The PS5’s adaptive triggers change the resistance you feel when pressing L2 and R2 on the DualSense wireless controller. A supported game can make a trigger feel harder to pull or create tension that represents an action such as drawing a bow. That resistance is different from haptic feedback, which creates tactile sensations elsewhere in the controller.
What adaptive triggers do
Adaptive triggers let a game change how L2 and R2 feel under your fingers. Instead of behaving like buttons with a uniform pull, a trigger can offer resistance that varies with an in-game action. Sony’s example is the tension of drawing a bow before releasing an arrow. The effect is available only when a game supports it.
The feature is built into the DualSense wireless controller. A game can set the left and right trigger resistance independently, so each trigger can respond differently to what is happening in the game. Sony described this developer control in its PS5 FAQ.
How the effect works in play
At the level Sony documents, the game specifies a trigger effect and the controller changes the resistance felt as you press L2 or R2. For example, drawing a bow can be represented by increasing tension on a trigger, making the action feel less like a routine button press and more like resistance against your finger.
#1 Best Overall
- Haptic feedback - Feel physically responsive feedback to your in-game actions with dual actuators which replace traditional rumble motors. In your hands, these dynamic vibrations can simulate the feeling of everything from environments to the recoil of different weapons. .Operating temperature : 41 °F to 95 °F (5 °C to 35 °C)
- Adaptive triggers - Experience varying levels of force and tension as you interact with your in-game gear and environments. From pulling back an increasingly tight bowstring to hitting the brakes on a speeding car, feel physically connected to your on-screen actions.
- Built-in microphone and headset jack - Chat with friends online using the built-in microphone or by connecting a headset to the 3.5mm jack. Easily switch voice capture on and off at a moment’s notice with the dedicated mute button. Internet and account for PlayStation Network required.
- DualSense Controller PS5 and PC compatible. Not compatible with PS4.
- PS Remote Play requires Remote Play App connected to Wi-Fi, PS4 or PS5 console with the latest system software and compatible game. A PS4 or PS5 console with a wired connection via a LAN cable is recommended. Version 4.0 of the Remote Play App on iOS and iPadOS or version 4.1 on macOS is required for games to be playable with the controller over Bluetooth.
The exact feel depends on the game’s implementation. Developers control the effects and can assign them separately to each trigger. Sony’s cited explanations do not detail the controller’s internal motor, gearing, sensors, or control algorithm, so those engineering specifics should not be assumed from the player-facing description.
Adaptive triggers and haptic feedback are different
These features can work together, but they do different jobs:
Rank #2
- Ultra Customizable Controls
- Mappable Back Buttons
- DualSense Wireless Controller Features Built In
- Replaceable Stick Modules and Caps
- Adaptive triggers change the resistance you feel while pressing L2 or R2. Sony uses drawing a bow as an example of trigger tension.
- Haptic feedback creates tactile sensations through the controller, such as the grittiness of driving through mud or the impact of an object.
Sony discusses both technologies in its explanation of DualSense haptics. Trigger resistance is not simply stronger rumble: it is a change to how the trigger itself feels when pulled.
Where adaptive triggers work
On PS5, the effect depends on whether the game supports it. Connecting a DualSense does not mean every game will use adaptive triggers; the implementation is chosen by the game’s developers.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Rank #3
- Feel you in-game actions and environement simulated through haptic feedback
- Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers
- Chat online through the built-in microphone
- Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack
- Switch voice capture on and off using the dedicated mute button
On PC, support varies by game and device. PlayStation’s PC gaming support guidance says adaptive triggers are not compatible with Android-based mobile devices. PlayStation’s PC accessories information notes that select PC games support adaptive triggers and haptic feedback, and that a USB connection may be required for adaptive triggers in select games. Check the compatibility information for the specific game and setup you want to use.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do you need a DualSense Edge?
No. Adaptive triggers are a feature of the standard DualSense wireless controller; the DualSense Edge is not required. The Edge is a separate option with adjustable trigger settings, which may interest players who want to configure their controller. PlayStation lists the Edge and its PC-related information on its PC accessories page.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Enjoy precise, comfortable control over 10,000+ supported Steam games.
- Easily pair the controller directly to your Windows PC via Bluetooth or play as you charge with the included USB Type-C cable
- Stay paired with up to four different Bluetooth devices, making it easy to enjoy the controller across Windows PC, Mac, PS5 consoles and smartphones. Discover more connection tips and tricks at playstation.com/pair-dualsense
- Access the latest available controller firmware directly from your PC with the free-todownload PlayStation Accessories app
- Play games streamed from your PS5 or PS4 console to your PC via the PS Remote Play App
Rank #4
- Bring gaming worlds to life - Feel your in-game actions and environment simulated through haptic feedback*. Experience varying force and tension at your fingertips with adaptive triggers*
- Find your voice, share your passion - Chat online through the built-in microphone. Connect a headset directly via the 3.5mm jack. Record and broadcast your epic gaming moments with the create button
- A gaming icon in your hands - Enjoy a comfortable, evolved design with an iconic layout and enhanced sticks. Hear higher-fidelity** sound effects through the built-in speaker in supported games
- Multi-device connectivity - Connect using a USB Type-C cable or Bluetooth technology and easily play on more devices including Windows PC and Mac computers.
- Elevate PC gaming with advanced features like haptic feedback and adaptive triggers in a range of blockbuster PC titles.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
