In Ghost of Tsushima, the touchpad is more than just a novelty—it’s essential. Swipe up to bow, swipe right to sheathe your katana, and use other gestures to interact with the world. When the touchpad stops responding, Jin loses these key actions, breaking both gameplay and immersion.
If you’re experiencing this on your PS5, don’t worry. The problem is almost always fixable, and you won’t need to start a new game or buy a new controller. Follow these steps to get your touchpad working again.
Step 1: Rule Out a Hardware Issue
Before diving into software tweaks, make sure the touchpad itself isn’t physically stuck or dirty.
- Clean the touchpad – Use a soft, slightly damp microfiber cloth to gently wipe the surface. Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Check for debris – Look around the edges of the touchpad for any crumbs or dirt that might prevent it from depressing or detecting swipes.
- Test the touchpad in the PS5 dashboard – Press the PS button to go home. Does the touchpad work as a click button? Try swiping left/right in the media gallery. If it works there, the issue is specific to the game.
Step 2: Reset Your DualSense Controller
A simple reset often resolves erratic controller behavior.
- Turn off your PS5 completely (not Rest Mode).
- Locate the small reset button on the back of the DualSense controller (near the Sony logo).
- Use a paperclip or similar tool to press and hold the button for 5 seconds.
- Connect the controller to the PS5 using a USB cable and press the PS button to re‑pair it.
After the reset, launch Ghost of Tsushima and test the touchpad gestures.
Step 3: Update Controller Firmware
Sony periodically releases firmware updates for the DualSense that can improve stability and compatibility.
- Go to Settings → Accessories → Controller (General) → DualSense Wireless Controller Device Software.
- If an update is available, install it.
- Alternatively, you can update the controller by connecting it to a PS5 console that has an active internet connection—the update will happen automatically when needed.
Step 4: Use a Wired Connection Temporarily
Wireless interference can sometimes cause input lag or unresponsive features. Connect your DualSense directly to the PS5 with a USB cable, then:
- Go to Settings → Accessories → Controller (General) → Communication Method.
- Choose Use USB Cable.
Test the touchpad while wired. If it works, the issue was likely wireless interference or a weak Bluetooth connection.
Step 5: Check Game‑Specific Controls
Ghost of Tsushima has extensive accessibility and control options. It’s possible that gestures were disabled or sensitivity was altered.
Pro Tip: If swipes still aren’t registering, try toggling the Mini-game Difficulty or Simplified Controls in the Accessibility menu to see if it forced a change in input detection.
- Go to Options → Controls.
- Ensure Touchpad Swipes are toggled ON.
- Check the Button Mapping to see if “Swipe Up” (Bow), “Swipe Down” (Heal), “Swipe Right” (Sheathe), and “Swipe Left” (Flute) are still set to their defaults.
Pro Tip💡: If swipes still aren’t registering, try toggling the Mini-game Difficulty or Simplified Controls in the Accessibility menu to see if it forced a change in input detection.
Step 6: Rebuild the PS5 Database
If the problem persists, a corrupted system cache might be interfering with the game’s ability to read touchpad input.
- Turn off the PS5 completely.
- Press and hold the power button until you hear a second beep (about 7 seconds) to enter Safe Mode.
- Connect your controller via USB and select Rebuild Database.
- Wait for the process to complete (it may take several minutes, but your data is safe).
Rebuilding the database can resolve many peripheral and performance issues without deleting anything.
Step 7: Reinstall the Game as a Last Resort
If none of the above work, the game installation itself might be corrupted.
- Back up your save data to the cloud or USB.
- Delete Ghost of Tsushima from your PS5.
- Reinstall the game (physical disc or digital download) and apply the latest patch.
After reinstallation, restore your save and test the touchpad again.
Final Note: The touchpad gestures in Ghost of Tsushima are part of what makes the game so immersive. With a little patience and these troubleshooting steps, you’ll be bowing to fallen enemies and sheathing your blade with a satisfying swipe in no time.
Having Other Issues?
Have a different PS5 problem? Check our full PS5 troubleshooting section for more guides.
