Can you play Star Citizen with a controller?
Gamepads are supported, but keyboard and mouse is the default. Here is the honest breakdown.
Short answer: yes, Star Citizen supports gamepads and controllers (Xbox, PlayStation and other PC controllers), and you can fly with them. But the game is built primarily around keyboard and mouse, and many pilots add a HOTAS (flight stick) for flying. A controller works, it just is not the default.
Wondering if you can play with your controller before you buy? Here is the honest state of input support, so you know what to expect.
Does Star Citizen support controllers?
Yes. Standard PC gamepads (Xbox and PlayStation controllers included) are recognised, and you can bind them to flight and most actions. Plenty of players fly comfortably with a controller. Support is real, even if it is not the primary scheme the game is balanced around.
Controller, keyboard and mouse, or HOTAS?
- Keyboard and mouse is the default and the easiest all-round setup, especially for on-foot (FPS) sections and managing many ship systems.
- Controller is comfortable for flight and relaxed play, but fiddlier for the full breadth of ship and FPS controls because there are a lot of bindings.
- HOTAS (flight stick and throttle) is popular for immersive flying. Many pilots mix a stick with a mouse for the best of both.
You do not have to pick one forever, you can rebind and experiment once you are in.
What you actually need to play
A Windows PC that meets the system requirements (an SSD is the one hard rule), plus whatever input you prefer. No special controller or HOTAS is required to start, a keyboard and mouse is enough. Note Star Citizen is PC only, it is not on Steam and not on console.
If your PC can run it, the cheapest way in is the Citizen Starter Pack at $45. Sign up with STAR-JTV7-FXLR first for 50,000 UEC, then play with whatever input you like. Try it free during a Free Fly.
Frequently asked questions
Can you play Star Citizen with a controller?
Yes. Star Citizen supports gamepads, including Xbox and PlayStation controllers, and you can fly and play with them. Keyboard and mouse is the primary scheme, and many pilots add a HOTAS for flight, but a controller works fine.
Does Star Citizen support Xbox and PlayStation controllers?
Yes, standard PC controllers (Xbox and PlayStation pads included) are recognised and can be bound to flight and most actions. Note the game is PC only, the controllers just plug into your PC.
Is Star Citizen better with a controller or keyboard and mouse?
Keyboard and mouse is the default and easiest for on-foot combat and complex ship systems. A controller is comfortable for flying and casual play. Many players use a HOTAS stick for immersion, often alongside a mouse.
Do you need a HOTAS to play Star Citizen?
No. A keyboard and mouse is enough to start, and a controller works too. A HOTAS is optional and popular for immersive flight, but not required. Start cheap with the Citizen Starter Pack and code STAR-JTV7-FXLR for 50,000 UEC.
Ready to claim the 50,000 UEC?
One click pre-fills STAR-JTV7-FXLR into the RSI signup form. Finish the account, buy a $40 or larger Game Package, the bonus is yours.
Enlist with code STAR-JTV7-FXLR