Your world of tanks controller setup on PC needs a mapping tool because the game has no built-in gamepad support. Setting up a controller for World of Tanks on PC requires a workaround since the game lacks native controller support, unlike the console version. You will need to use Steam Input or a third-party tool like JoyToKey to map your gamepad to keyboard and mouse inputs. If you later want to set up a game controller for PC for fallout 4, the same mapping skills will transfer directly.
Does World of Tanks support controllers on PC?
The PC version of World of Tanks does not include built-in controller support. This is a key difference from the console versions, which are designed for gamepads. To use a physical controller on PC, you must rely on software that translates your controller's inputs into keyboard and mouse commands. The two most common solutions are Steam Input (via the Steam client) and standalone programs like JoyToKey or reWASD.
Step 1: Connect your game controller to your PC
Before any software mapping can work, your controller must be physically connected and recognized by Windows. This is the foundation of setting up a game controller on Windows.
- Connect your controller using a USB cable or via Bluetooth. For Bluetooth, put the controller into pairing mode and select it from the Windows Bluetooth settings.
- Windows should automatically install the necessary drivers. To verify the connection, press the Windows key, type
joy.cpl, and press Enter. Your controller should appear in the list. You can also check in Steam under Settings > Controller.
Step 2: Add World of Tanks to Steam as a non-Steam game
Steam Input only works with games launched through Steam. Adding World of Tanks as a non-Steam game allows you to use Steam's controller configuration tools.
- Open the Steam client.
- Browse to the World of Tanks installation folder and select the
WorldOfTanks.exeexecutable. - The overlay is required for the controller configuration to function.
Step 3: Configure your controller layout in Steam Input
With the game added to Steam, you can now create or import a controller profile.
- Recommended bindings include:
- Left analog stick: Tank movement (WASD)
- Right analog stick: Aiming (mouse movement)
- Right trigger: Fire (left mouse button)
- Left trigger: Zoom (right mouse button)
- Face buttons: Reload, use consumables, or activate the minimap
- Adjust sensitivity and dead zones for the analog sticks to your preference. Save the layout once you are satisfied.
Step 4: Test your controller in a training room
Before entering a competitive battle, test your setup in a low-pressure environment to ensure everything works correctly.
- Launch World of Tanks through Steam (not the standalone launcher).
- Enter a training room or a low-tier battle from the game menu.
- Test all mapped functions: movement, aiming, firing, zoom, and any other actions you assigned.
Alternative: using JoyToKey or reWASD for controller mapping
If you prefer not to use Steam, standalone mapping tools offer a direct way to bind controller inputs to keyboard and mouse actions. JoyToKey and reWASD are popular options. The basic setup involves launching the software, selecting your controller, and mapping each button or stick movement to the corresponding keyboard key or mouse action used in World of Tanks. Once mapped, you can launch the game directly from its desktop shortcut, and the software will run in the background translating your controller inputs. Control settings can be changed by opening the game settings menu from the Garage and going to the "Controls" tab.
