Game Mods with DualSenseX
After integrating your game with DualSenseX through either the text file method or UDP, the real question is: how does DSX know what to apply to the controller while you are playing?
The answer is Game Mods.
Game Mods are what make that integration actually work. When your game changes a trigger state, updates its force value, or switches its effects, that data first travels from the game to DSX through the game mods, and then DSX sends the correct response to the DualSense controller in real time.
What are Game Mods?
A game mod is developed by an independent developer or modder. Each mod is built for a specific game, and through it, that game communicates with DualSenseX so the controller can respond with adaptive trigger effects and haptic feedback based on what is happening in the game.
It works as a bridge between the game and DSX, carrying the trigger states, effects, and force values so DSX knows exactly what to send to the controller.
Some mods go beyond triggers and haptics and provide additional features, such as LED light changes, lightbar flashes, and other controller features.
Without a game mod set up correctly, DualSenseX has no idea what is happening inside your game. It cannot react to anything. It simply applies whatever default effect you set manually.
Game mods fix that by making the controller respond to what is happening in the game, so the trigger effects feel more real and connected.
Two Ways a Game Mod Can Work
In DualSenseX, there are two ways a game mod can work. One uses files. The other uses live data. Both deliver the same trigger states and force values, but how they get there is completely different.
Method 1 – Text File
The mod writes trigger instructions into a plain text file on your PC. DSX monitors that file and reads the new instructions whenever they change, and the controller responds accordingly.
This method is simple and works without any network configuration. The only tradeoff is that file writing and reading are a bit slow, which causes a small delay between the game event and the controller response. This delay is not noticeable for slow-paced games. For fast racing or shooting games, UDP is a better fit.
Method 2 – UDP
In this method, the mod sends trigger data directly to DSX, and DSX receives it instantly and forwards it to the controller.
This method is faster and better fits games where you change trigger states many times per second, like when your tires are slipping in a racing game or when a weapon fires on full auto. There is no file to write or read. The data goes straight from the game to DSX.
For both methods, DualSenseX should be running before starting the game. If DSX is not running, the game has nowhere to send the trigger and haptic data.
How to Use Game Mods with DualSenseX
There are currently 7 game mods through which games communicate with DualSenseX to control the DualSense controller’s adaptive triggers and haptic feedback. Each one uses either the text file or the UDP method to receive data from the game.
Here are the mods and the games they support.
| Mod | Game | Method |
|---|---|---|
| DualSenseAT | Multiple games | Both (text file + UDP, depending on DualSense Adaptive Trigger Effects game) |
| DualSense Adaptive Trigger Effects | Cyberpunk 2077 | Text file |
| ForzaDualSense | Forza Horizon 4 & 5 | UDP |
| DualSenseXLink | Assetto Corsa | UDP (racing game, live telemetry) |
| DualSense for GTA5 | GTA 5 | Text file |
| DualSense Adaptive Triggers | Duck Game | Text file |
| Skyrim SE Dual Sense Adaptive Trigger Mod | Skyrim SE | Text file |
DualSenseAT Central Hub Mod App: For Multiple Games
DualSenseAT is a central hub app developed by an independent developer. It uses text files to communicate with DSX and supports multiple games. You pick the game you want to play, load its mod inside DualSenseAT, and the adaptive triggers start working.
Supported Games with DualSenseAT
- Euro Truck Simulator 2
- Death Stranding
- God of War
- Rocket League
- Grand Theft Auto V
- Resident Evil 5
- Resident Evil 4
- Skyrim Special Edition
How to Install
- Buy and install DSX from Steam.
- Download the latest version of DualSenseAT.
- Install DualSenseAT.
- Open DSX first, then open DualSenseAT.
- Select the game and start playing inside DualSenseAT.
This app was basically abandoned by the developer back in 2022. Although it is not getting any new updates anymore, it still works well for the supported games.
Cyberpunk 2077: DualSense Trigger Effects Mod
This mod has over 100 manually configured trigger effects for different weapons and vehicles, so each one feels different on the triggers. It even supports many modded weapons. Turrets and other gameplay actions also get their own trigger effects.
In addition to trigger effects, the touchpad LED and player LEDs also respond to game events. Moreover, you can see your controller’s battery percentage on screen.
Step-by-Step Installation
- Install DSX from Steam or DualSenseX, the free GitHub version. DSX is faster and has more features than DualSenseX.
- Install the ViGEmBus driver. This is a must for your virtual controller emulation.
- Install Cyber Engine Tweaks. Follow its own instructions first before continuing.
- Download the DualSense TriggerEffects mod ZIP.
- Extract the ZIP. Pull the bin folder out of the ZIP and copy it into the main Cyberpunk 2077 folder. It’s the same folder where Cyberpunk2077.exe is installed.
- Open DSX or DualSenseX (whichever you prefer to install). Look for the Text File window and click on Select Text File Location.
- Navigate to .\Cyberpunk 2077\bin\x64\plugins\cyber_engine_tweaks\mods\Dualsense TriggerEffects\config
- Select the file named DualSenseXConfig.txt.
- Optional: Set the controller emulation to Xbox 360 inside DSX if you want normal controller vibration to work together with the adaptive trigger effects. (If your controller vibration is bugging out, then it means that another app is probably interfering. So, disable all other controller mappers/emulators. Also, disable Steam Big Picture controller support, then use the Xbox 360 emulated controller in DualSenseX.)
- Launch Cyberpunk 2077. The mod will activate automatically.
If you are already using any other controller mapping tool, such as DS4Windows, then disable it before running DSX. The reason is that if two controller tools run at the same time, they will conflict, and there will be no effect.
To uninstall the mod completely, simply delete the folder at .\Cyberpunk2077\bin\x64\plugins\cyber_engine_tweaks\mods\DualsenseTriggerEffects.
Forza Horizon 4 and 5 Mod: ForzaDualSense
ForzaDualSense connects Forza 4 and Forza 5 to your DualSense through UDP. The mod reads live telemetry data from the game and sends it to DualSenseX in real time. So, your triggers respond to what happens with the car in real time inside the game, not when you press the controller’s buttons.
Step-by-Step Installation
- Open Forza Horizon 4 or 5, then head into Settings and open the HUD and Gameplay section.
- Find the UDP Telemetry Output setting. Turn it on.
- Set the IP address to 127.0.0.1 to keep all data on your local PC.
- Set the port number to 5300.
- Open DSX. Go to Controller Settings and set your UDP port to match whatever you prefer. Make sure the UDP port listener is turned on.
- Download the ForzaDualSense release ZIP.
- Extract the ZIP to your preferred location on your PC.
- Run the ForzaDualSense app, and it will start reading the game’s telemetry data automatically.
- Now when you start driving in Forza, the adaptive triggers will activate automatically.
This mod should remain running together with both DSX and Forza. If you close it, the trigger effects will stop working.
Game: Assetto Corsa Mod (DualSenseXLink)
Assetto Corsa is a racing simulator game, so this mod also uses UDP to send instructions because racing games constantly produce live data every fraction of a second.
The mod reads live telemetry from the game and sends it directly to DualSenseX through a localhost connection. When you apply too much power and your tires start slipping in-game, the right trigger vibrates to tell you to ease off. When you brake too hard and the tires lock up, the left trigger reacts instantly. The stronger the slip, the stronger the effect, so your hands can feel what’s happening on the track before you even see it.
The RGB light effects are the best. The lights change colors based on your engine RPM. They turn green at low RPM, yellow in the mid-range, and red when you are close to the rev limiter.
Step-by-Step Installation
- Install DSX or DualSenseX first.
- Connect your DualSense Wireless Controller to the PC with the help of a cable.
- Download DualSenseXLink.
- Open DualSenseX and go to its Settings. There, turn on the UDP port listener. Usually, there is no need to change the default port unless you face any issues.
- Now, the next step is to install the mod. Drag the apps and content folders into your Assetto Corsa directory. Another easier way is to drag the ZIP file directly into Content Manager, and it will install automatically.
- Open Content Manager and go to your active apps list. Find DualSenseXLink and enable it.
- Launch DSX before you start Assetto Corsa.
- Start the game. The mod activates as soon as you enter a session.
You can disable trigger effects individually for the left and right triggers if you only want one side active. Look inside the mod’s app panel in-game for those options.
GTA 5 Mod
The GTA 5 mod is called “DualSense for GTA5,” and it uses UDP to send live game data directly to DSX. It has the following features:
- Adaptive triggers change for different weapon types, like pistols, shotguns, and rifles.
- The player LED shows how many stars you have.
- The touchpad LED flashes when you are wanted.
- Only some weapons have special trigger effects.
- A menu to customize settings.
Step-by-Step Installation
- Set up DSX or DualSenseX. Open the app and find the UDP settings.
- Turn it on.
- Now install the following three required mods:
- Install Script Hook V into your GTA V root folder.
- Install ScriptHookVDotNET. Read its installation notes and install all the files it requires.
- Install NativeUI into your GTA V scripts folder.
- Download the DualSense for GTA5 mod.
- Unpack or extract the downloaded archive.
- Move the scripts folder into your GTA V root directory. You can either copy it or use the drag-and-drop method.
- Now launch GTA V.
- If you press F7 and the mod opens, it indicates that you have installed everything correctly.
This mod is only for story mode. If you use this in online modes, you risk a permanent ban.
Moreover, this mod may not work correctly with the latest DualSenseX version. You may need to manually create a file at C:/temp/DualSenseMDualSenseX_PortNumber.txt and fill it with the port number that you have selected in DSX.
Duck Game Mod
Duck Game is a chaotic multiplayer action game, but its mod is the simplest to install on this list. It uses the text file method to write trigger instructions to a file, and DSX applies the effects after reading it.
Currently, the adaptive trigger effects are available only for some of the guns. But the author has plans to expand support to more guns over time.
Step-by-Step Installation
- Get DualSenseX from our website.
- Open Steam.
- Go to the Duck Game Mod page. Just click on the Subscribe button. Steam will download and install the mod into Duck Game automatically. No extra files, no config editing.
- Open DualSenseX first, then start Duck Game, and it should work without any issue.
- Launch Duck Game. The adaptive triggers will activate when you pick up a supported weapon.
This mod works fine with a single controller; with split-screen, it may or may not work.
Skyrim Special Edition: DualSense Adaptive Trigger Mod
The Skyrim SE mod uses UDP, not a text file. The mod sends trigger data directly to DSX through a local network connection, which is why you need UDP enabled inside DSX’s network settings before the game will work with it.
This mod deeply connects triggers to the actual gameplay. Every weapon type has its own assigned trigger effect. When you draw a bow, the trigger pulls back like a real bowstring. When you fire a crossbow, it snaps like a gun trigger. Swords, axes, spells, each one feels different in your hands.
You can change every trigger setting in real time from inside the game itself without ever touching a config file.
Two Versions Are Available
- Standalone: No extra UI required. You edit trigger settings directly in a JSON config file. Requires only SKSE and Address Library.
- Prisma UI Version (Recommended): It adds a live in-game settings panel. You can adjust every trigger effect without restarting the game. It is slightly more to install but much easier to use.
Step-by-Step Installation
- Install the Address Library for your Skyrim version.
- Install SKSE64. Install the version that matches your Skyrim (AE or SSE).
- Open DSX and go to Network Settings. Find the UDP option and turn it on. Note the port number because you may need it.
- Download the DualSense Adaptive Trigger Mod for Skyrim Special Edition, then choose the version of your choice.
- You can install it with a mod manager or, in a simple way, just unzip it into your Skyrim Special Edition Data folder.
- Launch DSX and leave it running.
- Launch Skyrim through SKSE. SKSE is required for the mod to load. The standard launcher will not work.
