I have been using a PS4 controller since a few hours into Diablo 4 - wanted a bit better control/targeting precision for my rogue so I am trying to switch back to keyboard and mouse and it’s like I am incapable of adapting.
Keyboard and mouse feels so weird, but I know plenty of people prefer it so it can’t just be BAD. Anyone have any suggestions how to make keyboard and mouse a little less awkward? Keybindings maybe?
You know what’s weird is I have never used the controller for another game on PC, always stuck with keyboard.
The controller isn’t as effective, but my God is it more comfortable and relaxing for me personally.
I played Diablo 1 for a few sessions many years ago and always assumed keyboard + mouse would be the only way I’d play the games when I finally got round to them, but after playing IV on my Steam Deck I’m having the same difficulty adapting.
I think it’s just because I spend the majority of my play time using a controller. I’m playing all four games simultaneously at the moment:
- Diablo + Helltide (with DevilutionX) - 90% Steam Deck, 10% KB + M
- Diablo II Resurrected - 100% Xbox
- Diablo III - 100% KB + M
- Diablo IV - 90% Steam Deck, 10% KB + M
Ironically, III feels like it might be suited to a controller more than I and II, but I have it on PC and can’t find a good way to use a controller with it.
Either way I’m having a blast finally catching up with this series, I’m not sure what took me so long!
I tried KB+M to start and have since moved to controller. It feels so much better with controller. I’ve even got some friends to convert. While targeting may not be as precise, it has not cause me any real provlems. Also, I think it’s easier to control your character’s movements and dodge with controller.
I switch between pc and my steam deck to play Diablo 4. I like it very much and when I use one or the other I’m very quickly adjusted to the different use.
On PC I move my skills to asdf, potion on g. I used to use the spacebar for forced standstill, but now use it for dodge. This way I can keep my hand on the keyboard for doing most things in the game.
Middle mouse button to open inventory, side button 4 to force and button 5 is for my escape scroll because I play hardcore.
I also made the ingame cursor bigger through settings, so it’s easier to track it in busy areas.
Steam deck is makin me like the controller more. Just more fun.
Wow, I only now realize that there are people for that it feels weird to play with a keyboard + mouse certain games, for me it is really weird to play shooters with a controller
Sure, but we’re talking about Diablo, not fps. I’m pretty sure the vast majority of PC gamers play FPS/moba with m+kb instead of controller lol.
I went from kb+m to PS5 controller or playing on my Steam Deck.
I find this style of game works so much better with a controller and honestly it’s hard to go back to KB+M. Right now all I miss out on is chatting quickly.
To chat quickly on steam deck, I use the blizzard mobile app and whisper friends with it. But yeah major drawback.
Kb+m is a staple of Diablo games but as someone who has played them all I think controller is wayyyyy better. I don’t really get the accuracy argument because I don’t feel like I really ever miss any shots or are at some disadvantage. Plus if you have the ps edge or Xbox elite controllers you will enter god tier country because of the paddles!
I played Diablo 1 for a few sessions many years ago and always assumed keyboard + mouse would be the only way I’d play the games when I finally got round to them, but after playing IV on my Steam Deck I’m having the same difficulty adapting, but I think it’s just because I spend the majority of my play time using a controller. I’m playing all four games simultaneously at the moment:
- Diablo + Helltide (with DevilutionX) - 90% Steam Deck, 10% KB + M
- Diablo II Resurrected - 100% Xbox
- Diablo III - 100% KB + M
- Diablo IV - 90% Steam Deck, 10% KB + M
Ironically, III feels like it might be suited to a controller more than I and II, but I have it on PC and can’t find a good way to use a controller with it.
Either way I’m having a blast finally catching up with this series, I’m not sure what took me so long!
Diablo + Hellfire works with the thumbsticks on the Deck or you need to use touchpad?
I’m using the DevilutionX client to play, thumbsticks work great https://github.com/diasurgical/devilutionX
I can’t fathom how you’d even play Diablo with a controller, just stick with it.
First diablo I play with a controller.
It’s pretty good. But I get annoyed by the targeting, middle of a big batte?
Let’s shoot that barrel off to the side instead of the mobs in front of us!
Pushing in right analog stick lets you toggle between auto targeting (default) and manual targeting. Manual targeting keeps the red icon above one enemies head and you move the right stick to switch between enemies. That way you can choose who you’re targeting.
I tried to use manual targeting for some of my druid skills (trample) but couldn’t get the hang of it. It was too much to micro manage while trying to stay alive in a fight. You may find it works for you though.
It is kinda essential for bosses though, at least with a kiting class/build. Went from „this is impossible „ to acing one immediately.
I play on PS5 and always wonder if I could use a mouse + keyboard. I’m too lazy to just try it myself. Anyone know the answer?
Well you literally can’t use a keyboard and mouse for D4 on the consoles if that helps.
I have actually thought about going the other direction and using a controller because I find the pointing and clicking annoying with my barb.
I actually prefer KB+M for precision on things like Penetrating Shot damage on consecutive hits. However, there’s no way to walk with KB+M. And I just like strolling or swaggering through a place, especially when I first reach a new area. It’s like immersion vs precision, and it really bugs me that I can’t have both! 😆
I always stick with keyboard as well, also played all the previous Diablo games like that, but weirdly enough in this game it felt awkward. I’m playing with an 18 button MMO mouse, so I mapped skills, potion and evade to the thumb buttons and that’s working great for me now.
Having tried both I prefer controller, but there are some situations/classes where M&K feels more precise. the biggest annoyance for me on M&K is when I’m trying to move and accidentally attack an enemy. A nice change I’ve found is turning off the toggle in the menu that binds move/interact and I set my basic attack as another key instead of my left click, and then I set left click as move and interact only.
They both have advantages and disadvantages I find. There are different contexts where one is better than the other. Controller is really nice and comfortable for chill sessions, M+K provides better accuracy and control which may or may not matter depending on what you’re doing and what class you’re playing.
I prefer controller because I play high 90% of the time.
