they'd both be Joystick 1 for a single-player game.)

[deleted] 2 points · May 2022

Thanks! Really helped me out, I was trying with every controller number lol

drakfyre [OP] 1 points · May 2022 · Expert

No problem! :> If you have other questions please ask, I'm pretty familiar with Unity.

[deleted] 1 points · May 2022

I just tried it and it still doesnt wor, the y axis is 3rd for me and i havent figured the x, i dont know if it has something to do with my camera script, it might be wrong

SirHurtzAlot 2 points · Jun 2022

9 years later, and this is still helping! thank you kind sir!

drakfyre [OP] 2 points · Jun 2022 · Expert

You are very welcome, drop me a line if you ever have any questions on stuff. :>

SirHurtzAlot 1 points · Jul 2022

So I tried the EXACT mapping as you gave but I ran into issues. With trial and error I realized the AXES had to be mapped a little differently.

So if anyone runs into issues for PS4 Dualshock 4 controller, try this:

public static string bSquare = "joystick button 0";
public static string bX = "joystick button 1";
public static string bCircle = "joystick button 2";
public static string bTriangle = "joystick button 3";
public static string bL1 = "joystick button 4";
public static string bR1 = "joystick button 5";
public static string bL2 = "joystick button 6"; // gives -1 (unpressed) or 1 (pressed mored than .5 I think) fixed value

public static string bR2 = "joystick button 7"; // gives -1 (unpressed) or 1 (pressed mored than .5 I think) fixed value

public static string bShare = "joystick button 8";
public static string bOptions = "joystick button 9";
public static string bL3 = "joystick button 10";
public static string bR3 = "joystick button 11";
public static string bPS = "joystick button 12";
public static string bPadPress = "joystick button 13";

// stick Axes
public static string aLeftStickX = "X axis";

public static string aLeftStickY = "3rd axis"; // need to set INVERTED if you want "Stick UP is positive"

public static string aRightStickX = "4th axis";

public static string aRightStickY = "7th axis"; // need to set INVERTED if you want "Stick UP is positive"

// Triggers
public static string aL2 = "5th axis"; // (-1.0f to 1.0f range, unpressed is -1.0f)

public static string aR2 = "6th axis"; // (-1.0f to 1.0f range, unpressed is -1.0f)

// DPad axes
public static string aDPadX = "8th axis";
public static string aDPadY = "9th axis";

SirHurtzAlot 1 points · Jul 2022

The edits HERE, are EXACTLY the axis you will select in Unity's Input Controller.

So while setting the Input Controller, do the following:

Name = Whatever you want, but this will be the string value you use in code

Type = Joystick Axis (for axis)

Axis = The string values I have mentioned in quotes in my above comment

drakfyre [OP] 1 points · Jul 2022 · Expert

I'm curious, have you tried the new input system?

SirHurtzAlot 2 points · Jul 2022

I saw a lot of tutorials for it and I didn't like it.

I prefer having more control over my code and using a UI/editor based control system didn't fit that. I'd much rather spend an entire day writing stuff myself (which I ended up doing tbh XD) than use that.

Although I DID have to use the old control system to map the buttons, it felt much better than using the new system.

drakfyre [OP] 1 points · Jul 2022 · Expert

I guess I should make a tutorial on how to use it programmatically; it's far more powerful in script than the old system, and has no place where you are required to use UI; all operations, including initial mapping (and later remapping) can be done in C# (the editor is quite good though). Plus it has a lot of nice things: action based organization, input passthrough/stoppage for different input modes (if you get in a car you can have a completely different input set, when you pull up a menu again, new input set, so you don't even have to mask inputs based on state; just switch action maps.)

The old system is great for prototyping speed (I usually have both enabled) but it's not as good a base to make a new input system on but hey, if you like what you've got better, I'm not about to tell you to stop. :>

(I do wish that there was a full input layer system with a priority though, so you can have controls be "caught" by a layer above so they don't pass through to other action maps, and still have fall through where it's appropriate, but switching maps can accomplish much of the utility this provides.)

[deleted] 2 points · Aug 2022

Thank you so much for this. It's ridiculous how specific this is yet it's VERY VERY USEFUL. Thanks again.

drakfyre [OP] 1 points · Aug 2022 · Expert

Hey, no problem, though do make sure everything still works right, some folks said the mappings were different for them.

[deleted] 2 points · Aug 2022

It worked for me. Thank you.

drakfyre [OP] 1 points · Aug 2022 · Expert

Interesting..... now I wonder what causes the difference! Hahaha.

[deleted] 2 points · Oct 2022

Having an issue with my right stick input. It could 100% be a hardware issue, but I needed to check here anyway. I'm using the right stick for camera movement, but even when centered the stick is reading out 1,1 for x and y, and just causing the character to spin to the right (and up?)

Shouldn't the center of the stick travel be 0,0?

Edit: fixed. I didn't adjust my sensitivity down. Set it to 1 and it fixed the issue.

LoquatNew9008 2 points · Dec 2022

YOu ARE FUCKING HERO THANK TOU

drakfyre [OP] 1 points · Dec 2022 · Expert

Glad it was helpful. :> Merry Christmas and good luck on your projects!

BitMillerReddit 2 points · Jan 2023

Thank You for your work, but I have problems implementing it. Lack of information.

I'm thinking in the "old" Input Manager for now.

I take this line forexample: "Square = joystick button 0"

The word "Square", I should write it to the "Name" field. OK.

Where should I write "joystick button 0"? To one of "Negative / Positive / Alt Negative / Alt Positive Button" fields? Because in the rolldown menus "Type / Axis / Joy Num" there aren't an option for "joystick button 0".

Plus (less important): Should I set Snap? And what do you suggest using for "Gravity / Dead / Sensitivity"?

Thank you!

drakfyre [OP] 1 points · Jan 2023 · Expert

Where should I write "joystick button 0"? To one of "Negative / Positive / Alt Negative / Alt Positive Button" fields?

Yeah, that should be the place to do it.

Because in the rolldown menus "Type / Axis / Joy Num" there aren't an option for "joystick button 0".

You'll want to set Joy Num to "Any" or to a specific number if you have a local multiplayer game.

Should I set Snap? And what do you suggest using for "Gravity / Dead / Sensitivity"?

Snap, Gravity, and Sensitivity ONLY apply when using a digital input for an analog axis. When you press a button, instead of giving you 1.0, it will give you 0.0 on the first frame and then ramp up to 1.0 based on the "Sensitivity". When you release, it will fall back to 0.0 based on the "Gravity". If you set "snap" it will ignore these values and instantly snap to 1.0 and possibly 0.0 too (I'm sure that it snaps to 1.0, I'm not 100% sure it snaps to 0.0).

Dead zone is for analog devices, it sets the minimum input threshold to go above 0.0; I personally err on setting this high by default (usually around .5 or so) because most analog devices will eventually develop stick drift, and this counteracts that.

tr0picana 1 points · Apr 2023

I'm having trouble getting buttons working on Android. In the editor I have every button, trigger, and joystick working as expected but on Android only the joysticks and triggers works. Any ideas on what I could be overlooking?

suh_dude_crossfire 2 points · Jun 2023

Literally refer back to this even in 2023, goated post. Thanks!

Prize_Morning_7781 2 points · Nov 2023

What about using DPad as buttons?

Which "joystick button" should I use and can I use it at all?

drakfyre [OP] 1 points · Nov 2023 · Expert

There's no built-in support for accessing the dpad as buttons, you'll have to write your own solution. It's not hard. (Just check if the axis is higher/lower than a certain value for GetButton equivalent. GetButtonDown is a little trickier but you can do this too by tracking a bool to see if the button was down last frame.)

trenchofkrieger 2 points · Aug 2025

12 years later and this is still helpful for me, thanks!

drakfyre [OP] 1 points · Aug 2025 · Expert

No problem!

OrganicBarracuda4348 2 points · Feb 2026

axis 6 for me (right stick y) old PS4 pad

VastSufficient2830 1 points · Jul 2024

Electronic map of PS4 handles

LucanOrion 1 points · Sep 2022

I don't think this is accurate anymore. I'm trying to remap controls for a game and it's just slightly off.

drakfyre [OP] 1 points · Sep 2022 · Expert

It may depend on factors. Another user just 19 days ago said the mappings were working for them. But I haven't had time to investigate for myself.

This comment has the alternate configuration if you need it: https://www.reddit.com/r/Unity3D/comments/1syswe/ps4_controller_map_for_unity/iefpqmx/

LucanOrion 1 points · Sep 2022

Yeah, I always seem to run into things not being exactly how it is for everyone else. :)

I play a game called Elite Dangerous on ps4. I'm trying to set up my ps4 controller to play the game on PC and I want it match the ps4 configuration. Below is what the buttons were showing for me.

Buttons

Square = joystick button 1

X = joystick button 2

Circle = joystick button 3

Triangle= joystick button 4

L1 = joystick button 5

R1 = joystick button 6

L2 = joystick button 7

R2 = joystick button 8

Share = joystick button 9

Options = joystick button 10

L3 = joystick button 11

R3 = joystick button 12

PS = joystick button 13

PadPress= joystick button 14