Ultimate Control Guide: Keyboard, Mouse & Controller Fixes in Clair Obscur (Patch 1.2.3)

Controls are everything in a game like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, where perfect parries and precise dodges can mean the difference between a clean kill and getting Paint Caged mid-combo. But until Patch 1.2.3, many players were dealing with input delay, dropped controls, and frustrating remap bugs.

If you’ve been playing on mouse and keyboard or a controller and struggling to make your inputs count, this post-patch guide is for you. Here’s how to optimize your control settings across all input methods and avoid lingering bugs.


What Patch 1.2.3 Fixed (And Why It Matters)

Before the patch, players experienced:

  • Delayed responses after switching Paint Bearers.

  • Controllers dropping input during cutscenes.

  • Custom remaps not saving between sessions.

  • Mouse smoothing making combat feel "floaty."

Now, after Patch 1.2.3:

  • Controller input no longer drops during Paint transitions or cinematic cut-ins.

  • Custom keybinds save correctly and no longer reset on relaunch.

  • Mouse smoothing adjustments reduce unwanted acceleration and drift.

  • New “Auto Target Lock” toggle added for controller users.


Control Guide: Keyboard, Mouse & Controller Fixes in Clair Obscur
Best Mouse & Keyboard Settings Post-Patch

If you’re on PC with mouse and keyboard, here’s how to make combat feel smoother:

Key Setup Tips

  • Disable Mouse Smoothing:
    Settings > Controls > Mouse Acceleration = OFF

  • Fullscreen Mode + V-Sync OFF:
    Helps reduce input lag in dodges and parries.

  • Custom Keybinds (Recommended):

    • Dash: Shift

    • Parry: Right-click

    • Ultimate: Q or E

    • Target Lock: Tab

    • Paint Bearer Switch: Mouse Wheel or 1-4 keys

You can now remap all commands freely — and the game remembers your layout after restart.


Best Controller Settings for Expedition 33

Gamepads are now fully supported — including Xbox, PlayStation, and most third-party controllers. Patch 1.2.3 fixed major bugs where controller inputs would freeze or become unresponsive, especially after cinematic transitions.

Top Supported Controllers

  • Xbox Series X|S / One

  • PS5 DualSense

  • 8BitDo Pro 2 / Switch Pro (via Steam)

Recommended Layout

  • Light Attack: X (Xbox) / □ (PlayStation)

  • Parry: LT / L2

  • Dash: B / Circle

  • Ultimate: Y / Triangle

  • Switch Paint Bearer: D-Pad

Turn Off Steam Input (if needed):

If your remaps aren’t working:

  • Go to Steam Library > Right-click game > Properties

  • Under Controller, set to “Disable Steam Input”


Common Post-Patch Issues & Fixes

Even after Patch 1.2.3, some players are reporting minor control issues. Here’s how to fix them:

Issue                                                        Fix
Mouse cursor appears during fightsALT+Tab out and back into the game
Vibration not working (console)Re-enable controller haptics and restart game
Keybinds not saving (rare)Delete config file in AppData\LocalLow\Sandfall\ClairObscur
Still laggy?Turn off Steam Overlay and NVIDIA Highlights

For more fixes, check the community Discord.


Control Tips for Tougher Fights

Want your controls to keep up in high-pressure moments like the Lancelier or Chromatic Ballet fights?

  • Pre-aim your dash with the camera — especially on gamepad.

  • Don’t rotate mid-jump on KBM — causes animation jitter.

  • Use a wired controller if Bluetooth feels sluggish.

Need help with fights? Try our Esquie Movement Guide to avoid getting stuck.


Join the Community for More Setups

Still tweaking your controls? Want to see how others play?


Conclusion: Control Restored

Patch 1.2.3 fixed most of Clair Obscur's frustrating control quirks. Whether you're a parry master on KBM or a DualSense devotee, the game now supports smoother inputs, more accurate remaps, and proper controller behavior. 

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