Use the best MSFS 2020 controller settings for smoother pitch, roll and rudder, with starting values, correct bindings and fixes for drift.
For an Xbox-style controller in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020, start with -40% roll sensitivity, -50% pitch sensitivity, 5% dead zones, 0% neutral and extremity dead zone, and 100% reactivity. Use axis bindings, turn off conflicting piloting assists, then tune dead zone first and sensitivity second for the aircraft you fly.
Recommended MSFS 2020 controller sensitivity settings
The table below is our practical baseline for a self-centring Xbox-style gamepad. Apply the same value to the negative and positive sides of each axis curve.
| Setting | Roll | Pitch | Rudder |
|---|---|---|---|
Sensitivity - | -40% | -50% | -30% |
Sensitivity + | -40% | -50% | -30% |
Dead Zone | 5% | 5% | 5% |
Neutral | 0% | 0% | 0% |
Extremity Dead Zone | 0% | 0% | 0% |
Reactivity | 100% | 100% | 100% |
Negative sensitivity softens movement around the centre while retaining full control near the end of the stick's travel. Neutral should remain at zero on a healthy self-centring stick, while extremity dead zone should only be changed to correct an endpoint problem. Our expanded Xbox gamepad tuning ranges for pitch, roll and rudder cover alternative values for different flying styles.
MSFS 2020 may expose the left and right rudder triggers as separate assignments rather than one combined rudder axis. Where separate sensitivity curves are available, use matching values on both triggers.
How do I apply the controller settings in MSFS 2020?
Apply the values to a custom controller profile so that the default preset remains available for troubleshooting.
- Open Controls Options. Select the controller itself, not the keyboard, mouse or another connected device.
- Create a custom preset. Duplicate the default controller profile through the preset controls and give it a recognisable name.
- Check the flight axes. Bind the left stick to
Ailerons AxisandElevator Axis. Use analogue rudder assignments for the triggers where available. Our step-by-step controller profile and axis-binding walkthrough explains the essential assignments. - Open the sensitivity panel. Enter the starting values above and keep the negative and positive sides symmetrical.
- Inspect the input display. The marker should settle at the centre when released and reach both ends at full stick deflection.
- Test in calm conditions. Use a familiar aircraft with the autopilot, AI control and auto-rudder disabled before judging the response.
Do not assign a spring-centred stick to Throttle Axis unless you specifically want the throttle to return towards its midpoint. For most gamepads, throttle increase and decrease buttons are more practical. Before remapping every button, compare your profile with the standard Xbox button and axis layout.
What should I adjust first?
Correct centre drift first, then tune sensitivity, and change reactivity only if the input still feels abrupt or delayed.
- Raise dead zone gradually. Increase it one or two percentage points at a time until the input marker remains centred. A controller needing more than roughly 10% has probably developed significant stick wear.
- Adjust sensitivity in small steps. If you keep overcontrolling, make the value 5% to 10% more negative. If the aircraft feels unresponsive during the flare or final approach, move it closer to zero.
- Keep reactivity high initially. A value of 100% gives the most direct response. Try 80% to 90% only when an otherwise stable controller feels too abrupt; very low reactivity creates noticeable lag.
- Leave the endpoints alone unless necessary. Extremity dead zone is not a cure for twitchiness around the centre. Return it to zero if the aircraft cannot achieve full control deflection.
For the effect of each slider, see our plain-English explanation of every sensitivity control.
Why does the aircraft still feel twitchy?
Most poor controller behaviour comes from an incorrect binding, stick drift or an assistance feature rather than the sensitivity numbers themselves.
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft moves with the stick centred | Dead zone is too small or the stick is worn | Increase dead zone until the input display settles |
| Roll or pitch jumps to full deflection | Digital commands are bound instead of an axis | Use Ailerons Axis and Elevator Axis, not separate left, right, up or down commands |
| Controls continue moving after the stick stops | Reactivity is too low | Raise reactivity towards 100% |
| Full stick does not produce full control travel | Endpoint or hardware calibration problem | Set extremity dead zone to zero and check the on-screen axis display |
| Changes appear to have no effect | The wrong device or preset is selected | Confirm that the active custom profile belongs to the controller being used |
| Rudder pulls to one side | A trigger is not returning fully or another rudder binding is active | Add a small trigger dead zone and remove duplicate assignments |
A slight turning tendency in a single-engine propeller aircraft can be realistic, especially at high power and low speed. Test with calm wind and neutral rudder assistance before using a large dead zone to remove behaviour caused by torque or slipstream.
Are these settings suitable for every aircraft and controller?
No single curve is ideal for every aircraft, and gamepad values should not be copied directly to a full-size joystick, yoke or set of pedals.
- Light general aviation aircraft: Start with the values in the table and change pitch or roll sensitivity in 5% steps.
- Airliners: Slightly more negative pitch and roll sensitivity can help with small corrections on approach.
- Aerobatic aircraft: Move sensitivity closer to zero if the softened centre prevents rapid control inputs.
- Helicopters: Use a separate profile with modest curve shaping and high reactivity. Excessive filtering makes precise cyclic corrections arrive late.
- Joysticks and yokes: Begin near 0% to -20% sensitivity with the smallest dead zone that stops unwanted input, as their longer physical travel already provides finer control.
MSFS 2020 controller profiles apply to the device rather than switching automatically with each aircraft. Create separate profiles for airliners, helicopters or unusually sensitive aircraft, then select the appropriate one before flying.