import { Tip, Warning, Info, ProTip } from "@/components/mdx"

Dear Passengers Controller Layout: Complete Console Controls

Dear Passengers was designed with controller play as a first-class experience, not an afterthought. Whether you are on PS5 or Xbox Series X|S, the control scheme has been thoughtfully mapped to take advantage of each platform's unique features, from DualSense haptic feedback to impulse triggers. This guide covers every button, stick, and control combination across both console families and compares controller play against keyboard and mouse so you can decide which setup works best for your cockpit.

Why Controller Matters in Dear Passengers

Flying a commercial airliner involves a lot of simultaneous inputs. You need to control the aircraft's attitude, manage throttle, interact with cockpit panels, issue crew commands, and communicate with ATC -- often within seconds of each other. A well-designed controller layout lets you keep your hands in one place while accessing all of these functions through button combinations and contextual menus. The developers spent significant effort on the controller experience, and it shows.

The controller layout is also fully customizable. If the default bindings do not work for your hands or playstyle, you can remap nearly every function from the Settings menu. We recommend spending your first 10 minutes with the default layout, noting what feels awkward, and then adjusting. More on customization later in this guide.

PS5 Complete Button Map

The DualSense controller brings haptic feedback and adaptive triggers to Dear Passengers, making it the most immersive way to play on console. Here is the full default layout.

Flight Controls

Camera Controls

Systems and Menus

Interaction Mode

When you need to interact with specific cockpit switches, buttons, or dials, hold L2 to enter Interaction Mode. This changes the control scheme temporarily:

<Info> Interaction Mode is the most commonly overlooked feature by new console players. It is what lets you interact with cockpit panels with precision, rather than relying on imprecise free-look. Practice entering and exiting it smoothly before your first flight. </Info>

Xbox Complete Button Map

The Xbox layout mirrors the PS5 layout in most respects, with button labels adjusted for the Xbox controller. The primary differences arise from the controller's physical design -- no touchpad and different trigger features.

Flight Controls

Camera Controls

Systems and Menus

Interaction Mode

Interaction Mode on Xbox works the same way as on PS5:

Haptic Feedback and Adaptive Triggers (PS5)

The PS5 version of Dear Passengers makes excellent use of the DualSense controller's haptic capabilities. These features are on by default but can be adjusted or disabled in Settings.

Haptic Feedback

The haptics convey information that you would otherwise need to read from instruments:

• Engine vibration: You can feel rough-running engines through the controller before a warning light illuminates. An unbalanced vibration pattern signals an engine issue before the gauges show it.
• Turbulence: Light chop produces gentle haptic pulses. Severe turbulence shakes the controller proportionally, giving you physical feedback that helps you anticipate corrections.
• Gear deployment: You feel a distinct thunk through the controller when landing gear locks into place.
• Ground contact: The moment of touchdown produces a satisfying haptic event that differs based on landing smoothness -- smooth landings produce a gentle rumble, while hard landings deliver a sharper jolt.
• Stall buffet: As you approach a stall, the controller vibrates with increasing intensity, providing a physical stall warning in addition to the audible and visual alerts.

<ProTip> Pro Tip: Do not disable haptics until you have tried them for at least three flights. Many players initially find them distracting but quickly realize they provide early warning of problems that are easy to miss on the instrument panel alone. </ProTip>

Adaptive Triggers

The adaptive triggers on PS5 add resistance layers to L2 and R2:

• Throttle detents: The triggers have subtle resistance points at idle, climb, and takeoff/go-around power settings. This helps you set throttle levels by feel rather than by looking at the gauge.
• Wheel brakes: When taxiing, the brake lever (L2 by default) has progressive resistance that mimics the feel of actual brake pressure.
• Yaw under load: At high speeds, the yaw triggers (L2/R2 when configured for rudder) stiffen slightly, reflecting the increased aerodynamic forces on the rudder.

Haptic Sensitivity Settings

You can find haptic and trigger settings under Settings > Controller > Haptics. The options include:

• Haptic Intensity: Default is 80 percent. Reduce if you find it distracting; increase if you want stronger physical feedback.
• Trigger Resistance: Default is Medium. Low disables the adaptive resistance; High makes resistance more pronounced.
• Engine Vibration Only: An option for players who want mechanical feedback but not environmental effects.
• Disable During Cruise: Automatically reduces haptic intensity during the cruise phase when there are fewer events.

Xbox Impulse Triggers

The Xbox Series X|S controller features impulse triggers -- independent vibration motors in LT and RT. Dear Passengers uses these for:

• Engine status: The left trigger vibrates for engine 1, the right trigger for engine 2. An imbalance in vibration between triggers signals an asymmetric engine condition.
• Ground handling feedback: During taxi, the triggers provide subtle feedback about surface conditions -- smooth for clean tarmac, rougher for grooved or uneven surfaces.
• Stall warning: Both triggers pulse in unison as you approach a stall.

Impulse trigger intensity can be adjusted under Settings > Controller > Impulse Triggers on Xbox.

Controller vs. Keyboard and Mouse

Both input methods are fully supported, and neither is strictly superior. Here is an honest comparison to help you choose.

Controller Strengths

• Analog flight control: Sticks provide smooth, graduated pitch and roll inputs that are harder to achieve with keyboard keys, which are binary on/off.
• Ergonomics for long sessions: A controller in your lap is more comfortable for multi-hour flights than hunching over a keyboard.
• Haptic information: The physical feedback from haptics and impulse triggers provides information that keyboard players must gather visually.
• Crew command wheel: The radial menu was designed around a thumbstick; it is slightly clunkier with a mouse.

Keyboard and Mouse Strengths

• Cockpit interaction: Clicking on individual cockpit switches and dials is faster and more precise with a mouse than with the controller's Interaction Mode.
• More hotkeys: A keyboard gives you direct access to many more functions without needing combination presses or menu navigation.
• Text communication: If you play co-op with text chat rather than voice, a keyboard is obviously faster.
• Camera control: Free-look with a mouse is more responsive for scanning the instrument panel quickly.

The Hybrid Approach on PC

Many PC players use a hybrid setup: a joystick or controller in the left hand for flight controls and a mouse in the right hand for cockpit interaction. Dear Passengers supports simultaneous input from multiple devices, so you can mix and match freely.

<Info> If you play on PC with a controller and occasionally use the mouse, the game seamlessly switches between input displays. Controller button prompts appear when you use the controller; keyboard prompts appear when you use the mouse. There is no need to change a setting. </Info>

Customization Options

Every major control can be remapped. The customization menu is under Settings > Controls > Customize Layout. Here are the most common customizations recommended by experienced players.

Recommended Rebinds

• Move Crew Command Wheel to a bumper: The default hold-Triangle (or hold-Y on Xbox) requires taking your thumb off the left stick, which is also your pitch/roll control. Rebinding to L1+R1 (or LB+RB) lets you issue crew commands without losing flight control.
• Separate rudder from triggers: If you are comfortable with twist-stick rudder (pressing R3 or RS), you can free up L2/R2 for other functions. Some players assign L2/R2 to independent left and right wheel brakes for more precise ground handling.
• Quick-access Cabin Status: Bind cabin status to a single button press rather than hold. During emergencies, faster access to cabin information can be critical.

Stick Sensitivity Curves

The controller settings also include sensitivity curve adjustments for the analog sticks:

• Linear: Raw stick input with no curve. Best for players who want maximum precision near the center.
• Adaptive: The default curve. Mild deadzone in the center, with sensitivity increasing toward the edges. Good all-around option.
• Precision: A gentler curve with less sensitivity near the center. Good for smooth, deliberate flying, especially during approach and landing.
• Custom: Draw your own curve. Recommended for advanced players who know exactly how they want the aircraft to respond.

<ProTip> Pro Tip: Try the Precision curve if you find yourself overcorrecting during landings. It reduces small unintentional stick movements that can make the approach feel twitchy. </ProTip>

Control Tips for Specific Flight Phases

Different phases of flight reward different control habits.

Takeoff

• Smooth throttle application is more important than quick throttle application. Use the trigger detents (PS5) or practice consistent pressure (Xbox).
• Keep your right thumb on the right stick during the initial climb to scan instruments with free-look.
• Pre-load the crew command wheel with your next task before you need it.

Cruise

• This is when you can safely enter Interaction Mode to perform detailed systems checks.
• Use the Quick Views (touchpad swipes or View Button combinations) to jump between cockpit panels efficiently.
• Practice the controller shortcuts for the systems you check most often.

Approach and Landing

• Reduce your stick sensitivity mentally -- make smaller, more deliberate inputs.
• Pre-configure your quick views for the primary flight display and the approach chart.
• Haptic feedback during landing provides instant quality feedback; pay attention to it.

Troubleshooting Common Controller Issues

"My controller stops vibrating mid-flight."

This is usually the Disable During Cruise setting. Check Settings > Controller > Haptics and set it to Off if you want continuous feedback.

"I cannot click cockpit switches accurately."

Make sure you are entering Interaction Mode (hold L2/LT) rather than trying to interact from free-look. Interaction Mode freezes the camera and gives you cursor precision.

"The controls feel sluggish."

Check your stick sensitivity curve. Linear or Adaptive curves are more responsive than Precision. Also verify that you do not have a deadzone set too large.

"My custom bindings reset after an update."

Bindings are saved locally and can occasionally reset after major patches. Export your bindings from Settings > Controls > Export Layout to keep a backup.

Final Thoughts

The controller experience in Dear Passengers is genuinely well-crafted. Whether you are on PS5 with the full haptic suite or on Xbox with impulse triggers, the controls are designed to give you situational awareness through multiple channels -- visual, auditory, and tactile. Take the time to learn the default layout, customize what does not feel right, and practice using Interaction Mode until it is second nature. Your passengers will thank you.

For more control-related guidance, check out our full controls section. If you are playing co-op and want to coordinate control setups with your partner, our co-op strategy guide has tips on dividing responsibilities effectively.