Guide to Resolving STALKER 2 Stick Drift and Input Lag Issues

At launch, STALKER 2 has stayed true to its series’ reputation by debuting with a plethora of bugs. Many of these issues predominantly affect console players, particularly related to controller support. Common grievances include stick drift and input lag, experienced both with controllers and mouse. In this guide, we will explore effective settings and solutions for addressing stick drift and input lag in STALKER 2.

How to Resolve Stick Drift Issues in STALKER 2

Stick drift can be a significant impediment in STALKER 2, largely due to the configuration of the controller’s deadzone settings. Fortunately, there are several methods to help mitigate this problem if your controller allows for customization:

If you own an Xbox Elite Controller, access the device settings, adjust the thumbstick curve to ‘Delayed’, and calibrate the setting to counteract the drift direction you’re experiencing.
For PC users, you can modify your controller configurations directly through Steam. Navigate to Steam Settings, select the Controller tab, and input your preferred settings within the Calibration & Advanced Settings

Calibration settings for STALKER 2 to fix stick drift — Image Source: Twinfinite

Keep in mind that the deadzone is the area where the joystick does not register any movement. Therefore, if you’re experiencing a slight drift to the right, adjust the calibration slightly to the left to compensate.

Addressing Mouse Input Lag in STALKER 2

Many players find the sluggishness of mouse movement in STALKER 2 quite frustrating, especially when coupled with a noticeable drop in FPS. Here are a few solutions that can alleviate input lag while improving your frame rates:

Switch your display settings to Fullscreen and disable V-Sync. This adjustment can enhance responsiveness but may lead to screen tearing.
Interestingly, toggling V-Sync on and off several times can also enhance responsiveness.
Another option is to modify game configuration files for input smoothing. To do this, locate the file at “C:\Users\{your username}\AppData\Local\Stalker2\Saved\Config\Win\Input.ini” and add the lines:
```
[/script/engine.inputsettings]
    bEnableMouseSmoothing=False
    bViewAccelerationEnabled=False
```
Make sure to save your changes after editing. Note that the AppData folder is hidden by default; you’ll need to enable the view for hidden folders in your file properties.

It’s worth noting that while these adjustments may provide temporary relief, a more permanent solution will ultimately depend on developers releasing a proper patch for the issues faced in STALKER 2. We hope these tips will assist you in overcoming stick drift and input lag challenges.

For further guidance, check out our tips on quickly obtaining coupons and strategies to deal with invisible enemies in the game.

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