Adjust MSFS 2020 rudder sensitivity step by step, with practical curve, dead-zone and reactivity advice for joysticks, pedals and Xbox controllers.
In Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, open Options > Controls Options, select the joystick, pedals or controller operating the rudder, then choose Sensitivity. Adjust the rudder-axis curve, add a small dead zone only if the centre jitters, and select Apply & Save. Use Rudder Axis, not left/right button commands, for analogue hardware.
How to change rudder sensitivity in MSFS 2020
- Select the correct controller. In Controls Options, choose your pedals, joystick or gamepad from the devices shown across the top. Sensitivity changes apply to the selected device and control profile, not every connected controller.
- Check the rudder assignment. Set the filter to All, search for
rudderand confirm that your analogue control is assigned to Rudder Axis. Remove unwanted rudder assignments from other devices. Our device-selection and duplicate-binding checklist covers this part in more detail. - Open Sensitivity. Select the Sensitivity button for that device and move the rudder control. The corresponding axis graph should react through its complete range.
- Soften the centre response. Set Sensitivity − and Sensitivity + to the same negative value. Start around −30% for a twist joystick; move closer to zero if the response becomes too weak.
- Correct centre jitter. Begin with a Dead Zone of roughly 2–3%, increasing it only until unwanted movement stops. Excessive dead zone makes small corrections difficult.
- Save and test. Leave Neutral and Extremity Dead Zone at zero initially, keep Reactivity at its default or full-response setting, then select Apply & Save.
What do the rudder sensitivity settings do?
| Setting | What it changes | How to use it |
|---|---|---|
| Sensitivity − / + | Shapes the response on the two halves of the rudder axis. | Use matching negative values to gain finer control near the centre without intentionally creating an asymmetric response. |
| Dead Zone | Ignores a small area around the hardware's centre. | Increase only enough to eliminate noisy or drifting input. |
| Neutral | Offsets the centre of the response curve. | Leave at zero unless calibrated hardware still has a consistently displaced centre. |
| Extremity Dead Zone | Changes how the axis behaves near its travel limits. | Leave at zero unless correcting a specific endpoint problem; it is not the normal cure for twitchy steering. |
| Reactivity | Controls how quickly the simulated input follows the physical control. | Keep the default initially. Reducing it can smooth abrupt inputs but also introduces lag. |
A calibrated set of rudder pedals should be tested with a linear curve first: zero sensitivity adjustment, no dead zone and normal reactivity. Twist sticks usually benefit from a softer centre, while different Xbox trigger mappings need their own treatment. We provide worked starting values for twist-stick rudder control, a separate pedal calibration and centre-response procedure, and controller-specific guidance for Xbox triggers.
Why is the rudder still too sensitive or erratic?
If adjusting the curve makes little difference, the problem is usually the assignment, calibration or flying conditions rather than the chosen percentage.
- The rudder snaps fully left or right: it is probably assigned to digital Rudder Left and Rudder Right commands instead of Rudder Axis. Digital keyboard commands cannot be turned into proportional control with an axis curve.
- The input jitters at the centre: calibrate the hardware outside the simulator where the manufacturer provides a calibration tool, then add the smallest dead zone that removes the remaining noise.
- The aircraft pulls during take-off: propeller effects, crosswind and incorrect power application can require genuine rudder input. Do not tune the curve while testing in strong gusts, and check whether take-off auto-rudder or another piloting assist is active.
- The response is stronger in one direction: verify that the physical axis reaches both endpoints and returns to centre. Avoid using Neutral to disguise a badly calibrated device.
- Nothing changes after editing: confirm that you adjusted the active device profile and selected Apply & Save. Another controller with a duplicate binding may still be sending rudder commands.
How should I test a new rudder curve?
Use the sensitivity graph first, then test in calm weather with an aircraft you know well. Make small changes and repeat the same taxi, take-off roll and coordinated turn; changing several controls at once makes the result difficult to diagnose.
The graph should show a stable centre, smooth movement and full travel in both directions. Negative sensitivity should soften small inputs without preventing full rudder authority. If full output cannot be reached, inspect the hardware calibration and axis assignment before altering endpoint settings.
Do rudder sensitivity settings apply to every aircraft?
Rudder sensitivity belongs to the selected device profile, so the same profile affects every aircraft flown with it. A curve suited to a twitchy taildragger may feel too soft in an airliner; create separate controller profiles and select the appropriate one when necessary.
Does rudder sensitivity also change taxi steering and brakes?
It changes nosewheel steering when the aircraft couples nosewheel movement to the rudder axis. Aircraft with a separate tiller can behave differently. Left and right toe brakes are separate axes and must be assigned and tuned independently; changing Rudder Axis sensitivity does not correct an over-sensitive brake axis.