How do you turn on controller support in WoW Forever?

  1. Press Escape to open the Game Menu.
  2. Go to Options.
  3. Under Gameplay, pick Gamepad to switch from keyboard and mouse.

Any XInput-compatible controller works, with Xbox and PlayStation button icons. On controllers with lighting, the light turns red for a Horde character and blue for an Alliance one.

A character in Durotar with the gamepad HUD: ability panels laid out like the controller's buttons
Image: Blizzard Entertainment
Source / rights
Image / usage information: © Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. Official screenshots from the WoW: Forever gamepad news post, used for game reporting. · Image source ↗
Short answer

WoW Forever supports XInput controllers, including Xbox and PlayStation pads; turn it on under Escape > Options > Gameplay > Gamepad. LT/RT switch between 4 bars and LB+RB between 3 sets, 84 slots in total. Chat still needs a keyboard.

WoW Forever controller layout: what does each button do?

Blizzard uses Xbox button names. On a PlayStation pad, LB/RB = L1/R1, LT/RT = L2/R2, A = Cross, B = Circle, X = Square, Y = Triangle.

WoW Forever controller layout
ButtonWhat it does
Left stick Move
Right stick Camera
LB Target a friend
RB Target an enemy
A Jump
X Interact
B Back
Y Inspect
Hold LT / RT / LT+RT Other action bars
LB+RB + right stick forward/back Zoom in/out
Menu button Main Menu
View button (overlapping squares) Change Focus Frame

X, A, B and Y can also hold spells.

How do action bars work on a controller?

The HUD shows 4 action bars with the same button layout. Hold LT, RT or LT+RT to switch bars and let go to return to the default one. Blizzard's Mage example puts four spells on the same Up button:

  • Up: Polymorph
  • LT + Up: Fireball
  • RT + Up: Frostbolt
  • LT + RT + Up: Blizzard

On top of that there are 3 bar sets: hold LB+RB and press left or right on the D-pad to swap sets. Each set has 28 slots, so you get 84 slots in total. Separate sets for combat, utility and frequent actions work well.

Close-up of the gamepad HUD: D-pad, X-Y-A-B panels and the LT, RT and LT+RT bars
Image: Blizzard Entertainment
Source / rights
Image / usage information: © Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. Official screenshots from the WoW: Forever gamepad news post, used for game reporting. · Image source ↗

Shortcuts for bags, quests and chat

Hold LB+RB and press:

  • B: open your backpack
  • Up: Quest Tracker
  • Down: chat
  • Y: manage buffs

The same things are in the main radial menu. A button legend sits in the top-left corner, and most windows show their controls in a footer.

The gamepad main radial menu open on the Ratchet docks: character, professions, bags and game menu
Image: Blizzard Entertainment
Source / rights
Image / usage information: © Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. Official screenshots from the WoW: Forever gamepad news post, used for game reporting. · Image source ↗

What can you change in the gamepad settings?

The Gamepad settings cover Camera, HUD Modifier, Frame Focus Style, Action Bars, Targeting and Raid Targeting Options. Practise moving, targeting and using abilities somewhere quiet, then rework the layout as you learn new spells.

Can you play without a keyboard?

Not fully. Blizzard calls controller support a beta: not every screen has a footer yet, and bags and menus are still being reworked. You still need a keyboard to type in chat; a keyboard-free setup is the long-term goal.

New to the game? Start with how to play WoW Forever. Specs and Mac support: WoW Forever system requirements.

FAQ

Does a PS5 DualSense controller work?
Blizzard supports XInput controllers and shows PlayStation icons. On PC you may need something that presents the DualSense as XInput (such as Steam Input); Blizzard hasn't given separate instructions.
Can you raid and PvP on a controller?
There are friendly/hostile targeting and raid targeting options, so tanking, healing and DPS all work on a pad. Keep a keyboard nearby for chat and some menus.