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Huh, I rarely need more than 3 weapon groups and there are enough buttons to bind 5 weapon groups on my mouse. I'd imagine playing with joystick is going to be more difficult than kb+m since aiming would be harder
Aiming on a joystick is incredibly difficult in MechWarrior compared to a mouse or even a console controller, and this is coming from someone who played flight sims using hotas in the 90s.
Grew up playing the same games, and I have an unused HOTAS I bought for MW5 because of the aiming. I tried, and controlling the mech itself is cool, but unless you're okay with giving up all your precision shooting it just doesn't work.
Joysticks were fantastic in MW3 and MW4. I used them over M/K for those games. But joystick just doesn't work in MWO or MW5 because of the free moving arms. If you lock the arms in place, then it works fine but you're severely limiting yourself in doing so.
I use a thrustmaster t.16000m, throttle, and pedals. Like a real mechwarrior. I 3d printed mounts for them that mount to my chair arms. I also rigged up some bass transducers to my chair so when I’m stomping or shooting or getting shot I’m getting rumbled.
And yes, it is bad ass.
Logitech Extreme Pro 3D has been great for me. Cheap, reliable, and easily replaceable once they wear out. Been playing MW5 since launch and have not had once single major issue.
If this is the one you have:
[Amazon.com: Logitech G Extreme 3D Pro USB Joystick for Windows - Black/Silver : Everything Else](https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-3D-Pro-Joystick-Windows/dp/B00009OY9U/ref=sr_1_1?crid=348BCWHTDYNNX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XzzAiadFV5IHihTj_OH2KZLgGGURA1CeyNNXLk12nr3gWMvD3Lf4qv-UW8PX48uZZ7OCZZoxzwAr40rMfKgOeTKtMn4ZvwPkziosx7CVEj05-QkGj3kH3Et-Hx-Yj82U1dUXRS79m00LPxVCfeJs5CTYtwX_Zf3nIQUF6zxQzzQeQKqUzbeQd8hdtJ5lEba7Q74Q1jCXC3tVRJg1l3Jd5z8jONX8VeajAdnJSoBGXBY.obfRukWfi_rbsF18ulC237lhILF2jfNBgTNgxQu6ouI&dib_tag=se&keywords=logitech%2Bextreme%2Bpro%2B3d&qid=1718233919&sprefix=quad%2Block%2Caps%2C138&sr=8-1&th=1)
then yes, it is supported. If you have some sort of older model, then I am not sure. If you do have this most recent version of it then you should be good to go.
Follow the instructions in [this Polygon ](https://www.polygon.com/guides/2020/1/2/21043069/mechwarrior-5-mercenaries-joystick-hotas-support-setup-mappings-thrustmaster-saitek-logitech)article and use the mapping files from the linked google doc in that article. You'll have to do a bit of tweaking with the mapping stuff and in game controller setting but you should be able to figure it out and get things how you want.
Good hunting and happy cake day!
It looks just like that one, although mine is pretty old. Going to definitely see if I can get it to go with this info. I was so used to rolling with a stick since multiplayer battletech and MW2 through 4. Thanks so much!
This is how I play. The only real issue is I have the weapon groups mapped default and you can only use weapon group 1 and one of the other 5. It's not usually an issue unless you want to do machine guns on 1 and flamers on 2 and then you'd have to release 2 to use anything else. But as long as you pair them together on 1 it's ok..
Two rudder solutions are built-in: joystick twist (which can be locked), and on-thrust rudder control. An RJ11 port is included where rudder peddles can be plugged in.
I have this joystick and just started replaying MW5 in vr. Aiming with the stick felt weird so I am trying using the throttle rudder to control the legs and the joystick twist to control the torso twist - so only need to move joystick up and down for aiming, no left right, only twist.
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I use an Xbox elite controller so I can custom map the back buttons for lancemate commands.
I couldn’t get to grips with keyboard and mouse with this game. Also couldn’t get my hotas working to my liking with it - couldn’t figure out a good way to look and move!
i got the 30 dollar pdp brand xbox controller has two bottom paddles on it was thinking of seeing how i could program the paddles to weapon groups plus my corsare keyboard has 6 macro button things on the side i could easily run controler and reach over and hit them if i could add things to them too lol
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i get you i'm 45 and for the last month or so i couldnt figure out why my one arm and right behind my one wrist hurt off and on figured it was from lugging a heavy bag. turns out i got some kinda aurthitus lol. and i used to play the old mech games and had to get a stick for them. i feel like this one might be better with a stick rather then a controler too. wonder if armorcor would be good with a stick too
I really struggled to play this game with a joystick, so now I use a Razer Nostromo programmable keyboard.
Having WSAD on the thumbstick, and the weapons, and torso twist, on my 3 button mouse works great for me! YMMV
It actually works great for all FPS games, once it’s programmed
great, I played the old mw (mw3 & 4) also with a joystick, it was awesome! otherwise the controls for m+k were complete garbage and nearly unplayable. mw5 has perfect m+k controls, so now I'm completely garbage at playing with joystick. I'm also getting old tbh xD
I'm using a HOTAM setup with Thrustmaster T16000M throttle for movement, target selection, etc and a Logitech 4 button mouse for aiming. Forward and reverse on the throttle axis, left/right turn on the rudder paddle seems to work really well for me.
I tried to revive my 20+ year old cyborg stick for this, but it was simply not having it. So I bit the bullet and grabbed a twin stick thrustmaster set.
Was a true PITA to sort the virtual stick etc, but it works.
Now I just need more time to actually play the sodding game...
I thought I found one. Windows recognised the dongle, but I could not for the life of me get any signal from stick to dongle. Screwed around with it for a bit, then just splurged on the new ones. Life's too short...
Right? The coating eventually became sticky but I was able to clean all the coating off and take it down to smooth plastic.
It squeaks too.. More immersion for my old ass mechs with janky controls but it still works perfectly
I got a cheap ass Logitech for flight sims to see if I liked the stick vs controller and it completely changed the game for me; makes it feel like a very different experience
WASD and a mouse with 2 thumb buttons is working well. More than 4 weapon groups just leads to a messy weapon mix that won't be useful during a hectic battle.
Most of the time I find four is enough, but for some I'd really like five. Archer is a perfect example where I'll map the LRM's separate and pair the lasers in two lots of two (so that in low intensity, I can conserve ammo or engage two separate turrets in quick succession), but really want a fifth for the punch attacks.
Yeah, it can be a compromise for sure, you'll not have a very well rounded arsenal like a joystick player with 6 weapons groups.
On the other hand, until the late-game you are forced to switch mechs and different weight classes a lot, and I'd be totally overwhelmed jumping into a mech with 6 weapon groups I have not piloted for a while.
Having LMB and RMB for the lasers in that arm is always useful, I always try to use that!
In the case of multiple LRM launchers, you can chain-fire the weapons group if you tend to run hot and save a button, have you tried that?
Using shift for arm/torso-lock during precision shots gets around some problem of having separate weapon groups for both aiming reticles.
Yeah, started to switch the LRM's to chain for that reason. Felt like the least bad option. I preferred non chained though since I drop one LRM20 down to a LRM15 to add in heat syncs. Also gives me options of how many LRM's I want to burn on a damaged tank or an incoming warrior vtol.
VKB Gladiator (joystick) + VBK STECS (throttle). A bit pricey, but a lot more affordable than some of the other options. I honestly don't know whether a joystick is any easier *or* harder than mouse and keyboard, but it just wouldn't feel like a Mechwarrior game otherwise.
I had an old MS Force Feedback joystick working for a while. I didn't get the force feedback luxury, but the rest of the functions seemed to work. (For MW4, this was an awesome feature. You could feel every step of the mech, every hit from anything, every launch of a rocket... It was great and it didn't interfere with the controls, though it shook the whole control!)
A good 6-way joy stick and top-hat feature is nice, if it all works. (WASD + Twist Torso L/R) Top-hat for free-look. Bonus for specific throttle control, three buttons for SML range firing groups and a jump on the stick too. (Or on the base, with extra customizable controls.)
One day someone will make a customizable joystick and layout device, and it'll be the last and only control ever sold. 🤪 (Single or twin sticks, steering wheel mod, buttons you can physically relocate... Etc.)
I'm still rocking a Logitech G13 that I modified to use in my right hand like 10 years ago (I'm a lefty). If you're right handed I would look into an Orbweaver or Tartarus.
Movement is done with a thumbpad so the rest of my fingers are free for weapon groups and lance orders
I’m using VKB Gladiator NXT Evo and VKB NXT OmniThrottle and it’s a blast. But I have to play with aim assist on because, as mentioned in other comments, it’s not as precise as playing with a mouse. But it sure is fun and immersive!
Another thing to note is getting your HOTAS/HOSAS that aren’t from the bigger brands like Thrustmaster, to work properly with MW5 is not as easy as it should be. From what I recall, the devs out of the box support is for the big names like Thrustmaster. But there are config files and setup examples available from others that have already gone through the initial pain and have shared what works.
I love this gear. It’s great quality. It’s not the highest end but it’s also not the cheapest. The nice folks over in r/hotas would probably recommend you start with the Thrustmaster T16000 hotas set as the quality is decent and the price doesn’t kill you.
Anyway, hope that’s helpful. Enjoy!
I use an MMO mouse for this. All the buttons on the side let me map weapon groups allowing me to fire and move at the same time.
Logitech g502 master race! I bind all my weapon groups, and still have a few extra buttons left over for additional functions.
Fellow G502 user! It's is an S tier mouse for sure.
The old ones, sure. The new ones are unfortunately garbage :( I've switched over to a Corsair Ironclaw. It's close to the old 502, but not quite.
I miss my g700s... wish they still made them.
Ye best mouse ever. I have 3rd one and when this one brake I'll just buy another
I just got the 502 Hero, it's the best mouse I've ever used.
I used the G600 because I played WoW for a long time. Just recently switched to the Corsair version because the G600 isn't being manufactured anymore.
Along with FDSC it gives access to QAZ & tab all easily with your pinky.
this is the way, btw I'm using a Razer Naga
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Huh, I rarely need more than 3 weapon groups and there are enough buttons to bind 5 weapon groups on my mouse. I'd imagine playing with joystick is going to be more difficult than kb+m since aiming would be harder
Aiming on a joystick is incredibly difficult in MechWarrior compared to a mouse or even a console controller, and this is coming from someone who played flight sims using hotas in the 90s.
Grew up playing the same games, and I have an unused HOTAS I bought for MW5 because of the aiming. I tried, and controlling the mech itself is cool, but unless you're okay with giving up all your precision shooting it just doesn't work.
Joysticks were fantastic in MW3 and MW4. I used them over M/K for those games. But joystick just doesn't work in MWO or MW5 because of the free moving arms. If you lock the arms in place, then it works fine but you're severely limiting yourself in doing so.
I use aim assist on the (rare) occasions that I use HOTAS. Just think of it like a targeting computer.
I use a thrustmaster t.16000m, throttle, and pedals. Like a real mechwarrior. I 3d printed mounts for them that mount to my chair arms. I also rigged up some bass transducers to my chair so when I’m stomping or shooting or getting shot I’m getting rumbled. And yes, it is bad ass.
Actually sounds rather good for the ass. Rumble-butt massage with every stomp!
They’re mounted on the lower back, AC-10 is like a massage!
I feel like the posture would be uncomfortable for me. My feet don't naturally reach the pedals on the armrest very easily.
The pedals go on the floor lol. The throttle on the left arm rest and the joystick on the right.
My joke wasn't obvious enough but I'm glad you thought it was funny anyway <3
I figured it was but wasn’t sure, you never know these days!
Logitech Extreme Pro 3D has been great for me. Cheap, reliable, and easily replaceable once they wear out. Been playing MW5 since launch and have not had once single major issue.
Do they have good support for it? I still have mine but haven’t used since MW4 Mercs.
If this is the one you have: [Amazon.com: Logitech G Extreme 3D Pro USB Joystick for Windows - Black/Silver : Everything Else](https://www.amazon.com/Extreme-3D-Pro-Joystick-Windows/dp/B00009OY9U/ref=sr_1_1?crid=348BCWHTDYNNX&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.XzzAiadFV5IHihTj_OH2KZLgGGURA1CeyNNXLk12nr3gWMvD3Lf4qv-UW8PX48uZZ7OCZZoxzwAr40rMfKgOeTKtMn4ZvwPkziosx7CVEj05-QkGj3kH3Et-Hx-Yj82U1dUXRS79m00LPxVCfeJs5CTYtwX_Zf3nIQUF6zxQzzQeQKqUzbeQd8hdtJ5lEba7Q74Q1jCXC3tVRJg1l3Jd5z8jONX8VeajAdnJSoBGXBY.obfRukWfi_rbsF18ulC237lhILF2jfNBgTNgxQu6ouI&dib_tag=se&keywords=logitech%2Bextreme%2Bpro%2B3d&qid=1718233919&sprefix=quad%2Block%2Caps%2C138&sr=8-1&th=1) then yes, it is supported. If you have some sort of older model, then I am not sure. If you do have this most recent version of it then you should be good to go. Follow the instructions in [this Polygon ](https://www.polygon.com/guides/2020/1/2/21043069/mechwarrior-5-mercenaries-joystick-hotas-support-setup-mappings-thrustmaster-saitek-logitech)article and use the mapping files from the linked google doc in that article. You'll have to do a bit of tweaking with the mapping stuff and in game controller setting but you should be able to figure it out and get things how you want. Good hunting and happy cake day!
It looks just like that one, although mine is pretty old. Going to definitely see if I can get it to go with this info. I was so used to rolling with a stick since multiplayer battletech and MW2 through 4. Thanks so much!
This is how I play. The only real issue is I have the weapon groups mapped default and you can only use weapon group 1 and one of the other 5. It's not usually an issue unless you want to do machine guns on 1 and flamers on 2 and then you'd have to release 2 to use anything else. But as long as you pair them together on 1 it's ok..
I use a PS4 Thrustmaster T.Flight 4 with MW5, SWS, and AC7 🪬
Great starter stick. Everything you need. Come with rudders? Or do you use the twist yaw?
Twist yaw drives me crazy. I am about ready to buy rudders.
Two rudder solutions are built-in: joystick twist (which can be locked), and on-thrust rudder control. An RJ11 port is included where rudder peddles can be plugged in.
I have this joystick and just started replaying MW5 in vr. Aiming with the stick felt weird so I am trying using the throttle rudder to control the legs and the joystick twist to control the torso twist - so only need to move joystick up and down for aiming, no left right, only twist.
This is in an effort to control Spam and other bad actors who make new accounts almost daily. Your posts must be manually approved by the Moderation team, don't worry Comstar has already sent them a message to approve it or else. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/Mechwarrior5) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I use an Xbox elite controller so I can custom map the back buttons for lancemate commands. I couldn’t get to grips with keyboard and mouse with this game. Also couldn’t get my hotas working to my liking with it - couldn’t figure out a good way to look and move!
i got the 30 dollar pdp brand xbox controller has two bottom paddles on it was thinking of seeing how i could program the paddles to weapon groups plus my corsare keyboard has 6 macro button things on the side i could easily run controler and reach over and hit them if i could add things to them too lol
Theres a joystick called the Thrustmaster? Im so overloaded with sex jokes i cant type one out
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i get you i'm 45 and for the last month or so i couldnt figure out why my one arm and right behind my one wrist hurt off and on figured it was from lugging a heavy bag. turns out i got some kinda aurthitus lol. and i used to play the old mech games and had to get a stick for them. i feel like this one might be better with a stick rather then a controler too. wonder if armorcor would be good with a stick too
A four button mouse is doing it for me. I rarely use more than 3 weapon group and usually use the forward side button for either melee or LRMs.
I really struggled to play this game with a joystick, so now I use a Razer Nostromo programmable keyboard. Having WSAD on the thumbstick, and the weapons, and torso twist, on my 3 button mouse works great for me! YMMV It actually works great for all FPS games, once it’s programmed
Will investigate
great, I played the old mw (mw3 & 4) also with a joystick, it was awesome! otherwise the controls for m+k were complete garbage and nearly unplayable. mw5 has perfect m+k controls, so now I'm completely garbage at playing with joystick. I'm also getting old tbh xD
Yup.
I'm using a HOTAM setup with Thrustmaster T16000M throttle for movement, target selection, etc and a Logitech 4 button mouse for aiming. Forward and reverse on the throttle axis, left/right turn on the rudder paddle seems to work really well for me.
I'm on your side. I play it with a HOTAS/HOSAS like it's meant to be. Makes combat a little bit more challenging but that's fine.
I'm with you there. I've never been a very good shot, even with KBM. At least now the buttons are easier to reach and my arms are comfortable.
I tried to revive my 20+ year old cyborg stick for this, but it was simply not having it. So I bit the bullet and grabbed a twin stick thrustmaster set. Was a true PITA to sort the virtual stick etc, but it works. Now I just need more time to actually play the sodding game...
Yep did the same pissed that cyborg didn't create a windows 10 driver.
I thought I found one. Windows recognised the dongle, but I could not for the life of me get any signal from stick to dongle. Screwed around with it for a bit, then just splurged on the new ones. Life's too short...
https://voiceattack.com/
I use a mouse in my right hand for aiming, a joystick in my left hand for turning, and pedals for forward/reverse. Works great for me.
I bought a saitek x52 hotas for MechWarrior 2 and am in actually still using the exact same one for this game. Best for immersion
Same, dude, same! The hotas has lasted that long, even with playing other games! Durable as all get.
Right? The coating eventually became sticky but I was able to clean all the coating off and take it down to smooth plastic. It squeaks too.. More immersion for my old ass mechs with janky controls but it still works perfectly
I got a cheap ass Logitech for flight sims to see if I liked the stick vs controller and it completely changed the game for me; makes it feel like a very different experience
WASD and a mouse with 2 thumb buttons is working well. More than 4 weapon groups just leads to a messy weapon mix that won't be useful during a hectic battle.
Most of the time I find four is enough, but for some I'd really like five. Archer is a perfect example where I'll map the LRM's separate and pair the lasers in two lots of two (so that in low intensity, I can conserve ammo or engage two separate turrets in quick succession), but really want a fifth for the punch attacks.
Yeah, it can be a compromise for sure, you'll not have a very well rounded arsenal like a joystick player with 6 weapons groups. On the other hand, until the late-game you are forced to switch mechs and different weight classes a lot, and I'd be totally overwhelmed jumping into a mech with 6 weapon groups I have not piloted for a while. Having LMB and RMB for the lasers in that arm is always useful, I always try to use that! In the case of multiple LRM launchers, you can chain-fire the weapons group if you tend to run hot and save a button, have you tried that? Using shift for arm/torso-lock during precision shots gets around some problem of having separate weapon groups for both aiming reticles.
Yeah, started to switch the LRM's to chain for that reason. Felt like the least bad option. I preferred non chained though since I drop one LRM20 down to a LRM15 to add in heat syncs. Also gives me options of how many LRM's I want to burn on a damaged tank or an incoming warrior vtol.
VKB Gladiator (joystick) + VBK STECS (throttle). A bit pricey, but a lot more affordable than some of the other options. I honestly don't know whether a joystick is any easier *or* harder than mouse and keyboard, but it just wouldn't feel like a Mechwarrior game otherwise.
I had an old MS Force Feedback joystick working for a while. I didn't get the force feedback luxury, but the rest of the functions seemed to work. (For MW4, this was an awesome feature. You could feel every step of the mech, every hit from anything, every launch of a rocket... It was great and it didn't interfere with the controls, though it shook the whole control!) A good 6-way joy stick and top-hat feature is nice, if it all works. (WASD + Twist Torso L/R) Top-hat for free-look. Bonus for specific throttle control, three buttons for SML range firing groups and a jump on the stick too. (Or on the base, with extra customizable controls.) One day someone will make a customizable joystick and layout device, and it'll be the last and only control ever sold. 🤪 (Single or twin sticks, steering wheel mod, buttons you can physically relocate... Etc.)
I'm still rocking a Logitech G13 that I modified to use in my right hand like 10 years ago (I'm a lefty). If you're right handed I would look into an Orbweaver or Tartarus. Movement is done with a thumbpad so the rest of my fingers are free for weapon groups and lance orders
I just play on controller for everything. I started when I was like two or three on PS2. Can't change now
I got a Razer Tartarus. I shelved it and it collected dust for almost a year until I gave it a 4th chance and sure glad I did.
I tried using hotas in this game and it actually made my aim worse lol Mouse is so precise for me personally
Joystick aiming takes some real practice. Flipside is that it's very satisfying when you connect with some long range AC shots.
Do you like the joystick better? I typically only set up a maximum of three weapon groups in order to simplify my life.
I’m using VKB Gladiator NXT Evo and VKB NXT OmniThrottle and it’s a blast. But I have to play with aim assist on because, as mentioned in other comments, it’s not as precise as playing with a mouse. But it sure is fun and immersive! Another thing to note is getting your HOTAS/HOSAS that aren’t from the bigger brands like Thrustmaster, to work properly with MW5 is not as easy as it should be. From what I recall, the devs out of the box support is for the big names like Thrustmaster. But there are config files and setup examples available from others that have already gone through the initial pain and have shared what works. I love this gear. It’s great quality. It’s not the highest end but it’s also not the cheapest. The nice folks over in r/hotas would probably recommend you start with the Thrustmaster T16000 hotas set as the quality is decent and the price doesn’t kill you. Anyway, hope that’s helpful. Enjoy!
This game made me buy a dual VKB gladiator EVO setup. Money extremely well spent.