Controlify is a utility mod that adds full controller support to Minecraft Java Edition, working on both Fabric and NeoForge mod loaders. Developed by isxander, Controlify brings vibration feedback, gyroscope aiming, DualSense haptics, GUI navigation, and an on-screen keyboard to Java Edition — features that previously only existed in Bedrock Edition or required clunky third-party software.
Minecraft Java Edition has always been a keyboard-and-mouse experience. While Bedrock Edition ships with native controller support, Java players who prefer a gamepad have been stuck with workarounds like Steam Input mapping or outdated mods that barely function. Controlify solves this problem entirely. With over 14 million downloads on Modrinth alone, it has become the definitive controller mod for Java Edition — and for good reason. It doesn't just map buttons to keys; it delivers a controller experience that actually surpasses what Bedrock offers, complete with vibration, gyroscope aiming, adaptive triggers, and full GUI navigation.
Key Features of Controlify
- Full Vibration and DualSense HD Haptics — Controlify vibrates your controller when you take damage, break blocks, experience lightning strikes, and other in-game events. If you're using a PlayStation 5 DualSense controller, you get advanced HD haptics that provide more nuanced feedback than standard rumble. This makes combat and mining feel significantly more immersive compared to playing with no tactile feedback at all.
- Gyroscope Aiming — Players with gyroscope-equipped controllers (DualSense, DualShock 4, Switch Pro) can use motion controls for precise camera movement. This is a game-changer for activities like bow aiming and bridging, where fine adjustments on a thumbstick alone can feel imprecise. Gyro aiming gives you mouse-like precision while still enjoying the comfort of a controller.
- Complete GUI Navigation — Controlify lets you navigate every Minecraft menu, inventory screen, and settings page using only your controller. You never need to reach for a mouse or keyboard to manage your inventory, craft items, or adjust settings. This is essential for couch gaming setups and Steam Deck users who want a seamless controller-only experience.
- Universal Controller Support with Vendor-Specific Features — Thanks to the SDL3 input library, Controlify works with virtually any controller — Xbox, PlayStation, Switch Pro, generic USB gamepads, and more. It goes beyond basic compatibility by reading vendor-specific inputs like Xbox Elite paddles, DualSense touchpads and mute buttons, and adaptive trigger resistance. Controlify also displays the correct button glyphs for your specific controller model, so you always see the right icons on screen.
- On-Screen Keyboard and Radial Menu — Typing in chat with a controller is normally painful, but Controlify includes a fully functional on-screen keyboard designed for gamepad input. It also features a configurable radial menu where you can bind less-used actions, freeing up your main buttons for combat and movement essentials.
- Steam Deck and Cross-Platform Support — Controlify runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux, including the Steam Deck. It works on both Fabric and NeoForge loaders and actively supports current Minecraft versions. The default sensitivity is matched to Bedrock Edition, making the transition seamless for players coming from console editions.
- Mod Compatibility — Controlify has been built with mod compatibility in mind and works seamlessly alongside popular mods like Sodium, Iris, and others. The developer has led compatibility efforts to ensure controller support doesn't break when you're running performance or shader mods alongside it.
Screenshots
How to Install Controlify
- Install either Fabric Loader or NeoForge for your Minecraft version (1.21 through 1.21.11 are supported).
- If using Fabric, make sure you also have Fabric API installed, as most Fabric mods depend on it.
- Download the correct Controlify file for your Minecraft version and mod loader from the download section below.
- Place the downloaded
.jarfile into your.minecraft/modsfolder. - Launch Minecraft, connect your controller, and Controlify will detect it automatically. Open the settings screen to customize sensitivity, button bindings, and vibration preferences.
Requirements & Compatibility
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Mod Loaders | Fabric, NeoForge |
| Minecraft Versions | 1.21 – 1.21.11 |
| Author | isxander |
| License | LGPL-3.0-or-later |
| Last Updated | February 25, 2026 |
| Downloads | 13,900,000+ |
| Source Code | GitHub |
What's New
- Controlify 3.0.0-beta.3 adds support for Minecraft 1.21.11 on both Fabric and NeoForge loaders.
- Multi-version builds now cover 1.21.4, 1.21.5, 1.21.8, 1.21.10, and 1.21.11 simultaneously.
- The mod uses the Stonecutter build system to maintain consistent feature parity across all supported versions.
- Continued updates for NeoForge alongside Fabric ensure both loader communities receive the same features.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- The most feature-complete controller mod available for Java Edition, surpassing even Bedrock's native support
- Works with virtually any controller thanks to SDL3 — no extra software needed for PlayStation controllers on Windows
- Advanced features like gyroscope aiming, DualSense adaptive triggers, and HD haptics go far beyond basic button mapping
- Full GUI navigation and on-screen keyboard mean you never need to touch a mouse or keyboard
- Actively maintained with fast updates, including support for Minecraft snapshots
- Cross-platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, Steam Deck) and dual-loader (Fabric + NeoForge)
Cons
- Snapshot builds are only available to Patreon supporters, so free users must wait for stable releases
- The splitscreen feature is a separate paid mod still in development
- As a beta release (3.0.0-beta.3), some users may encounter occasional bugs during gameplay
- Resource pack customization for button glyphs and bindings may have a learning curve for less technical players
Alternatives to Controlify
- MidnightControls — An older controller mod for Fabric that offers basic gamepad support, though it lacks the advanced haptics and gyroscope features found in Controlify.
- LambdaControls — The predecessor to MidnightControls, this mod provides simple controller mapping but is no longer actively maintained for newer Minecraft versions.
- AMECS — Not a controller mod, but a key binding improvement mod that lets you create modifier key combinations, useful alongside controller setups for hybrid input configurations.
Download Controlify
| Minecraft Version | Fabric | NeoForge |
|---|---|---|
| For Minecraft 1.21.11 | Download | Download |
| For Minecraft 1.21.10 | Download | Download |
| For Minecraft 1.21.9 | Download | Download |
| For Minecraft 1.21.8 | Download | Download |
| For Minecraft 1.21.7 | Download | Download |
| For Minecraft 1.21.6 | Download | Download |
| For Minecraft 1.21.5 | Download | Download |
| For Minecraft 1.21.4 | Download | Download |
| For Minecraft 1.21.3 | Download | Download |
| For Minecraft 1.21.2 | Download | Download |
| For Minecraft 1.21.1 | Download | Download |
| For Minecraft 1.21 | Download | Download |
Always download mods from official sources to stay safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Controlify work with PlayStation controllers on Windows?
Yes — Controlify supports DualSense (PS5) and DualShock 4 (PS4) controllers natively on Windows without requiring any additional software like DS4Windows. The mod uses the SDL3 library to communicate directly with PlayStation controllers, giving you access to advanced features like touchpad input, adaptive triggers, and HD haptics right out of the box.
Can I use Controlify on the Steam Deck?
Yes — Controlify officially supports the Steam Deck. Since it works on Linux and recognizes the Deck's built-in controls, you can play Minecraft Java Edition with full controller support on the handheld. The default sensitivity is tuned to match Bedrock Edition, so the experience feels familiar and comfortable.
Is Controlify compatible with Sodium and Iris?
Yes — the developer has specifically worked on compatibility with Sodium, Iris, and other popular mods. Controlify is designed to function alongside performance and shader mods without conflicts, so you can enjoy controller support together with optimized rendering and visual enhancements.
Does Controlify support both Fabric and NeoForge?
Yes — Controlify is available for both Fabric and NeoForge mod loaders. Both versions receive the same features and updates, so you can choose whichever loader fits your existing mod setup. Supported Minecraft versions range from 1.21 through 1.21.11.
Can I navigate menus and type in chat using only a controller?
Yes — Controlify includes full GUI navigation that lets you move through all Minecraft menus, inventories, and settings screens without touching a mouse. For text input, the mod provides a built-in on-screen keyboard designed for controller use, so you can type in chat, name items on anvils, and enter commands entirely with your gamepad.
