Risk of Rain 2 controls can stop responding on Steam Deck when the game build, SteamOS, Proton, or the controller layout falls out of sync. Start with the current update path, then move through the Steam Deck fixes that clear broken, scrambled, or unassigned inputs. These steps cover the Steam version on Steam Deck LCD and OLED as of September 2026.
Install the latest Risk of Rain 2 update
Start here because the Steam version received a Steam Deck controls fix through the game update channel.
Open Steam on your Steam Deck.
Go to Library and select Risk of Rain 2.
Choose Update if Steam shows that button.
If the button says Play, open Downloads and check for a queued or scheduled Risk of Rain 2 update, because a per-game Automatic Updates setting of Only update this game when I launch it or an auto-update time window can hold a patch back. Launching the game also forces a pending update to install.
Keep Steam online until the update finishes, then launch the game again.
Update SteamOS and restart the Deck
Open Steam.
Go to Settings.
Select System.
Check Software Updates and install any available Steam Deck update.
Open Steam, choose Power, and select Restart.
Restarting after the update gives SteamOS and Risk of Rain 2 a clean controller session.
Use Proton 9.0-4 for unassigned controls
Use Proton 9.0-4 when Risk of Rain 2 launches on Steam Deck or Linux but the controller schematics or keybinds appear unassigned.
Open Library, select Risk of Rain 2, and open the game’s Options or cog menu. Go to Properties, open Compatibility, and turn on Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool.
Choose Proton 9.0-4, then relaunch Risk of Rain 2. Let Steam finish preparing the Proton files before testing movement, camera control, and menus.
Disable Steam Input for Risk of Rain 2
When bindings are scrambled or the Deck controls act like the wrong buttons, switch off Steam Input for this game and let Risk of Rain 2 use native controller support.
Open Library, select Risk of Rain 2, and go to Properties. Open Controller, choose Override for Risk of Rain 2, and set it to Disable Steam Input.
In Steam Deck Game Mode, reach the same setting from the game page: select the gamepad icon to open controller settings, choose the cog icon beside Edit Layout, and select Disable Steam Input.
Close the menu and restart Risk of Rain 2 before testing movement, camera control, jump, interact, and menu navigation.
If controls still do not respond correctly, use Proton 9.0-4 or rebuild the controller layout in Steam.
Apply a fresh controller layout
This method applies when the game opens and most inputs work, but one stick or button is mapped incorrectly. It is also the right place to fix camera-stick behavior without reinstalling the game.
Open Library, select Risk of Rain 2, and choose the gamepad icon or Controller Settings.
Open Current Layout, then choose Browse Community Layouts or Templates.
Apply a clean layout and relaunch Risk of Rain 2.
For camera-stick trouble, open Edit Layout, go to Joysticks, and set Right Joystick Behavior to Joystick Mouse.
Verify files after removing mods
Mods can leave the install in a state where controller behavior is hard to diagnose. Remove all mods first, then check the Steam files.
Open Library, select Risk of Rain 2, and go to Properties. Choose Installed Files, then select Verify integrity of game files.
Wait for Steam to finish the scan and replace any missing or changed files. Launch Risk of Rain 2 without mods, then test the Deck controls before adding anything back.
If file verification does not fix the controls, reinstall the DLC first, then reinstall the full game and DLC.
Reinstall Risk of Rain 2
Use reinstalling after updates, Proton settings, Steam Input changes, controller layouts, and file verification have failed. Start with DLC, then move to the full game and DLC if the controls still fail.
Open Library and select Risk of Rain 2.
Open Manage.
Choose Uninstall.
Return to Library, select Risk of Rain 2, and choose Install.
Launch the game before changing controller settings again.
A clean reinstall is most useful after heavy troubleshooting, mods, or DLC changes.
Try another controller and contact 2K
Use these last steps when the Deck controls work elsewhere, but Risk of Rain 2 still refuses to behave.
If an Xbox One or Xbox Series X/S controller has no right-stick camera movement, disconnect that controller.
Pair or plug in another controller type, then relaunch Risk of Rain 2.
For Bluetooth pairing on Steam Deck, open Steam, go to Settings, then open Bluetooth.
Turn on Bluetooth and pair the controller.
If the issue persists, submit a request through 2K Support, choose Risk of Rain 2, and include your Steam Deck model, SteamOS version, controller type, Proton version, screenshots or video, and whether mods are installed.
Skip old fixes that edit saved profile XML files or delete Rewired DLL files. Use the game update, SteamOS update, Proton 9.0-4, Steam Input settings, file verification, reinstalling, or 2K Support instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Risk of Rain 2 controls not working on Steam Deck?
The current causes include an outdated Risk of Rain 2 build, SteamOS needing an update or restart, unassigned controller schematics on Linux or Steam Deck, Steam Input conflicts, bad controller layouts, mods, or damaged game files.
Should I use Proton 9.0-4 for Risk of Rain 2 on Steam Deck?
Use Proton 9.0-4 when Risk of Rain 2 shows unassigned controller schematics or keybinds on Steam Deck or Linux. Set it from Properties, Compatibility, then relaunch the game.
Should Steam Input be on or off for Risk of Rain 2?
Turn Steam Input off for Risk of Rain 2 when bindings are broken or scrambled. Set the per-game override to Disable Steam Input, restart the game, and test the controls again.
Do I need to reinstall Risk of Rain 2 to fix Steam Deck controls?
Reinstall only after updating the game, updating and restarting SteamOS, trying Proton 9.0-4, disabling Steam Input, applying a fresh layout, and verifying files.