The guide is for Early Access version 0.6.3.4 and an XBox One controller on Windows 11.

While the steering wheel is recommended for PISTA, the game is perfectly playable with a controller. This setup won't make you competitive against the wheel drivers, but will allow you to complete the tracks without much problems.

1. In Settings - Controls - Assign Buttons, in controller column assign the following:

- Throttle (axis) : Right Trigger
- Brakes (axis) : Left Trigger
- Steering (axis) : Left Stick X
- Gear Up : Right Shoulder
- Gear Down: Left Shoulder

2. On the same screen, in Calibrate Controller window on top left, choose the Left Stick and set the Dead Zone to 0 (even if your left stick has a drift - it doesn't matter, see point 5 below) and the Sensitivity to 2 point above the minimum. Sensitivity cannot be set to the full minimum because it affects the controller steering range, 2 points over minimum should give enough range.

3. In Settings - Controls - Force Feedback set Force to 10%.

4. In Settings - Controls - Steering Range set the range to 1080 degrees (maximum). This is necessary because we set low sensitivity on step 2.

5. In game, with your left thumb push the left stick all the way forward and keep it that way during the whole race. Steer with it rolling it carefully left and right on the front rim of the stick socket.

6. I suggest to use cockpit view because seeing the wheel position really helps with controller steering.