Battlefield 6 HOTAS Setup Steps

Battlefield 6 does not natively support DirectInput devices like my Logitech X56 HOTAS. I ran into this before with Battlefield 2042, but now the Battlefield 6 HOTAS setup steps are different. Sure, playing with a controller is an option, but why choose the lesser option?

To bridge this gap, I used:

• x360ce: Emulates an Xbox 360 controller (XInput) from your DirectInput HOTAS.
• HidHide: Prevents the game from seeing both the physical and virtual devices, eliminating double inputs and conflicts.

This method ensures clean, reliable HOTAS input in Battlefield 6, especially for aircraft and helicopter control.

Prerequisites for Battlefield 6 HOTAS Setup

1. Logitech X56 HOTAS (both stick and throttle connected via USB)
2. x360ce (64-bit) – Download from x360ce.com
3. HidHide – Download from GitHub
4. Battlefield 6 installed (Steam or EA App)

Step-by-Step Configuration

1. Set Up x360ce

A. Placement and Launch

• Place x360ce.exe in the same folder as Battlefield6.exe. This ensures the virtual controller is injected into the game process. I installed mine in Downloads and it still worked, but the official site suggests the game folder.
• Run x360ce.exe as Administrator.

B. Device Detection

• x360ce will detect both the X56 Stick and Throttle as separate DirectInput devices.
• If prompted, allow it to create the necessary xinput1_3.dll and configuration files.

C. Combine Devices into One Virtual Controller

This is critical—Battlefield 6 expects a single XInput controller.

• Click the Controller 1 tab.
• At the top, click Game Settings → enable Combine Devices.
• Select both the X56 Stick and Throttle in the list.
• Click Apply/Synchronize Settings.

Now, x360ce will merge both devices into one virtual Xbox 360 controller.

D. Battlefield 6 HOTAS Setup Inputs to Gamepad Controls

Use the Controller 1 tab to assign HOTAS axes and buttons (example):

HOTAS Function	x360ce Mapping
Stick X/Y (Roll/Pitch)	Right Stick X/Y
Throttle Axis	Left Stick Y (invert if needed)
Rudder (Twist or Pedals)	Left/Right Trigger
Fire Button	A or Right Bumper
Secondary Fire	B or Left Bumper
Hat Switch (POV)	D-Pad
Mode Switches	Map to unused buttons

• Use the Auto button to detect inputs when you push or press them.
• You may need to select the throttle or stick in the top combine list before assigning for that input, but you can move both throttle/stick at the same time after assignment to see the buttons/axis are mapped (green flashes on the buttons).
• Adjust deadzones and sensitivity curves if needed. I didn’t.
• Save the profile.

2. Install and Configure HidHide

HidHide ensures Battlefield 6 HOTAS setup only sees the virtual controller created by x360ce, not the physical HOTAS devices (it only sees the throttle or stick, otherwise).

• Install HidHide and launch the HidHide Configuration Client.
• Under the Devices tab, check both the X56 Stick and X56 Throttle.
• Under the Applications tab, add the path to x360ce.exe. This allows x360ce to see the devices even though they’re hidden from other apps.
• Choose the option to hide inputs and click Apply. Your HOTAS is now invisible to Battlefield 6 but visible to x360ce.

3. Finalize and Test Battlefield 6 HOTAS Setup

• Ensure x360ce virtual controller is enabled (green light in the UI).
• Launch Battlefield 6 directly from the folder or via your launcher.
• I alway open x360ce before I open the game, but you can experiment if you placed yours in the BF6 folder directly.

Testing in Battlefield 6: Portal Flight Training

Battlefield 6’s Portal mode includes customizable flight training experiences—perfect for validating your HOTAS setup.

Recommended Test Scenarios:

• Portal → Solo → Create Experience → Battlefield 3 Jets
  • Practice pitch, roll, yaw, and throttle response.
• Portal → Helicopter Training (Battlefield Bad Company 2)
  • Test collective (throttle) and cyclic (stick) mappings.
• Custom Portal Server with Vehicle Spawns
  • Use this to test button mappings for flares, afterburners, and weapon cycling.

Tips:

• Disable Steam Input for Battlefield 6 to avoid interference.
• In Options → Controller → Customize, verify that inputs are recognized as gamepad actions.
• Adjust sensitivity and deadzones for smoother control.
• Might be worth disabling the axis for gamepad in BF6 settings for on foot/ground vehicles, so throttle wont mess with you outside of aircraft.
• Portal’s local hosting options didn’t work for me, but the online with other players option did. It was fun practicing with live players when dozens of aircraft are available. No fighting for aircraft and gives you real targets.

Troubleshooting Battlefield 6 HOTAS Setup

• Double Inputs or Erratic Behavior: Ensure HidHide is hiding both HOTAS devices and x360ce is whitelisted.
• No Input Detected: Confirm x360ce is running with admin rights and the virtual controller is active.
• Throttle Not Working: Invert axis in x360ce or remap to Left Stick Y.

This Battlefield 6 HOTAS setup gives you full control in Battlefield 6 with minimal latency and maximum compatibility. It won’t make you a great pilot, but it’s miles better than keyboard/mouse and likely a step up from a gamepad.