When comparing PC and console gaming, the area where consoles always take the cake is immersion. The reason behind this is that consoles like Sony’s PS5 come with gaming controllers that feature haptic feedback. This is much more immersive and fun to play with than with a mouse and keyboard, especially ever since PS5 added adaptive triggers.
The PS5 adaptive triggers are located on the top side of the DualSense controller. The adaptive triggers are a true next-generation feature because they feature dynamic resistance levels that simulate the activities players are doing in-game. For example, the adaptive triggers will have a higher resistance when playing Call of Duty and using a shotgun than when using a sword in Mount & Blade: Bannerlord. In general, players will feel that the PS5 adaptive triggers adjust the tension to become easier or harder in response to the actual gameplay.
Whether you are planning to buy a PS5 or already own one and are just curious to how the adaptive triggers work, I’ll show you everything there is to know about them (including a couple of tips & tricks).
What are Adaptive PS5 Triggers?
Sony announced the PS5 back in September 2020, and one of the features that stood out the most was the adaptive triggers. Sony claimed that it doesn’t only want to deliver next-generation performances but also more immersive gameplay experiences. This is why it designed the PS5 adaptive triggers that feature dynamic resistance levels in order to simulate in-game activities. As a result, you will get a different feel when pressing the PS5 trigger depending on what game you are playing.
If you are planning Call of Duty’s latest Modern Warfare 2 and you are using a shotgun, you will feel a harder resistance when pressing the PS5 adaptive triggers. This feature is not available only on shooters. It’s also available on hack-and-slash games like God of War, for example. A great example here is playing a game that has light and heavy attacks. The adaptive triggers will lower the resistance levels when using light attacks and make it a bit more difficult to press when using hard attacks. Check out this YouTube video from Sony to get a better understanding of how the triggers function.
How Do the PS5 Adaptive Triggers Work?
It’s safe to say that Sony took gaming to the next level when it launched the PS5 and DualSense controller. The adaptive triggers are a perfect example of that because, as previously mentioned, they make gaming feel more immersive. The way these magical triggers work is quite simple. They will automatically adapt to the game you are playing and try to replicate the in-game activity. Sony’s engineers have equipped each trigger with a separate geared motor that adjusts automatically. If you want to read more on the technical aspect of how PS5 adaptive triggers work, you can check out this teardown guide from The Verge.
How to Turn Off PS5 Adaptive Triggers for FIFA, Fortnite and Call of Duty
As magical as the PS5 adaptive triggers might feel, sometimes it might be better to turn them off. When playing competitive games like FIFA, Fortnite, or Call of Duty, you will want to have complete control over the PS5. Luckily, turning off the PS5 adaptive triggers is not complicated. You can do it in a couple of steps. Check them out below:
- Press the PS button on the controller;
- Access the control center;
- Scroll to the Accessories tab and select “Wireless Controller”;
- Select Controller Settings;
- Select “Trigger Effect Intensity” and then choose the “Off” option.
Sidenote: I want to mention that some games give you the option to turn off the PS5 adaptive triggers from the in-game menu.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, Sony did a fantastic job designing the DualSense controller. The controller feels great in my hand, and I really love the adaptive triggers feature, especially when playing classic shooters like Battlefield 1 or Call of Duty’s Warzone. I hope that Sony keeps optimizing its games to sync with the adaptive triggers.