How to Fix Controller Lag in Clair Obscur Expedition 33 on PC
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an emotionally rich, visually stunning turn-based RPG where timing and precision are everything. And since timing is everything on the battlefield, fluid controls can mean the difference between victory and defeat. Unfortunately, controller lag will make playing this game extremely tough and ruin the immersive experience. So follow along as this guide walks you through the most effective ways to fix controller lag in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 on PC.
How to Fix Controller Lag in Clair Obscur Expedition 33 on PC
In most cases, controller lag and random FPS dips are tied to low battery levels, outdated firmware, or software conflicts that affect not just Clair Obscur, but a wide range of modern PC games. If your controller keeps disconnecting and reconnecting, or if there’s noticeable input delay when exploring or fighting, the culprit is often one of two things:
-
Battery issues – Low or unstable battery levels can cause latency or unexpected disconnects.
-
Firmware problems – Outdated firmware can prevent your controller from working smoothly with newer games and driver updates.
Both issues can combine to create significant lag. Fortunately, they’re also relatively easy to address.
How to Update Your Xbox Wireless Controller Firmware
If you’re using an Xbox controller, updating the firmware is a critical first step in eliminating lag:
-
Install the Xbox Accessories app from the Microsoft Store.
-
Connect your controller via a USB cable to ensure a stable connection.
-
Open the app, which will automatically detect your controller and prompt you if an update is available.
-
Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the firmware update.
⚠️ Important: Do not unplug your controller during this process. -
After the update, close the app and go to Settings > Devices, then remove the Xbox controller from the list.
-
Restart your PC, reconnect the controller, and test it in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33.
How to Update PS5 Wireless Controller Firmware
For those using a PlayStation DualSense controller:
-
Download the Firmware Updater for DualSense Wireless Controllers from Sony’s official website.
-
Install and launch the updater on your PC.
-
Connect your PS5 controller via USB, then follow the prompts to download and install any available updates.
-
Keep the controller connected throughout the process to avoid corruption or interruptions.
-
After the update completes, disconnect and reconnect your controller before launching Clair Obscur to test for input lag.
Could Your Controller Be Causing Lag in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33?
Wondering whether your controller is the source of the issue? Here's how to find out:
-
Make sure your controller is fully charged.
-
Confirm that your controller's firmware is up to date.
-
Test another controller or try switching to a wired connection. Bluetooth interference can sometimes introduce latency.
If lag doesn't go away even after updating and switching connections, you may be dealing with a software or hardware conflict. This could include issues with:
-
In-game settings like V-Sync, frame caps, or input latency compensation.
-
Outdated graphics drivers may cause stuttering even with controller input.
-
Background applications, such as overlays (e.g., Discord, GeForce Experience) or recording tools that might interfere with game performance.
Tips to Optimise Game Performance for Controller Use
Here are additional steps to improve Clair Obscur: Expedition 33's performance and responsiveness:
-
Lower graphics settings (temporarily) to test if performance impacts input delay.
-
Disable Steam Input: Right-click the game in your Steam Library → Properties > Controller → Set to Disable Steam Input.
-
Use Game Mode in Windows: Turn on Windows Game Mode under Settings > Gaming > Game Mode to prioritise system resources.
-
Close unnecessary background processes, especially those that use CPU or GPU power.