The Forest VR Controllers Not Working: How to FIX

The Forest VR Controllers Not Working: Endnight Games Ltd really hit the mark with their 2018 release of The Forest, an open-world survival game that throws players into the chaos after a plane crash in a terrifying jungle filled with mutants.

Besides trying to stay alive, you also get to explore and build your own shelter. The game even has VR support, which is pretty cool, but some players are having a tough time with the VR controllers not working in a lot of situations, which can be super frustrating.

According to various reviews and feedback, the VR controller issues have been around since the game’s launch.

Many players find the controls a bit clunky, and it’s especially problematic for those using Oculus or HTC Vive headsets, as the controllers don’t always behave as they should.

A quick peek at the Steam Community reveals that some players are stuck on the main menu, while others can’t even move around in the game using their controllers. It’s definitely a bummer when the tech doesn’t cooperate!

The Forest VR Controllers Not Working: How to FIX

Hey there! If you’ve run into this problem too, no worries—just check out this guide. We’ve put together a few handy tips that should help you out. So, let’s get right to it!

Restart VR Headset and PC ( The Forest VR Controllers Not Working )

If you’re having connectivity issues, it’s a good idea to give both your VR headset and computer a quick restart. It sounds simple, but it can really help clear up any pesky glitches or temporary data problems. Here’s how to reboot your SteamVR headset:

  • 1. Open up SteamVR and find the headset icon.
  • 2. Right-click on it.
  • 3. Go to Devices and click on Reboot Headset.
  • 4. Just hang tight for a moment while it restarts, then check if your issue is resolved.

Give it a shot!

Check for Connectivity Options on a PC

If you’re running into “not detected” errors with your devices, it might be due to some connectivity hiccups or loose ports. To sort this out, it’s a good idea to double-check how everything’s connected, especially with your SteamVR headset. Here are a few simple steps to help you troubleshoot:

  • 1. Make sure to plug your Link Box into a USB 2.0 port on your PC. Sometimes, USB 3.0 or 3.1 ports can cause connectivity problems, so sticking with USB 2.0 is a safe bet.
  • 2. For best results, connect your SteamVR headset directly using its USB or HDMI cable. Don’t forget to plug in the power supply for the Link Box or try a different power adapter if you have one.
  • 3. Give the Link Box a quick reset by unplugging all the cables from the SteamVR headset and disconnecting the Link Box itself.
  • 4. If you had any USB devices connected to the SteamVR headset, try disconnecting them and then reconnecting. You can do this by launching SteamVR, heading to Settings, selecting Developer, and choosing “Remove All SteamVR USB Devices.” Just wait for that to finish, then plug everything back in.

Following these steps should help you get everything up and running smoothly!

Run Steam as an Administrator ( The Forest VR Controllers Not Working )

If you’re having trouble with User Account Control on your PC while using Steam, it can lead to all sorts of headaches. To give your Steam launcher the admin rights it needs, just follow these simple steps:

  • 1. Right-click on the Steam app on your computer and hit Properties.
  • 2. Go to the Compatibility tab and check the box that says “Run this program as an administrator.”
  • 3. Hit Apply, then OK to save your changes.

Once you’ve done that, you can just double-click on Steam to launch it with admin access from now on. Easy peasy!

Close all Steam apps including Steam VR

Hey, if you’re having issues with Steam or SteamVR, it might be a good idea to close all the apps running on your computer through the Task Manager. This can help clear out any pesky glitches or cache problems. Here’s how to do it:

  • 1. Hit Ctrl + Shift + Esc to pull up the Task Manager.
  • 2. Go to the Processes tab, find Steam or SteamVR, click on it, and hit End Task. Do this for each one individually.
  • 3. Once you’ve wrapped that up, just restart your computer to make sure everything’s fresh and ready to go!

Reconnect the Connectivity Cables and Power Cable

To resolve the “not detected” error, it’s advisable to check the connections of the USB and HDMI cables, as well as the power cable connected to both the SteamVR and your PC.

Ensure that each connection is secure and properly seated, as loose connections can often lead to connectivity problems. Additionally, a faulty power connection to the outlet can contribute to such errors. Addressing these potential issues can help restore proper functionality.

Turn Off USB Power Management ( The Forest VR Controllers Not Working )

Occasionally, the Power Management feature in SteamVR can lead to difficulties in detecting the headset. To troubleshoot this issue, it is advisable to manually disable USB power management. Here’s how to do it:

  • 1. Launch SteamVR and navigate to the Settings menu.
  • 2. Select the Developer tab and then click on the option to Disable Power Management.
  • 3. Remember to save your changes, and then verify if the SteamVR Headset Not Detected Error persists. Many users have reported success with this approach.

Update Device Drivers

It is essential to regularly verify the availability of updates for your installed device drivers on your PC. Outdated or corrupted drivers can lead to a variety of problems.

Drivers play a crucial role in facilitating communication between your computer and its various hardware components, so keeping them up-to-date is important. Here’s how to check for the latest driver updates:

  • 1. Right-click the Start Menu to access the Quick Access Menu.
  • 2. Select Device Manager from the options presented.
  • 3. Find the relevant adapter category and double-click it to view the list of devices.
  • 4. Right-click on the specific device you wish to update.
  • 5. Choose “Update driver” and then select “Search automatically for drivers.”

If an update is available, your system will automatically download and install the most recent version. Repeat this process for any other drivers you want to update. If no updates are found, you can simply move on.

After completing these steps, be sure to restart your computer to apply the changes.

Adjust Controller Binding on SteamVR ( The Forest VR Controllers Not Working )

If you’re experiencing issues with your controller buttons in The Forest VR game, adjusting the controller binding settings in SteamVR may help resolve the problem. Follow these steps:

  • 1. First, put on your VR headset and launch The Forest VR game.
  • 2. Press the home button located on your left controller to access the SteamVR interface.
  • 3. Open the SteamVR Control Panel and navigate to the ‘Settings’ option, which can also be accessed directly from the SteamVR settings on your computer.
  • 4. In the settings panel, look for the ‘Controllers’ option on the left-hand side and select it.
  • 5. Click on the second option labeled ‘MANAGE CONTROLLER BINDINGS’.
  • 6. Next, select the ‘CUSTOM’ button and then click on ‘CHOOSE ANOTHER’.
  • 7. After a brief moment, you will be directed to the button settings page for the game.
  • 8. Locate the ‘Shared Binding’ option under ‘Community Button Settings’.
  • 9. Click on ‘View’, and then on the details page, select ‘Choose this button’s settings’.
  • 10. Once you have made your selection, confirm by choosing the ‘Select this Binding’ option.

11. To return to the game, simply press the home button on your left controller.

Once you’ve completed these steps, you should be able to enjoy The Forest VR game without any issues related to controller functionality.

Try Using Microsoft Xbox Controller

If you are experiencing detection issues with your VR headset while playing The Forest VR on the Steam client, consider using a Microsoft Xbox Controller for Windows 10.

To ensure a stable connection, connect the controller to your PC using a USB cable rather than opting for a wireless connection. Simply plug the USB cable into both the controller and the PC, and your VR headset should be recognized immediately.

This method can help resolve any connectivity problems you may encounter.

Opt-in or out for SteamVR Beta

If the previous methods haven’t resolved your issue, consider enrolling in the SteamVR Beta program directly through the Steam application. The beta version often includes new features and enhancements that could be beneficial. Here’s how to proceed:

  • 1. Open the Steam client on your PC and navigate to your Library.
  • 2. Select the Tools section, then right-click on SteamVR.
  • 3. Choose Properties from the context menu, then click on the BETAS tab on the left.
  • 4. From the drop-down menu, select “Beta – SteamVR Beta Update.”
  • 5. After making this selection, restart the Steam client to see if the problem persists.

Please note: If you’re currently using the SteamVR Beta version and are still experiencing issues, you might want to opt out by selecting

“NONE – Opt-out of all beta programs.” Some users have reported that opting out resolved their controller connectivity problems.

We hope this guide has been helpful. If you have any further questions, feel free to leave a comment below.

Conclusion ( The Forest VR Controllers Not Working )

The Forest is a VR game where you play as a bear struggling to survive in a forest. And the Forest VR Controllers not working correctly. The Forest VR game is one of the most anticipated VR games coming to the Oculus Rift and HTC Vive in 2018. The Forest VR game takes place in a Scandinavian forest of tens of thousands of trees.

You and your team have to retrieve all the pieces of the Heart of the Forest, an ancient artefact you must keep safe before the forest is devoured by the darkness and the monster that lives within.

The Forest VR is a virtual reality game that’s meant to be played with virtual reality headsets such as the Gear VR and the Oculus Rift. The game’s controls, however, are designed to be used with conventional game controllers—so any virtual reality headset that doesn’t support gamepads won’t play Forest VR.

Unfortunately, that means that neither the Gear VR nor the Oculus Rift, the most popular virtual reality headsets, will work with Google’s new Forest VR controllers.

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