Risk of Rain 2 Steam Deck Controls Not Working

This is a known issue with recent updates to Risk of Rain 2 on Steam Deck (often causing keybindings to show as “Empty” or simply not register).

The most successful community-verified fix right now is forcing a specific Proton version.

Fix 1: Force Proton 9.0-4 (Most Likely Solution)

This is the fix currently working for most users encountering the “blank controls” bug.

1. Go to the Risk of Rain 2 page in your Steam Library.

2. Select the Gear Icon (Manage) on the right side.

3. Select Properties.

4. Navigate to the Compatibility tab.

5. Check the box for “Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool”.

6. In the dropdown menu, select Proton 9.0-4.

   • Note: If 9.0-4 is not available, try a stable version like Proton 8.0-5, but avoid “Proton Experimental” for this specific issue.

7. Let the game update/download the compatibility files and launch it.

Fix 2: Disable Steam Input

If the Proton fix doesn’t work, the game might be fighting with Steam’s built-in input translation.

1. Go to the Risk of Rain 2 page in your library.

2. Select the Controller Icon (right side, near the gear icon).

3. Click the Controller Settings button.

4. Look for a setting to Disable Steam Input (or set it to “Default” if it was changed).

5. Restart the game. RoR2 has native controller support, so it often works better without Steam interfering.

Also Read : 2K26 Patch Notes | Latest Updates – Jan 2026

Fix 3: Disable Crossplay (EOS)

Crossplay with the Epic Games Store has historically broken controller support on the Steam Deck.

1. Launch the game (use the touchscreen if buttons aren’t working).

2. Go to Options -> Gameplay.

3. Find the Crossplay option (sometimes labeled as “Enable Crossplay” or “EOS”).

4. Uncheck/Disable it.

5. Restart the game.

Summary Checklist

• Best Bet: Switch to Proton 9.0-4.

• Alternative: Disable Steam Input.

• Last Resort: Verify game files (Properties > Installed Files > Verify integrity of game files).