Updated October 30, 2026
If the instruction to sense your tracked quest's direction seems unresponsive in Phantom Blade Zero, the problem may be the way you're using your controller.
The game uses a touchpad gesture that can easily be mistaken for a directional button command. Instead of pressing D-pad Up or clicking the touchpad, you need to swipe upward across the PS5 DualSense touchpad.
Here's how to use the correct gesture, reveal your tracked objective on PC, and troubleshoot a missing direction indicator.
📋 Table of Contents
- Quick Answer: How to Show Quest Direction
- Why Quest Direction Seems Unresponsive
- How to Swipe Up on the PS5 Touchpad
- Touchpad Swipe vs. Touchpad Press
- How to Show Quest Direction on PC
- What to Check if It Still Doesn't Work
- Mind's Eye vs. Map and Quest Tracking
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
Quick Answer: How to Show Quest Direction in Phantom Blade Zero
To sense the direction of your tracked quest, swipe upward across the DualSense controller's central touchpad.
- Return to normal gameplay.
- Make sure the quest you want to follow is tracked.
- Place your finger near the bottom of the DualSense touchpad.
- Slide your finger upward across its surface without clicking it.
- Watch for the direction cue associated with your tracked objective.
Important: This is a swipe gesture, not a touchpad click or D-pad Up command.
Playing on PC with a keyboard? With the documented default controls, hold V to activate Mind's Eye.
If the gesture still doesn't work, check your tracked quest and controller configuration before assuming the game is bugged.
Why Quest Direction Seems Unresponsive
During exploration, Phantom Blade Zero can display an instruction to sense the direction of your tracked quest.
The confusion comes from the controller input. An upward direction symbol can be mistaken for a command to press D-pad Up.
However, the quest-direction action uses an upward swipe across the DualSense touchpad.
The touchpad is the large rectangular panel in the center of the PS5 controller, above the PlayStation button.
It recognizes finger movements across its surface as well as physical presses.
If you press the wrong control, the game may appear to ignore your input even though the intended gesture is different.
This does not necessarily mean your controller, quest, or game installation is broken.
How to Swipe Up on the PS5 Touchpad in Phantom Blade Zero
Follow these steps to use the quest-direction gesture correctly.
Step 1: Return to Normal Gameplay
Close any open menus so you can see your character and the surrounding environment.
Step 2: Check Your Tracked Quest
Open the Quests menu if necessary and make sure the objective you want to follow is selected for tracking.
This helps ensure that the direction feature is associated with the intended objective.
Step 3: Locate the DualSense Touchpad
Find the large touch-sensitive rectangular panel in the center of your controller.
You don't need to press the panel down.
Step 4: Swipe Upward
Place your finger near the lower portion of the touchpad and move it toward the top in one smooth motion.
Do not press D-pad Up or physically click the touchpad.
Step 5: Look for the Direction Cue
Watch for the direction indicator associated with your tracked objective.
Its appearance may depend on your current gameplay state and whether an objective is being tracked.
The direction cue helps you determine where to travel, but it does not necessarily reveal every path or obstacle between you and your destination.
If the objective appears to be beyond a wall, cliff, or elevated area, explore nearby routes rather than assuming the indicator is incorrect.
Touchpad Swipe vs. Touchpad Press: What's the Difference?
The DualSense touchpad supports different actions depending on whether you move your finger or physically press the panel.
| Controller Input | Action |
|---|---|
| Swipe upward across the touchpad | Activate Mind's Eye to reveal quest direction |
| Press the touchpad | Open the map |
| Press D-pad Up | Not the quest-direction swipe |
Swiping means sliding your finger across the touch-sensitive surface.
Pressing means clicking the panel like a button.
If the map opens when you try to sense your quest's direction, you may be pressing the touchpad instead of swiping across it.
Try the upward gesture again without clicking the panel.
How to Show Quest Direction on PC
PC players can use a keyboard or compatible controller. The required input depends on the control setup.
Using a PS5 DualSense Controller on PC
If you're playing Phantom Blade Zero on Steam with a DualSense controller, try the same upward gesture used on PS5.
- Make sure your controller is connected and recognized.
- Return to normal gameplay.
- Swipe upward across the central touchpad.
- Watch for the tracked quest's direction cue.
The upward gesture can also work with a DualSense on PC. However, custom controller mappings or Steam Input configurations may affect how touchpad actions are interpreted.
If you've changed your controller layout, review the active bindings before assuming the touchpad is malfunctioning.
Using a Keyboard and Mouse
With the documented default PC keyboard layout, hold V to activate Mind's Eye.
To select a quest for tracking:
- Open the map or quest interface.
- Navigate to the Quests tab.
- Select the objective you want to follow.
- Choose the available tracking option.
- Return to gameplay.
- Hold V to use Mind's Eye.
If the selected quest is already tracked, the menu may display an Untrack option instead.
If you've customized your keyboard controls, use the key currently assigned to Mind's Eye.
What to Check if Quest Direction Still Doesn't Work
If swiping upward doesn't reveal your objective's direction, try these checks before treating the issue as a game bug.
1. Check the Gesture and Gameplay State
Make sure you're sliding your finger upward across the touchpad rather than clicking it.
Close the map, inventory, or other menus and try the gesture during normal exploration.
2. Confirm That a Quest Is Tracked
Open the Quests menu and check whether your intended objective is selected.
If no quest is tracked, choose an available objective and try the direction control again.
3. Review Your Controller Mapping on PC
If you're using a DualSense through Steam, check the active controller configuration.
Custom mappings may change how touchpad gestures behave.
If the controller doesn't recognize other touchpad actions either, investigate the controller connection or input configuration separately.
4. Check Whether the Direction Cue Is Appearing
A direction cue that appears but points beyond an obstacle is different from a control that produces no response.
The marker may indicate the general direction of your objective without showing the exact route.
If the destination appears inaccessible, inspect nearby paths and possible routes through the environment.
5. Check Whether Other Controls Are Affected
If several controller inputs are unresponsive, the issue may involve the controller configuration rather than quest tracking.
Review your current bindings and controller connection before making broader changes to the game.
Note: These are troubleshooting checks, not guaranteed fixes for every controller or quest-related issue.
Mind's Eye vs. Map and Quest Tracking
Phantom Blade Zero uses different navigation features, and understanding their roles makes following objectives easier.
Map
The map provides an overview of the area and helps you identify destinations.
It may not show every hidden passage, climbable surface, or route through the environment.
Quest Tracking
The Quests menu lets you choose which available objective to follow.
Tracking an objective determines which quest you want the navigation feature to help locate.
Mind's Eye
Mind's Eye helps reveal the direction of your tracked objective during exploration.
On a DualSense controller, use an upward touchpad swipe. With the documented default PC keyboard controls, hold V.
If you can see the direction cue but cannot reach the destination, use it alongside normal exploration rather than expecting a complete route to appear.
If you're deciding whether to continue exploring or tackle a difficult encounter, our Phantom Blade Zero Three-Faced Puppet guide explains whether to fight that enemy immediately or return later.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do You Sense the Tracked Quest's Direction in Phantom Blade Zero?
Swipe upward across the PS5 DualSense touchpad to activate the direction-reveal gesture associated with Mind's Eye.
Why Isn't Pressing Up Showing My Quest Direction?
The action requires an upward touchpad swipe, not D-pad Up. Slide your finger across the central touchpad instead of pressing a directional button.
Do You Press or Swipe the PS5 Touchpad?
Swipe upward to reveal quest direction. Physically pressing the touchpad is associated with opening the map.
Does the Touchpad Swipe Work With a PS5 Controller on PC?
Yes, the gesture can work with a DualSense on PC. Custom Steam Input mappings or controller layouts may affect the behavior.
What Is the Mind's Eye Key on PC?
With the documented default keyboard controls, hold V to activate Mind's Eye.
How Do I Track a Quest in Phantom Blade Zero?
Open the quest interface, select the objective you want to follow, and use the available tracking option. Return to gameplay and activate Mind's Eye to check its direction.
Why Does My Quest Marker Point Toward a Wall or Cliff?
The marker indicates the objective's direction, not necessarily a complete route. Look for nearby paths or alternative ways to reach the destination.
Is Quest Direction Not Working a Confirmed Bug?
Not necessarily. Pressing a button instead of using the required touchpad gesture can make the feature appear unresponsive. If the correct gesture still doesn't work, check your tracked quest and controller configuration.
What if Phantom Blade Zero Has Other Problems on PC?
If the game crashes, fails to launch, or displays a Denuvo activation error, those are separate technical problems. See our Phantom Blade Zero PC startup crash and Denuvo fixes.
Final Thoughts
If the quest-direction prompt seems unresponsive in Phantom Blade Zero, check the input you're using before assuming the feature is broken.
Swipe upward across the DualSense touchpad rather than pressing D-pad Up or clicking the panel. On PC with the default keyboard layout, hold V to activate Mind's Eye.
If the direction cue still doesn't appear, confirm that your intended quest is tracked and review any custom controller mappings.
Once you've found your route and returned to exploration, our guide to getting upgrade materials when enemies don't respawn can also help you plan your next upgrades.
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