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Factorio adds controller support in experimental update

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Good news for Steam Deck and gamepad fans, as official controller support is coming to Factorio and you can try it out right now. Released in experimental v1.1.83 they note you just need to change over the input method in the settings -> controls menu. Then you will get proper gamepad controls and glyphs telling you what to do.

To access it on Steam simply go into the Properties -> Betas menu and select at least version 1.1.83. You can also select to keep on the latest 1.1 experimental version if you wish.

Looking forward to kicking-back and relaxing some more with this. It's been a while since playing Factorio properly but gamepad support always makes me look at games again, it's so much nicer to relax with rather than feeling forced to sit at a desk after a long day.

Checking it today on Steam Deck the controls do seem to work quite well, although no doubt they'll be making improvements over time since this is only in the experimental build. Sometimes selecting the right building can be difficult when they're right next to each other but that's what testing is for right? Still getting used to it but after only a few minutes you can get pretty quick with the various binds.

Time to get started then…

Pictured - Factorio on Steam Deck with gamepad controls.

Will you play through Factorio with a controller?

Factorio is available to buy on GOGHumble Store and Steam. It has Native Linux support.

Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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About the author -
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I am the owner of GamingOnLinux. After discovering Linux back in the days of Mandrake in 2003, I constantly came back to check on the progress of Linux until Ubuntu appeared on the scene and it helped me to really love it. You can reach me easily by emailing GamingOnLinux directly. Find me on Mastodon.
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8 comments

JLSalvador Jun 16, 2023
Hello.

Remember to choose the "Gamepad with Precise Mouse" as the Steam Input template.

You can push the right joystick to set the cursor mode as a mouse pointer, for more precise selections. Remember that you can use the touchpad to move the cursor as a mouse pointer.

The control tips are handily. Good update.
hardpenguin Jun 16, 2023
It... it didn't have controller support before? B.. but they had a Nintendo Switch release already 😵‍💫
Liam Dawe Jun 16, 2023
Quoting: hardpenguinIt... it didn't have controller support before? B.. but they had a Nintendo Switch release already 😵‍💫
A lot of console ports a done by a third-party, and they end up having their own code-base that's separate.
Mar2ck Jun 16, 2023
Quoting: Liam DaweA lot of console ports a done by a third-party, and they end up having their own code-base that's separate.
Yup it's the same case with The Sims 4 and Civilization VI. It's yet another downside of using porting companies over in-house multi-platform development.
Benedolt Jun 16, 2023
Quoting: Liam DaweA lot of console ports a done by a third-party, and they end up having their own code-base that's separate.

In the case of Factorio a single (in-house) developer worked on the controls for the switch port. And after that was released he spent all his time fixing the switch version before moving on to the Steam Deck. That's what they said in an update last December.
So they just seem to have a small team. :)
Arten Jun 17, 2023
Quoting: Benedolt
Quoting: Liam DaweA lot of console ports a done by a third-party, and they end up having their own code-base that's separate.

In the case of Factorio a single (in-house) developer worked on the controls for the switch port. And after that was released he spent all his time fixing the switch version before moving on to the Steam Deck. That's what they said in an update last December.
So they just seem to have a small team. :)

Yes small team. It look like they have whole team on web listed. They have 13 programmers (Web included) and one of them is part-timer. Part-timer is one who work on linux support :-)
Soulprayer Jun 17, 2023
That changes EVERYTHING! *puts his legs up and lies in the chair*
anewson Jun 25, 2023
finally earning that price increase
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