Game Error Fortnite

Fortnite Xbox Controller Weapon Switch Not Working on PC - Fix Guide

📅 Published: 2026-02-06 🔄 Updated: 2026-02-06 👥 Reports: 9 ⚡ Severity: 🟢 Low

🎯 Quick Answer

Reset the controller input bindings to default in Fortnite's settings or verify the controller's button mapping in Windows Game Controller Settings.

SECTION 1: OVERVIEW

The error is a failure of the left bumper (LB) and right bumper (RB) inputs on an Xbox controller to execute the "Previous Weapon" and "Next Weapon" actions within Fortnite when playing on a Windows PC. This problem manifests as unresponsive or ignored controller input for weapon cycling while other controller functions may operate normally. The issue is specific to the Windows platform running Fortnite via the Epic Games Launcher, with potential occurrence across multiple game versions where controller support is active. This is a common configuration error with a high frequency of user reports. The severity is game-breaking, as it directly impedes core combat mechanics, placing the player at a significant disadvantage. No specific error codes are generated; the failure is silent and observed only through lack of in-game response.

SECTION 2: SYMPTOMS

The primary symptom is the absence of weapon switching when pressing the LB or RB buttons on a connected Xbox controller during a Fortnite match. The input fails to trigger the "Previous Weapon" or "Next Weapon" action. The game client receives no command from the controller for these specific binds, while other controller inputs such as movement, aiming, shooting, and menu navigation often function without issue. The problem occurs consistently during gameplay and is reproducible across different game modes. The user interface does not display error messages; the failure is purely behavioral, characterized by a lack of expected response from the game client to specific hardware inputs.

SECTION 3: COMMON CAUSES

Category: Configuration Error Specific technical explanation: Corrupted or custom controller binding profiles within Fortnite's configuration files. The game stores bindings in %LocalAppData%\FortniteGame\Saved\Config\WindowsClient\GameUserSettings.ini. An incorrect or null value for the PrevWeapon or NextWeapon action mappings under the [GamepadBindings] section causes input failure. Why this causes the problem: The game engine reads invalid or missing mapping data, resulting in no associated action for the physical controller button press. Category: Software Conflict Specific technical explanation: Interference from third-party controller emulation or overlay software (e.g., DS4Windows, reWASD, Steam Input). These applications can intercept and remap raw controller input before it reaches Fortnite. Why this causes the problem: The input pipeline is hijacked, altering or consuming the LB/RB signals so Fortnite never receives the intended Xbox controller button codes. Category: Hardware Issue Specific technical explanation: Physical failure or excessive wear of the controller's bumper microswitches, or a degraded wireless connection causing input packet loss. Why this causes the problem: The hardware generates an inconsistent or non-existent electrical signal for the bumper buttons, which the Windows game controller driver cannot reliably interpret and pass to the game. Category: Configuration Error Specific technical explanation: Incorrect controller preset selected within Fortnite settings (e.g., "Combat Pro," "Builder Pro," "Custom"). The selected preset may have empty or reassigned slots for the weapon cycle actions. Why this causes the problem: Each preset loads a different set of predefined bindings; selecting an incompatible or altered preset loads incorrect mappings for the expected actions. Category: Software Conflict Specific technical explanation: Outdated, corrupted, or mismatched Xbox controller driver stack in Windows Device Manager. This includes the Xbox Gaming Device driver and HID-compliant game controller driver. Why this causes the problem: The driver is responsible for translating hardware signals into standardized XInput API calls; a faulty driver provides incorrect or no data to Fortnite, which uses the XInput library. Category: Game Bug Specific technical explanation: A latent bug in Fortnite's input handling system that fails to properly initialize or poll the XInput state for bumpers under specific conditions, such as when switching between keyboard and controller input. Why this causes the problem: The game's internal input state machine enters an erroneous mode where bumper inputs are not processed, despite the driver and operating system registering the button press. Category: Configuration Error Specific technical explanation: Windows Game Controller Settings calibration or properties incorrectly mapping the bumper buttons to alternative functions like axis inputs or generic buttons. Why this causes the problem: Windows pre-processes the controller input incorrectly before any application receives it, sending a modified signal that Fortnite does not recognize for weapon switching.

SECTION 4: SOLUTIONS

Solution 1: Reset Controller Bindings to Default

Difficulty: Easy Time Required: 2 minutes Success Rate: High Prerequisites: None Steps:

Launch Fortnite and navigate to the main menu.
Open the Settings menu (gear icon).
Select the Controller tab from the left sidebar.
Navigate to the Customize Controller sub-menu.
Scroll to the bottom of the binding list and select the Reset To Defaults option.
Confirm the reset when prompted.
Apply the changes and exit the settings menu.
Test the LB and RB buttons in a non-competitive mode like "Battle Lab."

Technical Explanation: This procedure overwrites the current [GamepadBindings] section in GameUserSettings.ini with the factory-default values, eliminating any corruption, null entries, or incorrect mappings that prevent the bumper buttons from triggering the correct weapon switch actions. Verification: The LB button consistently cycles to the previous weapon slot, and the RB button consistently cycles to the next weapon slot during gameplay.

Solution 2: Verify and Configure Controller Preset

Difficulty: Easy Time Required: 3 minutes Success Rate: High Prerequisites: None Steps:

In Fortnite, open Settings > Controller tab.
Locate the Controller Options section at the top.
Find the Preset setting. Ensure it is set to a standard configuration like Combat Pro or Builder Pro, not Custom (unless intentionally configured).
If set to Custom, change it to Combat Pro.
Apply the settings.
Enter the Customize Controller sub-menu.
Manually locate the Next Weapon and Previous Weapon bindings. Confirm they are assigned to RB and LB respectively.
If unassigned, select each binding and press the corresponding controller bumper to assign it.

Technical Explanation: Loading a known-good preset configuration ensures a complete and valid set of action mappings. Manually verifying the critical bindings confirms the game has correct data linking the XInput button codes to the in-game functions. Verification: The assigned buttons for "Next Weapon" and "Previous Weapon" in the settings menu visually display "RB" and "LB." In-game testing confirms functionality.

Solution 3: Update and Reinstall Xbox Controller Drivers

Difficulty: Medium Time Required: 5 minutes Success Rate: Medium Prerequisites: Administrator access Steps:

Connect the Xbox controller to the PC via USB cable.
Press Windows Key + X and select Device Manager.
Expand the Sound, video and game controllers section and the Human Interface Devices section.
Right-click on entries named Xbox Gaming Device, Xbox Controller, or HID-compliant game controller and select Uninstall device. Check "Attempt to remove the driver for this device" if prompted.
Unplug the controller.
Restart the Windows PC.
After restart, reconnect the controller. Windows will automatically fetch and install the latest default drivers.
For a manual update, download the latest Xbox Accessories app from the Microsoft Store to ensure firmware is current.

Technical Explanation: A clean driver reinstallation removes corrupted driver files and registry entries, replacing them with a fresh XInput interface stack that provides clean, standardized button input to games. Verification: The controller appears without warning icons in Device Manager. Test button response in Windows Game Controller Settings (type "Set up USB game controllers" in Start menu, select controller, click "Properties").

Solution 4: Disable Conflicting Input Software

Difficulty: Medium Time Required: 4 minutes Success Rate: High Prerequisites: None Steps:

Close Fortnite and the Epic Games Launcher completely via the system tray.
Open the Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc).
Under the Processes tab, end tasks for any known controller utility software: DS4Windows.exe, reWASD.exe, Steam.exe, SteamClientBootstrapper.exe, vjoy.exe, HidHide.exe.
If using Steam, right-click on Steam in the system tray and select Exit.
Launch the Epic Games Launcher directly, not through Steam.
Launch Fortnite and test controller input.

Technical Explanation: Third-party input emulators often wrap or virtualize controller input, changing the device signature or remapping buttons at a system level, which can conflict with Fortnite's native XInput polling. Verification: Only the physical Xbox controller is listed in Windows Game Controller Settings. LB/RB inputs are registered in the controller properties test panel without unintended secondary mappings.

Solution 5: Test Controller Hardware and Connection

Difficulty: Easy Time Required: 3 minutes Success Rate: Medium Prerequisites: A second controller (if available) Steps:

Disconnect the current controller.
If using wireless, connect the controller via a known-good USB-C cable to eliminate Bluetooth/USB dongle issues.
Press the Windows Key, type "Set up USB game controllers," and open the control panel applet.
Select your Xbox controller from the list and click Properties.
In the Test tab, press the LB and RB buttons repeatedly. Observe if the corresponding "Button 4" (LB) and "Button 5" (RB) light up consistently without failure.
If the buttons fail to register or register intermittently, the hardware is faulty.
Test with a second, known-working Xbox controller if available.

Technical Explanation: This diagnostic isolates the problem to the physical hardware or connection by using Windows' native controller diagnostic tool to verify the operating system receives clean, consistent button-press events. Verification: All button presses in the Windows Game Controller Properties test tab register instantly and reliably with each press, with no stuck inputs or missed registrations.

Solution 6: Clear Fortnite Configuration Files

Difficulty: Advanced Time Required: 4 minutes Success Rate: High Prerequisites: Fortnite must be closed Steps:

Close the Epic Games Launcher completely.
Press Windows Key + R, type %LocalAppData%, and press Enter.
Navigate to the FortniteGame folder, then Saved.
Rename the Config folder to Config_Backup.
Rename the SaveGames folder to SaveGames_Backup.
Relaunch the Epic Games Launcher and Fortnite. The game will generate fresh configuration files.
Reconfigure essential settings (like video and sensitivity). The controller bindings will be at default.

Technical Explanation: This process forces Fortnite to rebuild all user-side configuration INI files from scratch, eliminating deep-seated corruption in GameUserSettings.ini, Input.ini, or other files that may not be repaired by a simple in-menu reset. Verification: New Config and SaveGames folders are created upon launch. Controller bindings function after the in-game preset is reconfigured.

Solution 7: Modify GameUserSettings.ini Manually

Difficulty: Advanced Time Required: 5 minutes Success Rate: Medium Prerequisites: Fortnite must be closed Steps:

Close Fortnite and the Epic Games Launcher.
Navigate to C:\Users\[YourUsername]\AppData\Local\FortniteGame\Saved\Config\WindowsClient\.
Open GameUserSettings.ini in a text editor like Notepad.
Find the [GamepadBindings] section.
Locate the lines for PrevWeapon and NextWeapon. They should resemble:

PrevWeapon=(Slot=1,Key=Gamepad_LeftShoulder) NextWeapon=(Slot=2,Key=Gamepad_RightShoulder)

If the lines are missing, malformed, or point to a different Key value, correct or add them exactly as shown above.
Save the file and set it to "Read-only" in file properties to prevent the game from overwriting it (optional).
Launch Fortnite and test.

Technical Explanation: Directly editing the configuration file ensures the correct XInput button constants (Gamepad_LeftShoulder, Gamepad_RightShoulder) are explicitly defined for the weapon cycle actions, bypassing any GUI-level binding bugs. Verification: The GameUserSettings.ini file contains the correct mappings, and in-game weapon switching functions.

SECTION 5: PREVENTION

Regularly verify controller bindings after major Fortnite updates. Maintain a backup of the WindowsClient\Config folder after achieving a stable configuration. Schedule monthly checks for Xbox controller driver updates via Windows Update. Use a wired USB connection for the most reliable signal integrity and to avoid wireless interference. Avoid installing unnecessary controller emulation software that can conflict with native XInput. Before modifying settings, note the current custom bindings to