Using a PlayStation Controller with W3EE Redux

W3EE Redux Gamepad.md

• Using a Controller with W3EE Redux
• Controller Options / Settings
• Controller bindings for W3EE Redux
  • Counters
  • Special attacks
  • Attack Bending (Hybrid mode only)
  • Instant Casting Signs
  • Miscellaneous Functions
• Useful Mods for Playing with a Controller

Using a Controller with W3EE Redux

W3EE used to have a reputation for requiring mouse and keyboard to fully enjoy the mod's wonderful gameplay but W3EE/Redux is extremely controller friendly these days. All of the mod's functionality is available with a controller. Counters and even signature features like attack bending with distance modifiers can be used out of the box with a controller.

This guide covers how to configure the mod when you're using a controller as well as the button combos to use for the mod's special functionality.

Controller Options / Settings

By default the mod assumes you're using a mouse & keyboard. It will also default to mouse & keyboard settings after you run DefaultReduxSettings() in the console. So we'll go in and tweak the settings to better suit controller-based gameplay.

The most important setting first: go to Options > Mods > W3EE > Gameplay > Controls > Targeting Options and select Controller at the top. This sets a number of important values - if you're missing a lot with a controller, chances are you didn't do this step.

• Options.Mods.W3EE.Gameplay.Controls.Targeting Options = Controller

There are 3 'weights' used to control the direction where your attack will go: Movement, Facing and Camera. Controller mode gives preference to Movement direction by giving it the highest weight. This feels intuitive with a controller, you attack in the direction you're moving.

• Options.Mods.W3EE.Gameplay.Controls.Targeting Options.Movement Direction Weight = 1.0 (default: 1.0)

Facing direction is also important as you may attack while standing in one spot. Attacks will have some weighting for the direction you're facing.

• Options.Mods.W3EE.Gameplay.Controls.Targeting Options.Facing Direction Weight = 0.25 (default: 0.25)

Camera direction is given 0.5 weight by default but that may be too much when using a controller where camera control is less precise than with a mouse. Play with this value to suit your taste. I set it to 0 and find that movement direction most suits my playstyle with a controller - I point the left stick at the enemy I want to attack irrespective of where the camera is looking. If you are using a mod that controls the combat camera for you, then it's even more important to lower this value.

• Options.Mods.W3EE.Gameplay.Controls.Targeting Options.Camera Direction Weight = 0.0 (default: 0.5)

W3EE Redux now includes Aeltoth's superb Standalone Attack Bending mod which gives access to W3EE's signature attack bending moves on the controller. This is the new Hybrid Targeting Mode. The section on controls below shows you how to use this. There's absolutely no reason not to use Hybrid mode if you're using a controller. You lose nothing, yet gain what is arguably W3EE's signature move integrated natively into controller gameplay.

• Options.Mods.W3EE.Gameplay.Controls.General.Automatic Targeting = Hybrid

Make sure that Aim Assist is set to its default value of disabled. Aim Assist will further change your attack direction away from your movement direction or facing, leading to less control of your attacks.

• Options.Mods.W3EE.Gameplay.Controls.Aim Assist.Toggle = Off (default: Off)

Controller bindings for W3EE Redux

This guide uses the PlayStation (DualShock 4 / DualSense) button layout. L3 & R3 are the left and right stick presses. L2 & R2 are the left/right triggers, while L1 & R1 are the left/right bumpers. Face buttons: Cross (bottom), Circle (right), Square (left), Triangle (top).

Counters

Counters activate only if executed at or right before the moment the incoming attack connects - the timing is reasonably lenient. To execute a counter, press parry (L2) and either Cross or Circle while pushing the L stick forward.

• L2 + L-forward + Cross = Slash counter
• L2 + L-forward + Circle = Kick or Bash counter (randomly selected by the mod)

This is with Automatic Targeting set to Hybrid. These actions move to the Square/Triangle buttons instead of Cross/Circle otherwise. (Why would you not use Hybrid?)

Special attacks

If you hold parry (L2) then press Cross, you get the special attack.

• L2 + Cross = Double Heavy Attack
• L2 + Circle is still a dodge

Attack Bending (Hybrid mode only)

Parry (L2) with a light or heavy attack is a long distance attack with attack bending. Use the L stick to bend the attack in the direction you want. See Aeltoth's showcase video to see this in action.

• L2 + Square = Long distance Light Attack
• L2 + Triangle = Long distance Heavy Attack
• Use the L stick to guide the attack bend's direction - you have full control

Instant Casting Signs

Press R2 with the keys below to instant cast signs. A quick press of the indicated key will give you the base sign, while a long press will give you the alternate sign effect. If you press it longer than for the base and shorter than for the alternate, you get no sign cast at all - so use a short, decisive button press when casting the base sign!

• R2 + L2 = Igni
• R2 + Cross = Aard
• R2 + Square = Axii
• R2 + Triangle = Yrden
• R2 + Circle = Quen
• Long press to get the alternate sign

Miscellaneous Functions

The mod places different actions on the same button in some cases, selected based on how long you press the button or stick. The duration of the press needed is shown where it matters.

This shows only the new actions added by the mod, not all the actions the game defines by default which will continue to work as usual.

The Radial Menu lets you enter and exit full meditation.

• L1 then Square: Enter Meditation (creates fire if none present)
• L1 then Square: Exit Meditation (the only way to exit meditation)

Pass time while in Meditation:

• Cross: Skip short period of time, long press to skip time continuously
• Long press R3: Enter clock screen to meditate to a specific time of day

Right stick press:

• Long press R3 (> 0.5s): Enter Meditation (does not create fire if none present)
• Long press R3 (> 1s): Study Target

Left stick press:

• Long press L3 (> 0.5s): Toggle FHUD essential modules
• Long press L3 (> 2s): Night vision
• Double press L3: Call Roach, access Roach stash

Options button:

• Long press Options (> 0.5s): Map

Share button:

• Long press Share (> 0.5s): Inventory
• Long press Share (> 1.2s): Glossary

D-pad:

• Long press D-pad Up/Down (> 0.3s): Swap items in quick slots
• Long press D-pad Right/Left (> 0.3s): Sheathe either sword

Useful Mods for Playing with a Controller

Aeltoth's Smart Camera mod does a wonderful job of controlling the camera for you. See the videos at the link for some showcases. In short, you can let the mod do most of the camera movement for you. This is especially good for controller-based play as it frees up your right thumb for the Cross/Circle/Square/Triangle buttons - i.e., attacks, dodges, counters, etc. The mod still gives you camera control if you want it, you just don't need it that often.

If you merge Smart Camera, be sure to disable Immersive Camera. Smart Camera will work with no problems once that is done.

• Options.Mods.W3EE.Addons.Immersive Cam.Enable.Enable Immersive Cam = Off