I remember the first time I booted up Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, ready to immerse myself in the vast universe of the grimdark future. My squad was prepped, my mission was set, and then—nothing. My gamepad refused to respond. Frustration set in as I fumbled through settings, reconnected my controller, and even restarted my system. If you’ve found yourself in a similar situation, you’re not alone. Many players experience Wh40K Rogue Trader gamepad not working issues, and the good news is that most of these problems can be fixed with a few simple steps.

Whether your gamepad isn’t responding at all, suffers from configuration problems, or has intermittent connectivity issues, we’re here to help you get back into the game. Let’s break down the most common causes and solutions so you can return to commanding your squad without further delay.

Common Gamepad Issues in Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader

If your Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader gamepad not present issue is disrupting your gameplay, it’s essential to pinpoint the cause. Gamepad issues typically fall into three main categories:

• Gamepad configuration problems – The game may not recognize your controller, or the button layout may be incorrect.
• Controller issue – Your controller might not be detected at all due to connection or driver problems.
• Hardware malfunctions – A faulty cable, outdated firmware, or port issues could be to blame.

Let’s explore each of these problems in detail and how to resolve them.

1. Fixing Gamepad Configuration Problems

One of the most frustrating issues occurs when the game recognizes your controller but fails to register inputs correctly. This can happen if Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader doesn’t automatically map your gamepad or defaults to keyboard and mouse.

How to fix it:

• Check the in-game settings: Open the game’s control settings and manually select your gamepad as the preferred input device.
• Remap controls: If your buttons aren’t responding correctly, manually adjust the control scheme within the game’s settings.
• Restart the game with the controller connected: Some games only recognize controllers if they are plugged in before launching.

If these steps don’t work, your issue might stem from a deeper software or hardware conflict.

2. Controller Not Recognized by the Game

Sometimes, your gamepad won’t be detected at all, leaving you with no control over your character. This controller issue can stem from multiple factors, including USB connection issues, conflicting peripherals, or missing drivers.

Solutions to try:

• Reconnect your controller: Unplug and plug it back into a different USB port.
• Disable conflicting devices: If other input devices like a steering wheel or joystick are connected, try unplugging them.
• Run the game as an administrator: This can resolve permission-related issues that prevent device recognition.
• Try a wired connection: If you’re using a wireless controller, switching to a wired connection may help.

If the issue persists, it may be time to investigate driver-related problems.

3. Update or Reinstall Gamepad Drivers

Your gamepad might not work due to outdated or missing drivers. This is a common issue for players experiencing gamepad configuration problems or Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader gamepad not present errors.

How to fix driver issues:

• Update drivers: Visit your gamepad manufacturer’s website (Xbox, PlayStation, Logitech, etc.) and download the latest drivers.
• Uninstall and reinstall drivers: Go to Device Manager, find your gamepad, right-click, and select Uninstall device. Then, unplug and reconnect the controller to reinstall the drivers automatically.
• Check for Windows updates: Sometimes, missing system updates can cause compatibility problems with controllers.

After updating, restart your system and test the gamepad in Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader.

4. Steering Wheel Not Recognized

If you’re using a steering wheel instead of a traditional gamepad and it’s not working, the issue may stem from driver compatibility or incorrect game settings.

Fixing the Steering Wheel not recognized issue:

• Ensure your wheel is properly connected before launching the game.
• Update your steering wheel drivers from the manufacturer’s website.
• Check the control settings in-game to ensure the wheel is selected as the primary input device.
• Test a different USB port to rule out hardware-related issues.

Some steering wheels require additional software to be configured properly, so double-check with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

5. Missing or Corrupt OpenXR_Loader.dll File

If you’ve encountered a Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader gamepad not present error, it might be due to a missing or corrupt openxr_loader.dll file. This DLL is crucial for game functionality, especially for VR players.

To fix this issue:

• Verify game files: If you’re using Steam, right-click the game, go to Properties > Installed Files > Verify Integrity of Game Files. This will restore any missing or corrupted files.
• Manually reinstall the DLL: If verification doesn’t work, download the openxr_loader.dll file from a trusted source and place it in the game’s installation directory.

6. Test the Gamepad on Other Devices

Before concluding that your controller is faulty, test it on another device. Try connecting it to a different PC, console, or even another game. If the controller works elsewhere, the issue is likely game-specific and not hardware-related.

If it doesn’t work on any device, consider replacing the controller or troubleshooting further at a hardware level.

7. Try a Different Gamepad

If all else fails, borrowing a different gamepad to test in Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader can help determine if the issue is with your controller or the game itself. If the second gamepad works, your original controller may have hardware faults.

Big Problems, Simple Fixes

Dealing with a Wh40K Rogue Trader gamepad not working issue can be frustrating, but the good news is that most problems have simple fixes. Whether you’re facing gamepad configuration problems, a controller issue, or the Steering Wheel not recognized error, troubleshooting step by step will help you identify and resolve the problem.

Start by checking your game’s settings, updating your drivers, and verifying the game’s files. If the issue persists, testing different USB ports, using a wired connection, or trying a different gamepad can help determine whether the fault lies in the game or the hardware.

With these fixes, you’ll be back to leading your squad in Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader in no time. Happy gaming!