The Epic Games Store has quickly become one of the most popular storefronts for PC games. However, the Epic launcher doesn’t have particularly strong controller support. This becomes a problem for specific games that aren’t built around typical mouse and keyboard input. Thankfully, there is a way to enable PS4 controller compatibility with your favorite games. Here’s how to use a DualShock 4 to play Epic Games Store games.
How to use PS4 DualShock 4 controller with Epic Games Store
The Epic Games Store does not have native support for the DualShock 4 yet. However, it’s still possible to use a PS4 controller to play games purchased through the Epic storefront. You either need to add the games through Steam, which does have DualShock 4 support, or use third-party software like DS4Windows.
Of these two solutions, playing your EGS games through Steam is the preferred solution. Most PC gamers are likely to have Steam already, and Valve’s storefront allows players to add non-Steam games to their library. Even better, this Steam throughput enables all manner of controllers, not just the DualShock 4. But if you don’t have Steam, you’ll have to rely on third-party software.
Whatever the case may be for you, we’ve broken down the process for each of these methods below.
Use Steam to play Epic Games Store games with PS4 controller
If you add a game purchased from the Epic Games Store to your Steam library, you’ll be able to play it with almost any modern controller. This means you can use the PS4 controller as well as a PS5 DualSense, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch Pro, or Steam controller. Best of all, the process is very straightforward:
- Open Steam, then head to your Library
- In the bottom left, click Add A Game
- Click Add a Non-Steam Game
- Select Browse, then navigate to the folder where the game is installed
- The default directory for EGS games is C:Program FilesEpic Games
- In the directory of the game you want to add, select the executable (*.exe) file
- With the game selected, click the Add Selected Programs button
After that’s done, the game will show up in your Steam library. You may need to find it in the Uncategorized section. Assuming the game itself supports controller input, you’ll be able to use any gamepad that Steam supports. As a bonus, you can keep your library neat and tidy by adding your own box art and cover image. Simply right click in the blank title bar to set a custom logo and background.
PS4 Controller compatibility with DS4Windows
If you don’t have Steam, or if you simply prefer not to use it, you can enable PS4 controller compatibility for the Epic Games Store with programs like DS4Windows. It’s lightweight, it’s free, and most importantly, it enables the DualShock 4 to be used with any compatible game or Windows program. Here’s how it works.
- Head to the DS4Windows website
- Select Download Now, then download the latest version
- Open the zip file and extract the contents wherever you like
- Launch DS4Windows, select where to save profiles, then follow the instructions to install drivers
- Close the program, then restart the Epic Games Store launcher and/or your PC
For this to work properly, you’ll likely need to connect the gamepad through a USB cable. Alternatively, if your PC has Bluetooth connectivity, you can pair the controller wirelessly. Either way, it will need to be connected via cable or Bluetooth before it can be used. After that, you can use the DS4Windows software to customize your key bindings if you like. The software even supports the touch pad and rumble functions.
It’s a shame that the Epic Games Store doesn’t include native DualShock 4 support. Thankfully, you can still add and play EGS games through Steam for robust controller compatibility. Otherwise, software like DS4Windows will ensure your PlayStation 4 controller will work for any supported game or software.
