Best PS5 Controller Settings for Star Wars

Stepping into the Star Wars universe on PS5 is more immersive than ever, thanks to the adaptive triggers and haptic feedback features of the DualSense controller. With titles like Jedi: Survivor and Star Wars Outlaws pushing cinematic gameplay and real-time combat, controller performance now plays a major role in how smooth and responsive your experience feels. From adaptive triggers that simulate blaster recoil to haptic feedback that mirrors lightsaber clashes, every detail counts.

Optimising your controller settings enhances precision, reaction time, and comfort. Adjusting stick sensitivity, dead zones, and button mapping allows players to tailor controls to match specific gameplay styles, whether you’re flying a starfighter, executing a Force combo, or engaging in close combat.

This guide focuses on universal and game-specific settings for PS5 Star Wars titles, while also touching on how modern input design compares to traditional layouts. Custom PS5 controllers with programmable features can further improve these settings, allowing users to preload profiles and fine-tune tactile response. With the right setup, your controller becomes a powerful tool for mastering the gameplay strategy within the Star Wars universe.

What Are the Pre-Configuration Essentials for Star Wars Games on PS5?

Pre-configuration for Star Wars games on PS5 begins with updating system software, ensuring controller firmware is current, and fine-tuning in-game settings for optimal performance and responsiveness. Establishing this technical groundwork includes selecting the appropriate graphics mode, adjusting field of view, customising the HUD, refining audio output, and disabling motion-based visual effects. These actions ensure stable gameplay and low-latency control across titles like Jedi: Survivor, Outlaws, and Battlefront II.

Players using a custom PS5 controller with remappable profiles gain an added advantage by preloading Star Wars-specific control layouts before gameplay begins. This setup allows quick switching between combat, stealth, or vehicle presets without manually reconfiguring between titles. With foundational settings in place, the following configuration steps further enhance game-specific control precision and immersion.

1. Update Your PS5 System and DualSense Controller

Keeping your system and controller up to date enables full feature support for adaptive triggers, haptic feedback, and low-latency input.

Go to Settings > System > System Software > System Software Update and Settings > Select Update System Software. For the controller, connect via USB when prompted and follow the on-screen instructions to update firmware.

2. Choose the Optimal Graphics Mode

Different Star Wars titles support various visual settings that affect frame rate and image quality. The optimum graphics quality based on different modes is listed below:

• Quality Mode (30–40fps): Enables higher resolution and detailed visuals.
• Performance Mode (up to 60fps): Focuses on smoother gameplay responsiveness.
• Balanced 30fps Mode: Offers a middle ground between frame rate and fidelity.

Note: Use Performance Mode in fast-paced games like Battlefront II, and Quality Mode in cinematic titles like Outlaws.

3. Adjust Field of View (FOV)

FOV settings enhance peripheral vision during combat and exploration, especially in third-person or cockpit perspectives.

To fine-tune the FOV, navigate to Settings > Display or Camera > Field of View. Set the View Angle to 100 to expand your horizontal vision, which helps in tracking movement and spotting enemies. For better focus during aiming, set the Aiming Angle to 70. This provides a good balance between a broad view and precise targeting, ensuring you maintain accuracy without feeling too restricted.

4. Customise HUD (Heads-Up Display)

Modifying the HUD (Heads-Up Display) removes on-screen clutter and enhances immersion by showing only what you need. If you prefer a clean, focused experience, you can choose to display Essential Information Only, such as health, ammo, and mission objectives.

For an even more cinematic feel, switch to Minimal HUD, which hides non-critical elements and lets the game world shine through. You can adjust these settings by going to Settings > HUD Display > Layout Options.

5. Tweak Audio Settings for Immersive Soundscapes

Balancing sound is essential for improving spatial awareness, especially in combat-focused titles where hearing footsteps or gunfire can give you a tactical edge. A well-tuned audio setup helps you react faster and stay alert in dynamic environments.

To optimise sound, go to Settings > Sound > Audio Output. From there, adjust the individual levels for music, dialogue, and sound effects to suit your preference. You can also select or customise EQ presets like Bass Boost for a punchier feel or Dialogue Clarity for cleaner voice audio.

6. Disable Distracting Visual Effects

Certain visual effects, while designed to enhance realism, can sometimes lead to motion sickness or reduce clarity during fast-paced gameplay. Motion blur and film grain, in particular, can make it harder to track movement or focus on targets, especially in action-heavy scenes.

To improve visual comfort and clarity, navigate to Settings > Visual Effects > Advanced Options. Here, it’s recommended to disable Motion Blur and turn off Film Grain for a cleaner image. You should also consider lowering or disabling Camera Shake, which can make intense moments more manageable without sacrificing the overall experience.

7. Personalise Accessibility and Subtitle Settings

Refining subtitles and screen tips can greatly enhance readability and reduce distractions, leading to a cleaner and more enjoyable gaming experience. Customising these elements is especially helpful for players who prefer minimal on-screen text or have specific visual preferences.

Go to Settings > Accessibility > Display to adjust Subtitle Style (size, colour, font) and toggle Loading Screen Tips based on your preference.

How to Adjust PS5 Controller Settings for Star Wars Combat?

To adjust PS5 controller settings for Star Wars combat, customise sensitivity, button mapping, and trigger effects to match the demands of each game’s playstyle. These modifications directly influence reaction timing, combat responsiveness, tactile control, and overall user experience across Star Wars games. Whether deflecting blaster fire in Jedi: Survivor or navigating tight dogfights in Squadrons, a tailored controller setup ensures more precise input, faster reaction time, and immersive gameplay consistency.

Sensitivity & Dead Zones

Sensitivity determines how quickly your camera or aim responds to thumbstick movement, while dead zones define the minimum input required for stick movement to register. Fine-tuning these values enhances accuracy, especially during lightsaber duels, ranged combat, or evasive manoeuvres.

Head to Settings > Controller > Motion and Stick Settings to adjust Horizontal/Vertical Sensitivity, Dead Zones, and Aim Acceleration. Set Dead Zones between 5–10% for responsive melee control, increasing slightly if your stick drifts. Use low sensitivity for precision-heavy games like Jedi: Survivor, or high sensitivity for fast-paced titles like Battlefront II.

For consistent control, it’s best to disable Aim Acceleration, which removes variable speed changes and gives you steady, predictable input. These tweaks help you pivot quickly in PvP or line up perfect parries in high-stakes combat.

Button Mapping & Custom Layouts

Button mapping lets you reassign controller functions to suit your comfort or the demands of a specific game. This reduces thumb travel and speeds up input, which is especially useful when frequently switching between actions like Force powers, dodges, and jumps.

To customise, go to Settings > Accessibility > Controllers > Custom Button Assignments. Enable custom mapping and choose which buttons to remap. Common Star Wars button remapping includes:

• Swapping Jump (X) with Crouch (R3)
• Assigning Force Powers to L1/R1
• Using the D-pad or Touchpad for quick access to gadgets like BD-1’s tools. 

With a build-your-own PS5 controller platform, you can assign back buttons for evasive rolls or saber switches, giving you faster access to critical combat moves without lifting your thumbs off the sticks.

For better ergonomics or accessibility, take advantage of the PS5’s built-in Custom Assignments, especially for one-handed play. Where supported, save custom profiles per game, like a stealth setup for Outlaws and a fast-action layout for Battlefront II.

Trigger Effect Customisation

You can fine-tune trigger resistance to control the amount of feedback applied to the L2 and R2 buttons, simulating actions like recoil or throttle tension. This adds a tactile layer to gameplay, boosting immersion in titles that support adaptive triggers.

To adjust, go to Settings > Accessories > Controllers > Trigger Effect Intensity and select Full, Medium, or Off.

Full Resistance offers cinematic feedback in games like Jedi: Survivor, while Reduced Intensity helps avoid finger fatigue during long play sessions. Disabled is ideal for competitive play requiring quick, smooth inputs.

Custom controllers allow you to fine-tune trigger tension beyond standard settings, enabling more precise feedback control for different in-game mechanics. For a unique experience in Star Wars: Squadrons, customise L2/R2 to mimic throttle or weapon resistance, adding depth to flight controls. Matching trigger resistance to gameplay style keeps your controls responsive and comfortable.

Advanced Game-Specific Tweaks

Customising controller settings for each Star Wars title allows players to adapt to unique combat mechanics, movement styles, and gameplay dynamics. Each game benefits from a distinct setup, whether it’s classic action-platforming, stealth-based exploration, or full-scale flight simulation. Want to optimize across every Star Wars title? Try a customizable PS5 controller built for action RPGs. These controllers support game-specific profiles, adaptive trigger presets, and layout flexibility, providing a tailored experience for both casual and competitive players.

The following breakdown provides tailored recommendations for the best PS5 controller settings for Star Wars titles, enhancing immersion, comfort, and performance.

Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles

Originally launched during the PlayStation 1 era, Star Wars Episode I: Jedi Power Battles delivers side-scrolling action and co-op combat with limited input sophistication. It features fixed-camera levels, basic combat mechanics, and classic boss encounters based on The Phantom Menace.

When played on PS5 through backwards compatibility, the dated controls can feel sluggish or imprecise, especially during jump timing and directional attacks. Customising your PS5 controller setup helps modernise the experience without compromising its nostalgic design. A modded PS5 controller improves parry consistency thanks to tactile enhancements, making input feel tighter and more responsive in legacy games.

Recommended Settings:

• Lower Dead Zones to 5-10% for responsive character movement and clean platforming transitions.
• Assign Map Force Jumps to the D-Pad for precise timing during the jumping sequence.
• Use R2 for heavy attacks and easier combo chaining.
• Use Classic Layout Emulation to retain original control feel with enhanced ergonomics.
• Enable System-Level Compatibility Options to reduce input lag and visual stuttering.

Star Wars Outlaws

Offering a fluid blend of stealth-based infiltration, Star Wars Outlaw is the franchise’s first open-world experience, third-person shooting, narrative exploration, and speeder-based vehicular sequences. The gameplay shifts between slow, deliberate stealth and high-speed chases, making it essential to create adaptable input settings that handle both subtle and aggressive playstyles with ease.

Recommended Settings:

• Create separate profiles for stealth (low sensitivity) and combat/vehicles (high sensitivity).
• Set Dead Zone to 5% for increased responsiveness in both ground and vehicular scenarios.
• Map Stealth and Distraction Inputs to Shoulder Buttons for uninterrupted sneak movement.
• Adjust Trigger Resistance to Medium for realistic speeder acceleration and deceleration.
• Disable Visual Effects (Camera Shake, Motion Blur) for clearer in-game visibility.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor

Built around tactical lightsaber duels, precise parrying, and rapid Force ability usage, Jedi: Survivor relies heavily on responsive controls and button accessibility. Set five years after Fallen Order, it follows Cal Kestis in his continued fight against the Empire across expansive new worlds.

The gameplay emphasises tight, responsive controls, demanding timing, and combo execution, making precision essential for defence and aggressive chaining. Enhanced customisation and integrated Force-based puzzles deepen the overall Star Wars experience.

Recommended Settings:

• Turn off Aim Acceleration for predictable camera and target movement.
• Assign Utility or Heal Functions to L3/R3 to free up thumbstick movement.
• Lower Stick Sensitivity to improve parry timing and lightsaber control during close combat.
• Map Double-Tap Force Abilities to easily reachable triggers or buttons for quick switching.
• Enable Full Trigger Resistance for enhanced tactile feedback during Force or lightsaber use.

LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga

With a humorous, open-level retelling of all nine mainline films, LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga is filled with puzzle-solving, collectables, combat, and space missions. While it’s more casual than other Star Wars titles, the combination of blaster aiming, character switching, and vehicle sections benefits from thoughtful controller customisation, especially for younger players or those seeking smoother control.

Recommended Settings

• Map Tools and Character Abilities to Touchpad Swipes for streamlined access.
• Decrease Sensitivity for more accurate blaster aiming and object targeting.
• Use Simplified Layout Options to reduce complexity during gameplay transitions.
• Reassign Common Functions (Jump, Interact) to buttons that are easier to reach for younger or co-op players.
• Adjust Trigger Resistance to Medium to simulate natural acceleration in speeder sections.

Star Wars Battlefront II

Star Wars Battlefront II is a large-scale multiplayer shooter that spans iconic battles across the Star Wars universe, featuring both ground and space combat. Players engage in large-scale multiplayer battles or cinematic solo missions, taking control of troopers, vehicles, or legendary heroes.

The game demands quick reflexes, precise aim, and efficient use of class-specific or hero abilities. With modes ranging from PvP to PvE, responsive controls and input customisation are essential to maintain competitiveness and handle the game’s dynamic, ability-driven combat.

Recommended Settings:

• Assign L3 to activate tactical skills without disrupting movement flow.
• Turn off Aim Acceleration to stabilise aim movement across all speeds.
• Reduce Stick Sensitivity for better recoil control and reticle accuracy.
• Set Trigger Resistance to Low for rapid blaster fire and quicker follow-up actions.
• Map abilities and force powers to L1/R1 for minimal finger movement during combat.

Star Wars: Squadrons

Star Wars: Squadrons is a first-person space combat simulator that puts players in the cockpits of iconic starfighters from the Galactic Empire and New Republic. Featuring both a single-player campaign and strategic 5v5 multiplayer battles, the game emphasises teamwork, ship management, and spatial awareness.

As a flight-focused combat sim, Squadrons demands high responsiveness from both thumbsticks and triggers, along with clean, efficient button mapping to manage ship systems in real time.

Recommended Settings:

• Decrease Dead Zones to register even the slightest stick movement for precise control.
• Map Lock-On, System Switch, and Target Cycle to Face Buttons for easy co-op accessibility.
• Increase Sensitivity to execute fast ship rolls, camera sweeps, and orientation shifts.
• Apply Medium Trigger Resistance to simulate throttle control and cannon feedback.
• Use Streamlined Profiles for beginner pilots or shared use among casual players.

What are the Tips and Tricks for Star Wars PS5 Games?

The best way to improve performance in Star Wars PS5 games is by customising your controller settings to match specific gameplay styles, combat mechanics, and personal comfort. Tailored input configurations enhance reaction time, increase aiming precision, and reduce fatigue during extended sessions, making each mission smoother and more immersive across titles like Jedi: Survivor, Battlefront II, and Outlaws.

Below are the 10 proven tips and practical controller hacks by The Controller People to optimise your gameplay experience.

1. Set thumbstick dead zones between 5–10% for quicker movement response.
2. Create multiple controller profiles for different games or gameplay modes.
3. Adjust trigger resistance based on gameplay—full for immersion, low for fast inputs.
4. Disable aim acceleration to maintain consistent camera and aim control.
5. Remap buttons like crouch and jump for easier access during intense combat.
6. Assign utility functions to the touchpad for faster interaction without menu delays.
7. Simplify inputs for co-op or younger players by moving key actions to face buttons.
8. Use double-tap shortcuts for Force powers or equipment switches in combat-heavy titles.
9. Turn off motion blur and camera shake to maintain visual clarity during gameplay.
10. Use custom PS5 controllers for tailored ergonomics, adaptive feedback, and saved layouts.

Why Custom PS5 Controllers Are a Game-Changer for Star Wars Players?

Custom PS5 controllers improve precision, comfort, and response in Star Wars games such as Jedi: Survivor and Squadrons. Features like adjustable triggers, textured grips, and extended battery life help players perform better and play longer without fatigue

For players seeking optimal in-game performance and personalisation, our Custom PS5 Controller Builder offers tailored configurations that support combat accuracy, immersion, and even Star Wars-inspired aesthetics.