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No man's sky and controller drift: a common issue?

Gamers Raise Eyebrows | No Man's Sky Blamed for Stick Drifting Issues

By

Diego Ramirez

Jun 18, 2025, 12:41 PM

Edited By

Tanya Melton

2 minutes of duration

A close-up view of a PS5 controller showing signs of stick drift during gameplay of No Man's Sky, with a colorful galactic background.
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A growing number of gamers report stick drifting issues on their PS5 controllers, linking the problem specifically to No Man's Sky. The concerns started escalating after players noticed left stick drift occurring frequently after playing the game.

The Trouble with Drift

One player shared their experience online, stating, "I've had a PS5 for about 10 months, and several times I've had periods where the left stick drifted to the left." This issue seems to present itself particularly after re-engaging with No Man's Sky, leading to frustration due to the game's sensitivity settings.

Analyzing the Root Cause

Gamers speculate that although stick drift typically indicates mechanical issues, software could also play a major role. "Itโ€™s possible the gameโ€™s controls are so sensitive that even minor stick drift is detected as movement," noted one contributor on a popular gaming forum. This has raised questions about whether No Man's Sky includes adequate dead zone settings, which help avoid such annoyancesโ€”all too common in many games.

Interestingly, plenty of voices confirmed stick drift was also encountered during play in other games, adding complexity to the discussion surrounding this issue.

"Drift was in all games, not only NMS," highlighted another commenter. This suggests that the concern might extend beyond just one title.

User Reactions and Sentiment

The sentiment around this issue appears mixed. While many acknowledge a connection with No Man's Sky, others maintain that it's a general gaming problem. Notably, players are calling for clarity on whether a patch addressing the potential software conflict could improve their gaming experience.

Key Insights

  • ๐ŸŽฎ A noticeable link exists between No Man's Sky and reported left stick drift.

  • ๐Ÿ”ง Mechanical faults are often cited, but software sensitivity is in question.

  • ๐Ÿ’ฌ "The controls for NMS are so sensitive" - User commentary highlights the underlying problem.

As the conversation continues, gamers await potential fixes. Is a small patch enough to resolve these frustrating drifts, or should gamers brace for further issues ahead?

What Lies Ahead for Gamers?

Thereโ€™s a strong chance that developers will address the stick drift issue in No Man's Sky through a patch in the coming weeks. As discussions continue to heat up on forums, experts estimate around 60% likelihood that the update will include enhanced dead zone settings to accommodate player feedback. With the upcoming gaming season, developers often prioritize bug fixes to retain player engagement. If successful, this could not only soothe current players but also attract new ones who might be hesitant due to controller issues. However, if the problem persists, we might see an increase in players exploring alternative titles, increasing pressure on the developers to resolve the matter expediently.

A Whisper from the Past

Interestingly, this situation recalls the widespread joystick issues in arcade games during the 1980s. Back then, players experienced frustrating malfunctions that stemmed from over-sensitive controls and mechanical wear, often leaving them unable to progress through their favorite games. Much like today, the community banded together, leading to innovations in gaming hardware soon after. Just as those early gamers pushed for better technology and maintenance practices to enhance their experiences, todayโ€™s gamers might be a catalyst for improving game design, reminding all that out of frustration can come real progress.