Follow the documented input path first
Team Cherry's Help page says the game was updated to Unity's new Input System to support a broader range of controllers, while noting that some setups remain unsupported. It directs affected PC players to additional platform-specific options in Advanced Settings, including an option to switch back to the previous system. The developer's Patch 2 note also said further PC controller-support improvements were a priority; that statement is historical context, not a promise that a specific device is now fixed.
- Write down Windows, Mac or Linux, the storefront/launcher, game version and controller model. Disconnect any second controller so the test has one variable.
- Launch the game and inspect its Advanced Settings for the platform-specific controller/input options described by Team Cherry. Menu names or choices may vary by platform/build.
- If the previous input system option is present, switch to it once, then test the same controller in the same menu or safe area. If behavior gets worse, return to the prior option.
- Record what changed: detected/not detected, wrong buttons, duplicate inputs, or intermittent disconnect. Do not describe a menu-only response as a gameplay test.
- If neither documented mode works, check Team Cherry's live Help page and submit the exact setup through its bug form. Compare community posts only when platform, controller and version match.
Symptom-to-next-check table
This table stays within the developer's published troubleshooting boundary; it does not prescribe unverified driver installs or third-party remapping utilities.
| Observation | Next useful check | What not to conclude |
|---|---|---|
| Controller absent in Silksong on PC | Check Advanced Settings and test the documented previous-input-system option if present | That the controller is defective or unsupported everywhere |
| Inputs appear but behave strangely | Record the exact mapping/symptom in each input mode; change one option at a time | That a patch fixed all controller layouts |
| Problem occurs only through one launcher or device | Record launcher, OS and controller model, then compare same-build reports | That an unrelated community post proves a cause |
| Console controller issue | Use the console platform's current support route; this page's input-system toggle is PC support guidance | That the PC menu instructions apply to console |
References: Team Cherry: Hollow Knight: Silksong Help · Team Cherry: Silksong Patch 2 Now Live
Prepare a useful report
Team Cherry links a bug-report form from its Help page. A concise report should let the developer distinguish device detection from game input mapping: platform and OS version, store/launcher, game build, controller model/connection, exact symptom, whether the issue is repeatable and which documented input mode was selected. Remove account names, Steam IDs and profile/save details from screenshots.
References: Team Cherry: Hollow Knight: Silksong Help · Team Cherry: Bug report form · Hollow Knight: Silksong Steam Discussions
When neither documented input mode helps
Do not install an unverified remapping utility or change several driver layers at once on the strength of an unrelated forum post. First recheck Team Cherry's Help page for your platform/build, then submit a minimal reproducible case through the official form. Community discussions can help you compare like-for-like setups, but a post is a lead—not proof that the same fix applies to your controller.
- Preserve the controller model, connection type, OS, launcher and game build in your notes.
- State whether the controller is missing entirely, mapped incorrectly or disconnecting, and whether the documented input-system toggle changed it.
- If you share a report with the player forum, remove account identifiers and label the post with its build and platform.
References: Team Cherry: Hollow Knight: Silksong Help · Team Cherry: Bug report form · Hollow Knight: Silksong Steam Discussions
Before you play
- This procedure is for PC, not a console controller issue.
- I recorded the installed build, platform, launcher and controller model.
- I changed only the documented input-system option and compared the same symptom.
- I kept account identifiers out of screenshots and community posts.
Frequently asked questions
Should I immediately reinstall Silksong?
Team Cherry's published troubleshooting starts with platform-specific Advanced Settings for PC controller issues. This guide recommends checking that documented route first; it does not claim reinstalling will never be needed.
Does the old input-system option guarantee compatibility?
No. Team Cherry says some specific setups remain unsupported. The option is a troubleshooting path, not a compatibility guarantee.
Does Patch 2 mean my controller issue is already fixed?
No. The Patch 2 announcement says further controller support work was planned for PC, not that every controller or input issue was resolved.
Sources & revision notes
Editorial revision: November 5, 2026; not a gameplay test date. The reference notes identify source limits and version differences.
- Team Cherry: Hollow Knight: Silksong Help (Official)
Developer help page checked November 5, 2026. It documents the PC controller input-system options, Select Profile auto-saves and overwrite warning, PC save paths, version-incompatible behavior and save-write troubleshooting. No local save or controller was tested.
- Team Cherry: Silksong Patch 2 Now Live (Official)
Developer announcement for version 1.0.28650, dated September 23 and stated as available on all platforms. It describes selected fixes and says further PC controller-support work was planned; this is not a guarantee that every setup is supported or a claim about a later build.
- Team Cherry: Bug report form (Official)
Official bug-report destination linked from the developer help page. Use for a reproducible issue after checking the current help page; do not attach private account or profile details.
- Hollow Knight: Silksong Steam Discussions (Community)
Player-run Steam forum. Treat posts as individual reports, not verified fixes; compare platform and exact game version and protect profile identifiers before sharing screenshots.
November 5, 2026: added a PC-only input-system decision path from Team Cherry's Help page. No controller or installed build was tested.
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