City Transport Simulator 2026 features full controller support on PC, but players on Steam Deck frequently encounter issues where face buttons, bumpers, and triggers stop responding entirely. According to community troubleshooting threads on the Steam forums, switching the game to run under Proton 9.0-4 restores controller recognition and fixes unresponsive inputs.
The Steam Deck Controls Bug
City Transport Simulator 2026 (developed and published by ViewApp) officially lists full controller support, including custom control mapping and gamepad profiles. However, players running the game on Steam Deck have reported that the system fails to register the built-in handheld controls as an active gamepad.
Players reporting the issue describe several specific symptoms:
- Only the left analog stick functions, while all other physical buttons fail to register.
- Menu navigation buttons such as Left Bumper (LB) and Right Bumper (RB) become unresponsive.
- Face buttons and triggers fail to respond, preventing players from confirming options or holding B to exit menus.
How to Fix Steam Deck Controls Using Proton 9.0-4
Player reports confirm that this input failure is related to how specific Proton versions communicate controller inputs to the game rather than a hardware breakdown. Multiple users resolved the bug by forcing the game to use Proton 9.0-4 in the Steam Deck settings.
- Open your Steam Deck Library and select City Transport Simulator 2026.
- Check the box labeled Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool.
- Select Proton 9.0-4 from the drop-down list.
- Launch the game and test your inputs in the main menu and during vehicle operation.
Known Proton Issues and Anti-Piracy Warnings
While switching compatibility tools solves the input failure for most players, compatibility across different Proton builds remains inconsistent:
| Proton Version | Reported Behavior | Source Observation |
|---|---|---|
| Proton 11-2 | Menu buttons, RB, and LB fail to register | Player forum report |
| Proton 9.0-4 | Full button and analog stick functionality restored | Confirmed working by multiple forum users |
| General Proton 9 variants | Buttons function, but can trigger a false anti-piracy error when starting routes | Reported in Steam Deck discussion thread |
One player noted that while testing an unspecified Proton 9 release, the buttons began working, but starting a route triggered an in-game warning stating that unauthorized copying is a crime and instructed the user to quit. If you encounter this error after altering compatibility tools, verify game files through Steam or test Proton 9.0-4 specifically, which multiple players verified restored controls without breaking route launches.
Official Controller Options and Settings
Developer ViewApp designed City Transport Simulator 2026 with multiple control schemes to support its bus and tram driving mechanics. When controls function properly, the game provides:
- Preconfigured profiles for gamepads, wheels, and joysticks.
- Custom control mapping to rebind individual actions across your devices.
- Full simulation mode (modeling every cab button and system) alongside an Easy mode for relaxed driving.
- Interactive cockpit toggles alongside physical controller shortcuts for door controls, ticketing machines, and dynamic wipers.
If controller updates or hotfixes are released by ViewApp, players can verify patch notes directly through the official Steam Community Hub or Steam store page for App 4148530.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does City Transport Simulator 2026 officially support controllers?
Yes. Official Steam store data confirms full controller support, including gamepads, joysticks, keyboard, and steering wheels with custom key mapping.
Why are only the left stick and no buttons working on my Steam Deck?
This is a recognized compatibility bug where the game fails to recognize the Deck handheld buttons as an active gamepad. Forcing Proton 9.0-4 in the game properties menu resolves the problem according to player reports.
Can I play City Transport Simulator 2026 with an external gamepad on Steam Deck?
Yes. The game natively accepts Xbox controllers and general gamepads, which are also listed in the minimum system requirements on Steam.
