Close-up of a bamboo stalk being sliced in Ghost of Tsushima with a glowing PS5 DualSense button prompt fading in the foreground, illustrating Bamboo Strikes failing to register inputs on PS5.

Ghost of Tsushima on PS5: Bamboo Strikes Failing to Register Inputs?

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Bamboo Strikes in Ghost of Tsushima are essential mini-games that increase your maximum Resolve. They require quick, precise button inputs to slice through multiple bamboo stalks. However, on the PS5, players sometimes find that despite pressing the correct sequence, the game fails to register the inputs.

If your inputs feel inexplicably dropped or unresponsive, the issue is almost always tied to input latency, Accessibility settings, or controller firmware, rather than your reflexes. Follow these steps to fix it.

Step 1: Check the “Simplified Controls” Accessibility Option

Ghost of Tsushima’s detailed Accessibility menu includes a setting perfectly designed to bypass this precise issue.

  1. From the main menu (not the in-game pause menu), go to Options → Accessibility.
  2. Find the setting for Simplified Controls or Minigame Difficulty.
  3. Turning “Simplified Controls” ON entirely removes the time limit from Bamboo Strikes. You can press the required button sequence effectively at your own pace.

Note: Accessibility settings are always best adjusted from the title screen main menu to ensure they save correctly.

Step 2: Reset Your DualSense Controller

Inconsistent registration of face buttons (Square, Triangle, Circle) can be solved by a hardware reset of the controller.

  1. Turn off your PS5.
  2. Locate the small reset button on the back of the DualSense controller.
  3. Use a paperclip to press and hold the button for 5 seconds.
  4. Connect the controller to the PS5 using a USB cable and re-pair it.

Step 3: Play with a USB Connection

High-speed sequential inputs are vulnerable to wireless Bluetooth interference. A wired connection guarantees lower latency.

  • Connect your controller to the console via USB cable.
  • Go to Settings → Accessories → Controller (General) → Communication Method.
  • Choose Use USB Cable.

Step 4: Update Controller Firmware

Outdated controller software can lead to “ghost” inputs or dropped button recognition during rapid sequences.

  1. Go to Settings → Accessories → Controller (General) → DualSense Wireless Controller Device Software.
  2. Ensure the latest update is active.

Step 5: Rebuild the PS5 Database (Safe Mode)

If the input delay feels system-wide, refreshing the console’s database effectively clears out system lag.

  1. Turn off the PS5 completely.
  2. Hold the power button for 7 seconds until you hear a second beep to enter Safe Mode.
  3. Connect your controller using a data-sync USB cable.
  4. Select Rebuild Database.

Final Note

Bamboo Strikes should be a fun test of memory and speed, not a frustrating battle against your controller. Utilizing the Simplified Controls option instantly guarantees you’ll never miss a Resolve upgrade again.

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Disclaimer: Mukunda Software is a fan site and is not affiliated with Sony Interactive Entertainment or Sucker Punch Productions. For official support, please contact PlayStation Support.

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