Best Death Stranding 2 controller settings for PS5

Death Stranding 2: On The Beach is now out on the PlayStation 5 (PS5) with expanded accessibility and full DualSense integration unlike the last game that was carried over from the PS4. However, the critical configuration settings have slightly shifted, meaning players looking to get 100% of the walking simulator have to spend a little extra time optimizing their experience.

In this guide, we have compiled the ideal settings for the best way to utilize the DualSense in DS2.

What are the best controller settings for Death Stranding 2?

Death Stranding 2 looks absolutely stunning on PS5 (Image via Kojima Productions)

The game's cargo mechanics have been slightly improved from the original title, now that it can leverage the improved motion sensors and haptic feedback mechanism of the DualSense. This makes "Keep Balance" the most important controller setting to customize in Death Strading 2. We recommend setting it to Default or Higher if you're playing the game at 60 FPS. This will prevent any unwanted trigger actions, improving the gameplay slightly.

Now, Death Stranding 2 is not the most graphically forgiving game on PC. While we recommend sticking to the 60 FPS Performance mode, do note that this will cause the game to drop below 4K aggressively. If you're someone who wants the extra quality, the walking movements might feel a janky.

For those playing for long hours, we recommend switching motion controls from physical controller movement to R2 button for BB calming sequences. The game also introduces a boss skip feature, that casual gamers can use while just focusing on the narrative. Hardcore gamers can disable auto-aim and increase camera sensitivity for both axes. However, go easy with the camera acceleration and modify it beyond 1.0 only if you're facing issues with controller hardware.

The detailed controller settings list is as follows:

Core Balance & Movement

• Control Sensitivity for Keeping Your Balance: Default or Higher (DON'T set below Default)
• Controls for Sprinting: Toggle (recommended for comfort)
• Controls for Readying Weapons/Structures: Hold (default)
• Controls for Soothing Lou: Left Stick (disable motion sensor)

Dead Zones & Sensitivity

• Left Stick Dead Zone: 10-15% (adjust for controller drift)
• Right Stick Dead Zone: 5-10%
• Minimum Button Hold Duration: Default (increase for accessibility)

Camera Settings

• [Normal] Horizontal Speed: 3-4 (for exploration)
• [Normal] Vertical Speed: 2-3 (slower for terrain assessment)
• [Normal] Auto-Center: On
• [Aiming] Horizontal Movement Speed: 2-3
• [Aiming] Vertical Movement Speed: 2-3
• [Aiming] Camera Acceleration: 1.0 (don't change)
• [Aiming] Camera Deceleration: 1.0 (don't change)

DualSense Features (PS5)

• Vibration Intensity: Medium-Strong
• Trigger Effect Intensity: Strong (disable if grip issues)
• Controller Sound Effect Output: On (optional)

Aim Assist

• Casual Players: Medium-Strong
• Experienced Players: Off-Weak
• Accessibility: Strong

Graphics & Performance

• Graphics Mode: Prioritize Performance (60fps essential for balance control)

Read more: PS5 DualSense vs Xbox Gamepad

Death Stranding 2 can be taxing on the DualSense's battery life because the game uses haptic feedback to scale the cargo weight. While plugging in may not be practical for a lot of gamers, reducing haptic feedback intensity and disabling controller audio can extend life by 20-30%.

The new game is wildly different from your traditional action title, depending heavily on walking with loads of cargo instead of testing your combat reflexes. However, if properly configured, Death Stranding 2 plays well on the DualSense.

Edited by Arka Mukherjee