Can you play Brawl Stars with a controller? Learn about controller support, how to set it up, and what to expect when using one in this detailed guide.
Brawl Stars is a fast-paced action game tailored to mobile devices. Most players control their characters using on-screen touch controls. However, some players wonder if it's possible to use a controller instead. A controller can offer more precise input and a more comfortable experience, especially during long sessions. In this article, you’ll find out whether Brawl Stars supports controllers, how to set one up if it’s possible, and the pros of using a controller to play the game.
Also read: All Controller Brawlers in Brawl Stars : Ranking Worst To Best
It is possible to play Brawl Stars with a controller but it’s not as simple as connecting a gamepad and jumping into the fray. This is because Brawl Stars does not offer natively controller support on either Android or iOS. Some workarounds allow controller input using third-party apps or emulators on PC.
With these tools, you can assign controller buttons to mimic touchscreen taps, making it possible to use a gamepad while playing. These methods require extra setup and aren’t officially supported by Supercell so the experience may vary and come with some limitations.
If you decide to try using a controller in Brawl Stars, there are two common approaches. Each method comes with its own process and considerations.
Some Android apps like Octopus, Panda Gamepad Pro or Mantis Gamepad Pro allow you to map controller buttons to touchscreen actions.
To use them:
Choose your preferred app and download it from the Play Store.
Connect your controller via Bluetooth or USB.
Open Brawl Stars through the app.
Manually assign buttons to in-game controls.
This method is mostly limited to Android. It also may require granting special permissions or enabling developer options. iOS does not currently support similar tools without jailbreaking.
If you prefer playing on a larger screen, Android emulators like BlueStacks, LDPlayer, or GameLoop are popular choices.
Steps include:
Install an emulator on your PC.
Sign in with your Google Play account and install Brawl Stars.
Connect your controller to your computer.
Use the emulator’s key mapping tool to assign controls.
Most emulators support Xbox or PlayStation controllers and allow for more precise customization than mobile apps. Read this article if you want to play Brawl Stars on PC .
Using a controller can improve comfort and consistency for some players, especially those who are already familiar with console games.
Controllers offer more precise movement. This can help with smoother dodging, aiming, and overall control compared to touchscreens.
Physical buttons help you react faster and reduce the chance of tapping the wrong spot.
Frees up the screen from your finger touch for better visibility, making it easier to keep track of everything during matches.
Holding a controller is more comfortable during long play sessions compared to constantly tapping a touchscreen.
Also read: How to Play 1v1 With Friends in Brawl Stars
Brawl Stars doesn’t officially support controllers, but you can make it come true by using third-party tools or PC emulators that support controller input. While a controller can offer smoother gameplay in some situations, the setup process can be complicated and may not always be reliable. If you're comfortable with using a controller and want to try a different way to play, it might be worth exploring.
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