Does Honkai Impact Have Controller Support

Honkai Impact 3rd is a popular action RPG game developed by HoYoverse, the same creators behind Genshin Impact. With fast-paced combat and intense gameplay, players often seek more comfortable and immersive control methods. A common question asked by new and veteran players is: Does Honkai Impact have controller support? This blog will explore the answer in detail, guiding you on how controllers work with the game across different platforms such as PC, Android, and iOS. Understanding controller support is essential for players who want smoother, more ergonomic control during battles and missions.

Whether you are using a gamepad, Bluetooth controller, or a console-style setup, knowing how to connect and configure it properly can enhance your gameplay drastically. Many gamers find using a controller gives them better precision, especially when dodging enemy attacks or switching characters mid-battle. However, support may vary depending on the operating system and device compatibility, so this post will break everything down in simple terms.

Key Points:

• Honkai Impact does support controllers, but with conditions.

• Controller support varies by platform (PC, Android, iOS).

• Setup may require third-party apps or settings adjustments.

Is Controller Support Available On All Devices?

Not all devices support controller use the same way in Honkai Impact 3rd. While the PC version has robust and seamless controller support, the situation is slightly different for mobile users. On Windows PCs, the game fully supports both Xbox and PlayStation controllers. Once connected via USB or Bluetooth, the game automatically detects the controller and maps the buttons accordingly.

On Android devices, controller support is partially available. Some devices recognize input from Bluetooth controllers, but you might need to tweak a few settings or even install third-party mapping apps. Meanwhile, iOS users may face more restrictions. Although Apple devices now support external controllers like the PS5 DualSense or Xbox controllers, Honkai Impact’s iOS version does not natively support them as of recent updates.

Here’s a quick comparison of controller support across devices:

Reminder: Always check for the latest game updates, as controller support features may be added or improved over time.

How To Set Up A Controller For Honkai Impact On PC?

Setting up a controller for the PC version of Honkai Impact is quite straightforward. First, ensure that your controller is connected to your PC via a USB cable or paired via Bluetooth. Once the controller is detected, launch the game. Honkai Impact usually recognizes the input device instantly, and you can start playing without needing manual configurations.

If you are using a controller like the Xbox One or Xbox Series X, the button layout is already optimized for combat and movement in Honkai Impact. For PlayStation controllers, such as DualShock 4 or DualSense, most buttons will function correctly, but you might need to manually adjust some actions if you’re not comfortable with the default layout.

You can also customize key bindings by going into the game’s settings:

Note: For the best experience, update your controller’s firmware and ensure your Windows OS is up to date.

Can You Use A Controller On Android Devices?

Using a controller on Android devices to play Honkai Impact is possible, but it is not officially supported on all phone models. If you are using a modern Android phone with Bluetooth capability, such as a Samsung Galaxy or OnePlus device, you can pair your controller and try it in-game. However, not every controller input will register perfectly.

Many users report success using Bluetooth controllers such as the Xbox Wireless Controller or 8BitDo gamepads. However, since the game may not natively map the buttons, you might need to use third-party apps like Octopus or Mantis Gamepad Pro to create button mappings manually. These apps allow you to simulate touch controls with controller inputs.

Here is a table comparing third-party apps:

However, using these apps may violate game policy or result in unstable performance, so proceed at your own risk.

Why Doesn’t Honkai Impact Support Controllers On iOS?

The lack of official controller support on iOS has frustrated many Apple users. Despite iOS offering excellent external controller support through native system updates (especially with iOS 14 and above), Honkai Impact has not implemented full controller compatibility for its iOS version. This means that even if your iPhone or iPad recognizes your controller, the game won’t respond to inputs.

There could be several reasons behind this limitation. First, implementing controller support across multiple platforms requires game developers to adapt various APIs and user interfaces. Also, Apple’s restrictions on third-party apps and the additional effort required to maintain cross-platform parity may slow down feature updates like controller integration.

For now, iOS players must rely on touch controls. The game does offer customizable layouts, allowing users to reposition buttons, resize icons, and adjust sensitivity, which can make touch gameplay more comfortable.

Reminder: Always check the App Store game update logs to see if controller support is added in future patches.

Does Using A Controller Improve Gameplay?

Yes, using a controller in Honkai Impact can significantly improve the gameplay experience—especially during fast-paced boss battles and high-level Abyss runs. Controllers allow for more precise movement, quicker dodge reactions, and easier combo executions. Many players find that using physical buttons helps avoid accidental taps or input lag, which is a common issue on touchscreen devices.

Additionally, a controller helps reduce hand strain during long gaming sessions. If you play for more than 30 minutes at a time, a controller will offer a more ergonomic grip compared to holding a phone or keyboard/mouse setup.

Here are some real-life examples:

• A player using an Xbox controller on PC was able to complete Abyss Floor 80 faster due to quicker reaction time.

• A user reported fewer screen smudges and better battery efficiency on their Android tablet by using a Bluetooth controller.

The enhanced control scheme might even help in PvE battles where timing and precision are key.

Conclusion

So, does Honkai Impact have controller support? The answer depends on the platform you’re using. On Windows PC, controller support is excellent and easy to set up. On Android, it works but may require third-party tools for full functionality. On iOS, unfortunately, controller support remains limited or nonexistent for now. If you’re looking to enhance your gameplay experience, using a controller can be a game-changer—especially on supported platforms.

As the game evolves, there’s hope that future updates might expand controller compatibility. For now, players should make the most of available tools and setups to enjoy smoother and more precise control in Honkai Impact 3rd.

FAQ’s

1. Does Honkai Impact have controller support on Android?
Yes, but it’s partial and may require third-party mapping apps like Octopus or Mantis.

2. Can I use a PS5 controller with Honkai Impact on PC?
Yes, DualSense controllers work on PC, but button mapping might require customization.

3. Why is there no controller support on iOS for Honkai Impact?
The developers have not implemented this feature for iOS yet, despite system-level controller support.

4. Is playing Honkai Impact with a controller better than touchscreen?
On supported platforms like PC, yes—it offers better control, ergonomics, and faster reactions.

5. Which controller works best with Honkai Impact?
Xbox and PlayStation controllers provide the most seamless experience, especially on Windows PC.